
Sagay City’s Suyac Island Mangrove Eco-Park in Barangay Taba-ao, located within the Sagay Marine Reserve, is set to receive the 2025 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Community-Based Tourism Award in Johor, Malaysia, on January 20, according to a press release from Sagay PIO.
The prestigious award recognizes the Suyac Island Eco-Tourist Attendants Association (SIETAAS) for their “exemplary standard set in compliance with the Community-Based Tourism Standard.” Their exceptional efforts in eco-tourism initiatives have garnered recognition.
The Department of Tourism announced the award on December 16 through a letter, designating SIETAAS and the City Government of Sagay as part of the Philippine Delegation attending the ceremony.
Sagay Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr. expressed his gratitude for the achievement and acknowledged the support of the Department of Tourism Region VI.
He emphasized that this award serves as a testament to how community-based tourism has not only uplifted the lives of the Suyac islanders but also effectively contributed to environmental preservation.
Vice Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva, a pioneer of the program, remarked, “We embarked on a challenging path towards sustainability, and now we reap the rewards – not only this prestigious award but also the profound positive impact on our precious mangrove forests and community.”
He also thanked all the partner organizations and agencies throughout the years.
Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Helen Cutillar, instrumental in laying the groundwork for these initiatives since 2012, emphasized that this international recognition inspires the people of Suyac to strive for even greater accomplishments.
She highlighted that pursuing sustainable tourism development has the power to transform the community into an empowered, resilient, and environmentally-conscious society.
Tourism is an invasive industry but if practiced sustainably, it has the potential “to enrich, protect, and build communities.” She further acknowledged that significant work remains, but expressed gratitude for being on the right path, she added.
Chen Mencias of Bluewaters Consultancy served as the city’s sustainable tourism development planner when the project commenced in 2012. The project underwent a rigorous community development process within the framework of sustainable tourism development.
The Sagay LGU also pays tribute to the visionary leadership in marine conservation of the late Governor Alfredo Maranon Jr. who established a 32,000-hectare marine protected area during the 1970s which serves as the foundation for strong ecotourism.*