Negros Daily Bulletin

28/09/2025

EB Magalona holds 'pawsion show' to raise awareness on responsible pet ownership

EB Magalona will hold a unique show for pet animals - dogs and cats - at the town's covered court on Monday, September 29.

Called "Pet Pawshion Show", the event will highlight the town's observance of this year's World Rabies Day.

But prior to this much-awaited event, a Pet Buddy Fun Run & Walk will gonna happen first starting at 8 a.m.

EB Magalona Mayor Matthew Louis Malacon said "Pet Pawshion Show" is more than just a show, but an initiative to further raise awareness on responsible pet ownership.

EB Magalona for the past years was a rabies-free municipality in Negros Occidental - a legacy instituted by former mayor and now Vice Mayor Marvin Malacon.

However, for the past year, the town registered an average of 100 animal bites per month, records from the Municipal Health Office revealed.

With this, the younger Mayor Malacon said their very aim now is to position EB Magalona not just rabies-free, but also animal bite-free soonest.

"Hence, 'Pet Pawshion Show' is a potent avenue to let every Saraviahanon to be more than aware of their responsibilities as fur parents," the mayor said.

Animal bite, he said, is no ordinary wound inflicted on human's skins.

"It could also be scary, and if not attended well, it could lead to an infection, or even life-threatening disease," the mayor stressed.

Assisting Mayor Malacon to fulfill the newest yet noblest mission of making EB Magalona an animal-bite free municipality are the town's health and agriculture offices.

Thus, aside from pet fun run and walk, and the highly anticipated pawshion show, also spay and neuter, animal consultation and anti-rabies vaccination for dogs and cats will be provided for free.

Thus, Malacon appealed to all Saraviahanons-turned fur dads and mums to join the September 29 events, and avail of freebies and, at the same time, learn more about responsible pet ownership.

"Because a rabies-free, or animal bite-free community always resonates a healthy community," the mayor capped.● (EBM PIO)

•• In Photo
VISIONARY. EB Magalona Mayor Matthew Louis Malacan positions their town not just rabies-free, but also animal bite-free soonest. (EBM PIO photo).

28/09/2025

Rotarians extend aid to needy families in Victorias

The Rotary Club of Bacolod-Marapara, in partnership with the Rotaract Club of Marapara, has once again reached out to indigent families in Victorias City, delivering vital assistance through the mayor’s Adopt a Victoriasanon Family Program. The initiative aims to uplift households facing hardship by providing essential support and restoring hope.

Among the recipients was the Java family from Bugtong Lubi, Barangay 6. Joel Java, 55, serves as a barangay tanod and struggles to support his four children on a modest income. His son, 18-year-old April Boy, lives with a mental disability and is a polio survivor, unable to walk and confined to their small home. Thanks to the clubs’ donation of a wheelchair, April Boy can now move about more freely.

The family also received bedding, clothing, rice, and groceries - simple comforts that brought welcome relief.

Another beneficiary was 35-year-old nipa maker Exibele Balajadia, who, together with his wife, is raising six children in Purok Nipa, Barangay 6. Their riverside home is prone to flooding, adding to their daily challenges. Club members delivered a solar lamp, electric fan, rice, groceries and clothing to help ease their burden.

Rotary Club president April Kitagawa led the distribution of donations. “Meeting these families reminds us why service matters,” she said. “Every small gift can restore dignity and hope. Rotary is here not just to give, but to stand with our communities in times of need.” ● (Robert Harland)

28/09/2025

Thunderstorm Advisory No. 10 VISAYAS PRSD
Issued at 11:02 AM Sunday Sept. 28 2025

Moderate to Heavy rainshowers with lightning and strong winds are expected within the next 30 minutes to an hour over

Negros Oriental (Sibulan, Valencia, Santa Catalina, Siaton, Zamboanguita, City Of Guihulngan, Jimalalud, Tayasan, Pamplona),

Negros Occidental (La Castellana, Isabela, Moises Padilla, Binalbagan and City Of Himamaylan),

Cebu (Toledo City, Santander, Samboan, Alegria, Alcoy, Dalaguete, Oslob, Boljoon), and

Bohol (Tagbilaran City, Maribojoc, Loon).

