The Cultural Mapping team of Panay, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental (CMPG) formally launched the cultural inventories of Negros Occidental in a ceremonial turnover held at the Acacia Hotel in Bacolod City on February 19, 2026.

The project documented a total of 646 cultural assets in Negros Occidental. This comprises 154 natural resources, 238 tangible immovable heritage, 62 tangible movable heritage, and 104 intangible cultural heritage assets. 55 significant personalities and 33 cultural institutions were also documented.

As a result, the project produced 32 books, each representing a city and municipality of Negros Occidental. These books reflect the collaborative efforts of teacher-mappers, tourism officers, and cultural workers from Negros Occidental, including personnel from the University of the Philippines Visayas, all of whom worked closely with local government units and community stakeholders of the province.

The books were received by the teacher-mappers, tourism officers, and local government officials from the various cities and municipalities.

Present during the activity were NCCA Deputy Executive Director Marichu Tellano, Negros Occidental Senior Tourism Officer Raymond Alunan, Project Leader for DepEd Dr. Pamela Pinky Guanzon, and Consultant for Negros Occidental mapping Dr. Joefe Santarita. The event was organized by the CMPG Team from UP Visayas, led by Prof. Martin Genodepa and Anna Razel Limoso Ramirez. Other members of the CMPG team include Lissandrine Espartero, Michelle Villavert, Marc Leo Layson, Dennis Daniel Jr., Aodh Alegoro, Almera Facto, Teresita Quezon, Chrystal Zaki, Alven Polido, and Ian Dapulaza.

The Cultural Mapping of Negros Occidental was made possible through the initiative and steadfast support of Senator Loren Legarda, the principal author of the Cultural Mapping Law. Senator Legarda’s continued advocacy for cultural preservation and heritage conservation has significantly advanced efforts to safeguard local histories and traditions across the country.

These 32-volume cultural inventories mark a significant milestone in heritage documentation and preservation. Beyond documentation, these books strengthen cultural identity. It ensures that the rich legacy of Negros Occidental is preserved for future generations.