BACHI Pays Courtesy Call on Bishop Louie Galbines

Members of Bacolod Arts, Cultural and Heritage Inc. (BACHI), led by President Sandy Solinap, recently paid a courtesy call on the Most Rev. Louie Patalinghug Galbines, D.D., newly installed as the 7th Bishop of the Diocese of Bacolod.

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the Church and the community in the field of cultural heritage. Discussions covered support for historical preservation and the establishment of clear guidelines for restoring and safeguarding historic churches, valuable paintings, statues, relics and other patrimony.

Both parties expressed their commitment to work together on museum exhibits, cultural and educational programs, guided tours and other heritage projects. The partnership emphasizes respect for Church rules and Sacred Traditions while fostering open communication to build a stronger, enduring relationship.

As a token of esteem, the group presented Bishop Galbines with an acrylic on canvas by BACHI Vice President and seasoned visual artist Kyle Jocson. The painting, depicting the sugar landscape of Negros, is an evocative work that recalls the beauty of Barangay Maao in Bago City, where the bishop spent his formative years.

BACHI member and Negros Occidental Provincial Tourism Officer Raymond Alunan also presented Bishop Galbines with the province’s latest tourism promotional materials, highlighting the bid for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List as the Sugar Cultural Landscape of Negros and Panay.* (Robert Harland)