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By CESAR JOLITO III The Department of Health in the Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR) reported that the ongoing P92-million renovation of the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) Emergency Department is progressing faster than anticipated. Just 22 days since the start of the renovation on September 28, the project has already reached 9.79 percent …

By CESAR JOLITO III Despite the rainy weather, Estefania Elementary School secured the grand title in the MassKara Festival 2025 Arena and Street Dance Competition – School Category on Saturday afternoon, October 18, marking their second consecutive win since the last competition in 2019. Their performance, entitled “Dancing in the Rain, Through a Child’s Eye,” …

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson was worried over the sharp decline in the prices of sugar, as he warned about dire consequences for local farmers and the local economy. “It is definitely not good for us,” Lacson said, emphasizing the potential for even efficient farms to struggle, with many merely breaking even at current prices. …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod City government is set to launch a large-scale clearing and desilting operation along the Mandalagan River starting Monday, October 20, in a proactive move to address recurring flood concerns. The initiative, spearheaded by Mayor Greg Gasataya and implemented through the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) in partnership with the Department …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod City government has intensified its flood control and drainage improvement efforts following heavy rains on October 14 that inundated several parts of the city. Mayor Greg Gasataya personally led an inspection of flood-hit areas alongside the City Engineer’s Office (CEO), identifying major problem points and ordering immediate remedial action …

The Bacolod City government is initiating a reunification program for mendicant Badjaos in a move to facilitate their safe return to their places of origin, particularly in Mindanao. Data showed an inter-agency operation over the weekend rounded up 19 Badjao people, including nine from a Badjao community — seven adults and two minors; seven minors classified …

By CESAR JOLITO III Victorias City Mayor Abelardo Bantug III has directed a full structural reassessment of public and private schools in the city following reports of progressive cracks and possible damage linked to the recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Bogo City in Cebu province. During a coordination meeting on Thursday, October 16, Bantug convened …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will reopen voter registration nationwide starting Monday, October 20 until May 18, 2026, in preparation for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) set for November 2, 2026 — or possibly sooner if the Supreme Court orders a reversal of the postponement. Negros Occidental provincial election supervisor Ian Lee …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Office of Civil Defense in the Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) has intensified its inspection of local government units (LGUs) along Negros Occidental’s western seaboard to ensure readiness against earthquakes and possible tsunami threats from the Negros Trench. OCD-NIR Regional Director Donato Sermeno III led the field inspections in the cities …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) has deployed 300 police personnel to Bacolod City to reinforce peace and order efforts during the ongoing MassKara Festival 2025, underscoring the agency’s continued support to the City of Smiles despite the recent regional realignment. A send-off ceremony was held on Wednesday, October …