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The alert status over Kanlaon Volcano may be raised to Alert Level 3 should it erupt again in the next few days, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). While Alert Level 2 remains in effect, Phivolcs warned that the March 15 eruption is already the third within a month and could …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has formally urged the national government to accelerate the development of renewable and alternative energy programs, citing the growing impact of volatile global oil prices on Filipino households. The call emphasizes the country’s continued reliance on imported oil and its vulnerability to external market disruptions, particularly …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) has strongly denounced the killing of Negrense radio broadcaster Julito “Jaz” Diamante Calo, describing the incident as a serious threat to press freedom and journalist safety across the country. In a statement, PTFOMS Executive Director Jose Torres, Jr. said the task force assured …

By CESAR JOLITO III Several transport groups in Bacolod City called for public understanding as they prepare to stage a transport strike and protest rally on Monday, March 23, citing the continued surge in fuel prices and lack of sufficient government support. Members of the transport groups are expected to gather at several gasoline stations …

By CESAR JOLITO III A lawmaker has criticized the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) for allowing large-scale sugar importation despite existing surplus, warning that the policy has triggered billions in losses for the local sugar industry. In a privilege speech, Negros Occidental 3rd District Representative Javier Miguel Benitez said SRA’s Sugar Order No. 8 authorized the …

By CESAR JOLITO III Authorities intensified efforts to enforce safety and regulatory standards after the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) led a coordinated late-night inspection of entertainment establishments across the city on Friday night, March 20. The citywide operation targeted nightclubs, restobars, KTV bars, massage clinics, and spa facilities as part of a broader push …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Department of Agriculture in the Negros Island Region (DA-NIR) has released a public advisory outlining clarificatory guidelines on fuel purchases, following directives from the Department of Energy (DOE), as part of measures to prevent hoarding and ensure fair fuel distribution during potential supply disruptions. In its statement, DA-NIR said the …

By CESAR JOLITO III A major labor group in the sugar sector called for greater transparency and leadership changes within the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) amid the recent decline in sugar prices. In a statement, the National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry of the Philippines – Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (Nacusip-TUCP) …

By CESAR JOLITO The Confederation of Sugar Producers Associations (Confed) has strongly opposed a proposed substitute Senate bill seeking to amend the Biofuels Act of 2006, warning it could further harm the country’s struggling sugar industry. In a letter dated March 18, Confed President Aurelio Gerardo Valderrama urged Senate President Vicente Sotto III to reject …

The presence of full-time public pharmacists in all the health units of Negros Occidental is seen to improve the delivery of healthcare services to Negrenses. Under the provincial government’s pharmacist-deployment program, all the 31 local government units (LGUs) are now staffed with full-time pharmacists, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) report showed. “To fully equip our …