The Lapus-Lapus–Macaoagao Local Conservation Area in Sagay City has officially reopened following rehabilitation efforts after Typhoon Tino struck the city last year, a press release from Sagay PIO said.
The typhoon caused significant damage to coastal facilities, prompting the community to rebuild the area from the ground up.
Rehabilitation was made possible through the support of Seacology, an international non-profit organization focused on protecting island habitats and cultures, which donated P600,000 for the Lapus-Lapus site and P270,000 for the initial repair of Suyac Island Mangrove Eco-Park, bringing total assistance to P870,000.
Seacology funded the construction of the area’s watchtower, which remained standing even after the typhoon, and supported the restoration of the floating cottages.
Rebuilding began in December 2025 through combined funding assistance and community labor under a community-led conservation framework.
Seacology Field Representative Ferdie Marcelo emphasized that the grant requires a continued commitment from the community to protect the 364-hectare local conservation area.
He noted that the community remains dedicated to the goal.
The reopening was held on February 27 and was attended by Councilor Benson Fernandez, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Tourism, who recalled that after the typhoon damage, the city and stakeholders convened meetings to find ways to rehabilitate the area before Seacology responded with support.
Also present were City Environment and Natural Resources Office representative Jose Roberto Togle, State University of Northern Negros Fisheries faculty members Abegail Agelantaga-an, PhD, Shiena May Espenida, and Quiresa Mae Montano, Brgy. Bulanon Chairperson Wilfredo Villacastin, as well as Lapus-Lapus Association President Joefel Relos and members of the association.
Sagay Mayor Leo Rafael “Bebo” Cueva said the reopening reflects Sagay’s resilience and commitment to community-led environmental protection.
“This reopening is a testament to the strength of our people and our shared responsibility to protect our coastal ecosystems while creating sustainable opportunities for our communities,” Cueva said.
The mayor added the reopening strengthens Sagay’s position in advancing conservation-based tourism while ensuring long-term livelihood and ecosystem sustainability in its coastal communities.
The city also presented a Sangguniang Panlungsod resolution expressing gratitude to Seacology for its financial assistance and partnership in the rehabilitation efforts.
Marcelo together with the representatives of the City Engineering Office, Vincent Rogie Gometon and construction firm also inspected the repair at Suyac Island Mangrove Ecopark worth P270,000.
The initial funding for Suyac is only limited to the damage incurred by typhoon Tino.
Two additional typhoons, a 2.2-meter high tide, and a shear line also caused further damage to the eco-park.
The community has also repaired the additional damage.
Marcelo said “the can-do attitude of the community is truly admirable and it is serving them well in the face of adversities.”
The city is also preparing to implement a redesigned structure to mitigate future risks and damages.*
