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The Department of Health-Negros Island Region Center for Health Development has  issued a warning against misinformation circulating online about vaccines and urged parents to verify health information before sharing or acting on social media posts.Among the claims identified by the DOH as false were that vaccines contain microchips, that vaccines are unsafe or more dangerous than the diseases they prevent, and that apparently healthy children no longer need vaccination.Available medical evidence supports the DOH warning, with the World Health Organization describing vaccination as the most effective way of preventing measles and saying the measles vaccine is safe and effective.WHO said measles are among the world’s most contagious diseases and can lead to pneumonia, encep...

The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City has approved on Third and Final Reading the “Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Ordinance of Bacolod City,” adopting and institutionalizing the National Feeding Program under Republic Act No. 11037, Councilor  Caesar  Distrito said Tuesday,  Aug. 18.The ordinance was authored by Distrito and  co-authored by Councilors Celia Matea R. Flor and Al Victor A. Espino.The ordinance strengthens the City’s efforts against child undernutrition by providing a 160-day Supplemental Feeding Program for day care learners and a School-Based Feeding Program for Kindergarten to Grade 6 students. It also provides for supplementary milk and micronutrients, health examinations, school gardens, WASH standards, and Central Kitchens...

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Dumaguete City on Monday.*PCO photoPresident Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the distribution of financial assistance to student scholars and rice aid to local residents at the Talay Gymnasium in Dumaguete City on Monday, August 17, underscoring his administration's commitment to bringing government assistance closer to communities.Marcos y handed over P20,000 in financial assistance to each of 15 student representatives of the Bagong Pilipinas Presidential Scholars, symbolizing the  rollout for 250 scholars across Dumaguete City, Valencia, and Bacong. The Presidential Communications Office said the scholarship initiative is projected to benefit 2,785 students across 557 barangays in Negros Oriental.About 2,230 residents, including farmers, f...

The scene of the accident.*PNP photoA 31-year-old driver  died while his passenger  was injured after his motorcycle hit a traffic signpost along the Granada-Alangilan Road in Bacolod City on Saturday night, Aug. 15.The Bacolod City Police Office Traffic Enforcement Unit identified the fatality only as “Aico”, 31, of Brgy. Antipolo, Pontevedra, Negros Occidental.His back rider identified as  “Bert”, 36, of Brgy. Poblacion, San Enrique, sustained minor injuries.Residents said they heard a loud crash at around 8 p.m. near the entrance of Charito Heights Subdivision in Brgy. Granada and later found the two men injured on the road.Police investigation showed that Alvario was driving a Suzuki Raider 150 westbound along the Granada-Alangilan Road when he lost c...

Bacolod  Mayor Greg Gasataya and the Negros Occidental High School students on Monday.*BCCO photo Bacolod  Mayor Greg Gasataya led the distribution of free school bags and supplies to 9,136 students of Negros Occidental High School (NOHS) during the flag ceremony at the school campus on Monday, August 17.It marked the first time that the Bacolod City government provided such assistance to NOHS students. The mayor said the initiative was extended to the school since the majority of its learners reside in Bacolod City, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said.“From now on, we will make sure that every year they receive this program and we will continue to improve it. We will ensure that no Bacolodnon youth is left behind,” Gasataya said.Grade...