SU re-dedicates Negros Chronicle archives, secures 50 years of local history

Silliman University (SU) marked a significant moment in preserving local heritage through the re-dedication of The Negros Chronicle newspapers on March 26, 2026, held at the Robert B. & Metta J. Silliman University Library.

The ceremony commemorated the donation of 53 bound volumes of the publication, a collection spanning over five decades since its establishment in 1973.

As one of the province’s pioneering newspapers, The Negros Chronicle stands as a vital historical record, offering insight into the social, cultural, and political developments that shaped different periods in Negros Oriental.

The event brought together key figures from the academe, government, and media, reflecting a shared commitment to safeguarding the region’s documentary heritage. Among those present were Silliman University President Dr. Betty McCann, Provincial Tourism Board Executive Director Woodrow Maquiling Jr., and Tourism Council member Glynda Descuatan, alongside members of the local media. Representing local government were City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria through Assistant City Administrator Dinno Depositario, and Governor Chaco Sagarbarria through Provincial Tourism Officer Maquiling.

The highlight of the ceremony was the formal entrustment of the collection by Publisher-Editor Ely Dejaresco to the university library, ensuring its long-term preservation, accessibility, and continued use for historical research.

This gesture reinforces the role of academic institutions as stewards of knowledge and cultural memory, safeguarding primary sources that allow future generations to trace the unfolding of events across time.

Adding a personal and celebratory note to the occasion was the birthday of Dejaresco, making the gathering not only a tribute to the enduring legacy of The Negros Chronicle but also a recognition of the individual who helped sustain its voice through the years.