
To bolster local business and tourism, Murcia officials, led by Mayor Gerry Rojas and Vice Mayor Johnny Reosura, inaugurated the new Murcia Pasalubong Center on Friday, August 8.
The center is strategically situated along the Negros Occidental Eco-Tourism Highway in Brgy. Salvacion, making it easily accessible to travelers.
Rojas said the Pasalubong Center will tremendously help market the agricultural and livelihood products of the 23 barangays in Murcia.
The one-stop-shop will serve as a key showroom and marketing arm for local products, making it convenient for tourists to purchase souvenirs and food items, he said.
Rojas thanked former Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Benitez for his collaboration and funding for the project, and the Dela Rama family for donating the land.
The center offers a variety of products, including decorative plants, fresh produce, handwoven baskets, local food, and the town’s renowned brooms and coffee. It also features restaurants, coffee shops, and food stalls, making it an ideal stopover for motorists and bikers.
Provincial Tourism Officer Cheryl Decena praised the initiative, noting its unique location.
“While most Pasalubong Centers are inside buildings and thus are often not easily visible, the Murcia Pasalubong Center is located along a major eco-tourism national highway, making it easily visible and readily accessible to tourists,” she said.
Decena assured that the provincial government would continue to support Murcia’s tourism programs.
The inauguration of the Pasalubong Center was the highlight of a series of project launches on Friday.
Rojas also led the blessing and inauguration of the Juan dela Cruz Welcome Monument, the Rural Health Unit’s Annex Building, and the newly renovated commercial wing of the Murcia Public Market.
The event was attended by 3rd District Provincial Board Members Andrew Montelibano and Bambi Depasucat, Benjie Villa from the Office of the 3rd Legislative District, and various barangay officials.*