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Cesar Jolito III, Bacolod CIty (2026)

08/06/2026

BACOLOD CITY STARTS DISTRIBUTION OF FREE SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO 113,000 PUBLIC SCHOOL LEARNERS

Mayor Greg Gasataya led the distribution of free school supplies at A.L. Jayme Elementary School on Monday, June 8, marking the official launch of Bacolod City’s school supplies and P.E. uniform distribution program for public school learners.

The program will benefit approximately 113,000 students from Kindergarten to Senior High School enrolled in public schools under the Department of Education–Division of Bacolod.

Following the kickoff, the city-wide distribution continued at Kabugwason Elementary School, Mandalagan Elementary School, and Abkasa Elementary School, where Mayor Gasataya and city officials personally handed out school kits to learners on the first day of classes.

The initiative aims to help ease the financial burden on families and ensure students begin the school year with the basic materials they need for learning.

Mayor Gasataya assured parents that late enrollees and transferees who were not included in the initial estimates will also receive school supplies.

“We are making every effort to ensure that even late enrollees receive the school supplies they need. We will coordinate with DepEd to determine the number of late enrollees, as many transferees were not included in the original estimates. They do not have to worry because the city is preparing for this,” the mayor said.

A.L. Jayme Elementary School Principal Rizalie Salaver thanked the city government and DepEd for the timely support.

“We are deeply grateful, together with our parents and learners, for this initiative of the city government in partnership with our Division Office. This is a tremendous help to our families,” Salaver said.

For many families, the assistance provided much-needed relief as they cope with the rising costs of school supplies, uniforms, transportation, and other educational expenses.

Marites Villaflor, a parent of a Kindergarten learner, said the support was a huge help to their family.

“We were only able to buy a few school materials, and my child is still using his old school bag because of financial difficulties. When I learned that Mayor Greg would be giving out school supplies, I was overjoyed because this is a huge help to our family,” she shared.

Maria Fe Mercurio, who accompanied her Grade 1 grandchild, also expressed gratitude for the assistance.

“This is a great advantage for parents like us who have not yet purchased school supplies. We usually spend more than P1,000 for school needs. We are truly thankful to Mayor Greg for providing school supplies to my grandchild,” Mercurio said.

The school supplies distribution program is part of the city government’s continuing commitment to support education and help ensure that every learner begins the academic year prepared, confident, and ready to succeed.

By providing free school supplies to more than 113,000 public school learners, the City Government of Bacolod continues to invest in the future of the city’s youth and strengthen access to quality education for all. | via BACOLOD CITY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE

08/06/2026

SCHOOL SUPPLIES FROM BACOLOD CITY GOVERNMENT RECEIVED BY STUDENTS ON FIRST DAY OF CLASSES

Students of Don Fernando F. Gonzaga Elementary School in Bacolod City received school supplies from the Bacolod City Government on the opening day of classes, helping them prepare for the start of the new academic year. The school supplies were delivered over the weekend to the school before classes starts today.

Meanwhile, school bags are being distributed per school, with Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya personally leading the turnover to the students.

The initiative forms part of the city’s continued support for learners as they return to school for the new academic year that starts, today June 8, 2026. | via Cesar Jolito III/WDJ

07/06/2026

KAPAMILYA STARS DRAW HUGE CROWD IN VICTORIAS CITY

Victorias City Coliseum is jam packed on Sunday afternoon as Kapamilya stars delivered an unforgettable performance during the ASAP XP concert in Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

Headlining the star-studded event were Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Darren Espanto, Martin Nievera, and the popular love team of Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano.

The jampacked venue echoed with cheers and sing-alongs as fans enjoyed an afternoon of music and entertainment. | via Cesar Jolito III/WDJ

06/06/2026

PHILIPPINES DOMINATES SEABA, WINS FIBA U18 WOMEN’S GOLD UNDEFEATED 🥇

Gilas Pilipinas U18 girls completed a flawless campaign in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers, overpowering Indonesia, 88-62, to capture the gold medal and finish the tournament undefeated on June 6, 2026.

Powering the Gilas Girls’ championship run was Tigbauan standout Rhiane Perez, who delivered 18 points and 5 rebounds in the final to earn Player of the Game honors. Perez also emerged as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) after leading the Philippines past Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Indonesia settled for silver, while Singapore took home the bronze medal. The Philippines and Indonesia both secured berths in the upcoming FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup, with Thailand joining the field as the host nation. | via Cesar Jolito III/WDJ

05/06/2026

GRAVEL TITLE, POSTS 3RD FASTEST OVERALL TIME

Bacolod City and Negros Occidental pride Leolpodo Japitana of OPUS Bacolod Team emerged as the National Champion in the Men's 35-39 age category of the 110-kilometer 2026 OVRLND GRVL: Philippine Gravel National Championships held at Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga on May 31.

Japitana completed the challenging UCI-sanctioned gravel race in 3 hours and 10 minutes, recording the third fastest overall time among nearly 600 participants from across the country.

