By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – The city government of Sagay in Negros Occidental has launched “Pala-Pala sa Vito,” a new community-based eco-tourism destination in Barangay Vito that promotes sustainable tourism and inclusive local development.
Located within the Vito Visitor Center, the site features a “pala-pala” style restaurant where guests can select sustainably sourced seafood for preparation and serving.
The enterprise avoids single-use plastics and follows the slow food philosophy, offering clean, good, and fair food without artificial flavorings or sodas.
Overlooking the scenic Sagay Marine Reserve and located near the historic San Vicente Ferrer Vito Church, founded in 1898, the site blends natural beauty with cultural heritage.
The project began in 1998 with the development of the Vito fishport and gradually expanded through collaborative city leadership.
It is now managed by the newly formed Vito Community-Based Eco-Tourism Association (VICETA), whose officers were sworn in by Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr.
The mayor emphasized the city’s commitment to creating sustainable livelihoods while protecting the environment.
Vice Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva underscored the vital role of community cooperation in ensuring the project’s success.
VICETA President Alex Brillantes thanked city officials for entrusting the community with the project.
Councilor Lura Javelosa, project lead, highlighted the importance of sound financial management and unity among members.
The project also partnered with STI West Negros University, which provided food service training to community members.
Provincial Tourism Officer Cheryl Decena praised the initiative as a model of sustainable eco-tourism that values both people and biodiversity.
The launch marked the culmination of more than a decade of planning under Sagay’s Sustainable Tourism Master Plan.
The center was blessed by Rev. Fr. Joseph A. Tubiera of the San Vicente Ferrer de Vito Church.
