Carlos Hilado Memorial State University recently signed the Memorandum of Agreement with the Diocese of Bacolod, through the Caritas Bacolod Social Action Foundation, Inc., marking the institution’s commitment to work together in synodality for ecological stewardship.
University President Norberto Mangulabnan joined Most Rev. Louie Galbines, Bishop of Bacolod, Rev. Fr. Julius Espinosa, Director of Caritas Bacolod, and the presidents and representatives of the participating schools in the signing held on September 30, 2026 at the Bishop’s House in Bacolod City. Accompanying Pres. Mangulabnan was Director Rhoderick Samonte of the Center for Internationalization and External Relations.
Caritas Bacolod Social Action Social Foundation, Inc. photos
CHMSU is the only non-sectarian and state-run academic institution among the nine participating schools for PANGGAS. PANGGAS is the Diocese of Bacolod’s initiative that seeks to establish a partnership between the Diocese and the schools to promote environmental education, community engagement, and activities that encourage ecological responsibility among students and communities.
The participating partner schools are CHMSU, Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod, John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation-Bacolod, La Consolacion College-Bacolod, St. Joseph School La Salle, St. Scholastica’s Academy-Bacolod, St. Theresita’s Academy-Silay, the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, and the University of St. La Salle.
The partnership is rooted in the Church’s continuing call to care for our common home, particularly through Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum. It seeks to move beyond awareness and reflection toward shared and sustained action for the environment.
For the Diocese, the partnership is also an expression of synodality—walking and working together with schools and other sectors in responding to a shared responsibility. Through PANGGAS, the Diocese and its partners seek to help form communities that recognize care for creation as both an environmental and pastoral responsibility.
Through PANGGAS, CHMSU, through Greening CHMSU and the Regional Center of Expertise in Education for Sustainable Development – Negros Island Region (RCE-NIR), further strengthens and expands its commitment to sustainability, environmental conservation and climate action.
Caritas Bacolod Social Action Social Foundation, Inc. photos
Earlier that day, the Diocese also partnered with the City Government of Bago for a ceremonial mangrove planting at Brgy. Sampinit, Bago City, providing a concrete expression of the same commitment to environmental stewardship.
Through these partnerships, the Diocese of Bacolod and its PANGGAS member schools reaffirm their commitment to turning the call to care for creation into meaningful action in schools, communities, and beyond.
