This Week in Bacolod (November 25 to December 1, 2018)

Another rainy spell is upon Bacoleños this week, with temperatures expected to be low as 23°C. Few signs of sun will be experience in kicking off the week with a low chance of rains showers from Monday to Wednesday [1]. The humidity will then turn into rain showers from Thursday until the weekend. It is advisable to bring an umbrella to protect yourselves from whatever weather conditions. It is best to be well prepared because of the unpredictability of weather this week.

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) reminds motorists to never drive vehicles while under the influence of alcohol. The BCPO reiterates this call as series of road accidents happen in the city due to drunkenness in the latter part of this year. Motorists are advised to always bear in mind his personal safety, the safety of his passengers, and other motorists on the road to prevent accidents and of course, lessen traffic congestion [2]. If you are under the influence of alcohol make sure that someone sober will drive you home to avoid accidents.

A tourist transport operator is urging several local government units (LGUs) in the province to act against “colorum” operators. The tourist transport operator also indicated the need for the assistance of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to identify legitimate operators since their vans are also being tagged as colorum which is unfair [3]. Tourists are advised to never ride a colorum vehicle especially when going to far flung mountain resorts and white beaches. Riding a colorum risks your personal safety since the drivers or operators do not have accountability in case of accidents.

The provincial government of Negros Occidental plans to rehabilitate the Panaad Park and Stadium, especially its oval. Upon the ocular inspection by engineers, it was noticeable that the rubber at the oval needs to be replaced. The rehabilitation is a major concern as of the moment since the stadium has been the home of international football competitions in the Philippines [4]. This is also a great way in preparing for the biggest festival of the province, the Panaad sa Negros Festival in April.

The local government of Bacolod may soon ban the distribution and use of plastic straws and disposable stirrers in the City of Smiles. The city council recently approved the passage of the proposed ordinance prohibiting single-use plastics. Barangay Sum-ag, one of the barangays in the city is also banning of the usage of plastic straws during their Martesan Festival, and is expected to extend after the celebration [5]. Tourists who will be coming to Bacolod are also encouraged to practice an eco-friendly travel since trash build up can be very alarming since the city is developing really fast.