Community

Aug32026 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

GMEA@13: Celebrating The Next Great Filipino Story

The stories we tell today shape the Philippines we build tomorrow. For over a decade, Globe has celebrated the journalists, content creators, and newsmakers whose work moves, educates, and inspires the Filipino people to go forward as a nation. As it officially opens the 13th Globe Media Excellence Awards (GMEA@13), Globe renews its commitment to championing storytellers whose work helps shape a more informed, more connected, and more hopeful Philippines.This year's theme, "The Next Great Filipino Story," reflects a defining chapter in the country's journey. As artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and the digital landscape continue to reshape how Filipinos live, work, learn, and connect, the need for trusted, purposeful storytelling has never been greater.Across indu...

Aug32026 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

Chiz seeks to institutionalize ban on gambling ads, sponsorships to curb addiction

Business, Press Release, Top Stories

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has proposed a nationwide ban on gambling-related advertisements and sponsorships to curb excessive and irresponsible gambling behavior while protecting minors and other vulnerable groups.Escudero said the measure mirrors the country’s earlier approach to the tobacco industry under Republic Act 9211, or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, which imposed sweeping restrictions on advertising to safeguard public health. “It’s about time that we regulate the gambling industry the same way we regulated tobacco two decades ago,” he said upon filing of Senate Bill No. 2347, noting that both sectors pose significant risks when promotions become pervasive and youth targeted.RA 9211, which Escudero supported during his tenure in the House of Repres...

Jul292026 by Nanette GuadalquiverNo Comments

DepEd taps NIR short films for nationwide anti-bullying campaign

Community, Top Stories

Some of the short films produced by the Department of Education-Negros Island Region for the "Powering Empathy, Acceptance and Connection Every Day" (PEACE) campaign.*Images courtesy of DepEd-NIRShort films produced by the Department of Education-Negros Island Region (DepEd-NIR) can now be used as teaching tools to prevent bullying in public schools across the country.DepEd-NIR spokesperson Almyr Caezar Dequiña said on Wednesday, July 29, that DepEd Advisory No. 133 issued by the central office on July 24 encourages the nationwide use of selected short films of the region's "Powering Empathy, Acceptance and Connection Every Day" (PEACE) campaign."The advisory has been cascaded to the regions, then to the division offices, down to our schools. There is no fixed schedule fo...

Jul292026 by Nanette GuadalquiverNo Comments

15.8K Bayanihan SIM cards reach public schools, communities in NegOcc

Community, Top Stories

The distribution of Bayanihan SIM cards at the Gatuslao Elementary School in Candoni, Negros Occidental.*DICT-Negros Occidental photoThe Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has distributed 15,800 Bayanihan SIM cards to public schools and communities in six local government units in Negros Occidental from January to July.Through the Free Public Internet Access Program-Bayanihan SIM Project, the DICT aims to accelerate the expansion of Free Wi-Fi access and improve digital connectivity across the country.DICT-Negros Occidental provincial head Mary Jane Maravilla-Agonace said on Wednesday, July 29, that the initiative provides beneficiaries in underserved areas with subscriber identity module (SIM) cards with one year of free Internet service."...

Jul272026 by Carla P. GomezNo Comments

Marapara Rotary holds 34th induction, turnover ceremonies

Community

Incoming president Donalyn Lastima (front row, third from right) with the officers and directors for Rotary Year 2026–2027. Front row (l–r): AG Maricar Acuna, Francine Del Castillo, outgoing president April Kitagawa, Sandra Mae Sta Rita, Stella Lopez. Back row (l–r): Virgil Rupert Villarosa, Archie Acuña, Jahmes Gever, Rolando Corona, Robert Harland, Jon Candelario, Past District Governor Rafael Jocson and Michael Bantug.*The Rotary Club of Bacolod-Marapara celebrated its 34th Induction and Turnover Ceremonies recently at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club, Bacolod City. The occasion celebrated fellowship, continuity of service and the club’s renewed commitment to Rotary’s ideals of Service Above Self, a press release from the club said Monday, July 27.Outgoing Pr...

