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File photo shows the country’s first-ever asphalt road made with post-consumer plastic waste being built in a San Miguel Corporation (SMC) logistics facility last year.Almost a year after it first built and started testing the country’s first asphalt road made with post-consumer plastic waste, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is eyeing the next phase of its plan to widen the application of the environment-friendly material — by building bicycle lanes made of recycled plastics in partner cities and provinces.SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said that the company is looking to work with technology partners and local governments willing to put up dedicated bike lanes to accommodate cyclists whose numbers have risen due to quarantine and transportation restrictions broug...

The ceremonial lighting of the beacon by Charlie Co, Manny Montelibano and Bong Lopue (l-r) at the opening of the Viva ExCon on Sunday*Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the Visayas Islands Visual Arts Exhibition and Conference (VIVA ExCon) that opened virtually on Sunday, November 8, has not allowed COVID-19 to dampen the power of art to create, unite, connect and inspire hope.VIVA ExCon virtually opened Visayas-wide showcasing the artists in their localities, with featured exhibitions.Lacson, in his message at the opening of the VIVA ExCon, said COVID-19 came swiftly and harshly, and the art and cultural sector was not spared.However, this pandemic should not be the reason to suppress Viva ExCon’s 30 years of bridging the islands of the Visayas from networkin...

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson joined the ceremonial Christmas Tree Lighting at SM City Mall in Bacolod City, Saturday, November 7.“As we have this Christmas Tree Lighting, may the lights we turn on remind us of the true guiding light of our Savior as we celebrate his birth,” Lacson said.He urged everyone to remain grateful and not to allow the present circumstances dim the spirit evoked by the coming of Jesus which are unity, hope, joy, peace and love.“Humanity may be faced with an adversity of unparalleled degree, but we shall persevere in faith, and shall allow the magnificence and glory of the season strengthen our trust in God for our Savior has come for us,” he added.The governor was joined by SM City Bacolod Mall Manager, George Jardiolin, and other guest...

EDC Community Partner Jayvi Valenzuela turned over 50 sacks of rice and 50 gallons of alcohol to Bago City Administrative Officer Allan Seṅeres to help the city in its fight against COVID-19.The Energy Development Corp. has recently provided assistance to the Bago City government in its fight against COVID-19.It donated 50 sacks of rice and 50 gallons of disinfecting alcohol for its residents, a press release from the firm said today, November 5.“We know how crucial it is to bring in food and alcohol to those lockdown areas since a lot of stores and government offices and agencies also had to be closed to prevent the spread of the virus,” said Norreen Bautista, head of EDC’s CSR team in Negros and in Mount Apo.“This is part of our commitment to keep helping Bago City despit...

BACH Project PH photoBacolod Animal Chance and Hope (BACH) Project PH, a non-profit organization on animal welfare, is calling the citizens to help with its adoption drive.In a Facebook post, the group announced that it will hold a “Clear the Pound” adoption drive on November 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. “to save innocent lives.”They said, “we need to empty the pound before the scheduled euthanasia which is November 15th, the day after the adoption event.” (Read: Dogs on death row need help)“We are calling the attention of all the different animal rescue organizations and individual advocates here in Bacolod to please join us. We may belong to different groups but still, our hearts beat to the same beat - to advocate and save the voiceless and most neglected unit of our society...

Youth-led groups all over the country have organized a relief drive for the typhoon victims."Among Us Relief Initiative" is a loose and immediate alliance of nationwide student councils, organizations, and publications that aim to publicize, organize, and mobilize relief efforts for survivors of typhoons "Quinta," "Rolly," and "Siony," as well as to popularize the discussion on the climate crisis and disaster preparedness in the Philippines.For the local initiative, it was spearheaded by the Bacolod Youth Alliance and Handum.One can help by joining the "Barya sang Bacolod," a piso-drive for survivors and victims of Quinta, Rolly, and Siony. Donors can donate any amount to any of the channels that will be provided by the network.The proceeds of the donation drive will go to ...

Moises Padilla LGU photosLocal officials of Moises Padilla recently reached out to residents at far-flung Sitio Agogolo in Barangay Macagahay, as part of its effort of bringing the government closer to the people.Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo led the distribution of 30 sacks of rice, medicines, and lunch to the residents.Councilor Vincent Garcia also provided bond papers to Agogolo Elementary School while solar panels from Tatak Kalamay were also distributed to the residents.Also, 120 slippers, packed lunch, and snacks for the children were provided by Team Espada, Bacolod Hilux Group, and Team Ironman from Bacolod City.In a speech, Yulo thanked the provincial government for lending its bulldozer to the local government for the creation of the access road going to th...

LCCB photosLa Consolacion College Bacolod recently launched an advocacy program for mental health.The school underscored the importance of promoting mental health awareness at this time, when people are suffering the devastating effects caused by the economic and social paralysis prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.Sister President Maria Garcia said that among the pillars of the school’s continuity plan is to provide mental health support for students, faculty, personnel, and even parents who are bearing the brunt of this crisis.The advocacy program provides a series of webinars on mental health, and “therapeutic, stress-relieving activities” for all students, personnel, and parents, scheduled for the entire school year until June 2021.Romela Aujero, vice president for pe...

City PIO photoThe Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), represented by its Bacolod City District Minister Bro. Ariel Barzaga, turned over 3, 000 food packs to Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran at rites at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds Thursday, October 29.The food assistance, through its outreach program “Lingap sa Mamamayan (Aid for Humanity),” will be distributed to barangay residents on Saturday (Oct. 31), in time for the birthday celebration of INC Executive Minister Ka Eduardo Manalo, a press release from the Bacolod City Public Information Office said.“I am truly grateful that with so many cities and towns in the Philippines, Ka Eduardo has chosen Bacolod City for this food assistance from Lingap sa Mamamayan,” Leonardia said.“We find sig...

NOCPPO photoNegros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer led the awarding ceremony of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office 1st “Shoot for Peace” awarding ceremony held at Camp Alfredo M. Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City recently.Both top officials lauded all the awardees of the competition that was participated by all city and municipal police stations in the province and civilian gun enthusiasts.Lacson said that the event has gathered civilians and PNP personnel not just to enhance their shooting skills but also to foster camaraderie.Among the champions of the said competition were Victorias City Police Station (city category), La Castellana Police Station (municipal category), and Pat Nico Fernandez (individual category).“I ...