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The Bacolod City government targets to remove about two million cubic meters of waste from rivers and creeks in the ongoing major clearing operations following the massive floods brought about by Tropical Depression “Verbena.” Aside from the higher than usual volume of rainfall recorded on November 25, the city has identified several challenges such as …

By CESAR JOLITO III Tropical Depression “Verbena” devastated Bacolod City and Negros Occidental on Tuesday, November 25, affecting a total of 202,938 residents and displacing thousands from their homes. In Bacolod City alone, 4,775 families (15,875 residents) across 31 barangays were evacuated, with 23 families left homeless. Across Negros Occidental, 50,431 families in 291 barangays have been …

Silay City in Negros Occidental was declared the first drug-cleared city in Negros Island Region (NIR) during the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing (ROCBDC) deliberation led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) yesterday. Silay was recognized for clearing all its 16 barangays from illegal drugs through the implementation of the Barangay Drug …

By CESAR JOLITO III Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has raised concerns over the minimal economic gains received by local organic farmers during the first Terra Madre Asia and Pacific, saying the international event did not achieve its core objective of elevating farmer incomes. “It’s disappointing in a sense because we were hoping our …

By CESAR JOLITO III The three Catholic bishops of Negros Occidental have issued a joint pastoral statement strongly opposing efforts to lift the province’s long-standing ban on genetically modified organisms (GMOs), warning that the proposal would “endanger public health, undermine farmers and betray the island’s ecological identity.” The statement comes as the provincial government is deliberating …

Torrential rains brought by Tropical Depression “Verbena” displaced at least 8,375 individuals from 2,543 families, who sought shelter in various evacuation centers in Bacolod City yesterday. As of 5:30 p.m., data from the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) showed the affected Bacolodnons stayed in almost 60 evacuation centers, including schools, village halls, gymnasiums, …

By CESAR JOLITO III Health authorities in Negros Occidental are closely monitoring a surge in suspected leptospirosis cases following Typhoon “Tino,” as the Provincial Health Office (PHO) coordinates with local government units (LGUs) to ensure timely detection and response. PHO chief Dr. Girlie Pinongan said more than 90 suspected leptospirosis cases have been reported, including …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod has called for a citywide mobilization in support of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) this year, urging all local government offices and barangays to take an active role in awareness and advocacy activities from November 25 to December 12. The resolution, authored by …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued a strong warning about possible lahars from Kanlaon Volcano due to incoming heavy rains brought by Tropical Depression “Verbena.” “We urge the public to remain vigilant for any additional ash emissions and monitor rainfall closely, especially those living near the volcano,” Phivolcs Science …

By CESAR JOLITO III Human rights advocates in Negros Occidental have disputed the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology’s (BJMP) reported seizure of illegal drugs inside the Negros Occidental District Jail’s Male Dormitory (NODJ-MD), raising concerns about transparency and accountability in jail operations. The Human Rights Advocates Negros (HRAN) on Saturday, November 22, denied the …