Carla P. Gomez

Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya*Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya is reminding the public that it is illegal to burn garbage in one’s yard.He said the City Legal Office, Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office, and the barangays have been instructed to keep a close watch on illegal burning activities.The mayor said authorities will remind residents to avoid such activities, especially amid the intense summer heat, because they could trigger dangerous neighborhood fires.He warned that burning waste in one’s yard is a violation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, or RA 9003, which includes penalty provisions for offenders.Under RA 9003 open burning of solid waste penalties include fines ranging from ₱300 to ₱1,000, community service, or even imprisonment d...

The The seized items.The police seized an illegal firearm and ammunition at L.T. Vista corner Lacson Street in Barangay Singcang Airport, Bacolod City, on Sunday, April 5.The Regional Intelligence Division of the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region in coordination with Bacolod Police Station 8 personnel successfully implemented the search warrant for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), the PRO NIR reported.The arrested suspect, who was not named, was informed of his constitutional rights and is now under police custody, the PRO NIR said.Seized were a .45 caliber pistol and ammunition for various types of firearms.The operation was carried out peacefully and orderly, with no untoward incidents reported, the P...

"Let us reflect with our family and friends on the great love and sacrifice of Jesus, who saved us all," Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said.*Government employees in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City will transition to a work-from-home arrangement from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, with work suspended in the afternoon to allow them to prepare for the observance of Holy Week.Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya said this is in compliance with Memorandum Circular No. 116, issued by the Office of the President on Tuesday.Lacson directed all department heads to ensure that deliverables are completed remotely during the morning hours.However, agencies involved in health services, disaster response, and other vital functions will maint...

The Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic (UBE) spine surgery.* Horizon photoThe Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) in Bacolod City has successfully performed its first Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic (UBE) spine surgery, the hospital’s Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology announced on Tuesday, March 31.The patient, a 72-year-old female, had been suffering from severe leg pain. She was diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis at the L3–L4 level, a condition where the spinal canal narrows and compresses the nerves.The CLMMRH Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology reported that the surgical team performed a UBE decompression, which included hemilaminotomy, over-the-top flavectomy, bilateral partial facetectomy, and discectomy to achieve adequate nerve...

Deputy House Speaker and Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez at the launching of the Biodiesel Project.*Deputy House Speaker and Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez announced on Monday, March 30, that he is scaling up a Biodiesel Project to cover more barangays in Bacolod City to help mitigate the rising costs of fuel and create livelihoods. Biodiesel, a renewable biofuel seen as an alternative to fossil fuel, is produced from vegetable oils, animal fats, waste cooking oils, and lipids of yeast and microalgae. Benitez highlighted the expansion of the project during its launch at the Community Center at Las Palmas Subdivision in Barangay Taculing, noting that the initiative addresses the urgent need for cheap fuel among fisherfolk and farmers. The project also serves as a solution to...

Deputy House Speaker Alfredo Abelardo Benitez  (left) and House Speaker Faustino Dy III* The House of Representatives is holding a series of joint committee hearings next week to consolidate government action and craft a comprehensive legislative response to the escalating Middle East crisis, with a focus on immediate relief, economic stability, and long-term resilience. Deputy House Speaker and Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said on Monday, March 30, that he, the chairmen of various House committees, and House Speaker Faustino Dy III met on Friday to discuss the holding of these hearings during the session break after Holy Week. Benitez explained that they will determine if the appropriated budget is enough to respond to the oil crisis and will also discuss a...

The public is advised to take precautions against heat strokes on Holy Week.*Andrew Altarejos file photoThe Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Emergency Operations Center is going on Blue Alert for Holy Week It will be on Blue Alert from Wednesday to Monday, April 1 to 6. Blue Alert is a heightened state of readiness where disaster agencies activate their operations centers and put at least half of their personnel on standby to respond to emergencies. Irene Bel Ploteña, PDRRMO head, said areas of convergence such as churches and procession routes, as well as beaches and resorts will be on the watch list. She advised those participating in religious activities to take precautions against extreme heat and to stay hydrated. Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abel...

The spent wash spill in October 2025.* The Universal Robina Corporation (URC) Distillery in Bais City, Negros Oriental, has been allowed to temporarily operate at 60 to 70 percent of its capacity after a huge volume of its spent wash spilled into the Tañon Strait in October last year.  The Pollution Adjudication Board granted a temporary lifting order that has allowed the distillery to operate for three months starting December, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Negros Island Region Director Charlie Fabre said on Monday, March 30. The distillery produces ethanol from molasses.  The three-month permit to operate expires this March, and URC is  requesting for an extension of the temporary lifting order, he said.  URC’s...