by Province of Negros Occidental PIO & Keith Brandon L. Cari-an
Twenty-one Punong Barangays from various LGUs in Negros Occidental completed the Executive Certificate Program for Barangay Leadership and Governance (ECP-BLG), culminating in the Commencement Exercises 2026 held on July 28, 2026 at the Social Hall of the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol.
Capitol PIO photo
The Executive Certificate Scholarship Program is a joint initiative of the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental and Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU), under the supervision of the Negros Occ. Scholarship Program (NOSP) Division, which equips barangay leaders with enhanced competencies in leadership, public administration, and local governance. The program is offered under the College of Arts and Sciences – Advanced Education Programs (CAS-AEP).
The ceremony was attended by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who served as its commencement speaker. Joining him from the provincial government were Board Member Rita Angela Gatuslao, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Education; Board Member Richard Julius Sablan, president of the Liga ng mga Barangay, and NOSP OIC Karen Dinsay.
President Norberto Mangulabnan led the dignitaries from CHMSU. He was accompanied by Vice President for Academic Affairs Engr. Russel Dela Torre, VP for Administration and Finance Jay Estrellas, Asst. VPAA Noralyn Esona, College of Arts and Sciences Dean Arjay Alvarado, CAS-AEP Chairperson Jose Lizael Lampines, Executive Asst. Josel Osal, and Information Officer Keith Brandon Cari-an of the Center for Internationalization and External Relations.
Capitol PIO photos
A thanksgiving mass preceded the commencement exercises, followed by the conferment of executive certificates and the awarding of academic honors.
Two graduates earned With Highest Distinction honors, namely Marina Amacio, Punong Barangay of Brgy. Pag-ayon, Pulupandan, and Cherrie Hope Belarga, Punong Barangay of Brgy. Su-ay, Himamaylan City.
Meanwhile, seven graduates were recognized With Academic Excellence. They are Jemuel Dulla Sr. of Brgy. Camalanda-an, Cauayan; Kevin Dulla of Brgy. Basak, Cauayan; Edwin Lester Iledan of Brgy. Zone 12A, Talisay City; Jose Gayle Lapore of Brgy. Tuyom, Cauayan; Noreen Ricafranca of Brgy. Pantao, Calatrava; Didith Servania of Brgy. Zone 4, Pulupandan; and Joy Tabernilla of Brgy. Culo, Pulupandan.
Gov. Lacson congratulated the graduates for their commitment to continuous learning, saying the completion of the program signifies not only an academic achievement but also a renewed commitment to responsive and effective public service.
“Beyond marking your graduation and completion, we are celebrating the skills you have acquired that will enable you to become more capable and effective public servants, which will further translate into better governance and service delivery to your constituents,” the governor said.
Lacson reminded the graduates that good governance requires more than good intentions.
“It calls for knowledge, competence, sound judgment, accountability, and, most importantly, the ability to turn policies and plans into concrete results that will benefit our people,” he said.
Recognizing barangays as the foundation of local governance, the governor also underscored the critical role of Punong Barangays as the government’s frontline leaders, who are often the first to respond to the needs and concerns of their constituents.
He also urged the graduates to carry the lessons they gained from the executive program back to their respective barangays, where they can inspire positive change through quality leadership and dedicated public service.
Pres. Mangulabnan, and board members Gatuslao and Sablan also gave their messages of congratulations to the graduating class.
