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By CESAR JOLITO III The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) is set to launch a detailed geological investigation into a ground crack and land subsidence reported at Barangay Mambaroto in Negros Occidental’s Sipalay City, which experts say may have resulted from a possible sinkhole collapse. MGB in Negros Island Region Director Benigno Cesar Espejo said initial assessments …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved a resolution urging the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to increase the city’s allocation of beneficiaries under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beginning in 2026. The measure calls on both the DSWD in Negros Island Region and the national DSWD office to …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. (BGFI) reported a combined P17.06 million in total food park sales from two primary sites — the Bacolod City Public Plaza and the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) Grounds — during the recently concluded 46th MassKara Festival. The BGFI said the public plaza led in overall …

By CESAR JOLITO III Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has ordered a comprehensive inspection of the city’s coastal areas amid mounting concerns from fisherfolk and urban poor groups over the environmental impact of ongoing man-made developments and potential displacement of residents. The move was agreed upon during a dialogue between the city government, the Bacolod …

By CESAR JOLITO III La Castellana Vice Mayor Alme Rhummyla Mangilimutan is planning to file cyber libel charges against her accuser after the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed all administrative and criminal complaints lodged against her for lack of evidence. “Justice has prevailed. The truth always comes out. I will not allow lies and defamation …

By CESAR JOLITO III Barangay Handumanan officials have issued an official statement clarifying the controversy circulating on social media regarding the alleged refusal to accommodate out-of-town dancers and designers inside the barangay hall during the recently concluded MassKara Festival. In its statement titled “Para sa Katawhan kag sa Kamatuoran,” the barangay asserted that the circulating …

By CESAR JOLITO III The ongoing clearing of volcanic sediments from Ibid Creek at Barangay Biak na Bato in La Castellana town has been temporarily suspended due to persistent rains, the Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) confirmed. PDRRMO head Irene Bel Ploteña said the suspension was implemented as a safety …

By CESAR JOLITO III In a joint effort to promote integrity and moral renewal in public service, Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez spearheaded an initiative to hold a series of retreats and recollections for city officials and employees, in partnership with local church leaders. Benitez recently met with Fr. Aniceto “Mao” Buenafe …

By CESAR JOLITO III Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has introduced a legislative measure aimed at strengthening the country’s resilience against the increasing threats of natural disasters, particularly earthquakes and typhoons, by ensuring faster repair and rehabilitation of critical public infrastructure. Benitez filed House Bill No. 5202, also known as the Public …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said the recently concluded MassKara Festival 2025 was peaceful and orderly, highlighting another milestone in Bacolod City’s world-renowned celebration of culture, resilience and unity. PRO-NIR reported that no major untoward incidents occurred during the celebration from October 1 to 19. Authorities …