This Week in Bacolod (September 2 to 8, 2018)

After having few signs of sun last week, the City of Smiles will now again face downpours and thunderstorms which will set the mood for the whole week [1]. It is recommended to stay indoors as much as possible for your protection. In preparation for rain showers and flash floods, always keep your gadgets and important documents in waterproof bags and casings. Always bring an umbrella whatever the weather conditions is.

Six conservation programs on road transport were introduced by the Department of Energy (DOE) aiming to save both fuel and the environment [2]. The carpooling program was the first program that was advised to the public where two or more people shares their daily commute on a regular basis. Another one is park and ride program where transport options are offered like the use of bus and public utility jeepneys. Other programs are carless day program, park and pick program, park and walk program and park and wait program. DOE also cited that you can also save money if applied.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will now be closely monitored by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) – Bacolod. Under the Republic Act 10586 or Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, motorists who will be caught violating the rules, even if it did not result into physical injuries or homicide, will still have penalty of three months imprisonment, and a fine ranging from PhP20,000 to P80,000. A fine ranging from PhP100,000 to PhP200,000, and PhP300,000 to PhP500,000 will be charged for physical injury and homicide respectively [3]. Local travelers are advised not to drive, even with a little influence of alcohol.

The scheduled repair and rehabilitation of the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) runway from September 1 to 21 brings cancellation of flights from Bacolod to Cebu and vice versa routes [4]. Airlines such as Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines announced the cancellation of their flights last week. Flights that will be greatly affected will be the thrice-a-week flights of DG-6462 and DG-6463 of Cebu Pacific. It is recommended to double check your flight schedules to avoid any complications especially if you will be traveling this month.

Philippine and Chinese officials will be meeting this week in Beijing to continue discussions on the challenges in the preparation and implementation of the administration’s “Build, Build, Build” (BBB) infrastructure projects [5]. One mega project that will be part of the discussion is the Panay-Guimaras-Negros inter-island bridges. This project is estimated to be done in five years. However, to make this development even stronger, inland connections from Negros Oriental should be done to fully saturate economic activities all over Panay, Guimaras and Negros. This is great news as well to tourist since the B-I-G (Bacolod-IloIlo-Guimaras) travel itinerary will also be more accessible.

The dumping of waste in the middle of Lopez Jaena Street in Bacolod City caught the attention of the Bacolod netizens last week [6]. That’s the reason why, quick solutions has been made to secure that the situation will never happen again. Bacolod City Government proposed higher penalties for people who are violating RA 9003. Fines ranging from P300 to P1,000,000 with a community service or imprisonment of up to six years, depending on the gravity of the violations will be implemented. For tourists, please be mindful where you throw your trash especially in the City of Smiles to avoid the aforementioned penalties.

Ordinances to regulate single use plastics, sando bags, and polystyrene materials or Styrofoam, and the imposition of an environmental user fee hurdles its first reading at the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) of Sipalay City [7]. This will strengthen the campaign of Sipalay City in sustainable tourism projects since it is becoming one of the beach alternatives in the nation after the closure of Boracay. Tourists who are fond of using plastics is recommended to use other alternatives containers, bags and receptacles to help in the protection of the beach spots in the city.