A slice of Sagay

MANILA, Philippines - Sagay can be found at the northern tip of Negros Occidental, shaped like a slice of pie. It is certainly not as big, advanced or popular as other cities in the province, like Bacolod or Silay, but there are exciting things happening in Sagay City, which speak of the pride that its locals have in their little slice of paradise.

“The academe is not good for the artist. You learn from the community,” says artist Nuneluncio Alvarado, who has chosen to stay in his hometown despite being internationally recognized, representing the Philippines in exhibitions in Austraila, Singapore, Tokyo and San Francisco.

Alvarado is fostering a community of artists as a founding member of the Concerned Artists of Negros and the owner and art director of Syano Artlink – his home-cum-gallery-cum-studio that is a work of art in itself.

Syano Artlink brightens up the shore in the Margaha Beach Resort. It is a two-floor structure made entirely of bamboo, painted in bright, colorful patterns reminiscent of the artist’s own painting style.

“I’m more of an artist than a painter,” says Alvarado, who has been dubbed as a “visual provocateur,” with the bold colors and shapes that he uses to depict the Negros sakadas (field laborers) and other marginalized sectors.

He is a two-time Philip Morris Philippine Art Awards grand prize winner and was named Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan sa Larangan ng Pintura in 2004. For his efforts to support artists within the community, he was named Most Outstanding Negrense Artist in 2010.

Alvarado takes us through his exhibit featuring some of his huge murals as well as works of other Negrense artists. He calls his latest pieces “Inkwentro” where he experiments with the inkblot technique.

In his studio, more large-scale murals are in various stages of completion. He is slated for a solo exhibit in Manila early next year.

On any given night – if he is not painting – you may find Alvarado hosting dinner on the open air terrace of his bamboo house or showing visitors around the ground floor gallery, always passionately and effusively talking non-stop about art.

Roots and branches

At the guest receiving area of Suyac Island Mangrove Eco-Park, there are parts of a massive mangrove trunk placed at the corners, with a plaque that reads:

“This centuries-old mangrove tree was destroyed by Typhoon Yolanda, a reminder that this mangrove forest protected the community from the unimaginable destruction of the infamous typhoon that claimed thousands of lives. No time should be wasted in transforming our island communities to become sustainable and resilient in facing many challenges.”

Elders in the community, including 64-year-old Alicia Bacruya, say that they had never experienced a typhoon of such magnitude. Like in many areas all over the country, Suyac was hit by the typhoon, which felled more than a few trees and affected the livelihood of the fishermen. Still, locals say they fared better than most other areas because of the protection of the mangrove forest. A testament to the resilience, some 300-year-old mangroves still stand deeply rooted on the island.

Melanie of the Suyac Island Ecotourism Association introduces us to the eco-park, which is part of the 32-hectare Sagay Marine Reserve, one of the largest marine reserves in the country.

Suyac Island is home to eight species of mangroves and the island reaps the benefits of having a lush mangrove forest – thriving biodiversity with fish, crabs, birds and other living organisms, and a bio shield that has protected them before in the midst of the storm.

Many of the locals were not supportive of the project at first, wary of working with the local government. But even the mayor at that time came to talk to the locals  and won them over.

Construction of the eco-park and training started in August 2012. The park spans 1.8 hectares, 70 percent of which is made up of mangroves.

As much as the project is pro-environment, it is pro-community as well, says Melanie. She, together with others who decided to join the association, has received training in environment protection and eco-tour guiding. They have been able to take part in biodiversity conservation of the island and the whole community has become part of inclusive economic growth.

From 2013 to 2015, the group says the island generated P1.3 million from visitors. Forty percent is set aside for repairs and maintenance, while 60 percent goes to the community.

They have enjoyed the benefits of the eco-park, says Melanie. Money earned from this has augmented her fisherman husband’s income as they send their children through college.

Guests can eat some delicious, home-cooked meals while enjoying the mangrove forest ambience. They can also go on a paddle tour and snorkeling.

The eco-park follows a strict carrying capacity of 100 guests a day to ensure its preservation.

As an extra force in taking care of the island, the Junior Eco Patrol was formed. Student volunteers are given eco-training and the responsibility to cascade what they learn to classmates. While before the children would mindlessly throw trash anywhere, the patrol has changed the children’s mindset, says Melanie. It has fostered their awareness and concern for the environment and their love for the community.

The mangrove park continues to branch out. They are in the process of completing cottages and a community spa. They plan to close the loop with the bamboo boardwalk through the trees around the island by 2017.

Sagay’s future

The future of Sagay seems bright if you base it on the intelligent children who serve as tour guides at Museo sang Bata sa Negros, the Philippines’ first marine museum for kids.

The museum is located on the old Sagay port area, facing the Sagay Marine Reserve, just across the waters from Suyak Island.

A haven for kids who want to learn about aquatic life, the exhibits are interactive and engaging. But what is most impressive about the museum is that the local elementary students themselves are the tour guides.

They start the visit off with a lively song and dance number about fish, with each of them taking turns talking about the environment and why it is important to take care of it.

Then, throughout the tour of the museum, children recite well-rehearsed spiels explaining each exhibit about mangroves, the marine reserve, the geography of Negros Occidental and much more.

As they interact with guests, they display an understanding of their subject matter that goes beyond simple memorization.

Judging by the dedicated Junior Eco Patrolers at the mangrove eco-park and the bright young minds of the children’s museum, Sagay’s environment will remain well protected.

As we leave the city, our guides from the local tourism office gift us with shirts with Sagay’s coordinates emblazoned all over the front. Indeed, with everything being done in the city, from art to environment, they are definitely putting Sagay City on the map. Photos by Ida Anita Q. del mundo