Suyac Island's Mangrove Eco-Park Recognized by ASEAN
The Suyac Island Mangrove Eco-Park in the Philippines gains national recognition for its eco-tourism efforts.
The Suyac Island Mangrove Eco-Park in Sagay City, Negros Occidental, has been selected for the ASEAN Community-Based Tourism Awards this year. The ceremony will take place on January 20, 2025, in Johor, Malaysia.
The eco-park received acclaim for its outstanding eco-tourism initiatives aligned with ASEAN’s Community-Based Tourism Standard.
Narciso Javelosa Jnr, Mayor of Sagay City, stated: “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.”
Translation: “Este premio es un testimonio de cómo el turismo basado en la comunidad no solo ha mejorado las vidas de los isleños de Suyac, sino que también ha contribuido de manera efectiva a la preservación ambiental.”
Vice-mayor Leo Cueva commented on the initiative: “We embarked on a challenging path towards sustainability. Now, we reap the rewards: not only this prestigious award, but also the profound positive impact on our precious mangrove forests and community.”
Translation: “Nos embarcamos en un camino difícil hacia la sostenibilidad. Ahora cosechamos las recompensas: no solo este prestigioso premio, sino también el profundo impacto positivo en nuestros preciados bosques de manglares y la comunidad.”
Located in Barangay Taba-ao, the eco-park is administered by the Suyac Island Eco-Tourist Attendants Association (SIETAAS). Operations began in 2012 under the guidance of Chen Mencias from Bluewaters Consultancy, focusing on sustainable tourism development.
Helen Cutillar, a key figure in the initiative, expressed that “Pursuing sustainable tourism development has the power to transform the community into an empowered, resilient, and environmentally-conscious society.”
Translation: “El desarrollo sostenible del turismo tiene el poder de transformar la comunidad en una sociedad empoderada, resiliente y consciente del medio ambiente.”
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has designated SIETAAS to represent the Philippines at the awards ceremony.
