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The Story, Cadiz City (2026)

06/06/2026

Escalante Ranks 3rd in NIR Mayor Survey

Cadiz City Mayor Salvador "Bading" Escalante Jr. ranked third among city mayors in the Negros Island Region (NIR) in the latest governance assessment conducted by the RPMD Foundation Inc.

Results of the RPMD “Boses ng Bayan” survey showed Escalante posting an Index of Governance (IOG) score of 81.9 percent, placing him behind Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel “Chiquiting” Sagarbarria, who scored 83.5 percent, and Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya, who registered 82.9 percent.

Escalante also recorded an 81.3 percent trust rating and an 82.6 percent performance rating, according to the survey.

The assessment measured public perceptions of governance and leadership performance across the newly established Negros Island Region. The Index of Governance combines trust and performance ratings to evaluate the effectiveness of city governments and their chief executives.

San Carlos City Mayor Renato Gustilo ranked fourth with an IOG score of 81.7 percent, while Bayawan City Mayor John Raymond Jr. placed fifth with 81.1 percent.

RPMD said the survey serves as one of the first major governance benchmarks following the creation and integration of the Negros Island Region.

The study was conducted from April 1 to 8, 2026, involving 5,000 respondents from various demographic and socio-economic sectors across the region. It carried a margin of error of plus or minus one percent at a 95 percent confidence level.

According to RPMD, city mayors were evaluated based on leadership effectiveness, fiscal management, delivery of basic services, peace and order, infrastructure development, disaster preparedness and response, environmental stewardship, transparency and accountability, accessibility and responsiveness, digital governance, and overall public satisfaction.

The survey found that governance strength was evident across several cities in the region, with multiple mayors earning scores above the 80-percent mark.

All city mayors included in the assessment surpassed RPMD’s 55-percent governance benchmark, indicating generally favorable public evaluations across the Negros Island Region.

For Cadiz City, Escalante’s third-place finish places the city among the region’s highest-rated local government units in terms of public trust and governance performance./*

Source: RPMD/Negros Daily Bulletin

06/06/2026

They Finally Made It

After years of balancing studies, personal responsibilities, and the demands of daily life, friends Al Liza May Baylin and Pearl Joy Palomaria have finally reached a milestone they worked hard to achieve.

The two graduated with a Bachelor of Public Administration degree from the State University of Northern Negros (SUNN) during the university's commencement exercises on June 5.

Both have been serving in the Information Management Division of the LGU-Cadiz City while pursuing their studies, demonstrating their commitment to both public service and education.

It may be recalled that their story was previously featured on The Story page, where they shared the challenges, sacrifices, and aspirations that shaped their educational journey.

The Story extends its congratulations to Al Liza May Baylin and Pearl Joy Palomaria on their graduation and wishes them continued success in their careers and future endeavors./*

04/06/2026

Cadiz PNP Strengthens Visibility

Personnel of Football Charlie 01 of the Cadiz Component City Police Station (CCPS) conducted a foot patrol along Family Boulevard in Cadiz City on June 4 under the supervision of Chief of Police PLTCOL Lymel John H. Pasquin.

The activity was part of the station's continuing efforts to enhance police visibility, maintain public safety, and strengthen engagement with the community.

Foot patrols enable officers to monitor public spaces more closely, respond promptly to incidents, and build stronger relationships with residents through direct interaction.

The operation underscores the Philippine National Police's emphasis on preventive policing, a strategy aimed at deterring crime and increasing public confidence through a visible law enforcement presence.

Recent PNP reports have linked intensified visibility patrols and community-based policing initiatives to declining crime incidents in several areas across the country.

Cadiz CCPS said it will continue conducting patrol operations in key locations throughout the city as part of its commitment to maintaining peace and order and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors./*

Source: PNP PCR Cadiz CPS

02/06/2026

Dose Bacosa: Small in Stature, Giant in Dreams

She knows her condition; she knows her limits. Still, she feels happy. Always.

This is how a Cadiznon with severe dwarfism or extreme short stature lives each day - quietly, steadily, and with acceptance that many struggle to find.

