The Kapisanan ng nga Brodkasters sa Pilipinas-Negros Occidental Chapter led by its new chairman, Radio Veritas’ Fr. Jonas Sumagaysay and Standard Performance Officer IFM’s Jopy Plotria, who is also project manager, marked the closing of this year’s celebration of World Radio Day with a day (February 26, 2018) of learning and adventure – an educational tour of selected historical, cultural sites and development centers of the Third District of Negros Occidental.

The familiarization project is a first for KBP and was facilitated with the District Office of Congressman Alfredo Benitez and the local government units.

Posing at the world-famous Church of the Angry Christ located inside the VMC compound.

The Victorias City stop was hosted by Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca with a brief introduction of the city’s agri-eco-tourism programs and a swing of key poblacion sites. Victorias Milling Company president and executive director Eduardo Concepcion provided a briefing of the company’s profile. The VMC tour ended at the St. Joseph the Worker Parish church , known all over the world as the “Church of the Angry Christ”.

EB Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon welcoming the KBP group in his office.

Lunch of blue crabs and more with an introduction to the potentials of the municipality of Enrique B. Magalona was hosted by Mayor Marvin Malacon, set along the shores of Karumahan in the coastal barangay of Tuburan.

The group in front of the EBM Municipal Hall.

The EB Magalona visit also featured the historical markers of the town, notably the marker in memory of the heroes of Guintabuan led by Elias Magbanua – local revolutionaries who opposed American rule after the fall of Spain.

The rich cultural heritage of the ‘Paris of Negros’ that is the city of Silay was highlighted with a run of several of the 31 ancestral homes in the heart of the city, recognized as national treasures by the National Historical Commission, and a taste of the famous Silay delicacies.

KBP chairman Fr. Jonas at Balay ni Tana Dicang in Talisay. The black and white photo features Dona Enrica Alunan Lizares or Tana Dicang posing with President Manuel Luis Quezon and VP Sergio Osmena who visited her home.

Two historical houses were the focus of the Talisay City visit – Balay ni Tana Dicang, oldest surviving but best preserved ancestral mansion of Don Efigenio Lizares and Doña Enrica Alunan; and the General Aniceto Lacson mansion also known as Casa Grande or Claparols Mansion, seat of the only short-lived Cantonal Republic of Negros. It is also known as the ‘Malacañang of the South’.

KBP at General Aniceto Lacson mansion

Closing dinner was hosted by Talisay Mayor Neil Lizares at the Nature’s Resort and Restaurant in Talisay City, where messages of thanks were exchanged.

The KBP group with Talisay assistant city administrator Ismael Penado and the Mayor's office staff led by Marlyn Simondo, and Team Benitez led by Laarni Aguilar. (photo by PIO Talisay)

Tour coordinator and guide was Chona Gosiaoco, Radio Veritas host of Tatak Negrense and Tatak Metro Third.*