20/08/2025
CPSU and Provincial Government of Negros Occidental Launch Joint Environmental Programs During 3rd Local Conservation Area (LCA) Day
Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental — The Central Philippines State University (CPSU), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental (PGNO) through the Pemo Negros Occidental, successfully celebrated the 3rd Local Conservation Area (LCA) Day with the launching of various joint environmental programs on August 20, 2025.
The event was highlighted by three major activities:
Part I: Blessing and Ribbon-Cutting of the Spiritual and Wellness Park – Rev. Fr. Ricon Benitez Dagunan officiated the blessing of the park, which features the 14 Stations of the Cross established across the three hills named Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar.
Part II: Ceremonial Planting – Participants joined the tree planting activity at the Spiritual Wellness Park, reinforcing the commitment to ecological stewardship.
Part III: Program at the CPSU Gymnasium – The main program gathered around 500 participants from CPSU faculty, staff, and students, along with representatives from PGNO-PEMO, DENR, Energy Development Corporation (EDC), Red Cross, LGU Kabankalan City, and Barangay Tagukon and Brgy. Camingawan.
CPSU President Dr. Aladino Nonoy Moraca welcomed the guests and emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing environmental initiatives. Dr. Angelie Rose Lumba, Director RDS acknowledged the participants and partners.
Representing Kabankalan City Mayor Hon. Benjie M. Miranda, Executive Assistant Jose Novo Benitez Dagunan delivered a message of support.
PEMO TSS Division Head Dr. Maria Elena San Jose presented the PEMO–CPSU collaboration through a signed Memorandum of Agreement and read the message of support from Atty. Alberto P. Nellas, Provincial Legal Officer and OIC-PEMO.
Meanwhile, CENRO Forester Fred P. Canto delivered the message of support on behalf of DENR-NIR OIC Regional Executive Director, For. Charlie E. Fabre.
Key presentations and launches included:
🌱Mr. Greg Predo , MEM, Director of NREMS – Briefer and launching of the Spiritual Wellness Park.
🌱Prof. Dr. Mary Ann Dagunan – Briefer and launching of the CPSU Kalaw Mascot.
🌱For. Dominic Billen , MSF – Launching of six (6) Legacy Parks.
🌱For. Erwin Magallanes, EDC Supervisor – Presentation of the Rainforestation Project, adjacent to the CPSU-PEMO Project TANOM site.
🌱Dr. Hanzel Pedrosa, Dean of Agriculture and Forestry – Revival of the CPSU Corn Festival.
🌱Dr. Grenny I. Jungco, Vice President for Academic Affairs – Briefer and launching of the Curriculum Integration of Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Education, a joint initiative of CPSU and PEMO under the Action for Climate Education (ACE). Likewise, he delivered the closing remarks.
🌱The event concluded with the heartfelt singing of “Kapaligiran,” echoing the shared commitment of CPSU, PGNO, and partner institutions to environmental conservation, climate education, and sustainable development. #
