Sagay City spotlights eco-tourism best practices in 1st Sustainability Summit

About 500 students attended the First Sustainability Summit in Sagay City with community champions as speakers who shared their best practices in eco-tourism at the AGM Hall, SUNN Hotel, NONESCOST new campus, Sept. 28.

The event, which was spearheaded by Sagay Young Tourism Volunteers (SYTV) and NONESCOST Hospitality Tourism Management, was one of activities during the World Tourism Day 2023 in Sagay City.

The summit was attended by about 500 students and teachers from NONESCOST, Bulanon Farm School and USAT Tourism.

Sagay Councilor and Chairperson of Committee on Environment and Tourism Arthur Christopher Maranon thanked the attendees for their overwhelming participation as this is a crucial part in our journey- educating the next generation.

He answered extensively some of the questions about the city’s governance and future plans of the City.

He also invited the youth to join the OISCA International, adding, “You all should continue what we have started here by investing too in conservation".

"Sagay City has transformed into a community laboratory for sustainable tourism development, thanks to the efforts of our community champions and this is inspiring”, Vice Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva said.

Sagay City Mayor Narciso L. Javelosa, Jr. also said to be proud of our place and invest in our communities.

SYTV President Yqfryd Alvarado said as we celebrate World Tourism Day, it is important to reflect on the influence of tourism on our planet's ecological balance, diverse cultures, and local communities.

"That is why we at SYTV are proud of Sagay City’s best eco-tourism practices and rightfully so that we need to celebrate our gains, highlight our sustainability heroes while educate our youth", he said.

Among the community champions were: Melanie Mermida, President Suyac Island Eco-Tourism Attendant Association (SIETAAS), Ramil Rodriguez, Former President of Buhay Dagat Snorkeling Guides, Bebeth Relos, Representative of Lapus Lapus Floating Cottage Assn, Noeme Briones of Bougainvilla Sikad Guides Assn, COMSCA Advocate Nehemiah Harold Mission, John Lyndel, Senior Mentor of SYTV, Jun Marl Alconga, President of Balhasanay Filmmaking Movement, and Yqfryd Alvarado of Syano Artlink.

The City Information and Tourism Officer Helen Arguelles-Cutillar moderated the open forum.

“Its not just about the sights and experiences; it's also about responsible tourism. We believe in preserving our natural wonders for future generations, and we encourage all of you to embrace sustainable tourism practices", Dr. Melbert Liboon, Hospitality Tourism Program Chair said in his welcome message.

The summit was also co-facilitated by the Hospitality and Tourism Management Dept Chairperson Elyn Mae Alcantara. (PR)