The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) launched its Save Mt. Talinis Project at Sidlakang Negros Village in Dumaguete City. During the launching, NOCCI President Edward Du officially introduced NOCCI’s Mt. Talinis Dark Chocolate as the pioneering product of its Save Mt. Talinis Project.
Mt. Talinis Dark Chocolate was conceptualized in 2018 by NOCCI as a community-based inclusive social enterprise composed of marginal cacao farmers in the remote mountain barangays of the Municipality of Valencia, Province of Negros Oriental, promoted through the One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with Energy Development Corporation (EDC), various national government agencies, and Philippines’ Cacao King, Mr. Valente Turtur of Ayungon, Negros Oriental.
The Mt. Talinis Dark Chocolate has been gaining local and international support and endorsement from several dignitaries and institutions since its soft launching on February 13, 2024.
Held at Sidlakang Negros Village in Dumaguete City, the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) unveiled its ambitious Save Mt. Talinis Project, marking a significant milestone in sustainable community development.
Led by NOCCI President Edward Du, the launch event showcased the centerpiece of the initiative: NOCCI’s Mt. Talinis Dark Chocolate. President Du introduced this pioneering product, which stands as a testament to NOCCI’s commitment to supporting local communities and preserving the natural heritage of Mt. Talinis.
The journey of Mt. Talinis Dark Chocolate traces back to 2018 when NOCCI conceptualized it as a community-based inclusive social enterprise. This endeavor brought together marginal cacao farmers from the remote mountain barangays of the Municipality of Valencia, Province of Negros Oriental. The project was further propelled through the One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in collaboration with Energy Development Corporation (EDC) and various national government agencies. Notably, the expertise of Philippines’ Cacao King, Mr. Valente Turtur of Ayungon, Negros Oriental, played a pivotal role in the project’s success.
Since its soft launch on February 13, 2024, Mt. Talinis Dark Chocolate has garnered widespread acclaim and support, both locally and internationally. Dignitaries and institutions have endorsed this initiative, recognizing its potential to empower local communities and promote sustainable agriculture.
The introduction of Mt. Talinis Dark Chocolate not only celebrates the rich cacao heritage of Negros Oriental but also signifies a beacon of hope for marginalized farmers. By providing them with a platform to showcase their produce on a global stage, NOCCI aims to uplift livelihoods and foster economic resilience in the region.
President Du emphasized the transformative impact of the Save Mt. Talinis Project, stating, “Our vision goes beyond producing world-class chocolate; it’s about empowering communities and preserving our natural resources for generations to come.”
The launch event also served as a platform to highlight the collaborative spirit driving the project forward. NOCCI expressed gratitude to its partners, including local government units, private sector stakeholders, and the supportive community, for their unwavering commitment to the project’s success.
Moving forward, NOCCI envisions expanding the reach of Mt. Talinis Dark Chocolate, both domestically and internationally, while staying true to its core values of sustainability and community empowerment. Through innovative marketing strategies and strategic partnerships, NOCCI aims to position Mt. Talinis Dark Chocolate as a symbol of excellence in the global marketplace.
As NOCCI continues to champion the cause of sustainable development, the Save Mt. Talinis Project stands as a shining example of how business initiatives can drive positive change and create lasting impact in communities. With Mt. Talinis Dark Chocolate leading the way, NOCCI paves the path towards a brighter, more sustainable future for Negros Oriental and beyond.
WEBSITE :www.mount-talinis.com
