Business

Oct262026 by Mark L. GarciaNo Comments

All 3 Negros Occidental power utilities raise October rates; NONECO posts biggest hike

NONECO file photoResidential electricity rates increased across the three major distribution utilities serving Negros Occidental in October, with the Northern Negros Electric Cooperative posting both the highest rate and the biggest month-on-month increase.NONECO raised its residential rate by P0.4807 per kilowatt-hour, from P17.1454/kWh in September to P17.6261/kWh in October.The Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative increased its rate by P0.0863/kWh, from P16.1428/kWh to P16.2291/kWh.Negros Electric and Power Corp., or Negros Power, meanwhile, posted the smallest increase at P0.0204/kWh, bringing its October residential rate to P14.2691/kWh from P14.2487/kWh in September.NONECO attributed the increase mainly to higher prices at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market f...

Oct262026 by Carla P. GomezNo Comments

CONFED backs call for 12-to-18-month NegOcc wage hike moratorium to prevent business collapse

Business, Top Stories

The battle versus RSSI cited in unified position paper.*SRA file photoThe Confederation of Sugar Producers Association Inc. supports the unified position paper of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) that recommends a 12-to-18-month moratorium on wage increases in Negros Occidental, CONFED President Aurelio Gerardo J. Valderrama Jr. said on Monday, Oct. 26.The moratorium aims to prevent mass enterprise collapse and safeguard employee tenure amid the state of calamity declared due to an agricultural catastrophe caused by the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI), frequent power outages, and prohibitive fuel costs, he said.He said they submitted their position paper to the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board (RTWPB), the National Wag...

Oct262026 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

Gamboa seeks review of P2.1B high data infra deal

Business, Top Stories

Councilor Wilson C. Gamboa Jr. said on Monday, Oct. 26, that he is filing a resolution in the Sangguniang Panlungsod seeking a comprehensive review of Bacolod City’s P2.1-billion Build-Transfer-Maintain (BTM) contract with High Data Infrastructure Corporation to ensure public funds are being used efficiently.Authorized under City Ordinance No. 1089 enacted on February 26, 2025, the project aims to transform Bacolod into a “super city”, Gamboa said in a press release. It includes a centralized command center, 150 intelligent streetlamp poles, various surveillance cameras, and e-government software such as the Property and Tax Assessment System (PTAS) and Geographic Information System (GIS), he said.Gamboa pointed out that these equipment, software applications,...

Oct252026 by Carla P. GomezNo Comments

NegOcc labor, business groups dissatisfied with approved ₱40–₱45 daily wage hike

Business, Top Stories

Leaders of labor and business groups in Negros Occidental expressed dissatisfaction on Sunday, October 25, over the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board 6 approved ₱40–₱45 daily minimum wage increase for private-sector workers.While labor groups criticized the wage hike as grossly inadequate to cope with rising living costs, employers warned that the sudden increase would strain recovering businesses and trigger local inflation.The regional pay hike is contained in Wage Order No. 30, which covers workers across Western Visayas, Negros Occidental and Bacolod City.The order is currently pending final approval by the Secretary of Labor, RTWPB-6 Chairman Sixto Rodriguez Jr. told DIGICAST NEGROS on Saturday.“There is widespread concern and strong opposition ...

Oct232026 by Carla P. GomezNo Comments

Sugar groups, labor unions sound alarm over alleged online sale of imported Chinese Coke

Business, Top Stories

Major sugar industry stakeholders and labor groups have raised grave concern over the alleged proliferation of imported Coca-Cola products—believed to originate from China being sold through online e-commerce platforms across the country.The concern was raised Friday, Oct. 23, by the Sugar Council composed of the Confederation of Sugar Producers Associations (CONFED), the National Federation of Sugarcane Planters (NFSP), and the Panay Federation of Sugarcane Farmers (PANAYFED, together with the National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry of the Philippines- Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (NACUSIP- TUCP) and the Democratic Association of Labor Organizations (DALO).This marks the first time that such online sales of imported beverage products ha...

Oct232026 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

Bacolod inks agreement with SGV & CO. for local economic development roadmap

Business, Top Stories

The Bacolod City government led by Mayor Greg Gasataya has officially partnered with SyCip Gorres Velayo & Co. (SGV & Co.) to create a clear, forward-looking plan for the city’s long-term growth.The landmark agreement was signed Wednesday, Oct. 21, at L’Fisher Hotel Bacolod, launching a 70-day project to develop Bacolod’s first comprehensive and actionable Local Economic Development Roadmap, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said Friday.This effort brings together experienced economic planners and local officials to take a close, honest look at Bacolod’s strengths, current realities, and where the best opportunities for growth lie, it said. Representing SGV & Co. during the signing was Lead Researcher and Valuations S...

Oct222026 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

Chiz proposes to exempt subdivision, condo common areas from real property taxes

Business, Press Release

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has proposed a legislative measure seeking to exempt common areas within residential subdivisions and condominiums from real property taxes (RPT) to provide financial relief to millions of middle-class families.Senate Bill No. 2569, which he filed on October 21, proposes an amendment to Section 234 of Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, to remove a cost that is quietly passed on to residents through monthly association dues.The veteran legislator said the current practice of taxing shared spaces such as hallways, lobbies, parks, and other non-income generating facilities effectively increases the carrying cost of homeownership for families who already shoulder amortization, utilities, and rising living expenses.“Hindi nama...

Oct222026 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

Globe calls for earlier connectivity planning to build future-ready developments

Business

Globe is encouraging property developers to make connectivity part of the early planning and design of new homes, commercial spaces, and estates, rather than addressing network requirements after construction is underway. Bringing connectivity into the conversation earlier can help developers avoid costly redesigns and retrofitting while ensuring properties are ready for the digital needs of residents, tenants, and businesses from the time they move in.The company brought together around 150 participants at Collaboration Forum 2026, including more than 100 external partners from the property sector. With the theme “Design Today. Connect Tomorrow.”, the forum gathered developers, architects, designers and technical teams to discuss how connectivity can be considered early in the design ...

Oct212026 by Carla P. GomezNo Comments

Benitez, Bais apologize over altercation; councilor says focus to remain on city’s loans

Business, Top Stories

Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and Councilor Homer Bais issue apologies to each other.*Deputy House Speaker and Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez on Wednesday, October 21, apologized to the people of Bacolod and Councilor Homer Bais for a public altercation that occurred during a dinner at the lobby of the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) on Friday.Bais, in response, said there was no need for Benitez to apologize and that he was embarrassed the congressman felt it necessary to do so. The councilor added that he also apologizes for his outburst in response to Benitez during the altercation.Bais pointed out that in his speech at the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod session earlier on Wednesday, he said they should just set aside what happened, m...

Oct212026 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

SP calls to strengthen mental health services in all 61 Bacolod barangays

Business, Top Stories

The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Bacolod has approved a resolution urging city offices, national agencies, and all 61 barangays to strengthen and expand community-based mental health programs across the city.Authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, the resolution seeks to prioritize mental health awareness, early identification, psychosocial support, counseling referrals, crisis intervention, and training for frontline health workers.Distrito, in a press release on Wenesda, Oct. 21, emphasized that mental health must be given equal importance to physical health, noting that many individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, and emotional distress suffer in silence due to social stigma, financial constraints, and limited access to professional help.“Mental h...