Community

A series of orientation workshops for Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) were recently held in the Third District of Negros Occidental for the formation of a Metro Third Housing Confederation.The workshops were spearheaded by the office of Rep. Francisco Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District), in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Region VI office and local government units of the Third District.The orientation-workshops started in Talisay City on November 21, followed by Victorias City on November 22-23, Murcia on November 24, and Silay City on November 25, a press release from the office of Benitez said Friday, November 25.The officers of the various homeowners’ associations were briefed on the salient features of R.A. 9904 or the “Magn...

About 80 organic farmers and producer groups are participating in the 15th Negros Island Organic Farmers' Festival at the Capitol grounds in Bacolod City that will run until Saturday, November 26.Provincial Agriculturist Edmundo Raul Causing said there are now 2,000 hectares of organic farms lands in Negros Occidental.Bernadeth San Juan, National Organic Agriculture Program director, said in 2023 the government budget for organic farming will be doubled.Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, whose speech was read by Board Member Andrew Montelibano, said after a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, “we reaffirm our goal to enhance the market potential of our organic products. Organic agriculture need not be limited to mere production, it has to be enhanced by entrepreneurship and...

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson led the 2nd Awarding Ceremony of the Negros Occidental Governor’s Conservation Achievement Award and “Abanse Babaye para sa Dunang Manggad” Award at the Negros Residences in Bacolod City, on Tuesday, November 22.The awards were given to outstanding Negrenses for their key role in environmental stewardship, leadership in decision-making, and the promotion of positive impact in the conservation of the environment.The Governor’s Conservation Achievement Award recognizes the contributions of special bodies, individuals, LGUs, and Inter-LGU alliances in Negros Occidental, while the “Abanse Babaye para sa Dunang Manggad” Award recognizes the role and achievements of Negrense women in environment protection.Lacson said given the urgency of the situation an...

Another batch of beneficiaries from E. B. Magalona received wages under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) on Thursday, November 17.A total of 611 residents received P4,500 each for rendering 10 days of clean-up drive work, during the cash payout facilitated by Victoria Diwata Borines, focal coordinator of DOLE-TUPAD Negros Occidental Field Office, and Jessilyn Plaza, E. B. Magalona Public Employment Service Office (PESO) manager, at the Public Plaza, a press release from EB Magalona said.The TUPAD fund was facilitated by Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano (Abang Lingkod Party-list) as requested by Mayor Marvin Malacon.Joining Malacon at the payout program were councilors Jovie Madayag and Isidro Gome...

One hundred Murciahanon farmers who grow high-value crops received two bags of fertilizers each during the distribution led by Mayor Gerry Rojas.*Murcia farmers received palay seeds, fertilizers and cash assistance under various programs facilitated by the Municipality of Murcia headed by Mayor Gerry Rojas and Vice Mayor Johnny Reosura.Sixty-five Murciahanon rice farmers from barangays Salvacion, Blumentritt, Cansilayan and Damsite received bags of palay seeds, while 100 farmers producing high value crops received two bags of fertilizers each, under the national government’s Typhoon Odette recovery program on Monday, November 14.“We were able to access these programs for our farmers through our close collaboration with our provincial government and with the office of 3rd Distri...

Negros Occidental is one of the top three contenders in Western Visayas for the EXCELL (Excellence in Local Governance) Award given by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said Thursday, November 17.The EXCELL Award recognizes the best managed local governments that demonstrate best practices, achievements and innovations in governance, administration, social services, economic development, environmental management and local legislation.Negros Occidental already made it to the top three in Region 6, Diaz said.DILG representatives are arriving in Negros Occidental Friday for validation and final screening, he said.The provincial government will present the various innovations it has implemented such as the Capito...