Community

Mayor Gerry Rojas, alongside health officials and local leaders, recently launched the PuroKalusugan program in Barangay Minoyan, Murcia, Negros Occidental, aiming to bring essential healthcare services directly to the community.PuroKalusugan, a flagship initiative of the Department of Health (DOH), prioritizes the delivery of basic healthcare to barangay zones or "puroks," aligning with the DOH's 8-point agenda under the current administration, a press release from Murcia said Monday, July 21."Health has always been and will always be my top priority," Rojas said. "This DOH flagship program will significantly enhance the delivery of basic health services to Murciahanons, directly benefiting residents at the grassroots level", he said.The launch event saw nurses, midwi...

Ricardo “Cano Gwapo" Tan and his wife, Nenita, (5th and 6th from left) at the awarding rites*Businessman Ricardo “Cano Gwapo" Tan and his creation, the Campuestohan Highland Resort in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, won two awards at the 43rd People’s Choice Excellence Awards.The awarding rites took place at the Centennial Hall of The Manila Hotel on Sunday, July 20.Tan and his wife, Nenita, the founders of Campuestohan Highland Resort, were honored with the People’s Choice Excellence Award for the Best Theme Park and Recreational Luxury Resort in the Philippines, as well as the Dangal Ng Bayan Award.The People’s Choice Excellence Award, established in 1980, is the Philippines' leading consumer recognition program, honoring outstanding companies, products, and services b...

Mabuhay accommodation establishments in Bacolod City, including inns, pension houses, transient homes, and bed-and-breakfasts, elected their  officers on Thursday, July 17.The newly elected officers of the Mabuhay Accommodation Establishments  in Bacolod City are:President: Angelo Lizares – Maharlika City InnVice President: Rafael Palmado – Royal Am ReiSecretary: Edelyn Yap – Check Inn CorporationTreasurer: Angelica Bantug – Bantug Lake RanchThe newly elected board members include:Marketing and Promotions: Sharon Yanong – Saltimboca Tourist InnLogistics and Operations: Ailen Bayle – Bayle Camping GroundMedia Relations: Edelynn Herera – Nato’s FarmThis alliance's formation marks a key milestone in empowering these establishments as v...

A captivating exhibition, "Flora Filipina," featuring the works of 22 talented women artists, is set to open at Gallery Orange on the second floor of the Orange Project Building, located at the Art District in  Bacolod City.The exhibit will run from July 26 to September 6.Organized by Floral Artists Manila (FAM), a vibrant all-female collective founded in 2019 by Addie Cukingnan and Remy Boquiren, "Flora Filipina" celebrates the diverse beauty of native and endemic flowers of the Philippines.FAM was established to provide a platform for women artists to explore the "power and poetry of flowers" and has since grown to reimagine floral imagery across various styles and mediums, including watercolors, oils, mosaics, and sculptures.This exhibition marks a continuation ...

Bacolod City officials  led by Mayor Greg Gasataya and Vice Mayor Claudio “Kalaw” Puentevella, joined the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) 2025 Newly Elected Officials Performing Leadership for Uplifting Service (NEO PLUS) Program this week.  The initiative, designed to strengthen local governance through strategic leadership and accountability, marks a collaborative effort to enhance public service delivery across the city. DILG-Bacolod City Director Christian Nagaynay spearheaded the event, which also saw participation from members of the Bacolod City Council, department heads, and special guests including Secretary to the Mayor  Marty Go and City Administrator Mark Mayo. The NEO PLUS Program, a three-year capacity develop...

Sagay City officially launched its 51st Nutrition Month celebration in July, prioritizing food security and nutrition awareness under the national theme, “Food and Nutrition Security – Maging Priority! Sapat na Pagkain, Karapatan Natin.”Mayor Leo Rafael “Bebo” Cueva, who chairs the City Nutrition Council, marked the start of the month-long campaign on Monday, July 7, by planting papaya trees and various vegetables at the City Agriculture Demonstration Farm. This symbolic act promoted sustainable food sources adaptable for households and communities. Cueva emphasized empowering families through backyard gardening, food sufficiency, and climate-smart farming, stating, “Good nutrition begins with accessible and nutritious food at home.”He urged Sagaynons to support local agri...

Silliman University (SU), through its Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) panel, and the Silliman University Faculty Association (SUFA) have reached a final compromise  agreement to settle their CBA dispute, following a meeting at the National Conciliation and Mediation Board on Wednesday, July 9.The formal signing of the Supplemental CBA is scheduled  on Monday, July 14, a  post on the University’s Facebook page said.The SU post said affirming the provisions of the June 5 SOLE (Secretary of Labor and Employment) Decision, both parties agreed to the following economic benefits for academic personnel:• A monthly salary increase of ₱1,400 effective June 1, 2024, and ₱1,600 effective June 1, 2025;• An annual rice subsidy of ₱9,100 and ₱12,100 for the fourth an...

Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya recognized the unwavering dedication of fire volunteers who have served the community for 20 to 30 years.The Mayor paid tribute to these unsung heroes during a visit to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) building in Barangay 8 on Thursday, July 10.Accompanied by City Fire Marshal FSupt. Jenny Mae C. Masip,  Gasataya toured the facility and received updates on BFP Bacolod’s operational readiness.This included reviewing equipment inventories, recent milestones in fire prevention, and strategies for addressing high-risk "red zone" areas.The focus of the visit, however, shifted to the bureau’s invaluable volunteers when Masip highlighted their extraordinary contributions,  a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Group sai...

Tofil national chairperson Ivy Cubid (center) with Rey Felix C. Rafols and Ismael “Maeng” Penado (right) at the Talisay City launch.*Ronnie Baldonado photoThe JCI Senate Philippines, in partnership with the Ropali Group of Companies, has officially opened the 2025 Search for The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Awards a nationwide call to recognize remarkable Filipinos aged 41 and above whose integrity, excellence, and service have made a lasting mark on the country.Its area launch in Negros Occidental was held at Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City, Thursday, July 10.Established in 1988, the TOFIL Awards stand as one of the most esteemed honors for Filipino individuals who have dedicated themselves to uplifting their profession, advancing public welfare, and contributing t...

Residents of Hda. Carmen in Barangay Blumentritt, Murcia, can now enjoy improved access to water with the official turnover of a new water system.Murcia Mayor Gerry Rojas, joined by Benjie Villa, Office of the 3rd District Geographical Coordinator for Murcia, and Barangay Blumentritt officials, led the ceremony.The water system project was a collaborative effort, funded by the Office of former 3rd District Rep. Francisco "Kiko" Benitez in partnership with the Murcia Local Government Unit (LGU). Rojas affirmed his administration's commitment to further enhance water services in the community, assuring residents that more water transmission pipes will be donated to extend delivery to other areas.*