Community

Santa with children from the Villa Gracia Day Care Center*As Christmas fast approaches, Santa has been busier than ever this year.And thanks to the Rotary Club of Bacolod Marapara, a special visit by Santa was the highlight of it's annual Pamaskua Sa Bata gift-giving party for children from the club's adopted Villa Gracia Day Care Center.The party, held recently at the Antonio Chan Training Center in Brgy Bata in Bacolod City, saw some 80 children enjoying a morning filled with singing, dancing, a tasty meal and, of course, Christmas gifts from a very jolly Santa.Club president Virgil Rupert "Igie" Villarosa said "Christmas is an opportunity for all Rotarians to share our blessings and, as we bless others, we too are being blessed as well. Our 'Pamaskwa sa Bata', now in its...

Four fourth-year AB Communications students from the University of St. La Salle have initiated “Project Handi-Handum” to empower unemployed women in Purok Yanson-Prutas, Barangay Mandalagan, Bacolod City.The project addresses economic challenges faced by the community since its relocation in 2018, which left many residents struggling to secure stable employment. Through practical skills training in decorative candle-making and upcycled rag rug-making, paired with basic business education, the initiative aims to create sustainable income opportunities.“Gapati guid kami nga through skills development, it will can go a long way. We aim to help the women of Purok Yanson-Prutas while instilling in them self-sufficiency and independence, reducing reliance on potential aid th...

A total  of 173 public school teachers who are scholarship grantees of the Negros Occidental provincial government’s Project Flagship to Reach Educational Excellence (Project FREE) received their doctorate and master’s degrees at graduation rites at the University St. La Salle (USLS)  Coliseum in  Bacolod City,  on Thursday, Dec. 12.The scholar-grantees are part of Project FREE Batch 3, a press release from the Capitol said Friday.Out of the 173 graduates, 21 received their Doctorate degree of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and 152 obtained their Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling, Education major in Natural Science,  Mathematics, Reading, Language and Literature, Filipino, Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health, Social Studies, Special Ed...

Rep. Emilio Yulo III with the members of the Philippine Dental Association Negros Occidental chapter.*Teachers from the different towns in the 5th District of Negros Occidental are one step closer to regaining their smiles after members of the Philippine Dental Association Negros Occidental chapter took impressions for their dentures offered free through the “Project Smile: Ibalik ang Yuhom ni Titser” of the Rotary Club of Bacolod Central and Rep. Emilio Yulo III (Neg. Occ., 5th District).The teachers gathered at the 5th District Congressional Office in Isabela town Sunday for evaluation and assessment by the dentists, led by PDA-NOC president Dr. Analie Gonzaga, as an initial step of the program. Dr.Analie Gonzaga gets dental impressions of one of beneficiaries.*T...

The Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) launched the CHMSUyanihan Operasyon Kanlaon (OK) on Tuesday, Dec. 10, to aid communities affected by the recent Mt. Kanlaon eruption.In partnership with the Caritas Bacolod Social Action Foundation Inc. and Art Relief Mobile Kitchen (ARMK), CHMSUyanihan booths have been stationed in all four campuses of the university – Alijis, Binalbagan, Fortune Towne, and Talisay – to receive cash and in-kind donations from students, faculty members, staff, alumni, and stakeholders, a press release from the university said.The campaign is a collaboration between the Center for Internationalization and External Relations (CIER) and the Federation of CHMSU University Student Government.CIER Director Rhoderick Samonte said CHMSU has again mobi...

The Carlos Hilado Memorial State University again ranked  second among the top-performing schools in the Philippines during the November 2024 Civil Engineers Licensure Examination (CELE).CHMSU ranked second after garnering a passing rate of 91.38 percent with 53 of the 58 examinees from the university  successfully passing the exam, a press release from the university said.“We give them challenging problems to hone their critical and analytical thinking skills,” said Engr. Grace Gerona, dean of the  College of Engineering, on how CHMSU prepares students for the CELE.The national passing rate for CELE is 37.09 percentWhile CHMSu sees the second-place national ranking as a blessing, Engr. Gerona said this achievement comes with the challenge of keeping up the p...

About 130 senior high school students of Generoso Villanueva National High School in Bacolod City attended a new generations forum facilitated by the Rotary Club of Bacolod Central,  Granada Barangay Council  and San Miguel Brewery Friday, Dec. 6.Past District Governors Mate Espina and Dr. Jundad Legislador of the Rotary International District 3850 discussed gender, sexuality and HIV-AIDS topics to the students and faculty, led by principal Osward Acebedo, who expressed his gratitude saying that the topics are relevant and important to raise awareness among the youth.Barangay Captain Armando Vito, in his message, said health is a priority of his administration and forum like this will bolster his campaign to ensure a safe and healthy community. Granada wa...

Neil Trinidad - GCash Chief Marketing Officer, Barbie Dapul - General Manager of B2C, Victorias City Administrator Lindolf de Castro, Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, and Jong Layug - General Manager of B2B (l-r), at the awarding rites.*Victorias City was recognized as the Best LGU in Digital Transformation in the entire country during the GCash Digital Excellence Awards 2024, at Conrad Manila, Pasay City, on Wednesday, December 4, Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez said on Thursday, Dec. 5. Victorias was recognized for its exceptional efforts in leveraging digitalization to promote progress, inclusivity, and transformative governance. By embracing cutting-edge technology, the city has demonstrated how digital solutions can foster meaningful change and drive community development,...

Magsaysay, one of the rural barangays in Cadiz City, has been named champion in child protection across Negros Occidental.Magsaysay emerged as the grand winner among 11 barangay finalists in the entire province that included those from Bago City, Don Salvador Benedicto, Hinobaan, Isabela, Kabankalan City, Silay City, San Carlos City, and Victorias City.Awarding will be held at the Social Hall of the provincial Capitol in Bacolod City on Wednesday, November 27.Magsaysay stood out in the tilt, led by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, for establishing a 24/7 child helpline, conducting educational campaigns on anti-bullying, child abuse prevention, and fostering partnerships with schools, a press release from Cadiz City said.Magsaysay Barangay Captain Heide ...

Victorias Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez receiving the  award from  U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson*Victorias City won  a prestigious Digital Democracy Champion Award given by the Makati Business Club (MBC) at the Digital Democracy Awards 2024 held at Hilton Manila Hotel in Pasay City on Friday, November 15.Victorias Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez received the  award from  U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, MBC Chairman Edgar Chua, and DICT Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, in recognition of the city’s exemplary efforts in implementing innovative Digital Democracy initiatives that promote transparent governance and active citizen engagement.Victorias City was among 14 local government units (LGUs) nationwide recognized for adopting digital tools that enhance governance an...