Community

Sagay City recognized its most dedicated blood donors and community partners during the annual Local Sandugo Awarding Ceremony on Thursday,  July 31.The event, held at the Sagay City Gymnasium, celebrated the vital contributions of individuals and groups who support the city's voluntary blood donation program.Organized by the City Health Office (CHO), the ceremony was attended by Mayor Leo Rafael M. Cueva and Vice Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr.The awards highlighted the critical role donors and partners play in saving lives throughout the community, a press release from Sagay City said.Brgy. Baviera resident Romar Gonzales was a standout honoree, receiving a special award for achieving an impressive 100 blood donations. Numerous other multi-time donors from across the city...

The learning environment at Vito Elementary School in Brgy. Vito, Sagay City, Negros Occidental, received a significant boost as a newly constructed P2.5-million school clinic building was officially inaugurated and turned over on Wednesday afternoon, July 30.The facility, funded through the Department of Education’s Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF), aims to improve health and wellness support within the school, providing medical care, counselling, and essential services for both learners and staff, a press release  from Sagay City said.Former Mayor and now Vice Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr. led the ceremonies on behalf of Mayor Leo Rafael M. Cueva and assured attendees of the city’s commitment to strengthening health infrastructure in schools.“This is already the secon...

Bacolod City Councilor Celia Flor (4th from left) with Paulo Sajo - DSSD-Bacolod Child Welfare Focal Person, Executive Assistant Jonathan Diaz, day care teachers and Barangay Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Help Desk representatives.*The Bacolod City Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), in partnership with the City Inter-Agency Council, is strengthening its campaign against child trafficking in observance of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The fight is particularly crucial given the escalating global threat of child trafficking, exacerbated by technological advancements, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said Wednesday, July 30.A key component of this intensified effort involves empowering daycare centers.&nbs...

Immediate Past President Rolem Basiya turns over the gavel to Joselito Sion to symbolize the change of club leadership.*The 30th president of the Rotary Club of Bacolod Central officially took over leadership, along with the new set of officers for Rotary Year 2025-2026, during induction and turnover rites at the Sugarland Hotel in Bacolod City, recently.Joselito Sion and the officers took their oath before Past District Governor Nanette Garcia, with the ceremony witnessed by District Governor Victor Federico Acepcion, District Governor-Elect Carlo dela Cruz and PDGs Maria Ester Espina, Jude Doctora, Rafael Jocson, Enigardo Legislador, Ramiro Garcia and Ramon Cua Locsin, among others.The other officers are vice president Hargie Tan, secretary Roseo Depra, treasurer Sharon Parro...

The NOGC members in Valladolid to plant trees*The Negros Occidental Garden Club (NOGC), together with its Board of Directors led by President Nonoy Napao, officers and members, recently spearheaded a tree planting initiative in Barangay Bayabas, Valladolid, Negros Occidental. This green endeavor reflects the club’s enduring commitment to environmental sustainability and the promotion of natural wellness, a press release from the club said.The event featured a diverse range of fruit-bearing seedlings - including coffee plants - chosen to foster biodiversity and generate lasting ecological benefits. The selection of fruit trees also presents promising economic opportunities for the local community in the years to come, the press release said.This collaborative effort bro...

VMA Global College EVP Dr. Remedios Johanna Salabas Cargas VP Dr. Carlitos Orola Vice Chairman Danilo Cruz, Chairman Dr. Elizabeth Orola Salabas, President Capt Niño Elson Orola Salabas and VP for Training Centers Ellisther Niña Salabas Ligna, Hiroshi Fukuda and Capt. Makoto Kono (l-r) at the inauguration.*Ronnie Baldonado photoVMA Global College in Bacolod City inaugurated  and blessed  its new Marine Engineering Building  on Tuesday, July 29.It is a milestone in the institution’s pursuit of excellence in maritime education, a press release from the college said. This landmark development was born out of the vision of the college president Capt. Nino Elson O Salabas’ expansion and modernization project, in response to the significant rise in student enrollment a...

As preparations for this year’s MassKara Festival ramp up, the official search for Miss Bacolod MassKara 2025 is now underway.Organized by the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc., the annual pageant aims to crown a young woman who best represents the ideals of the MassKara Festival—joy, resilience, and pride in Bacolodnon heritage.“We are looking for someone who goes beyond beauty,” said Carlos Durana Jr., Pageant Chairperson. “She should be a symbol of unity, strength, and optimism—the very values that define the MassKara spirit. Someone who is ready to inspire the community and proudly represent Bacolod on a larger stage.”The pageant is open to women aged 18 to 25 years old, at least 5’5” in height, single, and a resident of Bacolod City or with Bacolodnon roots up to the third deg...

 The Bacolod City government  has officially designated the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. as the new organizer of the MassKara Festival.“At the core of this newly formed foundation is the powerful concept of  ‘Gugma’ – love not just as a symbol, but as love in action, expressed through service, unity, and cultural pride," a press release from the foundation said on Friday, July 25.This vision aligns with Mayor Greg Gasataya’s commitment to bring MassKara back to the people, where it truly belongs, the press release said.Leading the foundation is Rodney Mitz Ascalon, who will serve as both Foundation President and Festival Director.“Gugma is more than love. It’s service. It’s sacrifice. It’s giving without asking in return. That’s what this foundation stands f...