The above conditions are being experienced in Cebu (Pinamungajan, San Fernando, Aloguinsan, City Of Naga, City Of Carcar, Barili, Malabuyoc, Ginatilan), Bohol (Antequera, Cortes), Negros Oriental (Ayungon and La Libertad) which may persist within 1 to 2 hours and may affect nearby areas.

All are advised to take precautionary measures against the impacts associated with these hazards which include flash floods and landslides. Keep monitoring for updates.● (DOST-PAGASA)

28/09/2025

Is social media draining you?

Experts warn that social media may be hijacking your brain's reward system, with every like, comment, or cute cat video triggering an addictive surge of dopamine. Taking even a short break from the apps can reduce stress and improve your overall happiness—but you'll need to be prepared for the withdrawal symptoms that can come with a social media detox.●

Is social media draining you?

Experts warn that social media may be hijacking your brain's reward system, with every like, comment, or cute cat video triggering an addictive surge of dopamine. Taking even a short break from the apps can reduce stress and improve your overall happiness—but you'll need to be prepared for the withdrawal symptoms that can come with a social media detox.

Find out how scientists say you can safely disconnect: https://on.natgeo.com/42agHim

28/09/2025

FDA flags unauthorized cosmetics from Indonesia that pose health risks

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Philippines recently issued a series of public health warnings against six unauthorized facial creams for lightening the skin tone from Indonesia that the EcoWaste Coalition previously analyzed for mercury, a highly toxic chemical forbidden in such cosmetics.

Last September 24, the FDA published on its website Advisory Numbers 2025-0812 to 2025 -0817 warning the public against the purchase and use of the following products lacking valid certificates of product notification: Meyung Cream Day & Night (white and yellow); UV Special Ginseng SP Whitening Anti-Acne; Asli Herbal SP Mint Day Night; Skinlight Whitening Cream; L-Sky Glow; and 99 Whitening Cream Racikan & Vitamin E Asli.

According to the advisories, the said products have not undergone quality and safety assessment and may contain prohibited ingredients such as heavy metals. Using them, the FDA warned, may pose health risks to consumers resulting in adverse reactions not limited to skin irritation, itchiness, anaphylactic shock, and organ failure.

“We laud the FDA for acting on the results of our market investigation. The issuance of health advisories provides vendors and consumers with guidance on which products pose health risks and must not be offered for sale and consumed,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition. “To stop the persistent entry of banned mercury-laden cosmetics into our ports, we urge the authorities to forge bilateral and multilateral cooperation with other governments and permanently shut down the smuggling of these hazardous cosmetics.”

As reported by the EcoWaste Coalition to the FDA last June 16, the said products, which the group bought from an online seller, screened positive for mercury that is prohibited under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive and the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

Using a handheld X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) device, the group found mercury at levels exceeding the 15 milligram per kilogram (equivalent to parts per million or ppm), the threshold for wastes contaminated with mercury under the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

As per XRF screening results, Asli Herbal SP Mint Day Night contained 2,222 ppm of mercury; Skinlight Whitening Cream had 2,168 ppm; UV Special Ginseng SP Whitening Anti-Acne 1,804 ppm; 99 Whitening Cream Racikan & Vitamin E Asli 889 ppm; Meyung Cream Day & Night 600 ppm (white) and 384 ppm (yellow); and L-Sky Glow with 564 ppm of mercury.

The FDA in 2024 also flagged four other skin lightening products from Indonesia that were analyzed by the EcoWaste Coalition as containing mercury, namely: Dr. Gold Super Quality +SPF30; Fair & Lovely Day & Night Cream; La Bella Day Cream; and La Bella Night Cream.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), “skin lightening products often contain various harmful chemicals like steroids, hydroquinone, and mercury, which pose serious health risks,” noting that “mercury exposure can cause skin rashes, scarring, and long-term damage to the nervous system and kidneys.”

“Pregnant women and children are especially vulnerable,” emphasized UNEP.

