Sipalay: Accommodation establishments in Sipalay City, the premier beach destination in Negros Occidental, are nearing full capacity for the Holy Week holidays, as reported by its tourism office on Wednesday. "I can say our accommodations are 85 percent to 90 percent booked," stated supervising tourism officer Jerick Lacson.
According to Philippines News Agency, Sipalay, located about 175 km south of Bacolod, is renowned as 'The Jewel of Sugar Island' due to its white-sand beaches and pristine waters that attract both international and local tourists. The city boasts over a hundred resorts, hotels, pensions, inns, and lodging houses spread across Barangays 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in the city proper, as well as in Cabadiangan, Camindangan, Cartagena, Cayhagan, Mambaroto, Maricalum, and Nauhang.
In anticipation of the Holy Week, the City Tourism Development and Promotion Office undertook site monitoring and distributed signages and emergency directories at various tourist sites. The site visit on April 15 encompassed Campomanes Bay in Barangay Maricalum; Zambales Spring Resort and Malinab Lagoon at Sitio Malinab, Barangay Cabadiangan; Sugar Beach in Barangay Nauhang; and Patio-Patio Spring, Underwater Cave System, and Cansibit Pit in Barangay San Jose.
"This initiative reflects the local government unit's commitment to ensuring the safety, comfort, and assistance of tourists through efficient emergency response measures," the tourism office emphasized.
Beginning April 12, Sipalay enforced the collection of an environmental user fee at designated booths in Barangay Nauhang and Barangay 4, as per an ordinance approved in October 2022. Local tourists are charged PHP50, while foreign tourists pay PHP100 when visiting the city's major tourist attractions or environmentally critical areas.
"This fee will contribute to the preservation and maintenance of our natural resources. We appreciate your cooperation and support in keeping our environment clean and sustainable," the city government stated in a Facebook announcement. The collected fees will fund sustainable programs focused on tourism, environmental conservation, protection, and management, as well as other necessary initiatives for the welfare of Sipalaynon, the ordinance detailed.
Furthermore, the city has established the Hiyas Sipalay City Pasalubong Shop, situated at the Sipalay City Multi-Purpose Center, to offer visitors a range of authentic local souvenirs, including handicrafts and food items produced by the Association of Sipalay Producers.
