Community

Oct182025 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

No collection of student loans in calamity areas, Chiz says

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero reminded all higher education institutions (HEIs) about the moratorium on the collection of student loans in all areas where a state of calamity has been declared.With several parts of the country still dealing with the devastating effects of earthquakes and typhoons over the past month, Escudero said families had to deal with “getting their lives back in order, first and foremost.”“Pinapaalala natin sa ating mga unibersidad, kolehiyo, at pati na din ang mga tech-voc (technical-vocational) institutions na may batas tayo na nagbabawal sa pagkolekta ng mga utang ng kanilang mga estudyante. Sa panahon na may sakuna, ang pinakamahalaga ay ang muling makabangon ang mga nasalanta,” Escudero said in a press release.Under Republic Act 12077, or the Stude...

Oct162025 by Nanette GuadalquiverNo Comments

200 Negrense women learn digital skills for employment

Community

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson with some of the graduates of the Elevate Artificial Intelligence Data Annotation (AIDA) program in Candoni town on Monday.*Some 200 women in southern Negros Occidental have completed the upskilling program under the Elevate Artificial Intelligence Data Annotation (AIDA), an initiative that equips them with relevant digital skills to access remote work opportunities.The trainees from the municipalities of Candoni and Ilog, who graduated in separate rites on Monday, Oct. 13, were the latest batch of Negrense women to avail of the program supported by the Aboitiz Foundation and Connected Women, in collaboration with the provincial government and the host-local government units (LGUs).In a statement on Tuesday, Governor Eugenio Jose ...

Oct122025 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

Marapara Rotary welcomes district governor

Community

District Governor Pip Acepcion (center) with officers and members of the Rotary Club of Bacolod-Marapara*The Rotary Club of Bacolod-Marapara, recently welcomed District Governor Pip Acepcion of Rotary International District 3850 during his official club visit, marking a meaningful milestone in the club’s journey through Rotary Year 2025–2026.Club treasurer and past president, Remy Montemayor, joined by fellow officers and members, hosted a special gathering that celebrated fellowship, leadership and the enduring spirit of service.The event reflected Rotary’s global theme for the year, “Unite for Good,” emphasizing collaboration and compassion in action, a press release from the club said.“Governor Pip’s visit was both an honor and a moment of reflection for our club,” Monte...

Oct122025 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

Rotary Club holds camp for youth leaders

Community

The participants with the speakers and members of the Rotary Club of Bacolod-Central.*More than 50 students from Bacolod and Kabankalan cities participated in a one-day youth leadership camp organized by the Rotary Club of Bacolod Central at TimeOut Restaurant in Bacolod City on Saturday, Oct. 11.The activity, dubbed “NewGen Leaders Day Camp,” was designed with the theme “Ignite the Leader Within: Journey from Self to Service.” This reflects Rotary’s belief that true leadership starts from within, club president Joselito Sion said, adding that these students are future leaders of their respective schools, communities, and perhaps even of Rotary itself.Speakers from the Rotary Club of San Juan Supreme – Josh Santos, Pleshy Wee, Jill Javiniar and Adonis Basa with Rotary Club ...

Oct112025 by Mary Judaline PartlowNo Comments

Negros regreening program partners commit to plant more trees

Community

Danford Sy of New Bian Yek Commercial, Inc., Edward Du of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Manolo Zaldivar of Mangrove Seagrass Vital Synergy (l-r) commit to continue the regreening of Negros Island during a briefing Friday.*PNA/Mary Judaline Flores Partlow photoPrivate sector groups that partnered in the massive regreening program of Negros Island committed on Friday, Oct. 10, to continue planting more trees even after the movement ended ahead of schedule.The commitment was made during a press conference to celebrate the supposed 10th anniversary of the “10 Million in 10 Years for a Greener Negros” (10 M in 10), a regreening program that planted 10 million native trees in just six years.Edward Du, president of the Negros Oriental Chamber of...

Oct112025 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

Davao quake prompts Escudero to renew call for stronger National Building Code

Press Release

Senator Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero on Friday, Oct. 10, renewed his urgent call for the passage of Senate Bill No. 277 to strengthen the National Building Code of the Philippines, pointing out that the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Davao Oriental and nearby provinces is a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability.The powerful temblor, which triggered tsunami warnings and widespread evacuations, followed the recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu province, prompted the senator renew his call for mandatory structural inspections and higher penalties for safety violations in construction, a press release from his office sad.“In the midst of the earthquake that shook Davao Oriental and nearby areas, I am deeply concerned and offer my condolences to the affected families,” Es...

Oct82025 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

Freemasons extend support to Bacolod’s elderly community

Community

The Manuel M. Abello Masonic Lodge No. 260 of Bacolod City has donated a stationary exercise bike to the St. Vincent’s Home for the Aged in Barangay Tangub, reinforcing its commitment to community care and wellness.“Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining mobility, circulation and overall well-being, especially among our elderly citizens,” said Worshipful Master Jude Ledesma. “We hope this exercise bike encourages the residents of St. Vincent’s Home to stay active and feel cared for."The sisters in charge at St. Vincent’s were delighted with the donation, noting that the exercise bike will also serve as a valuable wellness tool for staff members, a press release said.St. Vincent’s Home provides shelter and care for senior citizens aged 60 and above who have been ...

Oct72025 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

Int’l group lauds Bacolod LGU’s efforts against online child sexual exploitation

Community

The participants of the Multi-Disciplinary Team – Basic Internet Crimes Against Children (MDT–BICAC) training.*An international human rights organization has lauded the Bacolod City government for its proactive measures against the Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), a severe cybercrime where traffickers livestream the sexual abuse of minors for profit.A multi-disciplinary team of over 40 frontliners — including law enforcers, social workers, prosecutors, educators, health officers, information officers, and child protection advocates — will now work together to combat OSAEC in the city, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office (BCCO) said on Tuesday, Oct. 7.Mayor Greg Gasataya expressed optimism that this initiative, in partnership with...

Oct42025 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

54 Lupon Tagapamayapa members sharpen conflict resolution skills

Community

A total of 54 Lupon Tagapamayapa (LT) members from the municipalities of Cauayan and San Enrique completed a three-day workshop on Transformative Mediation Friday, October 3, at the Negros Residences in Bacolod City.This group comprised the sixth batch in a series of activities designed to strengthen the conflict resolution skills of LTs, who serve as front-liners for peace in their communities.The comprehensive workshop covered essential topics, including the mediation roadmap, effective communication, the circle of conflict, negotiation, caucus, and co-mediation, among others.The training was a collaborative effort, conducted by the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), in partnership with the Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) and the Provincial Peace and Order Committe...

Oct32025 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

Handumanan bet crowned Lola Dear Queen 2025

Community

Maria Diana De Leon of Brgy. Handumanan was crowned the inaugural Lola Dear Queen 2025 at the first-ever Lola Dear Pageant, a new highlight of the MassKara Festival, held at the Bacolod City Public Plaza, Friday night, Oct. 3.The 63-year-old winner earned the title after competing with nine other candidates from various barangays in three segments: Production Number, Talent Competition, and the elegant Filipiniana Showcase.The runners-up joining Lola Dear Queen De Leon were:1st Runner-Up: Adelaida Trencio of Brgy. Pahanocoy2nd Runner-Up: Magdalena Vargas of Brgy. Tangub3rd Runner-Up: Criselda Gasendo of Brgy. 164th Runner-Up: Cecilia De La Cruz of Brgy. Sum-agSpecial award winners were:Best in Production Number: Magdalena Vargas (Brgy. Tangub)Best in Tal...