“The dangers extend beyond direct users – family members can also be exposed through contact with contaminated towels, skin, or even inhaling mercury vapors. Furthermore, when these products wash down drains, they contaminate water supplies affecting entire communities,” it added.

The EcoWaste Coalition pledged to continue its market investigation and advocacy efforts to protect the people's health from preventable sources of mercury pollution, and uphold the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.●

28/09/2025

Bacolod solon seeks stronger reforms as DPWH faces corruption probe

The Senate investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects has renewed calls in Congress for stronger action against corruption in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Bacolod Lone District Representative Albee Benitez said in a statement, that the controversy, which has implicated lawmakers and former Speaker Martin Romualdez, emphasizes the urgency of reforms to protect public funds.

He urged the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to expedite its probe, adding that Congress must ensure laws are strong enough to address systemic irregularities.

Benitez also raised whether the DPWH could still be reformed through “top-to-bottom” measures or if its functions have become untenable, requiring the agency to be dismantled and replaced.

“The people are waiting to see if our chamber can reassert its relevance and act not out of self-interest but for the people’s benefit,” he said.● (Reymund Titong)

27/09/2025

Sept. 28 2025 Sunday WEATHER FORECAST

SYNOPSIS:
Easterlies affecting the country.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Easterlies. (Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms)

The whole country will have light to moderate winds from Northeast to Southeast with slight to moderate seas. (0.6 to 2.5 meters).● (DOST-PAGASA)
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NDB NOTE:
Weather maps and graphics posted here were sourced by the NEGROS DAILY BULLETIN (NDB) from PAGASA, ACCUWEATHER, and NEGROS OCCIDENTAL PROV'L DRRMO.°

27/09/2025

ARROW Act for right-of-way acquisition reform signed

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed into law Republic Act No. 12289, or the Accelerated and Reformed Right-of-Way (ARROW) Act, which aims to expedite and ensure fairness in the government's acquisition of land for infrastructure projects while providing proper compensation to landowners and affected families.

Signed into law by President Marcos last September 12, RA No. 12289 introduced amendments to several sections of R.A. No. 10752, or the Right-of-Way Act of 2016, as well as inserted new sections.

The ARROW Act defines national government projects and private entities providing public services, as well as the rules on negotiated sales.

The law provides that the appropriate price offer shall be based on the valuation system and schedule of market values (SMV) established under R.A. No. 12001, or the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act of 2024.

In the absence of an approved SMV, the offer amount must be based on the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) zonal land valuation and the assessed value of the improvement, including machinery considered as immovable under the New Civil Code, structures, crops, or trees.

For untitled lands, the land owner or possessor is required to submit a tax declaration, an affidavit from disinterested residents where the land is located, a Real Property Tax Certificate, a certification from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and a property technical description.

The new law amended Section 6 of R.A. No. 10752 on Guidelines for Expropriation Proceedings, requiring the implementing agency or private entity to deposit to the court 15 percent of the land’s market value upon the filing of a complaint.

The deposit also includes 100-percent replacement cost, including improvement depreciation, and 15-percent market value of crops and trees located within the property.

The section on the relocation of informal settlers was also amended, with the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD) coordinating with the local government units (LGUs) in establishing and developing resettlement sites for informal settlers.

Meanwhile under the amended Section 10, public-private partnership (PPP) project right-of-way acquisition shall be in accordance with R.A. No. 11966 or the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code of the Philippines of 2023, and its implementing rules and regulations (IRR).

The compensation for project-affected land structures, improvement, and immovable machineries shall be based on the New Civil Code.

Under the amended Section 12, a private entity violating the provisions of the ARROW Act is held accountable by law, which holds its president, manager, director, trustee, or responsible officers liable for civil or criminal sanctions.

The new law also widens the composition of departments mandated to prepare the implementing rules and regulations.

Among those included were the Secretaries of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and DSHUD.

