Many times I heard Mam Helen Javier Arguelles (Sagay City Tourism and Information Officer) asking me, “Kumusta ka?” when we visited her beloved Sagay City and I quickly responded “Ok lang po mam”. Yes, I was ok, deep inside my mind were unfathomable emotions and thoughts broiling to a higher level as we delved deeper into different realms of their Community-Based Tourism (CBT) destinations. Most often, I was quiet. Eyes peeled, absorbing the beauty and unique experience brought about by the positive and happy vibrations of the community.
A lot of times I would pull myself away from the group, seemingly zoning out, and would enjoy a glimpse from afar with the same question staying rent-free in my head, “How are they able to pull these off?-As in-all of these?”
The Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPB) has invited yours truly on many CBT-related trips. Most are in the training phase of the Marketing Enhancement Program across the Philippine archipelago, but this trip to Sagay City already speaks of the locals’ embrace of the idea and the program’s success. They were one of the early trainees of the CBT Marketing Enhancement Program a few years ago. My previous CBT trips in Mayoyao, BARMM and Mauban, showed the beginning phase of the program, but for the two days in this northern city of Negros Occidental province, we witnessed the implementation phase and sheer improvement of the active community evidenced by their smiles and growing wisdom of the local stakeholders. Apart from TPB’s support, the Sagaynons have their very own Ms. Helen, the woman who is one of the strong and indelible forces that made—all of these—happen.
Each destination in Sagay has its own character, its own narrative, and its own story – its own breath of life.
From Destruction to Conservation
Ex-poachers and ex-dynamite fisherfolks now protect the 32,000-hectare protected seascape for 5 decades and about 200 hectares of that is a marine sanctuary known to be Sagay’s poster destination: the famous Carbin Reef. The protected marine seascape features its everchanging sandbar surrounded by clear waters dotted with a teeming marine ecosystem. While at the sandbar, a perfect platform for Mr. Mark Lobaton to demonstrate Sagay’s quintessential and heavenly version of Kinilaw. Handed down from his father, he kept the fire burning for the magical seafood dish that made Enting’s a culinary icon in Sagay. Tourism Activities: snorkeling, beach bumming, island dining
Nature and Community in Harmony
The Suyac Island Mangrove Forest Eco-park is now protected and maintained by the 750++-resident island community. From adamant people turning into a warm welcoming community, the eco-tourism mindset has finally dipped its fingers into the consciousness of the Suyac Island locals who bore the protection against the infamous Typhoon Yolanda. Coexisting with the Indigenous inhabitants like a classic example of nature-human commensalism, trained locals simultaneously manage the tourism activities and the growing biodiversity of mangroves, flying foxes, and aquatic species, turning these crucial elements into a high impact and high-value experience-they are the Suyac Island Eco-park Tourist Attendants Association (SIETAAS). According to Ms. Helen, annual earnings already reached the million peso mark – all thanks to the synergy of successful social marketing pride campaign, capacity-building strategies, political will and the support of all stakeholders that transformed this community into a formidable sustainable tourism workforce that stands as one of the best laboratory sought by international institutions. Tourism Activities: Mangrove Forest Educational Tour, Bird or Bat Watching, Community Interaction
Paddle Through Mangrove Labyrinths
The Lapus Lapus Bulanon Conservation Area and Floating Cottages, again, managed and protected by the community, comprises another labyrinth of mangrove forests that offers natural obstacle course-like for paddling activities. Apart from that, other guests can enjoy the waters by lounging at their designated floating huts and enjoy fresh seafood spread wonderfully prepared and made by trained locals. There are existing trained kayak guides and Sagaynon women prepare your fresh meals. Tourism Activities: Outrigger Boat Ride, Floating Cottage, Kayak at Natural Mangrove Maze, Bird Watching, Meal Service at Floating Cottage
Transforming Rides into Artful Narratives
The Sikad Drivers, turned Sikad Guides maneuvering their colorful “tribike” rides through the colorful artful streets of Barangay Bougainvillia expose you to another community who enjoyed art transformation with their coordinated art facades which they label as Community of Colors. Simply put, local artisans strutted their coordinated and corroborated efforts to turn dark alleys into works of art. Assigned to me is Sir Richard, where he skillfully deciphered the community and nature elements into a beautiful and digestible narrative. It’s like a ride to history. The long colorful train of sikads attracted the attention of the residents and got smiles in return. I cannot forget how Sir Richard proudly said, “Kami mismo binabawal ang sarili namin na kumuha ng panggatong sa mga bakawan.” Tourism Activities: Art, History and Nature Appreciation
The Creative Heart of Sagay’s North
The Kape Albarako, art epi-center of the Sagay’s North at Margaha Beach, is where the seven pillars of Creative Disciplines are erected fronting the Sibuyan Sea, seeming to witness the change of tides. Also, the residence of Nunelucio Alvarado’s artworks. Mr. Alvarado, aka Maestro Nune, is a strong force of Sagay’s creative scene and an internationally acclaimed artist already at his octogenarian years. On the morning of our visit, we have with us Sir Brian Ferraro, a Sagaynon songwriter and vocalist performing his compelling originals. Bearing only an acoustic guitar, he led the group in an enchanting breakfast acoustic gig. Despite understanding a few Hiligaynon words, his renditions are transcending. My favorite is the Buhi Nga Dagat. Fronting this cafe, a black sand beach bearing the stories of different creative events is also a promising wellness destination. Tourism Activities: Cafe and Native Snacks Dining, Beach Bumming, Art Appreciation, Beach walking or seaside jogging
Something to look forward to. There have been considerations that volcanic black sand has health benefits which Margaha Beach has. According to Ms. Helen, some locals visit the beach and bury their legs in the black sand. We suggested putting up a beachfront nature-inspired spa with trained hilots.
