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By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) is taking a proactive step to address the growing mental health concerns in the community with the passage of a resolution urging the immediate establishment of a 24/7 mental health and crisis hotline for Bacolodnons. The measure calls on the City Health Office to set up …

By CESAR JOLITO III Watchmen Daily Journal’s multimedia journalist Cesar Jolito III clinched the Best in Photo Essay Award for his striking visual entry that portrayed the energy, colors and emotions of the recently concluded 46th MassKara Festival in the first-ever MassKara Media Awards held at the Bacolod City Government Center lobby on Saturday night, …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Negros Occidental Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has temporarily shelved discussions on the proposed ordinance regulating genetically modified organisms (GMOs) amid strong opposition from organic farming advocates. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson confirmed that the SP will prioritize budget deliberations until the end of November, putting the controversial proposal on hold for now. …

By CESAR JOLITO III Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has ordered a cleanup and clearing operation in the Reclamation Area following the brutal killing of a 17-year-old girl, whose body was discovered hogtied in a vacant lot at the Bredco Port property in Barangay 12. In a letter sent to the management of Bacolod Real …

By CESAR JOLITO III Authorities are investigating the disappearance of the bronze historical marker from the century-old Tindalo Tree at the Bacolod City Public Plaza — a cultural landmark that symbolizes the city’s founding and its ties to Philippine history. City Legal Officer Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu confirmed that the General Services Office reported the …

By CESAR JOLITO III Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has called for respect and adherence to the decision of the Office of the Ombudsman ordering the six-month suspension of Councilor Al Victor Espino, saying the matter should be treated as part of the legal process. In an interview with reporters yesterday, Gasataya said the Ombudsman’s …

By CESAR JOLITO III Amid rising cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) in several parts of Luzon that prompted class suspensions in Metro Manila, the Department of Education in Negros Island Region (DepEd-NIR) assured the public that no similar incidents have been reported in the region’s schools. DepEd-NIR spokesperson Almyr Caezar Dequiña said that, while NIR …

By CESAR JOLITO III Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said Provincial Tourism Officer Cheryl Decena and four former disbursing officers of the Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary may file their appeal before the Civil Service Commission (CSC) following their six-month suspension without pay. Lacson made the clarification amid Decena’s statement claiming there was a …

By CESAR JOLITO III Negros Occidental Provincial Tourism Officer Cheryl Decena and four employees assigned to the Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary in Murcia town have been slapped with an additional six-month suspension without pay after being found administratively liable for slight neglect of duty. The provincial government’s decision stemmed from alleged irregularities and delays …

By CESAR JOLITO III Reverend Father Mao Buenafe, one of the founding figures of the Council of Concerned Citizens (C3), has stepped down as lead convenor of the civic watchdog group following its decision to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In a statement released on Wednesday, October 22, Buenafe confirmed that he accepted …