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Sep202026 by Carla P. GomezNo Comments

6 from Negros schools among top nursing board exam passers

Six graduates from four Negros Island nursing schools were among the of top 10 passers in the August–September 2026 Philippine Nurses Licensure Exam (PNLE), the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced on Saturday, September 19.Two Negros universities also ranked among the country’s top-performing nursing schools, with St. Paul University Dumaguete securing third place and the University of St. La Salle (USLS) in Bacolod City ranking tenth.Leading the top-passer list from the island were fifth-place placers Allanah Beatriz Tubal of USLS and Therese Erika Aliboso Gomez of Colegio de San Agustin – Bacolod (CSA-B).Joining them were J. Eugene Christian Segura Jolito of CSA-B in eighth place, Joriel C. Racho of the State University of Northern Negros and Lyzel...

Sep202026 by Carla P. GomezNo Comments

Air quality in Bacolod, La Castellana unhealthy: EMB

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Air quality in Bacolod City was classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups and very unhealthy in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, on Sunday, Sept. 20, the Environmental Management Bureau–Negros Island Region (EMB-NIR) reported.The air quality in La Carlota City was fair and good Canlaon City, the EMB added.The EMB-NIR said residents in areas designated as a very unhealthy should avoid high-traffic zones. Individuals with heart or respiratory conditions, such as asthma, are strongly advised to stay indoors and rest as much as possible. The agency also urged the public to postpone unnecessary trips and to voluntarily restrict vehicle use to prevent further air degradation.In locations categorized ...

Sep202026 by Mark L. GarciaNo Comments

Motorcycle driver killed, back rider injured in Manapla crash

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A 43-year-old motorcycle driver died while his back rider was injured after their motorcycle crashed into a concrete post along the national road in Brgy. Punta Mesa, Manapla, Negros Occidental, on Friday afternoon, Sept. 18.Police identified the driver as alias “Jessie,” 43, a resident of Brgy. Tortosa, Manapla, and his back rider as alias “Marco,” 40, of Brgy. Cansilayan, Murcia.The two were traveling aboard a Rusi TC Macho 125 motorcycle from Victorias City toward Manapla at around 3 p.m. when the road incident occurred at Hacienda Gaston.Police said the motorcycle was allegedly traveling at excessive speed when the driver lost control while negotiating a curved portion of the road.The motorcycle overshot the curve and struck a concrete post supporting a steel roadside b...

Sep202026 by Nanette GuadalquiverNo Comments

DOH to establish mental hospital, drug rehab center in Sipalay

Negros Oriental, Top Stories

Negrense philanthropist Merceditas Montilla and Health Undersecretary Mary Ann Maestral (seated, 2nd and 3rd from left) show the signed the deed of donation for a 30,000-square meter lot during a signing ceremony in Bacolod City on Saturday.*DOH photo The Department of Health (DOH) will establish a mental hospital and drug rehabilitation facility in southern Negros to expand access to specialized mental health care and substance use treatment in the Negros Island Region (NIR).The proposed institution, to be called the Merceditas J. Montilla Mental Hospital and Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, will be the first of its kind in Negros and Siquijor.On Saturday, the DOH formally accepted the donation of a 30,000-square meter lot for the site of the twin healthcare facility ...

Sep202026 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

Progressive groups remember Escalante massacre, say justice long overdue

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A scene from the Escalante massacre* NFSW Facebook page photoProgressive groups led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) Negros and Mothers and Relatives of Victims of Tyranny (MARTYRS) on the 41st anniversary of the Escalante Massacre in Negros Occidental on September 20 paid tribute to the 20 civilians “martyrs” killed during the 1985 protest.The victims were killed on September 20, 1985, when Philippine Constabulary forces and paramilitary units opened fire on a peaceful Welgang Bayan (People's Strike) demanding an end to the Marcos dictatorship, they said in a press statement.The fatal dispersal also left hundreds injured in front of the town center.They military forces for attempting to suppress public commemorations and alter historical...

Sep202026 by Mark L. GarciaNo Comments

1,452 cops to secure Martial Law anniversary observance in NIR

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The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region will deploy 1,452 police personnel across the region for the commemoration of the 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law on Monday, Sept. 21.PRO-NIR said security measures will be implemented in strategic areas where public activities and gatherings are expected.The deployment will include police visibility operations, foot, mobile and motorcycle patrols, traffic assistance, checkpoints, border control, civil disturbance management teams and reactionary standby forces.The 1,452 police personnel will be augmented by eight personnel from other units and 316 force multipliers.PRO-NIR will also be placed on full alert status throughout the commemoration, with personnel directed to maintain heightened vigilance and ensu...

Sep202026 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

Cadiz launches first-ever nationwide art tilt with hefty prizes at stake

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Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr.*The local government unit of Cadiz City in Negros Occidental is launching its first nationwide painting competition with significant cash prizes, inviting artists across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to illustrate their interpretations of the theme "Healing."Timed to coincide with the city's upcoming 53rd Dinagsa Festival in January, the art derby marks a major expansion from the local competitions established six years ago at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a press release from the city government said Sunday, Sept. 20.Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. said he is optimistic about the broader participation, noting that the initiative aims to feature artistic pieces narrating real stories of survival and resilience despite life...

Sep182026 by Joann VillanuevaNo Comments

Nearly P11/liter fuel price hike seen next week

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PNA file photoDomestic fuel prices are likely to increase by as much as PHP10.50 per liter due to the sustained escalation of tensions in the Middle East.Citing price developments in the Asian market and the movement of foreign exchange as of Thursday, Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas, in a message to journalists on Friday, Sept. 18, said diesel prices are forecast to rise between PHP10 and PHP10.50 per liter and gasoline between PHP4.50 and PHP5 per liter. These figures are way higher than the PHP4.69 per liter hike in gasoline prices and PHP5.18 per liter for diesel this week, based on data released by the Department of Energy (DOE) on Tuesday. Kerosene also rose by PHP5.58 per liter. “Oil prices surged higher after attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and the ...

Sep182026 by Carla P. GomezNo Comments

About 1,800 cops to secure MassKara, road closures proposed

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The MassKara Festival 2026 Interagency Team press conference on preparations for a safe and orderly festival,*Ronnie Baldonado photoAbout 1,800 police officers will be fielded to secure the MassKara Festival in Bacolod City, which kicks off on October 1 and runs until October 18.The festival peaks on October 16 with the Electric MassKara, followed by the arena and street dancing competitions for schools and barangays on October 17 and 18.Eighty percent of the Bacolod police force, about 800 officers, will be deployed to secure the festival. They will be joined by a 1,000-person augmentation force requested from the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region, PLt.Col. Lester L. Leada, Bacolod Police Sub-Site Task Group for Peace and Order commander, said at a ...

Sep182026 by Carla P. GomezNo Comments

MassKara organizers confident SM City Bacolod arena dance competition venue safe from flooding

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Organizers of the MassKara Festival are confident that the arena dance competition to be held between the bridgeways of SM City Bacolod at the reclamation area on October 17 and 18 will not be hampered by potential flooding.Should it rain, they are fairly confident that there will be minimal to no flooding in the area, Atty. Hannah Lea Dela Torre, Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. director, said at a MassKara Festival press conference on Friday, September 18.She explained that when it rains and the floodway of the diversion channel is open at the reclamation area, water swiftly subsides as it drains into the sea.Dela Torre noted that there is no alternative venue for the arena dance competition, and that bleachers will be set up for spectators.The new v...