“Pala-Pala sa Vito”, an eco-tourism enterprise opened inside the Vito Visitor Center in Sagay City, and eyed to provide inclusive economic opportunity to the community.
It features a “pala-pala” style restaurant, where visitors can select a variety of seafood, and upholds a slow food principle that is “clean, good, and fair”, hence no artificial flavoring and soda, the city said in a press release May 5.
It will sell sustainably-caught seafood and intends to reduce single-use plastic during its operation.
The visitor center, managed by the newly-established Vito Community Based Eco Tourism Association (VICETA), overlooks the picturesque Sagay Marine Reserve situated near the Vito Port.
The center is also near Sagay’s most visited built heritage, the San Vicente Ferrer Vito Church, founded in 1898.
The inauguration concluded a decade-long development of the project and is part of the Sustainable Tourism Masterplan, the city said.
City Engineer Jezreel Alingco noted that the Vito Fishport’s development began in 1998 with backfilling and reclamation. Embankment protection and railings were added in 2018 under then congressman now Vice Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva.
Subsequently, the Department of Agriculture and BFAR funded the fish landing’s construction in 2019, followed by the DA Dorm Building in 2022.
The following year, a TIEZA tourism showroom and comfort rooms, along with the DA Building A Extension Congressman Alfredo D. Maranon III, landscaping and railing repairs phase I (2023), and landscaping and general repair for completion (2025) were implemented through Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr.
Alingco said the Vito Visitor Center has been achieved through the collaborative effort of Sagay’s past and present leaders.
Provincial tourism officer Cheryl Decena lauded the project as it will definitely be a showcase of sustainable eco-tourism endeavor that prioritizes community and biodiversity, worthy of emulation.
Councilor Lura Javelosa, who leads the project, said financial management is vital to the success of the enterprise and stressed the importance of commitment and unity.
Mayor Javelosa, who led the oathtaking of the association officers, said that the project is a reminder of how the city is serious in creating jobs and opportunities while ensuring environment conservation and protection.
Cueva also reminded the association members and officers that they are the most important aspect of this new ecotourism project. “Even with the full support of all city officials and other stakeholders, this new community livelihood venture will not succeed without (your) commitment and full cooperation.”
Rev. Fr. Joseph Tubiera, parish priest of the San Vicente Ferrer de Vito Church, blessed the center.
Association president Alex Brillantes expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the city for selecting the group as beneficiary of this ecotourism project. ||