Jul272026 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

Una Konsulta Celebrates 9 Years of Bringing Primary Healthcare Closer to Every Negrense

Community, Top Stories

“Sa kada aga nga naga-abri ang pwertahan sang Una Konsulta, mga tawo nga may naglain-lain nga istorya kag paglaum ang nagaabot. May nagapangita sang sabat, may nagakinahanglan bulig, kag may nagasalig nga diri nila mabaton ang pag-atipan nga ila kinahanglan. Kag sa likod sang kada serbisyo, may mga tawo nga handa magserbisyo para sa komunidad.”This July, Una Konsulta, the Primary Healthcare Center of Riverside Medical Center, proudly celebrates its 9th anniversary.What began nearly a decade ago as a humble one-stop health center at SM City Bacolod has grown into one of the region's trusted providers of primary healthcare. Through the years, Una Konsulta has remained committed to making quality healthcare more accessible, affordable, and patient-centered for every Negrense.The a...

Jul262026 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

Negros NGO among country’s best in poverty reduction challenge

Community, Top Stories

The Hope Builders Organization Negros Island Inc. (HBONI) was recognized by the Villar Foundation as one of the country's top civic organizations during the 9th Villar Awards Youth Poverty Reduction Challenge, emerging from more than 60 participating organizations nationwide.During the awarding ceremony at the Villar Foundation Hall in Las Piñas City on Saturday, July 25, the foundation honored nine organizations—seven from Luzon, one from the Visayas, and one from Mindanao—for their outstanding community-based initiatives in reducing poverty.Two organizations from Las Piñas City also received special awards.HBONI was the only organization from the Visayas to receive the national recognition.In a statement, HBONI said the award affirms that grassroots leaders play a vit...

Jul242026 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

Elderly couple wed after nearly five decades of togetherness

Community

Samson and Mercedita Rica on their wedding day.*BCCO photoLove proved that it is patient for newlyweds 69-year-old Samson and 62-year-old Mercedita Rica, who finally tied the knot after nearly five decades of love, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment.They were among the four pairs who exchanged vows before Mayor Greg Gasataya at the Bacolod City Government Center on Wednesday, July 22.Their inspiring love story began 47 years ago when they first met in Bago City before eventually settling in Barangay Tangub, Bacolod City, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said Thursday, July 23.“My prayer is that God continues to bless us with good health so we can stay together. I hope he never grows tired of me because he loves me, and I love him,” Mercedita sai...

Jul242026 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

New member joins Negros Occidental Garden Club

Community

NOGC President Nonoy Napao inducts Rosemarie Japitana into the club as Rose Group member Carmelo Jalando-on and club secretary Teresita Gonzales look on.*The Negros Occidental Garden Club (NOGC) welcomed Rosemarie Japitana as its newest member during its recent general assembly at the Acacia Hotel in Bacolod City. Japitana, a retiree from Lopue’s San Sebastian, was formally inducted by Club President Nonoy Napao, a press release from the club said.A keen gardener based in Bacolod, she has developed a particular passion for succulents, which she admires for their beauty and the uplifting energy they bring.“I’ve been growing succulents since 2021,” she said.Her membership brings NOGC’s roster to around 140 gardening enthusiasts and she will be part of the club’s Rose...

Jul222026 by Nanette GuadalquiverNo Comments

Bacolod calls on student filmmakers to join MMFF shorts contest

Community

The Bacolod City government here is calling on student filmmakers to join the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Student Shorts Competition themed “Paskong Pinoy /Pasko Sa Atin” as Bacolod becomes the first city outside the National Capital Region to host MMFF-related events in December.The MMFF, now on its 52nd year, is an annual film festival organized by the Metro Manila Development Authority.“Do you have a story you want to share with the whole Philippines? This is your chance. Show the talent of Bacolodnon and make our Christmas felt through film,” the city government said in its invitation on Tuesday.The MMFF Student Shorts Competition, which seeks original stories that celebrate the Filipino Christmas experience, is presented by the MMFF, in partnership with the Film Deve...