Community

Feb22026 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

BACHI marks 53rd year

Members of the BACHI team: Maria Isabel Destacamento, Kyle Jocson, BACHI president Sandy Solinap, Isabel Viterbo, Princy Martir, Robert Harland and Edward Manganti (l-r).*The Bacolod Arts, Cultural and Heritage Inc. (BACHI) has officially commenced its 53rd year of operations this 2026, with leadership announcing a strategic roadmap aimed at the organization’s upcoming Emerald Anniversary in 2028.Following a recent meeting of its officers and board of directors, the group established a comprehensive calendar of events designed to celebrate its 55-year legacy of community service and cultural advocacy, a press release from BACHI said Sunday, Feb. 1.To initiate these anniversary preparations, BACHI is launching a series of flagship activities this month to coincide with the nati...

Jan302026 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

CHIZ URGES GOV’T TO ADVANCE TRIPARTITE DEAL TO EMPOWER LGUs

Press Release

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is calling on the national government to advance the proposed tripartite agreement among the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Department of Agriculture (DA), saying the framework will empower qualified local government units (LGUs) to achieve accelerated growth through improved infrastructure, stronger rural connectivity, and better school facilities.In his recent conversation with Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, Escudero said he was informed that the proposed agreement identifies two key requirements for LGUs that will be prioritized: demonstrated capacity to implement and complete projects, and a stable peace‑and‑order environment that allows development programs to proceed without dis...

Jan292026 by Mark L. GarciaNo Comments

PDEA conducts drug testing of NICA-NIR personnel in Bacolod

Press Release

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Regional Office Negros Island Region conducted drug testing for personnel of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency–Negros Island Region as part of the government’s nationwide mandatory drug testing program. The activity was held at the NICA–NIR Regional Office in Bacolod City in support of the agency’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy on Monday, Jan. 26. The drug testing was led by PDEA RO–NIR Assistant Regional Director Marjorie Ballesteros with technical support from Adonis Abueva, chief chemist of PDEA RO6, and was coordinated with NICA–NIR under Regional Director Victor Wanchakan. A total of eight NICA–NIR personnel underwent drug testing, all of whom tested negative. PDEA RO–NIR said the activity re...

Jan272026 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

Japanese Rotarians aid Typhoon Tino victims

Community

Norene Moyani of RCMT, Murcia Vice Mayor Johnny Reosura, Ryosuke Tahara from Kyoto Fushimi, RCBM President April Kitagawa, Past President Igie Villarosa, May Santillan Jaboneta and Rotarian Leah Tinsay (l-r).*The Rotary Club of Kyoto-Fushimi (RCKF) in Japan has reached out to its partner club, the Rotary Club of Bacolod-Marapara (RCBM), in association with the Rotary Club of Murcia-Tinabuay (RCMT) with a generous donation to aid families devastated by Typhoon Tino.In a collaborative effort, the Kyoto club has provided RCBM with a contribution of ¥400,000. This donation will be used to purchase construction materials and delivered to Moises Padilla, where it will directly support families in rebuilding their homes and restoring stability to their lives, a press release from RCBM sai...

Jan272026 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

Negros Power extends aid to Bgy. 10 fire victims

Community

Under its "Ikaw ang Una" (You Come First) campaign, Negros Power provided immediate relief to residents of Barangay 10, Bacolod City, following a devastating fire that struck the community Saturday.The company donated essential supplies, including sacks of rice and canned goods, to help sustain the displaced families, a press release from Negros Power on Monday, Jan. 26, said.The donations were officially received by Barangay Captain Melvin Bravo, who lauded the utility provider for its swift response."We are deeply thankful to Negros Power for extending help to our constituents during this difficult time. This assistance will greatly help our fire-affected families as they begin to recover," Bravo said.The blaze, which broke out in Purok Tambipalad destroyed numerous...

Jan272026 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

Moises Padilla greenlights ₱30M for typhoon recovery, development

Community

Moises Padilla Mayor Ella Garcia- Yulo presides over the joint meeting of the Municipal Development Council and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Council. Moises Padilla FB photoThe Municipal Development Council (MDC) and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) of Moises Padilla have approved a ₱30 million allocation dedicated to disaster recovery and various development programs.The approval was finalized during a joint meeting held on Thursday, January 22, at the Mayor’s Office, presided over by Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo, a press release from the town said.A significant portion of the package consists of ₱20 million from the Office of the President, intended as financial assistance for residents whose homes were damaged by Typhoon Tino...

Jan272026 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

Dinagsa Festival ends with a bang

Community

Dinagsa Queen Assia Jean Ur-Rehmam*Defying the dual challenges of Tropical Storm Ada and the ongoing sugar crisis, Cadiz City in Negros Occidental roared to a triumphant close as it concluded its 52nd Dinagsa Festival "with a bang."The 10-day festivities (January 16–26) culminated in the traditional Ati Dance Competition on Sunday, January 25. The city streets surged with life as the rhythmic beat of drums and high-energy choreography paid homage to Señor Santo Niño de Cadiz, the city’s patron and protector for over five decades.The festival’s signature event, "Lamhitanay sa Dalan"—frequently dubbed "colorful street chaos"—drew a massive crowd of approximately 300,000 revelers. The sea of people shared a singular, joyful goal: to be smeared with vibrant, non-toxic paints."I...

Jan262026 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

CHIZ SEEKS WIDER PROTECTION BENEFITS FOR WORKERS IN POWER SECTOR

Press Release

After filing the VAT-free electricity to ease household costs, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has filed Senate Bill No. 498 to mandate insurance coverage and additional benefits for line workers who build, maintain, and repair the country’s electrical transmission and distribution systems. “They perform both critical and dangerous work,” Escudero said in the bill’s explanatory note. “Yet a number of them do so bereft of any form of coverage against death, accidents, illness, and other fortuitous events that could be sustained in the line of duty.” The proposed Line Workers Insurance and Benefits Act seeks to require private distribution utilities, electric cooperatives, and transmission or grid operators to provide insurance coverage and entitlements such as retire...

Jan222026 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

SP unanimously urges increase in allowance of senior citizen, PWD association presidents

Press Release

The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City has unanimously approved a resolution urging the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), and the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), through Mayor Greg Gasataya, to increase the monthly allowance of the city’s Senior Citizen and PWD association presidents from ₱500 to ₱1,000.Authored by Councilor Caesar Z. Distrito, Chairperson of the SP Committee on PWD Affairs, and Councilor Celia Flor, Chairperson of the SP Committee on Senior Citizens, the measure highlights the critical role played by barangay-based association leaders in ensuring that government programs and services reach senior citizens and persons with disabilities efficiently, a press release said Thursday, ...

Jan202026 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

The joys of dish gardening: Nature in small spaces

Community

For many urban Filipinos, limited space at home or in the office makes traditional gardening a challenge. But there is a simple, creative solution: dish gardening. This miniature form of landscaping, where plants are arranged in shallow containers, offers beauty, relaxation and a daily touch of nature even in the smallest corners.At the January General Assembly of the Negros Occidental Garden Club, held recently at the Acacia Hotel, Bacolod City, club president Nonoy Napao presented the joys of dish gardening to members.He highlighted how a shallow bowl, tray or glass dish can become a canvas for succulents, moss, pebbles and tropical ornamentals — creating a living centerpiece that fits neatly on a desk or windowsill, a press release from the club said.Beyond aesthetics, Napao...