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By CESAR JOLITO III Former Negros Occidental governor and provincial energy and environment consultant Rafael “Lito” Coscolluela said expanding renewable energy (RE) access to small communities is a key part of the province’s long-term strategy. Despite the province’s ambition to eventually rely entirely on renewable energy, Coscolluela acknowledged that reaching 100 percent remains challenging. “Target …

By CESAR JOLITO III Rice prices across the Negros Island Region (NIR) have increased this week, as the Department of Agriculture (DA) attributed the rise to lower production levels and higher fuel costs. Data from the DA’s regional monitoring as of May 4 show that well-milled imported rice is now priced at an average of …

By CESAR JOLITO III The National Security Council (NSC) has expressed full support for Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. in opposing any resumption of national-level peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines, its armed wing the New People’s Army, and its political arm, the National Democratic Front. In a statement, National Security Adviser …

By CESAR JOLITO III A consumer advocacy group has formally asked the Department of Energy (DOE) to intervene amid the high costs of electricity affecting consumers in the Negros Island Region (NIR). In a complaint, the Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS) urged Energy Secretary Sharon Garin to take immediate action …

By CESAR JOLITO III A lawmaker from Negros Occidental has filed a measure in the House of Representatives seeking a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s sugar industry, aiming to address long-standing issues in pricing, supply and farmer protection. In House Bill No. 9088, filed on May 5, 3rd District Representative Javier Miguel Benitez proposes amendments …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod City government has taken a step toward advancing its solid waste management program after formalizing a lease agreement for a proposed waste-to-energy (WTE) facility within the city’s sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa. The agreement grants Forza Development Corporation the use of a 10-hectare property designated as a WTE Industrial …

By CESAR JOLITO III Government troops clashed with suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) at Barangay Masaling in Negros Occidental’s Cauayan town early yesterday morning, the Philippine Army said. Lt. Colonel Dennis Martinez, commanding officer of the 47th Infantry Battalion under the 302nd Infantry Brigade, confirmed that the encounter occurred at 5:25 a.m. …

By CESAR JOLITO III A consumer advocacy group is set to file formal complaints before the Energy Regulatory Commission this week against key players in the power sector, citing what it described as “excessive and unreasonable” electricity charges in the Negros Island Region (NIR). In a press statement released yesterday, Wennie Sancho, president of the …

By CESAR JOLITO III A Philippine Army general underscored the growing demand for peace and effective governance among communities in Panay and Negros, citing recent gains in security operations across the region. Commanding General Lt. General Antonio Nafarrete said residents are increasingly weary of violence and unproductive activities, noting a shift in public sentiment toward …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported 21 volcanic earthquakes at Kanlaon Volcano in just 24 hours from Sunday, May 3 to early Monday, May 4, signaling continued unrest in one of the country’s most active volcanoes. According to Phivolcs, the seismic activity included volcanic tremors that lasted for …