British Ambassador to the Philippines and Palau, Laure Beaufils, and UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran visited Sipaway Island on February 10th to assess the island’s environmental progress and eco-tourism efforts. San Carlos City Mayor Renato Y. Gustilo accompanied the delegation.
The visit showcased the city’s BALANCE (Biodiversity Action and Landscape Approach in Nature Conservation) Project and highlighted the work of the Sipaway Eco-Tourism Workers Association (SETWA). At SETWA Beach, the group met with association members to learn about their initiatives, which aim to balance environmental preservation, local development, and the promotion of the island’s cultural heritage.
A lively welcome program, including a culinary demonstration featuring local delicacies like Pan Bisaya (Salbaro) and Bokayo, and a seafood lunch showcasing the island’s coastal lifestyle, greeted the visitors. City Tourism Officer Jennifer Paran presented the 2022-2027 San Carlos City Tourism Development Plan, emphasizing Sipaway Island’s role as a priority eco-tourism destination within the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape. Paran credited the community’s dedication and government support for transforming Sipaway Island into a model for sustainable tourism.
SETWA President Allan Mancao expressed gratitude for the visit, hoping it would bring increased recognition and future collaborations for the association. He emphasized the association’s needs and the potential for partnerships.
Also present were British Embassy Economic and Climate Counsellor Lloyd Cameron, BioFin Project Manager Anabelle Plantilla, and PhilBio Executive Director Lisa Paguntalan-Marte, along with representatives from UNDP, PhilBio, and BioFin.
