By Xander Ledesma
The City of Sipalay, a premier tourist destination in Negros Occidental, has launched the “Lakbay Sipalay Creative Tours Project” to integrate its local creative industries with the growing tourism sector, aiming to boost the local economy and empower community stakeholders.
Jerick Lacson, Sipalay’s supervising tourism officer, emphasized the initiative’s role in spreading the benefits of tourism to various sectors, including local producers, artisans, farmers, and fisherfolk.
“With the increasing number of tourists visiting Sipalay, we want to maximize this opportunity by creating creative tour packages, allowing visitors to experience the diverse offerings of Sipalaynons. This way, we boost the local economy while showcasing the city’s creative industries,” Lacson said on Tuesday.
The project, funded by a grant from the 2024 Lunsod Lunsad of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), aims to support creative talents, promote economic sustainability, and enhance the cultural landscape of Sipalay.
In October, Phase 1 of the initiative involved workshops on product enhancement and innovation for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). These sessions, facilitated in partnership with the DTI, Department of Tourism, and local universities, provided training for food and non-food producers and developed creative tour concepts.
Phase 2 activities included the Sipalay Creative Industries and Tourism Food Festival 2024, the Sipalay City Tourism Excellence Awards 2024, and the opening of the Hiyas Sipalay City Pasalubong Shop. Located at the Sipalay City Multi-Purpose Center, the shop offers authentic local souvenirs, such as handcrafted goods and food items produced by the Association of Sipalay Producers.
Known as “The Jewel of Sugar Island,” Sipalay is renowned for its white-sand beaches and clear waters, attracting both domestic and international visitors. Located approximately 175 km south of Bacolod City, the city continues to strengthen its tourism efforts by merging its natural attractions with the creative industries of its residents.