By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod has unanimously approved on third and final reading an ordinance institutionalizing a scholarship program for persons with disabilities (PWDs), their children, and children of solo parents, marking a significant step toward expanding access to education for the city’s most vulnerable sectors. The measure establishes a locally funded …
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Shear line triggers flooding in NegOcc; 1 dead
By CESAR JOLITO III The Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported flooding and landslide incidents across several local government units in the province following continuous rainfall brought by a shear line on Saturday night, January 31. Based on the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council monitoring, flooding incidents were recorded …
EPIRA reform relief from high power costs: ACCESS
By CESAR JOLITO III The Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS) has welcomed the recent amendments to the Magna Carta for Household Electricity Consumers and the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), describing the reforms as a significant boost to consumer protection and affordability in the power sector. In a press …
DPWH sets early February target for P152-M flood diversion channel
By CESAR JOLITO III The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has set the first week of February as the target date for the operationalization of the diversion channel project intended to mitigate flooding in Bacolod City’s reclamation area. DPWH Undersecretary Charles Calima gave the assurance during an alignment meeting with Mayor Greg Gasataya …
Toboso invests in renewable energy
By CESAR JOLITO III The Toboso municipal government is intensifying its shift to renewable energy as part of a broader strategy to improve power access, reduce electricity costs and support sustainable development. Toboso Mayor Richard Jaojoco announced that key public facilities — the municipal hall, public market and town plaza — are now powered by …
NegOcc guv renews call for peace amid southern Negros clash
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson renewed his call for peace in the wake of the clash between government troops and New People’s Army (NPA) remnants in the hinterlands of Binalbagan town yesterday. “It’s an ongoing battle between the government and our rebel brothers and sisters. On the part of the provincial government, we continuously …
‘I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE’ | ‘Delayed’ emergency response slammed
By CESAR JOLITO III The family of a 63-year-old man injured in a motorcycle accident in Bacolod City’s Barangay Estefania has raised concerns over what they describe as a delayed emergency response that nearly cost him his life. Rogelio Treyes Jr., a former barangay tanod and current subdivision security guard, sustained head and facial injuries …
Cell No. 5 landfill breaks ground as long-term waste solution pushed
By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod City government formally began the construction of Sanitary Landfill Cell No. 5 in Barangay Felisa, a move aimed at strengthening the city’s waste management capacity while it transitions toward long-term, sustainable solutions. Mayor Greg Gasataya led the groundbreaking ceremony and announced that the project has been awarded to the …
Hardest-hit ‘Tino’ victims to get P1.2-B aid
By CESAR JOLITO III The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) is set to roll out the third tranche of its Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program, providing nearly P1.2 billion in assistance to families affected by Typhoon “Tino.” DSWD-NIR Director Arwin Razo announced that preparations are underway to process …
Explain ‘overloaded’ jeepney, operator told
By CESAR JOLITO III The Land Transportation Office in the Negros Island Region (LTO-NIR) has issued a show-cause order to the operator of a modernized jeepney that recently went viral for allegedly overloading passengers near Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City’s Barangay Alijis. The incident, captured on Tuesday, January 27, shows a jeepney on …