Loren cites eco-tourism potential of bio-diverse Sagay coastal area

SAGAY CITY, Negros Occidental, March 20- Citing the "enlightened leadership of the Maranons," Senator Loren Legarda today lauded this city for nurturing the environment, as well as the spiritual and cultural needs of its people as it aspires for economic growth.

Here to share in this city's celebration of the Sinigayan Festival, Loren differentiated Sagay from Philippine towns and cities which, in their aspiration to "join the league of economic elites," often become oblivious of their people's cultural and spiritual growth.

"I now know the reasons why every Sinigayan Festival is intense and lively, colorful and spirited. Beyond the colorful costumes and the celebration of a dear tradition, it is a rite of city-wide bonding, the demonstration of the city's cohesion, unity and sense of purpose," said Loren.

She cited the 32,000-hectare Sagay Marine Reserve which, having been started in the late 70s as a personal crusade of Mayor Alfredo Maranon, has become an example of marine biodiversity in full bloom.

"It has more than 250 species of the pelagic and reef fishes. It has close to 80 species of algae. It has five species of dugong, which, to the more imaginative, are sea mermaids. It harbors marine turtles and sea grass."

"All of these were close to extinction in the late 70s, prey to dynamite and illegal fishing. Now they had been nursed back to full health," said Loren, adding that "Sagay City should be a role model for coastal towns and cities struggling with coastal resource management problems."

She lamented the "lip service" being paid by some cities and municipalities to environmental protection, even as she proposed putting Sagay on the global tourism map, "with emphasis on its wondrous eco-tourism attractions."

Loren stressed that while ancient cities can boast of ruins and relics, the country can put a "glorious marketing spin" on its natural wonders which, in the case of Sagay, is its thriving marine diversity.

"A full week exploring the beauty and lushness of the Sagay marine reserve will be much more rewarding to tourists than visiting the over-hyped coastal areas of other countries," said Loren.

"In this day and age, the inspiring efforts of towns and cities to protect, preserve and enhance their natural environment via home grown plans and concepts and programs drawn at the grassroots level are gaining national and overseas recognition. Sagay City is a leader in this department."

The Sinigayan Festival derives its name from the spherical shell sigay, from which Sigay City's name was taken.

"The dynamism of Sagaynons is the city's assurance of riding high above the waves of change in this new millennium. Sinigay is an expression of art and culture of the hardworking and god-fearing Sagaynons displayed and exhibited during the annual Sinigayan Festival as an eloquent assertion of thanksgiving for the bountiful blessings showered on the past year," said the website lutongbahay.com in describing Sagay's famous festival.