Sagay City opened the “Pala-Pala sa Vito” inside the Vito Visitor Center, another community-based ecotourism destination that provides inclusive economic opportunity to the community, a press release from Sagay PIO said.
The visitor center, managed by the newly-established Vito Community Based Eco Tourism Association (VICETA), overlooks the picturesque Sagay Marine Reserve situated near the Vito Port.
The infrastructure features a “Pala-Pala” style restaurant where visitors can select a variety of seafood. It upholds the slow food principle that is “clean, good and fair” food, hence no artificial flavoring and sodas.
It will sell sustainably caught seafood and intends to reduce single-use plastic during its operation.
The center is also near Sagay’s most visited built heritage, the San Vicente Ferrer Vito Church which was founded in 1898.
This inauguration is a conclusion of a decade long development of the project and is part of the Sustainable Tourism Masterplan.
City Engineer Jezreel Alingco noted that the Vito Fishport’s development began in 1998 with backfilling and reclamation. Embankment protection and railings were added in 2018 under then Congressman (now Vice Mayor) Leo Rafael Cueva.
Subsequently, the Department of Agriculture and BFAR funded the Fish Landing’s construction in 2019, followed by the DA Dorm Building in 2022.
The following year, a TIEZA Tourism showroom and comfort rooms, along with the DA Building A Extension through Congressman Alfredo Maranon III, landscaping and railing repairs phase I (2023), and landscaping and general repair for completion (2025) were implemented through Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr.
Engineer Alingco said that the Vito Visitor Center has been achieved through the collaborative efforts of Sagay’s past and present leaders.
Provincial Tourism Officer Cheryl Decena said that she lauds the project as it will definitely be a showcase of sustainable ecotourism endeavors that prioritizes community and biodiversity, worthy of emulation.
Councilor Lura Javelosa, who leads the project, said financial management is vital to the success of the enterprise and stressed the importance of commitment and unity.
Javelosa, who led the oath taking of the association officials, said that the project is a reminder of how the city is serious in creating jobs and opportunities while ensuring environment conservation and protection.
Cueva also reminded the association that they are the most important aspect of this new eco-tourism project.
“Even with the full support of all the city officials and other stakeholders this new community livelihood venture will not succeed without their commitment and full cooperation”, he said.
Rev. Fr. Joseph Tubiera, parish priest of San Vicente Ferrer de Vito Church, blessed the center.
In response, Association president Alex Brillantes expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the city officials for selecting them as the beneficiary of this eco-tourism project.
STI West Negros University received a certificate recognizing their partnership with the City Information and Tourism in food service training. Representatives included Genevieve Tan (Dean, Hospitality and Tourism Mngt), James Andrew Oyo (Program Head, BS Hospitality Mngt), Leah Rose Gacuma (Program Head, BS Tourism Mngt), and Benjansen Beronilla (professor/trainer on food service).*