Dose Bacosa, 54, a resident of Barangay Cabahug, Cadiz City, stands about three feet tall.

From birth, her growth was different from others. While many children grew in height and strength over time, hers remained limited.

Doctors and family learned early that her body would not follow a typical path of development.

Life was not easy for Bacosa. Movement required more effort. Public spaces often did not fit her needs. She had to depend on others at times, while also learning to do as much as she could on her own.

There were moments of misunderstanding and silence, times when she was looked at differently because of her height.

But Bacosa did not stop.

She built her life around what she could do, not what she could not. She accepted work, relationships, and responsibilities within her capacity. She moved through life with patience and quiet strength.

For her, happiness was not something distant. It was found in small daily routines, in conversations, in being present, and in simply continuing forward despite limitations.

Those who know her say she rarely complains. Instead, she chooses acceptance. She understands that her condition is permanent, but she refuses to let it become her definition.

“I know I am different,” she once shared in her own simple words, “but I still live.”

Her story reflects a reality often unseen - people living with extreme physical conditions who continue to participate in life without seeking attention or pity.

In a society that often measures worth through physical ability, Bacosa stands as a reminder that dignity is not dependent on height, strength, or appearance.

She may be small in stature, but her life carries a message that is larger than her condition: that acceptance can be a form of strength, and that living with limits does not mean living without dreams./*

02/06/2026

Cadiznon Badminton Players Make Names at Palaro 2026

Cadiz City athletes Theo Jude C. Depositario and Joshua T. Layao captured the gold medal in the Elementary Boys Doubles badminton event at the 66th Palarong Pambansa 2026 held in Agusan del Sur from May 24 to 31, 2026.

The pair, who began competing as doubles partners in 2022 under the Jaguar Badminton Academy, completed a dominant campaign, winning all their matches in straight sets en route to the championship.

Depositario and Layao trained under Coach Jordan E. Sun and trainer Ernesto Layao Jr., who guided their development from early grassroots competition to the national stage.

Their performance secured Cadiz City’s presence in the national medal tally and added to the city’s growing record in school-based sports competition.

The duo credited years of preparation, discipline, and partnership for their success, having developed their coordination through continuous training and competition.

The victory reinforces Cadiz City’s standing in regional and national school sports competition, with the pair expected to continue in higher levels of play in the coming years./*

Source: Jordan Sun
Image: Purple Heart

01/06/2026

Madrid: Disability Inspired Me to Serve

Stories of perseverance often go untold, yet they reveal strength, resilience, and hope in overcoming hardship, shaping lives and communities.

Indeed, this story tells of one Cadiznon whose perseverance and service have brought pride and honor to Cadiz City community.

At six years old, Al James Supala Madrid suffered a spinal cord injury that changed the course of his life.

Growing up in poverty, he was unable to receive proper medical treatment for his condition.

What could have limited his future instead became the foundation of a life dedicated to serving others, particularly persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Today, at 49, Madrid serves as the Disability Affairs Officer of the City Government of Cadiz, a position he has held since 2017.

His work in advancing the welfare and rights of PWDs has earned recognition both locally and nationally.

On June 19, 2025, Madrid received the Mahusay Award, a recognition given by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for his contribution to community development and public service.

The award was presented during a ceremony at the Manila Hotel.

The recognition added to a growing list of achievements that includes being named a Cadizeños Awardee in 2019, an honor given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the city.

Madrid's journey was shaped not only by perseverance but also by his commitment to education. He completed studies in Computer Programming at North Negros College from 1997 to 1999.

More than two decades later, he returned to school and earned a Bachelor of Theology from Negros Theological Seminary in 2023.

In 2025, he completed a Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education at Pangasinan State University, proving that learning can continue regardless of age or circumstance.

Before joining the local government, Madrid worked as Program Officer of the Christian Foundation for PWDs Inc. in Bacolod City from 2013 to 2016, where he helped implement programs for persons with disabilities.

Beyond government service, he has taken leadership roles in organizations advocating for PWDs. He currently serves as President of the TESDA FI Alumni and President of the League of PDAO Negros.

For many in the disability sector, Madrid's story reflects the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing healthcare, education, and opportunities.

