Community

Doreen Dofitas demonstrates Ikebana: one of the aesthetic arts of Japan*The Negros Occidental Garden Club held its March General Assembly recently at the Acacia Hotel, Bacolod City, hosted by the Cadena de Amor Group under chair Wilma Nakhai.The highlight of the gathering was a special lecture by Bacolod-based garden designer, floral articulturist and artist Doreen Dofitas, who introduced members to the philosophy and practice of Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement.In her talk, Ikebana Reflections, Dofitas emphasized that Ikebana is more than arranging flowers — it is a disciplined art form that expresses harmony between nature, space and the human spirit. She guided members through its origins and evolution, explaining how different schools and styles h...

A total of 125 planning officers, Geographic Information System (GIS) experts, engineering and DRRM officers and agriculture personnel from 21 Local Government Units completed  the five-day Enhanced Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment Training (E-CDRA) on Saturday, March 21..The activity was  conducted by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) – Negros Island Region, in collaboration with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) and the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) of the Provincial Government at the Negros Residences, Capitol, Bacolod City.The  participants came from the LGUs of Bago, Balaban, Cauayan, Candoni, Calatrava, Don Salvador Benedicto, EB Magalona, Hinigaran, Ilog, La Carlota, La Castella...

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson (right) interacts with a humanoid robot, showcased in the 2nd International AI Education Summit held at NOLITC Campus in Talisay City as Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz and NOLITC School Administrator Dr. Ma. Cristina Orbecido look on.*The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, through the Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center (NOLITC), in collaboration with Eastwest International Educational Specialists Inc. and the Asian Institute of Artificial Intelligence, hosted the 2nd International AI Education Summit 2026 on Wednesday, March 18.The summit gathered educators, policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to explore how artificial intelligence can transform education, foster collaboration, enhance ...

 VP for Academic Affairs Russel Dela Torre, Comstor Country Manager Sheila Belmoro, President Norberto Mangulabnan, LMI CEO  Axel Banay, Cisco Account Manager Belle Caraan, and ICT Unit Head Ariane Torres  (l-r) sign the turnover documents of CHMSU’s upgraded IT system. Also witnessing the signing were VP for Administration and Finance Jay Estrellas and VP for Research, Extension, and IP Ma. Riza Manalo.*Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) has unveiled a major information technology modernization initiative aimed at transforming its network infrastructure across four campuses in Negros Occidental.The system was formally received by President Norberto Mangulabnan from LMI Corporation led by Engr. Axel Banay, CEO and President, along with Cisco Account Manager Belle Caraa...

Traditional Filipino games returned as part of the Sinigayan Festival celebration as Museo sang Bata sa Negros conducted its annual activity at the Sagay City Public Plaza on Tuesday,  March 17.The event was transferred to the plaza this year to provide a wider and more accessible space for participating children, teachers, and facilitators, a press release from Sagay City said.Dr. Mel Serondo, Sangguniang Panlungsod member and member of the Board of Directors of Museo sang Bata sa Negros, welcomed the participants, teacher-trainers, and facilitators at the start of the program.In his message, Museo sang Bata sa Negros President GJ Sarrosa said the activity has been a regular part of the Sinigayan Festival as the organization continues its efforts to encourage children...

Sixteen-year-old Negrense showjumper Sophia Louie Begre Lacson delivered an impressive series of performances over the past month, highlighted by a national championship title and an international podium finish, further cementing her reputation as one of the Philippines’ promising young riders.Competing in the Newcomers Division of the Equestrian Association of the Philippines (EAP) National Championship Series, Begre Lacson began her campaign on February 21, 2026, earning second place aboard Ceres during the opening leg of the competition.Shortly after, she traveled abroad to participate in the first leg of the FEI Asia Pacific Rising Star Academy (APRA), held from February 23 to March 1, 2026 in the beautiful Thai Polo and Equestrian Center in Pattaya, Thailand. Riding the le...