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Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez with Murcia Mayor Gerry Rojas, Vice Mayor Johnny Reosura, SB Members and other officials at the blessing and inauguration of a classroom project in Murcia on Tuesday.* Rep. Javier Miguel “Javi Benitez” led  the blessing and inauguration of road concreting and classroom construction projects in various barangays in Murcia on Tuesday,  April 21.The Lopez Jaena National High School in Brgy. Lopez Jaena and the Murcia National High School in the town proper received four classrooms each, while Barangays Iglau-an, Talotog, Cansilayan and Zone 5 benefitted from road concreting projects. Benitez said  that his office always strives to deliver meaningful and beneficial projects to his constituents in the 3rd District.The additiona...

Visual artist and entrepreneur Svet Sevilleno (left) with daughters Yara and Eazel*Bacolod Arts, Culture and Heritage Inc. (BACHI) proudly joined the 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival, presenting a dynamic art exhibition at Balay Kalamay, the Negros Occidental Provincial Pavilion, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Technology and Livelihood Development Center (TLDC).Entitled “Panaad sang Taliambong”, the exhibition highlighted the creativity and innovation of 30 local artists from BACHInc. Creatives, the organization’s art sector. Curated by President Sandy Solinap, the show celebrated the rich cultural heritage and artistic talent of Negros.Among the featured artists were visual artist and entrepreneur Svet Sevilleno and Ramon delos Santos, a...

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...