Bacolod city: The year 2025 posed significant challenges for Negros Occidental, including the highly urbanized Bacolod City, as natural disasters and issues in the sugar industry tested the resilience and strength of Negrenses. Despite these challenges, the events of the past year highlighted the potential of its people on the global stage.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Kanlaon Volcano's status was lowered to Alert Level 2 on July 29, marking a development for thousands of displaced residents. The residents, primarily from Bago and La Carlota cities and La Castellana town, faced evacuation due to the volcano's previous Alert Level 3 status. The change was attributed to a decrease in volcanic activity and emissions.
Typhoon Tino, which struck on November 4, affected more than 800,000 people across Negros Occidental, causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson reported the extent of the devastation to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during a visit to the worst-hit areas. Tropical Depression Verbena also caused significant flooding in Bacolod City later in November, affecting more than half of its barangays.
The Handa Pilipinas-Visayas Leg exposition was hosted in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental in late October, emphasizing the vulnerability of the Visayas region to natural hazards. The event aimed to promote science-based and technology-driven solutions for building resilient communities.
The sugar industry faced its own set of challenges. The red-striped soft-scale insect infested over 7,400 hectares of sugarcane fields, while Typhoon Tino inflicted PHP1.2 billion in losses on the industry. The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) responded with pest control measures and maintained a moratorium on sugar imports to support local production.
In December, the SRA collaborated with Japan to establish a demonstration site for deep planting technology in La Carlota City, aiming to increase sugarcane yields. This technology, previously tested in Pampanga, showed promising results in boosting production.
A significant campaign emerged in Negros Occidental to maintain its GMO-free status. The proposed ordinance to allow genetically modified organisms faced opposition from the GMO-Free Negros Coalition and gained international support. Advocates argued for consistency with national GMO regulations.
Bacolod City and Negros Occidental hosted the inaugural Terra Madre Asia and Pacific event, celebrating sustainable food practices. The event attracted thousands of visitors and generated substantial sales, showcasing the region's commitment to good, clean, and fair food.
The political landscape in Bacolod City saw a shift with Greg Gasataya assuming the mayoral position on June 30, succeeding Alfredo Abelardo Benitez. The new leadership, part of the Team Asenso coalition, marked a new chapter for the city.
