This Week in Bacolod (September 9 to 15, 2018)

Locals and tourists can look forward to a great weather throughout the week. The weather over Bacolod City will be partly sunny to mostly sunny with considerable cloudiness this week. Just look out for thunderstorms looming as well [1]. The public is advised to bring umbrellas or caps to protect themselves from the heat of the sun or chances of scattered rain showers. It is also advised to bring bottled water to keep yourself hydrated. Travelers must take this opportunity to go to some resorts in Bacolod.

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) impounded a total of 21 tricycles from August 27 to 28. This is because of the BCPO’s strong support to the Bacolod City Government’s anti-colorum campaign. The campaign aims to ensure the security of the riding public, and to minimize traffic congestion. The impounded tricycles that were privately-owned, and were used as a public utility without proper authority or permit to operate [2]. Tourists are advised to avoid colorum vehicles such as vans, taxis or tricycles for their personal safety.

The Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIA) announced last month that there will be a runway closure from September 1 to 21. That’s the reason why airlines adjusted their flight schedules especially the early morning flights. Cebu-Bacolod-Cebu flights are also affected. Air travelers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the possible changes or cancellations of their flights. The air passengers of the retimed flights have been notified by their respective airlines of their new flight schedules and via email and phone call [3]. For those who haven’t been notified yet, call your airline services to ensure there’s no mix-up.

The swimming pool at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City is temporarily closed for this month as the Negros Occidental Provincial Government awaits for the supply of chlorine. The swimming pool is usually used for the training of swimmers. The chlorine procurement will be scheduled for bidding, and the purchase is made in bulk which costs about P100,000 for a year’s supply. The same supply of chlorine is being used at the swimming pools in Mambukal Summer Resort which is also managed by the provincial government [4].

The construction of the access road to Binadlan falls of Binalbagan is now ongoing. The 3.75-kilometer access road is a project implemented by the Department of Tourism (DOT) together with the Department of Public Works and Highways. This project costs an estimate of PHP100 million, and is envisioned to create a more accessible road to the famous spot especially for tourists. This can also improve access to the highland barangays of Binalbagan, and product transport like agricultural produce to the town proper. The second tallest waterfalls in the Philippines offers an enchanting view of the crystal-blue water coming down the forest [5].

House Bill No. 7964, a bill that aims to exempt senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs) from travel tax when they travel was welcomed by a retired Regional Trial Court judge in Negros Occidental. This bill seeks to lessen financial expenses of a travelling senior citizen or PWDs. Exempting them from paying the travel tax will be a great help especially for those who can’t afford. This bill was authored by Bacolod City Representative Greg Gasataya which senior citizens and PWDs are one of his primary beneficiaries of his platforms [6].