His victory secured him the national title in his division and placed him among the country's top gravel cyclists in one of the biggest gravel racing events ever staged in the Philippines. | via Cesar Jolito III/WDJ

📸: Zion Designs

04/06/2026

GILAS WOMEN’S U18 MOVES CLOSER TO 3-0 WITH DOMINANT WIN OVER THAILAND

Gilas Pilipinas Women’s U18 continued its impressive run in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers, overpowering Thailand, 86-48, at the STI-WNU Gym in Bacolod City.

The Filipinas controlled the match from the opening quarter and never looked back, securing a convincing 38-point victory.

The win followed the team’s 83-53 triumph over Singapore on June 3 and moved the host nation closer to an unbeaten 3-0 record in the tournament. | via Cesar Jolito III/WDJ

📸: Cesar Jolito III & JM Villafuerte

03/06/2026

NEW SENATE MAJORITY DEFENDS QUORUM, URGES CHAMBER TO MOVE FORWARD

Members of the Senate's new majority bloc on Wednesday defended the chamber's decision to proceed with its proceedings amid the ongoing leadership impasse, stressing that the Senate must continue fulfilling its constitutional duties despite political disagreements.

In a joint statement, the majority bloc lauded Senate President Pro Tempore Francis “Chiz” Escudero for taking the floor during the session and helping address issues that have stalled the chamber's operations.

The group said Escudero's actions demonstrated his commitment to the institution, the Constitution, and public service, allowing the Senate to resume discussions on matters they described as too important to leave unresolved.

The majority also maintained that the Senate had a valid quorum despite questions raised by some lawmakers regarding attendance requirements.

Citing the Supreme Court ruling in Avelino v. Cuenco, the bloc said a quorum may be determined based on the number of senators who are legally capable of discharging their duties. It also pointed to a 2015 Senate precedent in which the chamber recognized a quorum of 12 senators within its jurisdiction and continued conducting legislative business.
"The work of government could not be placed on hold," the statement read.

The majority stressed that the Senate's primary responsibilities include legislating, exercising oversight, and advancing measures that serve the public interest.

With the country facing various national concerns, the bloc said Filipinos expect lawmakers to report for work, deliberate on pressing issues, and fulfill their constitutional mandate.

"The Filipino people deserve a Senate that shows up, does its job, and places public service above politics," the statement said.

The remarks come amid continuing tensions within the Senate over leadership and quorum issues that have led to questions about the chamber's ability to conduct official business. The new majority called on senators to move beyond political divisions and allow the institution to resume its regular functions.

03/06/2026

ESCUDERO CALLS FOR END TO SENATE STANDOFF, URGES LAWMAKERS TO PUT INSTITUTION FIRST

Senator Francis 'Chiz' Escudero on Wednesday appealed for unity amid the ongoing deadlock in the Senate, describing the current impasse as “untenable and unacceptable” and warning that prolonged political divisions are already affecting the chamber’s ability to fulfill its constitutional mandate.

In a statement issued June 3, Escudero said lawmakers must have the courage to step back and reflect when political disagreements become so severe that they hinder the Senate’s work.

“When political divisions become too extreme and obstruct our mandate, we must all have the courage to pause, gain perspective, reflect, consider and realize that we should put the Senate, as the institution that we serve, above ourselves,” he said.

The Senate President emphasized that his position is not aligned with any political faction or group, stressing that his primary concern is safeguarding the institution.

“This is not a political contest. I am not taking sides. I am taking a stand for the Senate,” Escudero said, adding that his allegiance is to the Senate and its duty to the Filipino people rather than to any alliance or personality.

Speaking partly in Filipino, Escudero underscored that the issue should not be viewed through a partisan lens. He said he was not assigning blame or determining who was right or wrong in the dispute, but maintained that the Senate could not remain in a situation that compromises its ability to perform its responsibilities.

He warned that the continuing stalemate is no longer merely a political disagreement but a challenge to the institution’s capacity to serve the public effectively.

Escudero said his decision and appeal were guided by the need to protect the Senate’s role in governance and lawmaking. He also asked the public for understanding and prayers as the chamber works to overcome the crisis.

The Senate has been grappling with internal divisions that have raised concerns over its operations and its ability to conduct legislative business, prompting calls for lawmakers to resolve their differences and restore normal proceedings.

02/06/2026

GILAS WOMEN'S U18 CRUSHES VIETNAM BY 51 POINTS IN SEABA QUALIFIERS OPENER

Gilas Pilipinas Women’s U18 scored a dominant 93-42 victory over Vietnam on the first day of the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers on June 2 at the STI-WNU Gym in Bacolod City.

Following the tournament’s opening ceremony, the young Filipinas controlled the game from start to finish, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive intensity to secure a commanding 51-point win before the home crowd. | via Cesar Jolito III/WDJ

📸: Cesar Jolito III & JM Villafuerte

Cesar Jolito III

08/06/2026

08/06/2026

07/06/2026

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05/06/2026

04/06/2026

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