Community

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.*

Now in its 52nd year, Bacolod Arts, Cultural and Heritage Inc. (BACH), formerly the Bacolod Cultural Foundation, Negros Occidental, commemorated its founding anniversary with an exhibition titled “Celebration” featuring the works of its artist-members.The exhibit reflects the organization’s enduring commitment to nurturing creativity and cultural expression in the region, a press release from BACH said.During the group’s regular monthly meeting - held every first Saturday at Mansion de Bacolod - participating artists were awarded Certificates of Appreciation in recognition of their contributions to the exhibition.As part of the yearlong anniversary festivities, members also discussed a series of upcoming cultural initiatives and events aimed at enriching Bacolod’s artistic land...

District Governor Pip Acepcion leads the bloodletting activity in Roxas City.*Rotary clubs under District 3850 welcomed the new term year with a simultaneous blood donation drive in ten venues in Western Visayas and Western Mindanao today, July 1, collecting more than 300 bags from donors.The simultaneous activity, in partnership with the different chapters on the Philippine Red Cross, were held in ten areas in Iloilo, Antique, Roxas, Aklan, Guimaras, Zamboanga City, Basilan, Dipolog and Kabankalan and Bacolod cities in Negros Occidental.Through this event, District Governor Victor “Pip” Acepcion said, we also mark the beginning of the Blood Donors Month with a powerful message – saving lives in not only for the few but for the many.“Every donor who walks through ...

District Governor Pip Acepcion leads the bloodletting activity in Roxas City.*Rotary clubs under District 3850 welcomed the new term year with a simultaneous blood donation drive in ten venues in Western Visayas and Western Mindanao today, July 1, collecting more than 300 bags from donors.The simultaneous activity, in partnership with the different chapters on the Philippine Red Cross, were held in ten areas in Iloilo, Antique, Roxas, Aklan, Guimaras, Zamboanga City, Basilan, Dipolog and Kabankalan and Bacolod cities in Negros Occidental.Through this event, District Governor Victor “Pip” Acepcion said, we also mark the beginning of the Blood Donors Month with a powerful message – saving lives in not only for the few but for the many.“Every donor who walks through these door...

Victorias City Mayor and Congressman-elect Javier Miguel Benitez led the official launch of the Sidlak Victorias Media Center at the Victorias Command and Evacuation Center, on Friday, June 27.“The development of the Sidlak Victorias Media Center represents more than just an infrastructure upgrade; it is a transformative initiative with long-term strategic benefits for both local government and its constituents”, Benitez said.The Sidlak Victorias Media Center is envisioned to become the city’s central hub for multimedia production, digital communication, and timely public information, a press release from Victorias City said..With a strong focus on community engagement, the facility will serve as an accessible platform for interactive discussions, civic feedback, and participat...

Victorias City inaugurated its newly relocated Victorias Café, the city’s first AI-powered traffic lights, and its  upgraded Satellite Market in Barangay I on Thursday,   June 26.Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, congressman-elect of the Third District of Negros Occidental, led the ceremonies.The Victorias Café has been relocated to the South Wing of the Public Plaza and with its improved design, the café aims to become a lively space for local business, food, and community gatherings, a press release from Victorias City said.The  AI-powered traffic lights with camera integration installed at Crossing Central, along Osmeña Avenue and BS Aquino Drive were also switched on Thursday.Benitez  said it was high time to install traffic lights in Victo...

A certificate of appreciation is given to Naivette Galvan(2nd from left) by NOGC president Lope Nonoy Napao, and Damas Del Dia chairpersons Mary Lecias and Virgie Lopue (l-r).*For gardeners in the Philippines, the rainy season can bring lush, vibrant growth - if they work with the weather rather than against it. Torrential rains, while nourishing, can also wash away the very nutrients plants depend on.That’s why by June, enriching the soil becomes not just a smart move, but an absolute necessity.That was the central message delivered by Naivette Galvan, soil expert and agriculturist, and guest speaker at the June general assembly of the Negros Occidental Garden Club (NOGC), held recently at the Acacia Hotel in Bacolod City. Galvan, OIC section chief of the Agri-Fishe...