It also shows how those barriers can be challenged through persistence, community support, and public service.

From a child living with an untreated spinal cord injury to a national awardee and advocate, Madrid's journey stands as an example of how personal hardship can be transformed into a commitment to serve others./*

31/05/2026

NCRAA Dominates Palaro 2026

The National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) once again proved its dominance in Philippine school sports after topping the overall medal standings of the 2026 Palarong Pambansa Regular Sports competition.

Based on the official medal tally released on May 30, NCRAA amassed an impressive 91 gold, 71 silver, and 71 bronze medals, finishing far ahead of the rest of the field and securing the overall championship.

The delegation from CALABARZON, represented by STCAA (Region IV-A), placed second with 55 gold, 50 silver, and 60 bronze medals, while Davao Region's DaVRAA (Region XI) captured third place with 34 gold, 32 silver, and 34 bronze medals.

Western Visayas, represented by WVRAA (Region VI), closed its campaign in fifth place with 31 gold, 36 silver, and 45 bronze medals, behind Central Visayas' CVIRAA (Region VII), which finished fourth with 32 gold, 30 silver, and 44 bronze medals.

The results reflected the intense competition among the country's best young athletes, who gathered in Agusan del Sur to compete in various sporting disciplines and bring honor to their respective regions.

Despite missing the podium, NIRAA's performance highlighted the depth of talent in Negros Island Region, with athletes delivering medal-winning performances across multiple events and contributing to the region's strong overall finish.

As the curtains closed on the 2026 Palarong Pambansa regular sports competitions, NCRAA's commanding lead reaffirmed its status as the nation's premier sporting powerhouse, while the performances of the other top delegations underscored the growing competitiveness of Philippine grassroots sports.

The annual games continue to serve as the country's biggest stage for student-athletes, producing future national champions and inspiring a new generation of Filipino sports talents./*

Source: Palarong Pambansa 2026

30/05/2026

Cadiz’ Obsioma Wins Two Gold Medals at Palaro 2026

Zach Lucas Obsioma, a young para-athlete from Cadiz City, has brought pride to the Negros Island Region after securing two gold medals in para swimming events at the just-concluded Palarong Pambansa 2026, held in Agusan del Sur from May 23 to 31.

Obsioma delivered a standout performance against the country’s top para-athletes, representing Cadiz City and the newly strengthened Negros Island Region.

Competing under intense national pressure, Obsioma showed consistency and discipline across events, finishing with two gold medal performances in para swimming.

His results placed him among the notable multi-gold medal winners of this year’s Para Games.

The Palarong Pambansa remains the Philippines’ premier grassroots sports competition, bringing together young athletes from various regions, including schools divisions across Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon.

This year’s edition in Agusan del Sur highlighted rising talent and regional sports development.

Obsioma’s double-gold finish adds to the growing list of Cadiz athletes gaining recognition on the national stage, reinforcing the city’s presence in Philippine grassroots sports./*

Photo: Zach Lucas Obsioma's page

27/05/2026

Delina Couple: Cadiz City’s Model Family

Cadiz City continues to be associated with positive stories of resilience and achievement.

This time, it highlights a family that has successfully raised children who became professionals despite hardship and difficult circumstances.

Their journey serves as an inspiration to many, showing that with determination, discipline, and strong family values, challenges can be overcome and success can be achieved.

Blas Manapsal Delina Sr., of So. San Andres, Barangay Banquerohan, began life in humble conditions. He worked as a janitor at the DepEd Division Office of Cadiz City while studying. He later worked as a waiter in Bacolod City while taking up Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at the University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos.

After completing his studies, he entered the banking sector and rose to become Assistant Manager of BPI Cadiz City Branch. He later served in local government as Executive Secretary at the Office of the Vice Mayor of Cadiz City.

His wife, Lydia Aguilar Punzalan–Delina, is a registered nurse and retired government employee of the Cadiz City Local Government Unit. Together, they focused on education, discipline, and work values in raising their children.

