By CESAR JOLITO III Unhealthy air quality levels have been recorded across several parts of the Visayas, including Negros Island, prompting authorities to issue health advisories and urge residents to take precautionary measures. Latest monitoring data show pollution levels in these areas have reached ranges considered unhealthy, posing potential health risks — especially for vulnerable …
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‘PEARL QUEEN’ CROWNED: DSB bet makes history as Lin-ay Sang Negros
By CESAR JOLITO III A candidate from Don Salvador Benedicto was crowned this year’s Lin-ay Sang Negros, clinching the prestigious Pearl Queen title during a jam-packed coronation night at Panaad Stadium on Friday, April 17. Jamaicah Bantigue bested 31 other candidates in this year’s pageant, which marked its 30th edition with all 32 cities and …
P13.7-M illicit cigarettes seized, 4 arrested
By CESAR JOLITO III Four individuals were arrested while smuggled cigarettes worth approximately P13.75 million were confiscated during a law enforcement operation at a resort at Barangay Pook in Negros Occidental’s Hinoba-an town. Authorities identified the suspects as a 39-year-old native of Jolo, Sulu currently staying in Bacolod City’s Barangay 16; a 43- and a …
Elderly woman loses P52-K in e-wallet scam
By CESAR JOLITO III A senior citizen in Negros Occidental’s Escalante City lost more than P52,000 after falling victim to an e-wallet scam, prompting police to renew warnings that elderly individuals remain prime targets for digital fraud. The incident occurred on April 12, when an unidentified suspect visited the victim’s small shop and pretended to …
City, Brgy 12 resolve clearing ops ‘mix-up’
By CESAR JOLITO III A brief misunderstanding between city enforcement units and village officials from Bacolod City’s Barangay 12 during a clearing operation along Rizal Street has been resolved amicably, Mayor Greg Gasataya said. The incident occurred on Thursday morning, April 16, involving the City Legal Office (CLO) Enforcement Team and the Bacolod Traffic and …
Bacolod seeks urgent fixes as water supply drops amid dry season
By CESAR JOLITO III Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has pressed PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. to take immediate action as declining water supply continues to affect several areas in the city during the ongoing dry season. During a coordination meeting at the Bacolod City Government Center on Thursday, April 16, Gasataya called on the utility provider …
ACCESS calls for unity amid global energy threats
By CESAR JOLITO III A consumer advocacy group is urging electricity users across the Negros Island Region (NIR) to unite in the face of possible global energy disruptions, as it prepares to ratify a “Manifesto of Solidarity” later this month. The Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS), led by President Wennie …
Gasataya bans unauthorized brgy fees on biz
By CESAR JOLITO III Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has ordered all barangays to immediately stop imposing unauthorized fees on businesses, reinforcing compliance with national law and aiming to create a fairer local economic environment. In Executive Order No. 8, Gasataya directed barangay officials to cease the collection of so-called “barangay business taxes” and “clearance …
Bacolod energy efficiency practices get DOE nod
The Bacolod City government has been rated highly compliant by the Department of Energy (DOE) with the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP). The observation was based on the spot check conducted by the team from the DOE – Visayas led by supervising science research specialist Chammer Jake Plaza at the Bacolod City Government Center …
Dengue cases down by 68%, 3 deaths logged
By CESAR JOLITO III The Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office (PHO) observed a significant decline in dengue cases for the first three months of this year. As of PHO’s Morbidity Week 13 report, from January 4 to April 4, a total of 500 cases have been reported across the province. This marks a 68.45 percent …