NOCCI President Edward Du expressed his sincere gratitude to Zamboanguita Vice-Mayor Felipe Elmido, Sr. for his unwavering support of NOCCI’s Twin Environmental Advocacy program in the Municipality of Zamboanguita.
The program, which includes the “Save Mt. Talinis Rainforest Thru the Mt. Talinis Dark Chocolate Otop Project” and the “POLO Lutoban Turtle Island Ecotourism Project,” has benefited greatly from Vice-Mayor Elmido’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development in the region. His support has been instrumental in the success of these initiatives, demonstrating his dedication to protecting the natural resources of Negros Oriental.
NOCCI Applauds Zamboanguita Vice-Mayor for Environmental Advocacy
The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) has expressed profound appreciation for the unwavering support of Zamboanguita Vice-Mayor Felipe Elmido, Sr. in championing environmental conservation efforts in the region. NOCCI President Edward Du extended his gratitude to Vice-Mayor Elmido for his dedication to the chamber’s Twin Environmental Advocacy Program, which plays a critical role in preserving Negros Oriental’s rich biodiversity and natural resources.
Vice-Mayor Elmido’s commitment has significantly contributed to the success of NOCCI’s two flagship initiatives:
- The “Save Mt. Talinis Rainforest” Project – Promoting sustainable cacao farming through the Mt. Talinis Dark Chocolate OTOP Project.
- The POLO Lutoban Turtle Island Ecotourism Project – Advocating for the conservation of marine biodiversity and sustainable eco-tourism.
With Elmido’s support, these projects have gained momentum, strengthening environmental protection and sustainable livelihood opportunities in Zamboanguita.
A Strong Ally in Environmental Conservation
Environmental conservation and sustainable development have been central to NOCCI’s advocacy, and Vice-Mayor Elmido has emerged as a strong ally in these efforts. His leadership in integrating environmental preservation into local policies has provided NOCCI with crucial government backing, reinforcing the impact of these initiatives.
NOCCI President Edward Du acknowledged Elmido’s role, stating:
“Vice-Mayor Elmido’s commitment to protecting our natural heritage has been truly commendable. His leadership ensures that Zamboanguita’s environmental treasures, such as Mt. Talinis and Turtle Island, are preserved not only for today but for future generations.”
Elmido’s involvement in the Twin Environmental Advocacy Program underscores his belief in eco-friendly economic growth and community-driven conservation.
Mt. Talinis Dark Chocolate OTOP Project: A Sustainable Initiative
The Mt. Talinis Dark Chocolate OTOP Project is a pioneering initiative that merges environmental conservation and economic empowerment. As part of the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program, the project promotes sustainable cacao farming as an alternative to environmentally harmful agricultural practices.
This initiative benefits local farmers, enabling them to participate in the growing cacao industry while preserving the Mt. Talinis Rainforest. The project’s goals include:
✅ Reforestation through Agroforestry – Encouraging cacao cultivation under forest cover to maintain biodiversity.
✅ Sustainable Livelihoods – Providing farmers with income opportunities while reducing deforestation.
✅ Premium Local Chocolate Production – Establishing Negros Oriental as a producer of high-quality dark chocolate.
With Vice-Mayor Elmido’s support, the project has gained greater community acceptance, allowing more farmers to transition to sustainable farming.
POLO Lutoban Turtle Island Ecotourism: Preserving Marine Biodiversity
The POLO Lutoban Turtle Island Ecotourism Project focuses on the protection of marine ecosystems while fostering eco-tourism opportunities in Zamboanguita. The initiative aims to:
✅ Conserve Marine Life – Protecting sea turtle nesting grounds and marine biodiversity.
✅ Promote Sustainable Tourism – Developing eco-friendly tourism activities to generate local revenue.
✅ Raise Environmental Awareness – Educating communities about the importance of marine conservation.
Vice-Mayor Elmido’s commitment to this cause has led to the strengthening of local conservation policies, ensuring that Turtle Island remains a sanctuary for marine life while offering eco-tourism benefits to the community.
“Sustainable tourism must be a top priority,” Elmido stated. “We must ensure that our natural attractions are preserved, while also providing economic benefits to local communities.”
A Model for Public-Private Partnerships in Conservation
The collaboration between NOCCI and the Municipality of Zamboanguita, under the leadership of Vice-Mayor Elmido, serves as a model for public-private partnerships in environmental conservation. NOCCI’s advocacy programs have demonstrated how business and sustainability can go hand in hand, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of nature.
Edward Du emphasized NOCCI’s commitment to continuing its partnership with local government units (LGUs), environmental organizations, and business leaders to further enhance these conservation programs.
“Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility. Through partnerships like this, we can ensure that Negros Oriental remains a sustainable and thriving region for all.”
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Environmental Programs
With the continued collaboration between NOCCI and local government leaders, the Twin Environmental Advocacy Program is expected to expand further. Future plans include:
🔹 Scaling Up Cacao Farming Initiatives – Encouraging more farmers to adopt sustainable agroforestry techniques.
🔹 Enhancing Marine Conservation Efforts – Implementing stricter measures for coastal protection and sea turtle conservation.
🔹 Developing Eco-Tourism Infrastructure – Improving facilities and tourism programs while ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Vice-Mayor Elmido reaffirmed his commitment to supporting these programs, recognizing their long-term benefits for both the environment and the local economy.
“We are grateful for NOCCI’s efforts in leading these initiatives. Our partnership will continue to ensure that Zamboanguita’s natural resources are protected while providing economic opportunities for our people.”
The strong collaboration between NOCCI and Vice-Mayor Felipe Elmido has significantly advanced environmental conservation efforts in Zamboanguita. With Elmido’s steadfast support, NOCCI’s Mt. Talinis Dark Chocolate Project and POLO Lutoban Turtle Island Ecotourism Project are making a lasting impact on sustainability, economic growth, and community development.
As these initiatives continue to expand, the partnership between NOCCI and Zamboanguita’s local government stands as a shining example of how business and environmental advocacy can thrive together for a greener and more sustainable future.