The couple raised ten children, all of whom became professionals in different fields:

Their eldest, Engr. Jonas Punzalan Delina, BSECE, a former DESP/NOSP scholar, now works as Senior QC Telecom Engineer in Saudi Aramco offshore projects in Saudi Arabia.

Engr. Ivan Punzalan Delina, BSMarE, a Norwegian-sponsored cadet, is now serving as a Chief Engineer in the maritime industry.

Emmanuel Punzalan Delina, CPA, an academic scholar, is currently an Internal Audit Manager in a multinational construction company in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

Joseph Punzalan Delina, RN, a registered nurse, is now based in New Zealand working in the healthcare sector.

Engr. Blas Punzalan Delina Jr., BSMarE, a Norwegian-sponsored cadet, is now a 2nd Engineer in the maritime industry.

Marianne Punzalan Delina–Opialda, CPA, MBA, a certified public accountant and MBA graduate, is working in the Cadiz City Local Government Unit.

Engr. Daniel Punzalan Delina, BSMarE, a marine engineer, is currently serving as a 3rd Engineer.

Engr. John Vincent Punzalan Delina, BSMarE, a Norwegian-sponsored cadet, is a 3rd Engineer onboard a gas tanker vessel.

Mona Lydia Punzalan Delina, CPA, JD, is a certified public accountant and Juris Doctor who works in a government agency under NNNP.

Nikki Punzalan Delina, RMT, a registered medical technologist, is working remotely for a U.S.-based medical company.

The Delina family has been recognized in the community as an example of how education, discipline, and perseverance can shape long-term family outcomes.

From janitor and waiter to bank manager and public servant, and from a nurse’s service to ten professionals across engineering, medicine, law, accounting, and maritime fields, the Delina couple’s story reflects a consistent pattern of hard work and education.

Their journey remains a reference point in Cadiz City, showing how a single household can produce a generation of professionals working locally and abroad./*

27/05/2026

Why Barrio Fiesta Needs Sabong?

Beyond the church procession, and the long tables of food, another tradition draws people together during barrio fiestas across the country - sabong.

Filipino-style cockfighting is often reduced to a simple image: gambling, noise, and violence inside a cockpit arena.

But in many rural communities, sabong represents something deeper. It is part of memory, identity, and social life.

In barrios where opportunities are limited and daily life is difficult, fiesta becomes more than celebration. It becomes reunion.

Workers return home from cities. Seafarers arrive from abroad. Relatives gather after years apart. And almost always, the cockpit becomes one of the busiest places in town.

Before the first fight begins, the arena already tells a story about the community itself.

Farmers carrying roosters wrapped carefully in cloth sit beside tricycle drivers and fishermen.

Retired men discuss old matches from decades ago. Young breeders proudly show the birds they spent months raising.

For one day or two, social status disappears inside the cockpit. Everyone watches the same fight. Everyone hopes for the same victory.

In many barrios, sabong is not merely entertainment. It is economy.

Small vendors earn income from the crowd. Local breeders sell fighting c***s and feeds. Drivers gain more passengers. Food stalls remain open from morning until night.

During fiesta season, cockpit events often generate money that circulates through the community.

But perhaps the strongest reason sabong survives is tradition.

Long before modern malls, social media, and online entertainment reached rural towns, the cockpit was already part of barrio life.

Fathers brought sons to watch fights. Stories about famous roosters became part of family conversations.

Victories inside the arena gave pride not only to owners but also to entire barangays.

Critics, however, continue to question the practice.

Animal welfare groups condemn cockfighting as cruel and outdated. Others point to gambling addiction and financial loss suffered by some families.

These concerns remain real and continue to fuel debate across the country.

Yet even with criticism, many barrios continue to defend sabong, especially during fiestas.

For supporters, removing sabong from barrio celebrations would not simply erase a sport. It would remove a gathering place, a livelihood, and a tradition that has connected communities for generations.

As night falls, the cockpit slowly empties.

Some men leave smiling after winning bets. Others walk home quietly, carrying losses they do not speak about. Outside, the fiesta continues with music, dancing, and crowded streets.

But inside the barrio, one reality remains clear: for many communities, sabong is not only about the fight inside the arena.

It is about the people who gather around it./*

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