BACOLOD CITY – The Sagay City government in Negros Occidental recently launched another tourism destination in Barangay Vito that will boost sustainable eco-tourism and provide inclusive economic opportunity to the community.

The newly-opened “Pala-Pala sa Vito” inside the Vito Visitor Center features a “pala-pala” style restaurant where visitors can select a variety of seafood.

Rev. Fr. Joseph A. Tubiera, parish priest of San Vicente Ferrer de Vito Church, blessed the center.

The community-based ecotourism enterprise will sell sustainably caught seafood and intends to reduce single-use plastic. It upholds the slow food principle that is "clean, good, and fair" food, with no artificial flavoring and soda.

The location features an overlooking picturesque view of the Sagay Marine Reserve situated near the Vito Port, and near the city’s most visited built heritage, the San Vicente Ferrer Vito Church which was founded in 1898.

City Engineer Jezreel Alingco noted that the Vito fish port's development began in 1998 until the place had more structures in the succeeding years.

The visitor center established through the collaborative efforts of Sagay’s past and present leaders is managed by the newly established Vito Community Based Eco Tourism Association.

Mayor Narciso Javelosa, who led the oath-taking of Viceta officials, said that the project is a reminder of how the city is serious in creating jobs and opportunities while ensuring environment conservation and protection.

Vice Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva highlighted the importance of the association in the new eco-tourism project.

Association president Alex Brillantes thanked city officials for selecting them as the beneficiary of the project. The STI West Negros University here was recognized for their partnership with the City Information and Tourism in food service training.

Councilor Lura Javelosa who lead the project said financial management is vital to the success of the enterprise and stressed the importance of commitment and unity.

Provincial Tourism Officer Cheryl Decena lauded the project that she said will definitely be a showcase of sustainable eco-tourism endeavors that prioritizes community and biodiversity, worthy of emulation.