The Province of Negros Occidental has expressed appreciation to La Consolacion College Bacolod for its strong support in promoting local tourism through its recent triumphs at the national COCOLinarya Turismo 2025 competition.
Earlier today, September 26, 2025, LCCB administrators and student representatives paid a courtesy visit to Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson at the Provincial Capitol. The delegation included Christian Angelo B. Ituriaga, Dean of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management; Lilia A. Militar, Program Head of Hospitality Management; Florence Joy C. Soriano, Program Head of Tourism Management; John Paul Pascual, faculty member; Joanne Sheina Ricablanca, faculty member; and student representative Joaquin Unson.
Governor Lacson congratulated the college for its outstanding performance, remarking that LCC Bacolod’s achievements elevated the province’s reputation on the national stage. “Your success in this prestigious competition brings pride not only to your institution but to the whole province of Negros Occidental. By excelling in tourism, hospitality, and the culinary arts, you are also helping promote the culture and talent of Negrenses nationwide,” he said.
LCC Bacolod recently emerged as the Overall Champion in the Tourism Skills Cup of COCOLinarya Turismo 2025, a premier event held from August 28 to September 2, 2025, in celebration of the 39th National Coconut Week. The competition was organized by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Market Development, Promotions and OTOP (DTI-BMDPO), Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), and the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Educators of the Philippines (COHREP), in partnership with Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Laguna and COHREP regional chapters.
Among its many wins, LCC Bacolod earned the Bronze Award in Coconut Restaurant of the Region, along with special citations for Best in Centerpiece and Best in Main Course. The team members included Jay Mei Gaton, Joaquin Nicholas Unson, Joshua Rapsing, Francesca T. Villaluna, Lady Meljoci Regonel, and Julia Kangleon.
In addition, Katrina Angelica Braganza, Angela Claire Delay, and April Ann Obando secured the Gold Award in Destination Marketing. For the Habi ng Lahi: Coconut Costume Challenge, Austin John Braganza and Erika Gumban won the Silver Award, with their costume designed by Kate Billones, a Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Fashion Design student, who was recognized as 1st Runner-Up Costume Designer. Another team composed of Siemon Carmona, Reggie Andre Bedrio, Jan Ramil Java, and Aejan James Pardilla placed 5th in Business Pitching.
LCC Bacolod President Sr. Flolyn S. Catungal, OSA, welcomed the governor’s commendation, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to excellence and service. “We are grateful for the recognition of the Province of Negros Occidental. Our students’ achievements reflect not only the quality of education we provide but also our mission to contribute meaningfully to local development by raising Negrense pride on the national stage,” she said.