Rotary International District Governor Nominees (DGNs) in the Philippines visited Negros Occidental in search of an environmental project that can be implemented in the entire country when they take the reign of leadership by next year.
Eight out of ten DGNs with their spouses had a 3-day tour of Negros including DGN Rudy Enriquez of District 3770, Paul Angel Galang and wife, Carol (D3780), Pope Solis and wife, Vicky (D3800), Jay Tambunting (3830), Twinkle Gamboa and spouse, former PNP Chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa (3860) Lai De la Cruz (D3810) and William Delloro (D3820). The province is part of Rotary District 3850 and the visit was hosted by DGN Matè Espina.
Among the places of interest they visited were the Provincial Capitol where they were welcomed by Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson who is also a Rotarian, the nearby Talarak Foundation Zoo and Breeding Center and the Tomongtong Mangrove Eco-Trail in Brgy. Tomongtong, EB Magalona.
Municipal Tourism and Environment Officer, Jojo Vargas emphasized on how community involvement was crucial to the sustainability and success of the Eco-Trail project which was only started a few years ago, yet has brought in millions of revenues for the town, especially for the fisherfolks of Brgy. Tomongtong.
The DGNs were treated to lunch by EB Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon and they got to taste the famous blue crabs and other sea foods freshly cooked by their community members.
En route, the DGNs also visited Victorias Milling Company and got a glimpse of Alfonso Ossorio’s mural, “The Last Judgement” which is popularly known as “The Angry Christ,” and found within the St. Joseph the Workers chapel at the VMC compound and The Ruins and Ilaya Resort in Talisay City. They also had a stop at Balay Puti in Silay City and the Tractor Café in Talisay.
Since Negros Occidental is also known as a popular food destination, the 3-day visit included the mandatory chicken inasal dinner hosted by the Rotary Club of Bacolod Central, a taste of Kansi soup, Kansi steak and Kansi sisig at the Business Inn, and fellowship dinner at Maria Kusina hosted by Past District Governors Phil Abello, Chick and Nanette Garcia, Biboy Jocson, Jude Doctora, Jundad Legislador and Louie Gonzaga.
Also in town for the visit were D3850 District Governor Edwin To and spouse, Mary Ann; D3850 District Governor Elect John Michael Ng and wife, Krystle, and D3830 Governor-Elect, Mildred Vitangcol.
