Community

Oct112025 by Mary Judaline PartlowNo Comments

Negros regreening program partners commit to plant more trees

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...

Oct22025 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

4th On-the-Spot MassKara Painting Competition winners named

Community

Mariel May Magbanua of Barangay Singcang Airport clinched the Grand Champion title at the 4th On-the-Spot MassKara Painting Competition at the Robinsons Bacolod Atrium on Thursday, Oct. 2. The contest saw Jayson Lee of Barangay 23 take First Place, and John Allen Aliguin of Barangay Sum-ag secure Second Place.Seventy-five young artists showcased their creativity at the event, which was organized by the Bacolod Gugma Foundation, Inc. in partnership with the Art Association of Bacolod-Negros (AABN).Participants came from 29 barangays and the Bacolod City College.Each contestant painted live from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. interpreting the spirit of the MassKara Festival through visual art.AABN President Ihvonie “Tey” Sevilleno emphasized the importance of supporting youn...

Sep232025 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

Ramon Torres National High School secures back-to-back win in robotics competition

Community

Winners in the high school level categories with Ma. Cristina Orbecido, School Administrator of NOLITC (center), Edmar Villanueva, Silay Local Youth Development Officer (6th from left).*Ramon Torres National High School was declared back-to-back champion in the Sumobot category, while new participating schools made an impressive debut at the Central District Robotics Competition 2025 held in Silay City from September 17-20, 2025.Saimon Lorca of Ramon Torres National High School successfully defended his title as Sumobot Champion, while Ejay Zamora of Rafael B. Lacson Memorial High School scored a sweeping victory in the Zero Waste Challenge. Meanwhile, Kendra Kirsten Dayot and Marwin Diego of Negros Occidental High School emerged as the top winner in the Project Innovative I...

Sep192025 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

Moises Padilla establishes people’s council

Community

Moises Padilla Mayor Ella Garcia- Yulo administers the oath of office of the officers of the Moises Padilla People's Council.*Moises Padilla has officially launched its first-ever People's Council to strengthen citizen participation and collaboration with the local government.The inaugural officers of the Moises Padilla People's Council (MPPC) took their oaths before Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo in a brief ceremony held at the Mayor's Office on Wednesday, September 17.The event was witnessed by Vice Mayor Felix Mathias Segundo "Pimpoy" Yulo.The MPPC, a vital partner for more transparent and accountable governance, will serve as the overarching body for all recognized and accredited civic organizations in the municipality, a press release from Moises Padilla said F...

Sep152025 by Mark L. GarciaNo Comments

‘Darlings of the Press’ named at Teen MassKara tilt

Community

Jamie Elise Gutheil and John Cediel Estaniel* Ronnie Baldonado photoThe Mister and Miss Teen MassKara (MMTM) 2025 officially introduced its 26 candidates to the media, where John Cediel Estaniel and Jamie Elise Gutheil emerged as this year’s Darlings of the Press on Saturday, Sept. 13 at a mall in Bacolod City.The press presentation, dubbed “The Unveiling”, featured a couch interview-style format where candidates were grouped in batches and engaged in candid conversations, answering questions from members of the press and social media influencers.Estaniel and Gutheil earned the first major recognition of the season where they were voted by the members of the media and local vloggers and content creators.The event also launched MMTM’s 5th edition theme, “The Canvas,” symbol...