Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) President Edward Du had a meeting with Dauin Municipal Mayor Galicano Truita and Valencia Municipal Mayor Edgar Teves, Jr. on NOCCI’s Save Mt. Talinis Rainforest Project. Also present during the meeting was Negros Oriental Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Myles Nicholas Bejar.
During the meeting, President Du expressed his gratitude to the LGUs of Dauin and Valencia for their continued support to the said NOCCI advocacy project which mainly aims to preserve the Mt. Talinis rainforest as well as to provide alternative and sustainable livelihood to the Cacao farmers in the locality.
NOCCI, Dauin & Valencia Leaders Unite for Mt. Talinis Preservation and Sustainable Livelihood
In a pivotal meeting aimed at bolstering environmental conservation and sustainable development efforts, Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) President Edward Du met with Dauin Municipal Mayor Galicano Truita and Valencia Municipal Mayor Edgar Teves, Jr. to discuss the ongoing Save Mt. Talinis Rainforest Project. The meeting, which took place in Dauin, was also attended by Negros Oriental Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Myles Nicholas Bejar.
Strengthening Environmental Advocacy
NOCCI’s Save Mt. Talinis Rain forest Project is a long-term advocacy initiative focused on preserving the critical ecosystem of Mt. Talinis, one of Negros Oriental’s most vital ecological treasures. During the meeting, President Du emphasized the importance of protecting the mountain’s rich biodiversity while ensuring sustainable economic growth for the surrounding communities.
“Mt. Talinis is not only a natural wonder but a vital resource for our province’s future. Protecting it ensures the preservation of water sources, flora, and fauna while contributing to a more sustainable local economy,” Du remarked.
The project also seeks to address deforestation and illegal logging activities that have been detrimental to the forest’s overall health. Mayor Truita and Mayor Teves reiterated their commitment to enforcing stricter environmental regulations to protect the area from further degradation.
Collaborative Partnership with LGUs
President Du expressed his heartfelt gratitude to both the Dauin and Valencia local government units (LGUs) for their unwavering support of the advocacy. Both municipalities, being gateways to the Mt. Talinis ecosystem, have played crucial roles in coordinating efforts to safeguard the rainforest and in aligning with NOCCI’s vision for a greener Negros Oriental.
“Without the support of our local governments, the success of the Save Mt. Talinis project would be limited. We are grateful for the dedication shown by Mayor Truita and Mayor Teves in championing this cause,” Du acknowledged during the meeting.
Mayor Truita, representing Dauin, noted that environmental conservation aligns with the municipality’s broader goal of promoting eco-tourism. “By preserving Mt. Talinis, we ensure that future generations of both locals and tourists can enjoy its beauty. Sustainable tourism and livelihood opportunities are the next step for our communities,” he said.
Mayor Teves of Valencia echoed similar sentiments, highlighting that the collaboration between LGUs and NOCCI signifies a shared responsibility in environmental stewardship. “Protecting Mt. Talinis is not just a local concern; it is a provincial responsibility that requires all hands on deck,” Teves added.
Empowering Cacao Farmers for Sustainable Livelihood
A unique feature of NOCCI’s Save Mt. Talinis Project is its focus on providing alternative and sustainable livelihoods for the local cacao farmers. The rainforest area surrounding Mt. Talinis is known for its fertile soil, ideal for growing high-quality cacao, which can be turned into premium chocolates marketed both locally and internationally.
The initiative seeks to empower cacao farmers by offering training in sustainable agricultural practices and linking them to markets, creating income opportunities that do not harm the environment. President Du believes that by providing a viable economic alternative, the project can reduce activities like illegal logging, which have long threatened the forest’s stability.
“This project is not just about protecting the rainforest. It’s also about giving people a sustainable way to earn a living while preserving the very resources that make our region special. Cacao farming presents a win-win solution, benefiting both the farmers and the environment,” Du explained.
The mayors of Dauin and Valencia both expressed their strong support for this livelihood component, agreeing to provide municipal-level support and access to resources that will benefit cacao farmers.
Legal Framework and Support
Atty. Myles Nicholas Bejar, Negros Oriental Provincial Legal Officer, highlighted the importance of establishing a legal framework that will formalize the protection of the Mt. Talinis rainforest. This would include crafting local ordinances that not only protect the environment but also support the socio-economic initiatives tied to it, such as sustainable cacao farming.
“We must ensure that the legal groundwork is in place so that this project can thrive in the long term. Legal support from the provincial and municipal governments is essential to achieving the goals set by NOCCI and its partners,” Atty. Bejar said during the meeting.
A Path Toward a Greener Future
The Save Mt. Talinis Rainforest Project, supported by NOCCI and the LGUs of Dauin and Valencia, demonstrates a progressive approach to environmental conservation that merges ecological responsibility with economic opportunity. Through this collaborative effort, Negros Oriental is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future that benefits both its natural resources and its people.
As the meeting concluded, all parties reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Mt. Talinis and ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from its resources. President Du’s leadership, coupled with the strong support from the local governments, signals a promising step forward in both environmental preservation and sustainable development.
