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The Bacolod City government officially began the distribution of the Solo Parent Cash Subsidy on Monday, February 16.A total of 1,500 registered solo parents in the city will receive ₱6,000 each, covering the period July to December 2025.The total fund allocated for the initiative is ₱9 million, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office (BCCO) said.The first payout, , through the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), was held at the Villamonte Gym in Barangay Villamonte, where 750 solo parents claimed their assistance.A total of ₱4,500,000 was disbursed on the first day.The subsidy aims to ease the financial burden of solo parents by supporting household expen...

The payout in La Carlota City on Monday.*La Carlota City in Negros Occidental on Monday, Feb. 16, distributed the PHP10-million financial assistance from the Office of the President (OP) to more than 2,356 beneficiaries whose houses were destroyed by Typhoon Tino in November last year.Each beneficiary received PHP5,000, with PHP4,200 funded by the OP allocation and the rest covered by the city government.In central Negros, La Carlota was among the hardest-hit by the Nov. 4 devastation caused by Typhoon Tino, with several thousand houses damaged or destroyed.The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) guidelines explained why the payout for shelter cash assistance on Monday was limited to residents with "totally damaged or washed out" houses."The intention of...

Mayor Greg Gasataya (center) meets with members of the Bacolod City Tourism Council, including Megaworld First Vice President Harold Brian Geronimo (second from right) with representatives from various hotel and restaurant associations and staff of the Bacolod City Tourism Office.*Bacolod City posted a 4.83 percent tourism arrival growth in 2025, with economic contributions exceeding P6.5 billion, a press release from the city government said on Monday, Feb. 16.The City Tourism Office recorded 873,573 local and foreign visitors in 2025, reflecting steady growth from the 833,345 arrivals logged in 2024.Figures from local hotels and accommodations show domestic tourists rose 5.11 percent to 813,625, while foreign arrivals increased 2.21 percent to 60,525, the press release sa...

The damage in damage in Sagay City* Ronald Villar photoPresident Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the release of about PHP321 million in assistance to hasten the recovery of 34 provinces, and eight cities affected by Tropical Storm Basyang and the shear line, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced Saturday, Feb. 14.Included in the list were Negros Occidental and Bacolod City.In a statement, the PCO said Marcos has instructed Executive Secretary Ralph Recto to ensure the immediate distribution of funds to the intended beneficiaries.“In his directive, the President said the recent weather disturbances have resulted ‘in the displacement of a significant number of people, casualties, and damage to infrastructure,’” the PCO said.Negros Occidental, Surigao del...

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Negros Island Region (DSWD NIR) transformed Valentine’s Day into a day of relief for thousands of typhoon survivors in Negros Occidental.Through a series of simultaneous Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) payouts, the agency provided P37 million in financial aid to families whose homes and livelihoods were shattered by the onslaught of Typhoon Tino.The largest mobilization took place in Hinigaran town, where a massive relief operation served 5,533 beneficiaries who received a total of ₱36,278,333, the DSWD NIR announced.This major infusion of capital is expected to jumpstart the recovery of local households dealing with both slightly and severely damaged dwellings, it said.Parallel efforts were also conducted in Bago City and Ilog...

One of the 202 couples who joined the mass wedding in Bacolod City.* BCCO photo There were 334 couples who tied the knot in Bacolod and Kabankalan cities on Saturday, Valentine’s Day.In Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya officiated a mass wedding for 202 couples at the Bacolod City College Activity Center.He also provided a small wedding cake, food, wine, and special souvenirs for each couple as tokens of the city government’s support and recognition of their commitment.During the rites, Gasataya emphasized the legal and lifelong significance of marriage under Philippine law.“This is not something to be taken lightly. Once the ceremony is completed, under the laws of the Philippines, you are already one. We are gathered here today to share in the joy and love that each of...

A high-value drug individual was arrested after the police seized suspected shabu worth P612,000 during a buy-bust operation in Purok Tambi, Brgy. 10, Bacolod City, early Sunday morning, Feb. 15.Police identified the suspect as alias “Pol,” 30, of Purok Tambi.Operatives of the City Drug Enforcement Unit of the Bacolod City Police Office conducted the operation, which resulted in the confiscation of 16 sachets of suspected shabu.Authorities said the seized drugs weighed around 90 grams.Other non-drug items were also recovered during the operation.The suspect is now under police custody and will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.*

The Northern Negros Electric Cooperative Inc. signed a 30-megawatt power supply agreement with Aboitiz Power Corporation, which aims to secure stable and cost-competitive electricity supply for its member-consumer-owners, on Friday, Feb. 13.The agreement was signed in Talisay City through Aboitiz Solar Power Inc. and GNPower Mariveles Energy Center following a competitive selection process.Under the 10-year contract, NONECO will source 20 megawatts of baseload power from GNPower Mariveles Energy Center and 10 megawatts of mid-merit renewable energy from Aboitiz Solar Power Inc.NONECO, in a statement, said the diversified energy mix is expected to help stabilize power rates, improve energy security, and support the increasing demand across its franchise area.Board President ...

Bacolaodiat Festival performers on Sunday.*Ronnie Baldonado photoBacolaodiat Festival 2026 that ushers in the Chinese New Year kicked off with festivities at SM City Bacolod and The Upper East during the weekend. The celebration began on February 14 at SM City Bacolod, featuring a vibrant centerpiece at the Main Atrium. Food enthusiasts also flocked to the Chopsticks Alley at the SMile Strip, which showcases a variety of authentic Asian dishes. Present were Bacolaodiat Festival Chair John Stephen Sy with Oddette Ong-Gomez, Caryn Keng Seng, Karla Sayat, and Michelle Chua, and SM City Bacolod Mall Manager Julia Javellana. On Sunday Megaworld’s The Upper East was transformed into a sea of lights with the Chinese Lantern Installation Making Contest.   The evening culminated in a "Symphony o...