The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Negros Occidental provincial government on Monday led the symbolic inauguration of the “Improvement of Recreational Trail within Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary” project.

The project, funded by a PHP10-million allocation under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF)-Green Green Green Program in the 2024 General Appropriations Act, is seen to boost ecologically-friendly tourism in Negros Occidental.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, DHSUD-Western Visayas Regional Director Eva Maria Marfil, and Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II, on behalf of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, led the ceremonies at the Capitol Social Hall here.

In her keynote address, Pangandaman congratulated the provincial government for pushing for the continued development of Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary located in Barangay Minoyan, Murcia town.

“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. Magsilbi po sana kayong ehemplo sa iba pang mga siyudad at probinsiya sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa (May you serve as an example to other cities and provinces in the different parts of the country),” she said.

In July last year, the DBM issued the guidelines on the release and utilization of the fund for the Green Green Green Program designed to support beneficiary provinces, cities, and municipalities in promoting green open spaces and infrastructure projects for active mobility

Marfil, who represented the DSHUD as the reviewing body of the project proposals, said Negros Occidental is the first recipient of the program in Western Visayas.

“From this point forward, this project is set for 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.

With a total project area of 1,644 square meters, the proposed upgrading and redevelopment of the trail within the Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary aims to enhance visitors’ experience while prioritizing safety, sustainability, and environmental education.

The improvement involves upgrading and redeveloping the existing trail that include the improvement of pathways, installation of directional, regulatory, and informational signages, establishment of rest areas with trash bins, and incorporation of educational features to highlight the area’s rich 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. (PNA)