By CESAR JOLITO III
A new capitol-style supermarket managed by the Negros Occidental provincial government’s Technology and Livelihood Development Center is set to open in Mambukal Mountain Resort, offering a direct link between local farmers and consumers while creating community employment opportunities.
According to Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II, the supermarket will source produce directly from local farmers, helping to streamline distribution to major supermarkets across the province.
A facilitated delivery system will also allow offices to receive fresh vegetables — such as ingredients for pinakbet — without employees needing to leave work.
“The supermarket is designed to bridge the gap between producers and consumers, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure fresher vegetables reach the market faster,” Diaz said.
The project’s agricultural component focuses on Barangays San Miguel and Minoyan in Murcia town, where farmlots have been mapped using Geographic Information System technology to identify the most suitable crops for each covered area with Certificate of Land Ownership Awards.
Farmers will receive seeds and wages to ensure sustainable livelihoods while contributing to the province’s food security initiatives.
Community involvement is central to the program.
Residents of Minoyan will be prioritized for employment in farming, distribution and environmental monitoring as “Lawig Patrollers.”
These patrollers will help protect local ecosystems, with immediate legal action taken against any reported intrusions into protected areas.
In addition, residents have volunteered to work as trail guides along the nearly completed Mambukal trail, which spans from the first to the sixth waterfall.
Prospective guides will undergo first aid, basic life support and environmental protection training, provided by the Provincial Environment Management Office.
A minimal trail fee, mandated by local ordinance, will fund community guides and support residents.
Diaz said the combined initiatives — including the supermarket, farm support, environmental protection, and ecotourism employment — are expected to open soon, reinforcing Negros Occidental’s commitment to sustainable livelihoods, food security and community-based tourism./CJ, WDJ