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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday said the upcoming rollback in fuel prices will provide much-needed relief to Filipinos, but stressed that government interventions will continue as the reduction remains insufficient.In a video message, Marcos announced that starting Tuesday, April 14, oil prices will see significant cuts.“Diesel prices will go down by more than PHP20. Gasoline will be reduced by PHP4.43 per liter, and kerosene by PHP8.50 per liter,” he said.The President noted that the rollback would ease the burden on drivers, commuters and households affected by high fuel costs.However, Marcos acknowledged that the price reduction alone will not fully address the impact of rising fuel costs.“This is still not enough,” he said.He assured the public that...

The Sangguniang Panlungsod has passed a proposed ordinance seeking to transform Bacolod City’s transport system through the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and e-mobility solutions on first reading, Councilor Caesar Distritio said Saturday, April 11.The proposed “Bacolod City Electric Vehicle and E-Mobility Promotion Ordinance of 2026”, authored by Distrito, aims to promote sustainable, inclusive, and cost-efficient transportation while addressing rising fuel costs and environmental concerns.“This measure is a forward-looking response to the challenges of rising fuel prices, urban pollution, and the need for a more sustainable and inclusive transport system,” Distrito said in a press release.By promoting e-mobility, we are investing not only in environmental protectio...

Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II*Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II on Friday, April 10, clarified that the ongoing update in property valuations is in compliance with Republic Act No. 12001, a national law aimed at modernizing, standardizing, and professionalizing real property valuation across the country.Diaz issued the clarification in response to the United Sugar Producers’ Federation of the Philippines (UNIFED) statement opposing a “proposed increase in real property tax” in Negros Occidental.UNIFED, in a board resolution, urged provincial government officials to reconsider and defer any such increase until economic conditions stabilize and the financial capacity of their constituents improves.The resolution was issued after ...

Joe Recalex Alingasa, Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer of San Carlos City, (3rd from left) receiving the gold plaque of his city.*Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs) in Negros Occidental were recognized for their commitment to public safety during an Assessment Awarding Ceremony held at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City on Friday, April 10.The event highlighted the results of the Regional and Sectoral Assessment for 2025, with several local government units (LGUs) receiving Gold and Silver plaques for their exemplary performance in disaster preparedness and response, Donato A. Sermeno III, chairperson of the Regional DRRMC and director of the Office of Civil Defense Negros Island Region, said.The Province of Negr...

The United Sugar Producers’ Federation of the Philippines (UNIFED) is calling for emergency cloud seeding operations to save sugarcane crops from worsening dry conditions brought on by the onset of El Nino.In letters to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona, and Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, UNIFED President Manuel Lamata emphasized the "urgent need" for government intervention to prevent a productivity crisis.“The lack of sufficient rainfall is adversely affecting crop growth, reducing yield potential, and increasing the risk of substantial economic losses”, Lamata said on Thursday, April 9.Lamata said without any intervention the sugar industry, particularly the livelihood of hundre...

UNIFED chairman Manuel Lamata*The United Sugar Producers’ Federation of the Philippines (UNIFED) on Thursday, April 9, said it is strongly opposing the proposed increase in real property tax in Negros Occidental.“Any increase at the moment is going to be counterproductive and will do more harm to an already suffering nation,” UNIFED said.UNIFED, in a board resolution, urged provincial government officials to reconsider and defer any such increase until economic conditions stabilize and the financial capacity of their constituents improves.The resolution was issued after the provincial government of Negros Occidental issued an advisory reminding the public of the Proposed Schedule of Market Values (SMV) for all real properties in compliance with Republic Act No. 12001, o...

Ronnie Baldonado file photoThe Negros Occidental provincial government fully supports the proposed “Purchase and Park” program to address the current surplus in sugar stocks, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Wednesday, April 8.The proposed government-led buying program, also known as the “Purchase and Park Program”, is contained in a manifesto signed by leaders of all sugar federations, millers and refiners, labor, agrarian reform beneficiaries and allied non-government organizations pending before the Office of President.“As the sugar capital of the Philippines, our province recognizes the vital role of the sugar industry in sustaining the livelihood of thousands of Negrense farmers, workers, and their families,” Lacson said.“We stand in agreement with this timely ...

Deputy House Speaker and Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez*Deputy House Speaker and Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said he supports postponing the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) for six months to enable government to redirect funds to address the ongoing fuel crisis.The ₱13 billion to ₱14 billion currently earmarked for the elections could instead be utilized for urgent financial assistance, Benitez said on Wednesday, April 8.The elections are scheduled for November 2 and any postponement would require new legislation, he said."Government should be prepared for a worst-case scenario by readying all available funds to respond effectively," Benitez said.However, Benitez acknowledged a potential legal hurdle: the Supreme Court might deem a...

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson* The two-week ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran that saw the first ships pass through Strait of Hormuz is a good sign, Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Wednesday, April 8.“I would like to think prayers of Filipinos contributed to the ceasefire,” he said.Lacson is calling for continued prayers for a permanent resolution of the conflict.Even if the violence ends it may take a long time before fuel prices return to normal, he said.Prices will not drop as fast as they went up, he said, citing the war’s damage to refineries in the Middle East.Meanwhile, Lacson said he is considering issuing an executive order that will ban non-essential travel in the provincial government.But even wit...

Deputy House Speaker and Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez during the distribution of biodiesel to fishermen at Barangay Singcang on Wednesday.*Dolly Yasa photoDeputy House Speaker and Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez on Wednesday, April 8, called on more business establishments to join the biodiesel program by donating their used cooking oil to help alleviate the plight of fisherfolk and farmers.The program initiated by Benitez produces biodiesel from used cooking oil sourced from restaurants and fast-food chains in Bacolod.The biodiesel is used by fisherfolk to run their bancas, and by farmers for farm equipment, Benitez said.Benitez distributed 600 liters of biodiesel to fisherfolk from barangays 1, 2, Banago and Singcang in Bacolod City on Wednesday, Councilor Caesar ...