This Week in Bacolod (May 27- June 2, 2018)

Thunderstorms are still in the forecast throughout the week. Mostly cloudy skies to strays of thunderstorms will be experienced over Bacolod City in the last week of May. Minimum temperature will be at 25 °C while maximum temperature will be at 35 °C [1]. Locals and tourists alike are advised to always bring umbrellas and caps for both showers and heat. It is also advisable to bring a bottle of water in hand to keep hydrated.

Last week, a number of accidents ensued along Lacson Street due to the ongoing drainage construction of the government. The lack of early warning signs and appropriate lighting in the area has been the primary reason why motorists fell in a pit, as excavating to install bigger drainage is part of the construction. Tourists are advised to take a right turn to North Capitol Road when going to the downtown area to ensure safer driving. Since there is also a heavy traffic surge in the area it will be best to find alternative routes.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) will improve the air-conditioning in the airport after travellers flagged discomfort brought by the humidity and summer heat. As requested by Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, CAAP will add industrial fans and air coolers at the Bacolod-Silay International Airport [2]. Tourists who will be flying in and out of the city can expect a cooler airport which will make waiting for flights more comfortable.

A ferry company is advising tourists and the public to avoid dealing with fixers to shun any inconveniences during a trip. Republic Act No. 9485 defines “fixer” as “any individual whether or not officially involved in the operation of a government office or any agency who has access to people working therein who facilitates speedy completion of transactions for pecuniary gain or any other advantage or consideration.” Tourists are urged to report incidents by providing the name of the fixer, the port area, hour, date and kind of the transaction. Fixers when caught will face a penalty of imprisonment not exceeding six years or a fine that ranges from PhP20,000 to PhP200,000.

The Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) previously conducted inspections of the beaches and resorts to ensure the compliance of hiring certified lifeguards in preparation for summer. The DRRMO conducted a five-day training course for lifeguards of coastal, beach, and inland resorts in Bacolod City at the VMA Center [3]. This gives an added safety padding for tourists when visiting local resorts and beaches as well-trained lifeguards will be on duty throughout the remaining days of the summer and even on the lean months and the holidays.