By CESAR JOLITO III
The Lapus-Lapus – Macaoagao Local Conservation Area in Negros Occidental’s Sagay City has officially reopened following months of rehabilitation after it was heavily damaged by Typhoon “Tino” last year.
Coastal facilities in the conservation site were severely affected by the typhoon, prompting the community and the city government to rebuild the area through a community-led conservation effort.
Rehabilitation was supported by Seacology, an international non-profit organization, which provided financial assistance totaling P870,000 — including P600,000 for the Lapus-Lapus site and P270,000 for initial repairs at the Suyac Island Mangrove Eco-Park.
The funding supported the reconstruction of key facilities such as floating cottages and the site’s watchtower, which remained standing despite the storm. Rebuilding efforts began in December 2025 with the combined support of external funding and community labor.
Seacology field representative Ferdie Marcelo emphasized that the grant carries a commitment from the community to continue protecting the 364-hectare conservation area. He noted that residents have remained dedicated to safeguarding the site.
The reopening ceremony was held on February 27.
Councilor Benson Fernandez, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Tourism, recalled that the city and various stakeholders held meetings after the typhoon to discuss rehabilitation plans before Seacology extended assistance.
Sagay Mayor Leo Rafael “Bebo” Cueva said the reopening highlights the resilience of the city’s coastal communities and their commitment to environmental protection.
“This reopening is a testament to the strength of our people and our shared responsibility to protect our coastal ecosystems while creating sustainable opportunities for our communities,” Cueva said.
The mayor added that the restored site strengthens Sagay’s push for conservation-based tourism while supporting long-term livelihood opportunities and ecosystem sustainability in coastal communities.
Meanwhile, Marcelo, together with representatives from the city engineering office, also inspected repairs at the Suyac Island Mangrove Eco-Park. The P270,000 assistance covered only the initial damage caused by Typhoon “Tino.”
However, additional damage was later caused by two more typhoons, a 2.2-meter-high tide, and a shear line, prompting the community to carry out further repairs on their own.
Marcelo praised the community’s efforts, saying their “can-do attitude” has helped them overcome challenges brought by natural disasters.
The city government is also preparing additional repairs, including a redesigned structure aimed at reducing risks and preventing future damage to the eco-park./CJ, WDJ