BACOLOD CITY – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), and the provincial government of Negros Occidental on Monday led the symbolic inauguration of the “Improvement of Recreational Trail within Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary” project.
Funded through a PHP10-million allocation under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF)-Green Green Green Program in the 2024 General Appropriations Act, the project aims to enhance eco-tourism and promote environmental awareness in the province.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, DHSUD-Western Visayas Regional Director Eva Maria Marfil, and Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II, representing Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, led the ceremony held at the Capitol Social Hall.
In her message, Pangandaman praised the province for its dedication to sustainable development and conservation.
“You’ve done a great job in making the area an ecologically-friendly and world-class tourism destination and even declaring the resort a wildlife sanctuary through an executive order,” she said. “May you serve as an example to other cities and provinces in different parts of the country.”
Negros Occidental is the first recipient of the Green Green Green Program in Western Visayas. The initiative supports local governments in developing green open spaces and infrastructure projects that promote active mobility and environmental conservation.
Marfil commended the province for its commitment to the program, noting that the project is now set for full implementation.
“You have demonstrated serious dedication in fulfilling this responsibility to the people of Negros Occidental, where they can take pride in a project that promotes biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness,” she said.
The improvement project covers a total area of 1,644 square meters within Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary in Barangay Minoyan, Murcia town. It includes the upgrading of existing trails, installation of directional, regulatory, and educational signage, development of rest areas with trash bins, and integration of features highlighting the region’s diverse flora.
“This is a very special event for the province. It is indeed a very exciting project and we are happy to partner with the DBM in this,” Diaz said.
The upgraded trail is expected to provide a safer and more enriching experience for visitors while strengthening Negros Occidental’s eco-tourism and conservation efforts.
