Students of La Consolacion College Bacolodmade their mark on the national stage after emerging as champions in the prestigious COCOLinarya Turismo 2025, held from August 28 to September 2, 2025. The event gathered top schools across the country in celebration of the 39th National Coconut Week, organized by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), the Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Market Development, Promotions and OTOP (DTI-BMDPO), the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), and the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Educators of the Philippines (COHREP), with Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Laguna and COHREP regional chapters as hosts.
Showcasing the theme “Exploring Horizons, Empowering Futures,” the national competition spotlighted the coconut as a symbol of innovation and sustainability in culinary, tourism, and hospitality education.
LCC Bacolod stood out as the Overall Champion in the Tourism Skills Cup, a major recognition that underscored the students’ creativity, teamwork, and professional excellence. In the Coconut Restaurant of the Region category, the team captured the Bronze Award, while also winning special distinctions for Best in Centerpiece and Best in Main Course. The awardees were Jay Mei Gaton (Chef 1), Joaquin Nicholas Unson (Chef 2), Joshua Rapsing (Chef 3), Francesca T. Villaluna (F&B Service Attendant), Lady Meljoci Regonel (Centerpiece Maker), and Julia Kangleon (Table Set-up Personnel).
Other LCCB wins included the Gold Award in Destination Marketing, earned by Katrina Angelica Braganza, Angela Claire Delay, and April Ann Obando. Meanwhile, Austin John Braganza and Erika Gumban secured the Silver Award in the Habi ng Lahi: Coconut Costume Challenge, and the team of Siemon Carmona, Reggie Andre Bedrio, Jan Ramil Java, and Aejan James Pardilla placed 5th in Business Pitching.
Sr. Flolyn S. Catungal, OSA, President of La Consolacion College Bacolod, lauded the students’ national achievement. “This victory is not just a win for LCC Bacolod, but a proud moment for the entire academic community. Competing against top institutions nationwide and emerging victorious proves that our students are ready to take their place as innovators and leaders in tourism, hospitality, and the culinary arts,” she said.