5 Negrense Scholars Graduate From Australian Culinary School

BACOLOD CITY – Five scholars from Negros Occidental graduated from the Commercial Cookery course, an internationally recognized program offered by the International College of Advanced Education in Darwin, Australia.

The graduation ceremony, held Wednesday morning, was marked by Negrense pride and global achievement, according to a statement from the provincial capitol.

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose V. Lacson addressed the graduates as one of the event’s speakers.

The five scholars – Renina Mondrianne C. Alaban of Manapla, Janica Ross P. Besana of Victorias City, Jason B. Mamar of Murcia, Mark A. Moreno of Talisay City, and Coleen Keith B. Villanueva of La Carlota City – completed the Commercial Cookery program, equipping them with culinary skills aligned with global standards.

Moreno was chosen to deliver the graduation speech, representing the voices and aspirations of the graduating class.

Besana received the Outstanding Student Award for the year, while Alaban was honored as the previous academic year’s Outstanding Student.

Lacson praised the graduates for their determination and excellence, emphasizing the provincial government’s commitment to providing global opportunities 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,” Lacson said in his message.

“You are living proof of how education can transform lives and how public service, when rooted in purpose, can shape brighter futures.”

The event also highlighted the impact of global partnerships and scholarships in shaping Negrense learners as they return home with world-class skills to uplift their communities.

Part of the ceremony was the launch of the John Rivas Perpetual Scholarship, introduced by Philippine Honorary Consul General to the Northern Territory Januario Rivas, aimed at empowering more Negrense students to access international education.

Dignitaries in attendance included ICAE CEO Sean Mahoney; Hon. Robyn Cahill, MLA; Hon. Claire Marie Boothy, attorney general, MLA; and Hon. Brian Gallagher, deputy speaker, MLA.

Representing the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental were Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II, Negros Occidental Scholarship Program head Karen Dinsay, and Provincial PIO and Executive Assistant to the Governor Charina Magallanes-Tan.