The frequency of ash emissions in Kanlaon Volcano for the past few days is still normal, but the public is advised not to be complacent and to remain vigilant, the head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. “Under Alert Level 2, ash emissions occurring daily or even twice a day are …
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Hot weather threatens NIRAAM sched, games
By CESAR JOLITO III The Department of Education in the Negros Island Region (DepEd-NIR) has rolled out strict heat-safety protocols for student-athletes after heat index levels in parts of the region surged to as high as 40 degrees Celsius yesterday, prompting concerns over athlete welfare during the ongoing Negros Island Region Athletic Association Meet (NIRAAM). …
Negrense OFWs to get aid amid Middle East tensions
By CESAR JOLITO III Negros Occidental is preparing financial assistance for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who may be stranded or displaced amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, as local authorities intensify coordination with national agencies to facilitate repatriation efforts. Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II said the Capitol is responding to calls for help …
NegOcc to focus on ‘scaled-down’ bulk water project after Silay rejection
By CESAR JOLITO III Negros Occidental is exploring a smaller-scale version of its bulk water project following rejection from the Silay City council of a key clearance needed for the original plan. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the proposed project could tap the water surface of the Malogo River in E.B. Magalona town, potentially supplying …
Bacolod council OKs PWD social pension reform
By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod City council has approved on third and final reading its persons with disabilities (PWDs) social pension reform ordinance, a measure aimed at strengthening and expanding financial assistance for PWDs, particularly those in vulnerable and disadvantaged situations. The ordinance amends key provisions of City Ordinance No. 1010 in 2022. The …
SRA hopes to clear backlog in SIDA support
By CESAR JOLITO III The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has intensified its efforts to clear pending farm support for agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and sugar farmers in Negros Occidental, as the agency targets “zero backlog” under the Sugar Industry Development Act (SIDA) program. “Our target is zero backlog. We are committed to ensuring that all …
Bacolod to install flood warning systems in 8 brgys
By CESAR JOLITO III In a proactive move to strengthen disaster preparedness, the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) has begun site inspections in flood-prone areas and is set to install early warning devices in eight barangays across the city. The initiative targets communities historically affected by heavy rains and typhoons, aiming …
NPA claims man’s killing
By CESAR JOLITO III Authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of a 42-year-old man outside his home at Barangay Dian-ay in Negros Occidental’s Escalante City after the New People’s Army (NPA) claimed responsibility for the killing. The victim, a resident of Sitio Lumanab in the village, was found lifeless at 9:55 a.m. on Thursday, February …
Bacolod fire razes 100 homes
By CESAR JOLITO III A major fire that broke out at Purok Katilingban 1 in Bacolod City’s Barangay 39 late yesterday morning affected nearly 100 households, with firefighting operations initially hampered by the limited availability of fire trucks deployed for ash-flushing operations linked to Kanlaon Volcano’s recent eruption. Fire Inspector Jemarie Tapiru, deputy city fire …
Toboso ground subsidence stabilizes
By CESAR JOLITO III A ground movement at Barangay General Luna in Negros Occidental’s Toboso town has stopped, according to local disaster officials, even as authorities continue to monitor a separate area showing similar soil subsidence nearby. Engineer Hospicio Carbajosa Jr., officer of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), said the total …