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The office  of Rep. Alfredo “Thirdy” Marañon III (Neg. Occ., 2nd District) welcomed Japan Consul-General Yudai Ueno during a courtesy visit held at Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City on Wednesday, April 15, reinforcing efforts to deepen cooperation between Negros Occidental and Japan.Representing the congressman, 2nd District Board Member Arthur Christopher Marañon underscored the long-standing relationship between the province and Japan, noting that the meeting also aligns with the 70th anniversary of Philippines–Japan diplomatic relations and the continued strengthening of ties between the two.He highlighted opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, fisheries, eco-tourism, human resource development, and economic growth, particularly in the CASAMA area—Cadiz, Saga...

The 4th Panaad sa Negros Governor’s Cup MLBB Esports Competition 2026 has officially concluded, highlighting exceptional talent, teamwork, and sportsmanship from participating teams across Negros Occidental.Emerging as champions, Maraynon Esports of Cadiz City dominated the competition and secured 1st place. The team is composed of Elcris Jay D. Jimenez, Miles Riley C. Sumayang, Virlei Grace T. Quijano, Isaac Alexandrous D. Osal, Jay Lai C. Sycayco, John Mathew M. Porsuelo, under the guidance of Coach Almae Arquiza.Isaac Alexandrous D. Osal was recognized as the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his outstanding performance, while Virlei Grace T. Quijano received the Not Just Play Award for achieving an impressive 96.25 general average—exemplifying excellence both in esports and...

The Sagay City Destination Pavilion at the Panaad Park in Bacolod City bings to life the city’s identity as the “Destination for the Next Generations,” highlighting its rich marine biodiversity, strong community-based tourism, and deep commitment to environmental protection.Inside the pavilion, guests experience an immersive journey: from displays of traditional fishing tools and practices, to an interactive underwater-inspired area featuring Museo sang Bata sa Negros, where stories of marine life and environmental stewardship are shared by youth volunteers and advocates.Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Helen Arguelles-Cutillar said that this year’s pavilion display aims to highlight local fisherfolk as biodiversity heroes through their practices and how they protect the sea ...

Sagay City Veterinarian Dr. Modesto Cañonero III (center) receiving the award from Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson in the presence of Provincial Veterinarian Placeda Lemana.*The Sagay City government, through its breeding centers, was recognized by the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental and the Provincial Veterinary Office as a Sustainable Livestock Champion during their 2026 Recognition of Partners and Stakeholders at Negrense Residences in Bacolod City on Tuesday, April 14.The award highlights the collective efforts of the Sagay City LGU Breeding Centers, including the dairy, beef cattle, piggery, poultry, and sheep and goat farms, in improving livestock production and supporting local farmers, a press release from Sagay City said.City Veterinarian Dr. Modesto Cañonero II...

The Cadiz City pop dance performers.*Ronnie Baldonado photoThe VMDT Group of Cadiz City bagged  a back-to-back victory in the Panaad sa Negros Festival Pop Dance Competition held at the Panaad Park and Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, April 15.The Cadiz City dance troupe outperformed 21 other groups  to claim the championship title and a cash prize of P50,000.Talisay City was named 1st Runner-up, followed by Bacolod City as the 2nd Runner-up.In the consolation category, Valladolid took home the 1st Consolation prize, while Sagay City and San Carlos City were awarded 2nd and 3rd Consolation honors, respectively.*

A Bacolod filmmaker secured another directing award after winning Best Director for the film “Sa Pwesto ni Pistong” at the Margaha Film Festival in Sagay City.In a press release, Bacoleño Vincent Joseph Entuna received the recognition in the Philippine Shorts category, marking his fourth Best Director win for the same film.Organizers said the film stood out for its storytelling, visual execution, and portrayal of local narratives.The latest win follows earlier awards for the film at the Bacolod Film Festival in 2024, where it also bagged Best Picture and Best Screenplay, and at other film festivals in 2025.In a statement, Entuna thanked the festival and the people of Sagay while also credited his collaborators, including his director of photography and producer, and assista...

Chelsea Tasic’s “Isa Ka Higayon” (One Time) brought home top honors in two major categories of SineDisipulo XIV recently organized by the University of San Carlos’ CINEMATA in Cebu.Tasic was awarded Best Director while Jabez Tondo got the Best Editing prize in the 14th edition of the film festival, which showcased 20 narrative and documentary shorts from student filmmakers across Visayas and Mindanao, under the theme “Railways through the Regions.”Tasic is a senior nursing student at University of St. La Salle in Bacolod. She is also a filmmaker whose work has been recognized at the Bacolod Film Festival in 2024 and Sine Negrense: The Negros Island Film Festival for the past three years.The double win at SineDisipulo serves as a powerful validation of regional storytelling, sho...

. Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson (left) joins organizers from the Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute Inc. at the opening of the Handurawan Youth Showroom and Health Nook at Panaad Stadium lobby on Monday.*For the first time in 30 years, youth engagement is taking center stage at the Panaad sa Negros Festival through the “Handurawan” inclusive platforms.Negros Occidental's "festival of all festivals" is set April 13 to 19 at Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Baclod City.On Monday, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II joined organizers from the Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute Inc. (NYLI) at the opening of the Handurawan: Negros Youth Hub at Panaad Stadium lobby."This is the youth safe space all througho...

Rep. Javier Miguel “Javi”  Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) joined the Panaad Run 2.0, reinforcing his strong support for both active lifestyles and this year’s Panaad sa Negros Festival, Sunday, April 12.The run gathered runners and fitness enthusiasts as part of the province’s pre-festival buildup and was held at the Panaad Park and Stadium, a press release from the office of Benitez said.Now in its second year, the event continues to drive participation and promote a growing culture of health and community engagement among Negrosanons.Benitez joined participants on the ground, underscoring the importance of shared spaces that bring people together through wellness-focused activities.A consistent advocate of initiatives that promote active living and grassroots part...

Sandy Saluria of Murcia (standing, right) leads the Negros Occidental Provincial People's Council following his election as president in Bacolod City on Wednesday.*Negros Occidental has formed the Provincial People’s Council (PPC) to better engage the participation of civil society organizations (CSOs) in local governance.Sandy Saluria of Murcia was elected president during the organizational assembly held at the Negros Museum in Bacolod City on Wednesday, April 8.“We are the first to form the PPC in the Negros Island Region (NIR),” Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) officer-in-charge Anna Marie Lucasan said Thursday.The PPDO facilitated the briefing and election in collaboration with the Provincial Board and the Department of the Interior and Local Governme...