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By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod City Health Office (CHO), through its City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, is investigating a cluster of diarrhea-like illnesses affecting six family members in Barangay Singcang-Airport, believed to be linked to the consumption of contaminated shellfish. Initial findings showed that on March 19, the family gathered seashells, which were later …

By CESAR JOLITO III More than 1,000 members of transport and progressive groups are set to stage a protest and transport strike at the Magsaysay Flyover in Bacolod City today as they press the government to address rising fuel prices. The planned action will be led by the Kabacod Negros Transport Coalition (KNETCO), Bagong Alyansang …

By CESAR JOLITO III Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has ordered a series of administrative actions against 12 regular employees of the city government, including two doctors accused of misconduct, in a sweeping move to enforce discipline and accountability in public service. According to City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu, the two female medical officers …

An official of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) called on sugar mills to increase the trucking allowance for sugar farmers amid rising fuel prices. In a statement, board member David Andrew Sanson, the planters’ representative, said he issued an appeal through a letter sent to sugar mills nationwide. “We respectfully request for your management to …

By CESAR JOLITO III Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has initiated measures to expedite the release of fuel subsidies for tricycle drivers amid the continued rise in fuel prices, calling for urgent coordination and accurate data submission to ensure affected drivers receive assistance. During a meeting with members of various Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Associations …

Bacolod City convened the Bacolod Meetings and Conventions Promotions Board (BMCPB) in a bid to strengthen its position as one of the country’s major meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) destinations. Mayor Greg Gasataya, who chairs the board, and Councilor Jason Villarosa, as the vice chairman, led the inaugural meeting that brought together key leaders, …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Commission on Elections in the Negros Island Region (Comelec-NIR) is pressing ahead with its preparations for the 2026 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), despite circulating rumors that the polls may be postponed or canceled. In an interview, Atty. Lionel Marco Castillano emphasized that preparations will continue unless a law …

By CESAR JOLITO III The National Housing Authority (NHA) has formally launched the MassKara Village housing project in Bacolod City’s Barangay Sum-ag, aiming to provide 500 affordable housing units for qualified beneficiaries as part of the government’s socialized housing program. The development, with a total project cost of P1.04 billion, spans approximately 73,105 square meters …

By CESAR JOLITO III Bacolod City Administrator Mark Mayo said the local government is considering extending the “Libre Sakay Program” beyond its initial run, depending on an internal assessment of its effectiveness. The city government rolled out the free ride initiative on Monday, March 23, to assist commuters affected by transport disruptions and rising fuel …

A transport strike staged by a group of operators and drivers in Bacolod City yesterday remained peaceful and prompted a dialogue with Mayor Greg Gasataya, who pledged to address their immediate concerns. “No untoward incidents were recorded, reflecting the orderly and peaceful conduct of the activity,” the Police Regional – Office Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) …