Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez and Negrense historian Modesto Sa-onoy led the launching of the book titled “History of Victorias 1845-1945” on July 27 at the SM City Bacolod.
In his speech, Mayor Benitez said the history book captures the rich cultural heritage of Victoriasanons and preserves it for future generations.
“May the stories of courage, innovation, and perseverance that define our heritage, inspire not only Victoriasanons but all Negrosanons to champion a culture of excellence, kindness, and resilience,” he added.
Sa-onoy, a Negrense historian, lauded the Victorias City government led by Mayor Benitez for initiating the publication of the history book and for leading the preservation of the cultural heritage of the city.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Congressman Jose Francisco Benitez were among the guests of the event who also shared their messages of support for the project.
National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) National Committee on Art Galleries Head John Delan Robillos also attended the event, along with Provincial Board Members Manuel Frederick Ko and Richard Julius Sablan, Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, Victorias City councilors, Bacolod City Chairperson on History, Culture, and Arts Councilor Em Ang, Bacolod City Tourism Officer Teresa Manalili, Municipality of Murcia First Lady Bernadette Rojas, and Victorias City Sangguniang Kabataan and barangay officials.
Negros Museum Executive Director Tanya Lopez, Lin-ay sang Negros 2024 Kyla Rose Romarate, Victorias Milling Company Chief Administrative Officer Atty. Eva Rodriguez, Rev. Fr. Noli Blancaflor of Our Lady of Victory Parish, prominent Victorias City families, Victorias LGU department heads, and the History Book Editorial team were also in attendance.
The history book was first launched on May 23, 2024, making Victorias the first component city in the Province of Negros Occidental to launch a history book.
The book has two versions, softbound and hardbound, and are sold for P1,300 and P1,900, respectively. Asenso Sidlak Foundation Inc. is handling the selling of the book. Interested individuals may visit the Victorias City Information Office for details.*
