They say that nothing beats the marvelous treasures you see in inconspicuous places, and such is true to Sipaway Island. While people travel to Negros Occidental via San Carlos, the modest island sits still beneath the enchanting Mt. Kanlaon, waiting for passers by to set their gazes on it.
Guests from Bacolod’s tourism sector, friends from Cebu media organizations, and renowned individuals—divers, tour operators, and tour guides—gathered for the product launching of Sipaway Island’s community-based ecotourism on June 19–21, 2024.
“What you’re going to witness tomorrow [June 20, 2024] is actually an example of how a local government unit’s governance—good governance—works because one of the hallmarks of governance is ecotourism—sustainable tourism,” said Tourism Consultant Boboi Costas.
Arriving at Sipaway
“Mabuhay! Welcome to Sipaway Island!” are the first words you hear from Sipaway Ecotourism Workers Association (SETWA) members upon setting foot on the fishland, where passengers ride a pumpboat for an approximately 10-minute trip to Dapdap Wharf. People who wish to stay on the island are accommodated by homestays or houses for rent.
The product launching promotes sustainable ecotourism which the Sipaway people advocate for the many years that had passed.
Their community is as close-knit as the century-old Balete Tree in San Juan Elementary School, as noble as the coconuts in Coco Lane, as sturdy as the Sipaway Lighthouse, as diverse as the mangroves in Nigad Forest, and as calm as the sea.
“The people of Sipaway are known for their genuine kindness and welcoming nature. When you hear “Sipaway Island,” it’s like a signal of warmth and hospitality nga murag you feel like you belong with the locals. It’s that feeling of being among friends even if you’re meeting them for the first time,” said Aiza Montenegro, Sipaway Ecotourism Workers Association (SETWA) Secretary on people of Sipaway.
Unlike any other tourist destinations, Sipaway Island is peaceful and environment-friendly. This is evident in the richness of the island’s nature through its foods and other products, hence, sustainable ecotourism. They sell what Mother Nature offers to tourists and in turn, they get revenues for their fundings.
On establishing Sipaway Island’s name, SETWA Secretary said she “would love for Sipaway Island to be known for its sustainable tourism practices, preserving the natural beauty and traditions,” and emphasizing the “marine life, beaches, and a community that values environmental conservation.”
A true island life
One of the key benefits is that it preserves all kinds of living things, and prioritizes the long-term effect of their actions, thus being proactive.
More often than not, we tend to give less importance to things that we see and think are always there. However, Sipaway Island takes advantage of this which aided in maintaining their culture and heritage for years that had passed and for years to come.
Reconnecting with nature does not have to be necessarily spending it with other people because it is already a crowded place. Sometimes, all we need is to experience the essence of an island life and what it feels like to be one with nature. We want a real relaxation where simple, peaceful, and serene life is indulged.
We always look for something else that is foreign to us when all along, there is a much better place near us. Sometimes, we want more and extravagant things but truly, we want simplicity. Sometimes, what we want is simply Sipaway.