By CESAR JOLITO III Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya urged the public to remain vigilant against fake and misleading social media posts claiming widespread flooding in Bacolod City amid the effects of Tropical Storm “Basyang,” stressing that unverified information endangers public safety. In a statement, Gasataya expressed concern over online content showing alleged flooding …
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La Carlota sets 10-year plan to drive growth amid climate risks
By CESAR JOLITO III The La Carlota City government rolled out a 10-year development blueprint aimed at positioning the city as a regional economic gateway while addressing growing disaster and climate risks through 2032. La Carlota Mayor Jose Luis “Joelu” Jalandoni said the plan will serve as the city’s primary guide for sustainable growth, ensuring …
NegOcc LGUs initiate preemptive evacuation ahead of ‘Basyang’
Some local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental have initiated preemptive evacuation in preparation for the possible impacts of Tropical Depression “Basyang.” As of 11:00 a.m. yesterday, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is still hoisted in Negros Occidental, including highly urbanized Bacolod City. Down south, Kabankalan City is expected to start moving residents living …
Solon pushes for hearing on sugar industry concerns
By CESAR JOLITO III Negros Occidental 3rd District Representative Javier Miguel Benitez announced that an official congressional hearing on the country’s sugar industry will be held in the last week of February in Manila, as lawmakers move to address mounting concerns from farmers, workers and other stakeholders. Benitez said his office has actively consulted with …
CHED clears 54 BCC graduates to take LET
By CESAR JOLITO III Fifty-four education graduates of Bacolod City College (BCC) from Batch 2025 can now proceed with their applications for the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) after the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) issued a long-awaited special order, effectively resolving months of uncertainty over their eligibility. The order, released on Thursday afternoon, February …
‘Basyang’ strands over 700 in NIR ports
By CESAR JOLITO III Tropical Storm “Basyang” has disrupted maritime travel across the Negros Island Region (NIR), leaving a total of 759 passengers, drivers and helpers stranded in various seaports yesterday. The Coast Guard District in Southern Visayas (CGDSV) reported that the highest number of stranded individuals was recorded in northern Negros Occidental with 490 …
Bacolod enforces illegal structure clearing
By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod City government has stepped up efforts to ensure road safety and support infrastructure development following the issuance of clearing notices to residents in Barangays 1 and 2 whose structures encroach on public roads and sidewalks. On February 3, the City Legal Striker Team carried out a peaceful notice-issuance operation …
Anti-epal policy takes effect in Bacolod
By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod City government has reaffirmed its commitment to strictly enforce the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) anti-epal policy, underscoring its push for transparency, accountability and integrity in all publicly funded projects and programs. City Administrator Atty. Mark Steven Mayo said the local government is aligning its practices …
DOH eyes major expansion at CLMMRH after ER reopening
By CESAR JOLITO III The Department of Health (DOH) is preparing for further infrastructure expansion at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) in Bacolod City, buoyed by the recent reopening of its newly renovated Emergency Department worth P92 million. DOH Undersecretary Dr. Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral said plans are underway to expand the hospital’s …
‘Basyang’ nears; NegOcc on red alert
By CESAR JOLITO III The Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Emergency Operations Center have been placed under red alert status due to the threat posed by Tropical Depression “Basyang,” which is expected to cross Negros Island on Friday, February 6. The red alert status took effect at 5:00 p.m. …