The Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) of Negros Occidental recognized the University as one of its invaluable partners in environmental stewardship during the EcoLuminaries Awards held on October 22, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City.
Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) received the Environmental Stewardship Award for its active support of the provincial government’s environmental programs and initiatives.
Kervin Mahinay photos
Through this award, PEMO also recognized CHMSU’s contributions to environmental conservation and climate action, especially its Bionihan Tree Growing Program, in which the University grows endemic and native trees in parts of the Northern Negros Natural Park inside the Gawahon Eco-Park in Victorias City.
The Bionihan Tree Growing Program is led by the Center for Internationalization and External Relations, under the leadership of Director Rhoderick Samonte, who is also the Greening CHMSU Task Force Chair.
The CHMSU Binalbagan Campus also received the same award for its contributions to coastal and marine conservation through various initiatives and extension and research activities in southern Negros Occidental.
PEMO Negros Occidental also recognized Research Coordinator Roger Ray Manzano of the College of Fisheries (COF) and Information Officer Keith Brandon Cari-an for their contributions to the development of the Action for Climate Education (ACE) Modules.
The awards were received on behalf of the University by BS Fisheries Program Chair Kervin Mahinay and Program Chair Alberto De la Cruz of the Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science Program at the Binalbagan Campus.
PEMO Negros Occidental & Kervin Mahinay photos
