Five scholars from Negros Occidental have completed the Commercial Cookery Course, a globally recognized competency program offered by the International College of Advanced Education (ICAE) in Darwin, Australia.
The graduation rites, held Wednesday morning (May 28), was attended by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who addressed the graduates as one of the speakers.
The five Negrense scholars included Renina Mondrianne Alaban of Manapla, Janica Ross Besana of Victorias City, Jason Mamar of Murcia, Mark Moreno of Talisay City, and Coleen Keith Villanueva of La Carlota City.
They successfully completed the internationally recognized commercial cookery program, equipping them with culinary skills at par with global standards.
Moreno, who delivered the graduation speech on behalf of the graduating class, shared the collective journey and aspirations of his fellow graduates.
Besana received the outstanding student award of the year while Alaban was honored as outstanding student for the previous academic year.
Lacson commended the graduates for their determination and excellence, highlighting the provincial government’s commitment to opening global doors for Negrense youth through education and skills development.
“To all our Negrense graduates, you represent the best of Negros Occidental —resilient, skilled, and ready to contribute meaningfully to our province and the world. You are living proof of how education can transform lives, and how public service, when rooted in purpose, can shape brighter futures,” the governor said in his message.
Part of the ceremony was the launch of the John Rivas Perpetual Scholarship, which was introduced by Philippine Honorary Consul General to the Northern Territory Januario Rivas as a new opportunity aimed at empowering more Negrense students to access international education. ||
