The Sidlakang Negros Village (SNV) Showroom will soon extend its business hours to give more time for tourists and visitors to purchase locally-made souvenir items. 

 

The Sidlakang Negros Producers Association (SNPA), whose members compose the manufacturers and suppliers selling their locally-produced wares at the Pasalubong Center inside the SNV Showroom, has agreed to be open for business until 10:00 p.m.

 

This after Gov. Roel Degamo requested the association to extend its business hours to give more time for tourists to buy the souvenir items sold by SNPA inside the showroom. 

Provincial Tourism Officer Myla Mae Abellana said the 10:00 p.m. closing time will take effect once the SNPA inks the memorandum of agreement with the provincial government. 

 

The SNV is currently open from 9:00 am until 6:00 in the evening. 

 

Capitol Information Officer Adrian Sedillo said the governor made the request in a recent meeting with the SNPA officers. 

 

The SNPA members earlier agreed to turn over 10 percent of their income to the provincial government every month as they are allowed to sell their wares, including souvenir items, inside the village for free. 

 

“But the governor told the group that instead of handing over their 10% to the provincial government, they can use the money to cover the costs of extending their business hours,” said Sedillo. 

 

The governor likewise requested the association to make sure that their products’ packaging clearly states that it is made in Negros Oriental in order to further promote the province among tourists. “Their products are one way for the province to be known in other areas,” Sedillo added. 

 

He also disclosed that the SNPA members agreed to police their own ranks against producers selling products that are not from the province. 

 

The governor’s move is in the effort of maximizing the village to fully showcase the province’s culture, arts and tourism as envisioned by his predecessor, the late Gov. Emilio Macias II, under whose leadership the SNV was constructed. 

 

The village serves as the one-stop tourism center of Negros Oriental located in Dumaguete City. The sprawling village houses various tourist booths and pavilions, each of which features the crafts and delicacies unique to a town or city in the province while offering a preview of its tourist spots. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)