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The security send off on Saturday, March 22.*Richard Malihan photoNegros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson led the security send-off ceremony Saturday for the 29th Panaad sa Negros Festival that opens Monday, March 24 and will run until Sunday, March 30.The annual festival will be held at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.There are 1,015 security personnel being fielded for the festival.The Security Committee and Site Task Group, led by Lacson together with the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office and various government agencies, have ensured that all preparations are in place for a safe and successful weeklong celebration, a press release from the Capitol said.Meanwhile. almost 2,000 runners, including the Lin-ay sang Negros 2025...

Lin-ay sang La Castellana Chermaine Faith Semillano who was voted  muse of the media.* Ronnie Baldonado photoLin-ay sang La Castellana Chermaine Faith Semillano was voted muse of the media during the Lin-ay sang Negros Press Presentation at the SM City Bacolod Atrium, Saturday morning, March 22.Semillano bested 26 other candidates from the towns and cities of Negros Occidental who were asked questions on various issues and current events by the media and bloggers.Semillano was asked - What qualities define a true Lin-ay sang Negros, and in what ways do you embody these values?Semillano answered that a true Lin-ay sang Negros embodies the values of resilience, compassion, inspiration, and rises above challenges and uplifts others along the way.“I embody those val...

Negros Electric and Power Corp. has completed major upgrades to its Panaogao and Sum-ag substations, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to modernize and strengthen its power infrastructure.The Panaogao Substation in Silay City underwent a comprehensive maintenance program on Saturday, March 22, temporarily affecting 10,221 consumers, a press release from the firm said.The following day, Sunday, the Sum-ag Substation received similar upgrades, it said.These included protection system upgrades, installing new insulators, replacing disconnect switches, current transformers, correcting hotspots, and adding “tree wires”, Engr. Oscar Duca, Area Office Assistant Manager of Negros Power, said.These measures are designed to reinforce power stability and reduce po...

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson inducted broadcaster Mark Salanga of Aksyon Radyo into office as the 89th president of the NPC.*“May your commitment to the ideals of promoting press freedom and cultivating an empowered and accountable media practice be renewed with vigor and inspired dedication”.That was the challenge of Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson to the Negros Press Club officers who were inducted into office at Sugarland Hotel in Bacolod City on Saturday evening, March 22.“Your leadership comes at a time when the role of journalists, reporters, and media practitioners is more crucial than ever in upholding truth, fostering public discourse, and strengthening democracy,” Lacson said.Lacson, who thanked the members of the Negros Press Club for their unwavering comm...

Gasoline prices could increase to as high as P1 per liter on Tuesday, March 25.Gasoline prices are forecasted to increase by 80 centavos to P1 per liter, Unioil Petroleum Philippines said Saturday, March 22.Diesel prices will increase by 20 to 40 centavos per liter, it added.Kerosene prices are also expected to increase by 10 and 30 centavos.*

Four persons, including a father and his son, were arrested with P340,000 worth of suspected shabu in Hacienda Banilad 1, Brgy. Nanca, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, on Friday, March 21.Arrested in a buy-bust operation were Mario Tapic, 43, and his 19-year-old son, an 18-year-old male, and Kimberly Gaylan, 29, at about 6 p.m. of Friday.Recovered from them were 50 grams of suspected shabu and a .38 revolver with three ammunition, the police said.The suspects are now in police custody.*

A Cadiz resident died when his motorcycle hit a parked truck at the highway in Brgy. Tortosa, Manapla, Negros Occidental, on Sunday, March 23.The police identified the victim only as alias “Jes”, 38, who was a resident of Cadiz City.The victim was driving his motorcycle from Manapla going to Victorias City when he suddenly hit the back of the truck, the police reported.He was brought to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.*

Bacolodnons’ marked Earth Hour in front of the Bacolod City Government Center on Saturday.*NICE photoMore than 2,000 participants joined Bacolod Earth Hour 2025 at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds on Saturday, March 22, John Dyrick Dormis, Negrosanon Initiative for Climate and the Environment (NICE) deputy secretary general, said.This year’s Earth Hour not only highlighted the need for energy conservation but also marked the official launch of the Bacolod City Climate Change and Environment Council, a significant step toward stronger climate governance in the city, he said.Participants and organizers urged Bacolodnons to actively advocate for environmental protection, a just energy transition, and inclusive governance."Bacolod Earth Hour is more than just 60 minut...

The Sidlak Music Fest*The first-ever Sidlak Music Fest drew a crowd of 12,000, filling the Victorias City Coliseum to capacity on Saturday, March 22, making it one of the biggest events of the Kadalag-an Festival in Victorias City.Victoriasanons were treated to a night of top-tier entertainment, featuring an electrifying lineup of performances that kept the energy soaring until the very end, a press release from Victorias City said.Adding a dose of humor, hosts Wacky Kiray and Alexa Miro kept the audience engaged with their witty banter and comedic flair, making the night even more enjoyable.Nico Antonio opened the evening with a dynamic performance, building up the crowd’s excitement.Michael Pangilinan followed with his signature feel-good R&B and soul music, seren...

A balut vendor was shot to death by three unidentified suspects in Sitio Proper, Brgy. Pinapugasan, Escalante City, Negros Occidental, on Sunday, March 23.The victim was identified by the police only as alias “Abe”, 41, of Brgy. Libertad, Escalante City.The victim was going to the Sitio Proper where a fiesta was being held when the suspects approached and shot him in the chest, the police said.The victim was brought to a hospital where he was declared dead, while his assailants escaped.*