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The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is organizing a forum for Negros Oriental candidates in the May 12 national and local elections as some are unfamiliar with campaign laws and related topics. Comelec-Negros Island Region Executive Director Lionel Marco Castillano said the forum on February 7 will provide the candidates with insights on the prohibitions during …

Business tycoon Hans Sy, chairperson of SM Prime Holdings Inc., was officially declared an adopted son and honorary mayor of Bacolod City during the 20th Bacolaodiat Festival, one of the country’s biggest Chinese New Year celebrations. Sy, accompanied by his children Harvey and Hanna Carinna, received a copy of the resolution on his conferment from …

The Canlaon City government in Negros Oriental denied allegations that evacuees were arbitrarily detained amid the continuing restlessness of Kanlaon Volcano from the six-kilometer extended danger zone. The city government said the allegations about arbitrary detention are baseless, as its goal is the safety and well-being of the community. “It is the responsibility and priority of …

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday, January 28, reminded candidates in Negros Oriental to file their Statement of Contributions and Expenses (SOCE) immediately after the May 12 elections to avoid sanctions. Lawyer Lionel Marco Castillano, Comelec-Negros Island Region (NIR) Director, said during the Kapihan forum that repeated non-filing of SOCE by candidates could lead …

The Negros Occidental provincial government has vowed to strengthen its environmental stewardship to serve as an inspiration to the local government units (LGUs) in the province. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson made the commitment as part of the week-long Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG)-Environmental Management (EM) Governance Area Learning Event for Negros Island (NIR) that …

By JEN BAYLON With the much-anticipated Bacolaodiat Festival set to take place from January 31 to February 2, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is ramping up security measures to ensure a safe and orderly celebration. BCPO will deploy 200 personnel across key festival sites, working alongside local government units and event organizers to maintain …

By JEN BAYLON The Negros Occidental Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) reported an increase in the average market prices of beef and pork in several local government units in the province as of Monday, January 27. Based on submitted reports to the PVO, beef prices rose by P1.67 per kilo, while pork saw an increase of …

The highlights of the 2025 Dinagsa Festival of Cadiz City in Negros Occidental drew some 500,000 revelers, while businesses generated an estimated P1 billion in revenues after its conclusion on Sunday night, January 26, Mayor Salvador Escalante, Jr. said yesterday. The annual festival, the city’s version of Ati-Atihan, which has become a major tourist attraction …

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is calling for an intensified campaign against dengue amid the spike in cases. “It’s not rocket science to prevent dengue. It’s all about cleaning your community,” Lacson said yesterday. “If anyone feels sick, especially the children, they should right away have themselves checked at the nearest rural health clinic if …

La Castellana, the hardest hit local government unit (LGU) by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Occidental, is celebrating the victory of its own Tribu Bailes de Luces, which was declared champion of the 2025 Dinagyang Festival’s ILOmination during the closing rites on Sunday night, January 26. The annual Bailes de Luces (Dances of …