Youth Guides Inspiring Learning and Change
The Museo Sang Bata of Negros where school-aged kids lead you to different sections is the first of its kind outside Metro Manila and suggested to be your first destination in Sagay. These junior volunteers dedicate spare time to their youth as Junior Museum Guides and are well-trained in providing useful information that is easily digestible for all generations. Each guide was assigned to each section-sensing their individual enthusiasm and reverberating energy. Apart from their infectious smiles, you have to know that each of these young guides is an achiever, in one way or another. At the end of your museum tour is an invitation for you to be part of forces to protect the marine ecosystem.
Celebrating Indigenous Traditions at Puey
The Ata people of Barangay Puey where we learned their “pispis” or bird mimicry skills plus their native culinary techniques. Our visit also coincided with their festival, which is observed every November. Now permanently residing at their government-awarded lot, the growing Ata population from 3 to 70 households enjoy the peace of mind of assured residence and safe space. Ultimately, enjoying the sweeping views of the mountain range, the spot certainly has a tourism potential. One must bring home treasures from the Ata People like these strong and beautiful backpacks made and designed by Hayandumon Ata Indigenous Community Weaver Association. Tourism Activities: Weaving Community Interaction, Nature Appreciation, Basic Jungle Survival Techniques
Locals as Stewards of Sustainability and CBT
Community Based Tourism is a story where the locals/residents play the main characters bringing to life the colorful narratives of their heritage. The indigenous culture, craftsmanship, food, and history coexist with today’s generation. Tourism is not always about the international or known namesakes infiltrating the local scene. Packaged to prove the sustainable ripples of community-based tourism, Sagay City emerged as one of the most internationally sought CBT and green destinations, hence, do your tourism benchmarking here – I highly recommend it.
The Role of the Tourism Promotions Board
Community-based Tourism Marketing Enhancement Program by the Tourism Promotions Board aims to empower emerging destinations and hidden tourism gems. One of its goals is to create a low-volume but high-impact and high-quality tourism experience. Additionally, it aims to preserve the existing culture, handicrafts, and heritage. Addressing the ever-changing digital landscape and client base, a marketing enhancement module is included in their sessions to capacitate the beneficiaries from all walks of life with digital knowledge and know-how to tap the larger netizen market base. To seal the sustainability aspect within the tourism ecosystem, the program provides strategic resources to help the indigenous communities generate income as their foster their local identity. The presence of invited tour agents and media are the sales and messengers of the Sagay narrative.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT SAGAY CITY
- The Tourism and Information Office is firm on its destinations’ carrying capacity. Hence, prior booking is paramount, and contact details are at the end of this article.
- Strictly, do not litter anywhere
- Check the ocean tide schedule before your visit as activities are best done during high tide.
- Network signals are strong and reliable in urban centers but nonexistent in the mountainous regions.
- Some establishments already accept digital cash, if cellular signal permits
- Clean As You Go (CLAYGO), anywhere, everywhere, all the time
- Seek permission from locals before taking photographs or recording videos
- There is a pasalubong store, Produkto Sagaynon, that operates on regular business hours and is located at the new City Public Plaza.
TRAVEL GUIDE (PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION) TO SAGAY CITY
Fly to Bacolod-Silay Airport with direct routes from Manila, Cebu, and Davao. From the Airport, hail a taxi or van to Bacolod City Ceres Bus Terminal. Take the bus to Sagay City which is about 2-3 hours per way. Once at Sagay City Terminal, hail a tricycle to bring you to the Tourism Office to log or register your visit officially.
Alternative Airports: Fly to Dumaguete City. From the Airport, hire a tricycle to the bus terminal and take the 5-6 hour bus to Bacolod, then take another 2-3 hour bus to Sagay.
For backpackers hailing from nearby islands, Bacolod Port has frequent sailing to Iloilo. Sagay Port is connected with Cebu via Tabuelan port.
CONTACT DETAILS
- Office: Sagay City Information and Tourism
- Address: Second Floor, Old City Hall Building, Barangay Poblacion II, Sagay City, Negros Occidental
- Email: sagaycityinfo@yahoo.com
- Landline: (034) 488 0649
- Mobile Number: +63 909 091 4278
- Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/sagayonlinebooking
My heartfelt thanks to Sir Alberto Gadia of TBP for inviting me on this Western Visayas leg and to Ms. Helen Arguelles for wholeheartedly welcoming the delegation and passionately sharing the Sagay narrative. Salamat Gid!