The Suyac Island Mangrove Eco-Park in Sagay City, Negros Occidental, has once again proven its exemplary commitment to eco-tourism, earning the 2025 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Community-Based Tourism Award. This accolade underscores the park’s innovative approach to sustainability, community empowerment, and environmental preservation. The prestigious award will be presented during the ASEAN Tourism Awards ceremony in Johor, Malaysia, on January 20.
Nestled in Barangay Taba-ao within the Sagay Marine Reserve, the eco-park is managed by the Suyac Island Eco-Tourist Attendants Association (SIETAAS). It has been lauded for setting a high standard in compliance with the ASEAN Community-Based Tourism Standard, highlighting the synergy between environmental conservation and socio-economic growth.
Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr. highlighted how the initiative has transformed the lives of the Suyac islanders while advancing environmental protection, proving the effectiveness of community-based tourism in driving progress. Vice Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva, who initiated the program in 2012, emphasized that the project’s challenging journey toward sustainability has delivered profound benefits, including international recognition and the preservation of vital mangrove ecosystems.
The eco-park’s development was guided by Chen Mencias of Bluewaters Consultancy, whose expertise in sustainable tourism facilitated a rigorous community development process. This collaboration has established Suyac Island as a model of resilience and environmental consciousness.
Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Helen Cutillar noted that sustainable tourism, despite its challenges, can be a transformative force that enriches communities, protects natural resources, and fosters environmental stewardship. Her efforts laid the foundation for the eco-park’s success, demonstrating the power of responsible tourism practices.
The recognition of Suyac Island extends beyond ASEAN. In 2023, it was celebrated as a good practice story under Sagay City’s “Mangrove Forest Protection through Community-Based Eco-Tourism Project,” securing second place in the Nature and Scenery Category at the Green Destinations Story Awards in Berlin, Germany. It was also included in the world’s Top 100 “Green Destinations” by the Green Destinations Foundation in 2022, a recognition from The Netherlands that highlights its global significance.
The Department of Tourism has appointed SIETAAS and the Sagay City government to represent the Philippines at the upcoming ASEAN awarding ceremony. Their journey reflects the innovative potential of community-driven tourism to harmonize economic progress with ecological preservation, setting a benchmark for sustainable tourism practices in the region.