The sections inserted were Section 5 on Entry and Use of Property Within Ancestral Domains; Section 11 on Relocation of Utilities and Facilities Owned by Utility Providers Affected by a National Government Project; Section 15 on Applicability of Republic Act No. 8975 on the expeditious implementation and completion of government infrastructure projects by prohibiting lower courts from issuing temporary restraining orders; Section 16 on Guidelines on Information Sharing and Assistance for Right-of-Way Acquisition; Section 17, Foreign-Assisted Projects; and Section 18 on Public Disclosure of Essential Right-of-Way Information.● (PND via PIA 6/ Negros Occ.)

27/09/2025

2GO SCVASI Expands Fleet with New Re**er Vans and ISO Tanks to Strengthen Specialized Logistics Services

2GO Special Containers and Value-Added Services, Inc. (SCVASI), a subsidiary of 2GO Group Inc. and a longstanding provider of specialized logistics solutions in the Philippines, including cold chain logistics, announced the expansion of its fleet with newly acquired re**er vans and ISO tanks. This investment demonstrates SCVASI’s commitment to strengthening its capacity to serve stakeholders nationwide, supporting agribusiness, food manufacturing, quick-service restaurants, and other essential industries with bulk liquid and cold chain requirements.

The new assets include 40-foot high cube re**er containers equipped with Thermo King Magnum refrigeration systems, offering greater cargo capacity, rapid cooling performance, energy efficiency, and temperature control down to –40°C compared to the standard –30°C. The fleet expansion also features 20-foot ISO tanks with internationally certified safety features to ensure the secure transport of food-grade liquids.

With this expansion, SCVASI has increased its overall transport capacity by nearly 50%, ensuring reliable and scalable logistics solutions for temperature-sensitive and bulk liquid cargo across the country.

“This investment reflects our commitment to continuously meet the evolving needs of our customers by providing more sustainable and efficient logistics solutions,” said Gener Lim, Business Unit Head of 2GO SCVASI. “By expanding our fleet, we are supporting industries that keep communities supplied, strengthening nationwide logistics, and reinforcing our role as a partner in the country’s growth.”

The new re**er vans and ISO tanks are already in nationwide service, meeting customer demand and ensuring uninterrupted supply chains. With multimodal capabilities, SCVASI ensures goods are handled securely and efficiently end to end.

Through continuous investment in specialized equipment, 2GO SCVASI reaffirms its commitment to delivering efficient, safe, and customer-focused logistics solutions that sustain industries and contribute to nation-building.● (2Go)

•• In Photo
2GO SCVASI’s new re**er vans and ISO tanks now in operation, boosting cold chain and bulk liquid logistics capacity this September.

27/09/2025

‘Fly Ta Bai’ as Cebu Pacific rolls out Seat Sale for Vis-Min travelers

Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ leading carrier, is launching another seat sale for travelers from Visayas and Mindanao, offering greater access to the airline’s wide domestic network and select international destinations.

From September 24 to 30, 2025, travelers can book their flights from select destinations in Visayas and Mindanao for as low as PHP 88 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges. The travel period will be from January 1 to June 30, 2026, perfect for those who want to plan their summer travels early.

From Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo, passengers can fly direct to Singapore, while Cebu and Iloilo also offer connections to Hong Kong. Cebu further expands travelers’ options with flights to Bangkok-Don Mueang, Incheon, Narita, Osaka, and Ho Chi Minh.

On top of these international offers, travelers from Visayas and Mindanao can also take advantage of CEB’s widest inter-island connectivity, providing them more opportunities to explore more of the Philippines.

Passengers may use their credit or debit cards and existing Travel Funds to book flights and avail themselves of other add-ons.
CEB currently flies to 35 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

Fly Ta Bai now with Cebu Pacific! Book your flights now at bit.ly/CebuPacificSale.●

27/09/2025

GARDEN CLUB CELEBRANTS. Negros Occidental Garden Club members celebrated their September birthdays during the club’s recent monthly general assembly at the Acacia Hotel, Bacolod City.
Surrounded by blooms and camaraderie, the celebrators were honored in true garden club style. (L–R): Lucille Vasquez, Margie Bito-on, Pamela Hoevels, President Nonoy Napao, Carrie Maalat, Ellen Lapak, Merlyn Chapa, Edna Mendez, and Champa Gidwani.● (Robert Harland)

27/09/2025