Sipalay City, often referred to as the Jewel of the Sugar Island, is quickly becoming a top destination not just for its natural beauty but also for its emerging culinary scene and commitment to sustainable tourism.
While Sipalay has long been recognized for its stunning tourist attractions, it is now gaining recognition for its creative culinary experiments using local ingredients, particularly Barungoy (flying fish), which thrives in its waters.
Sheena Simeon, the Vice President of the Barangay II Fishermen Association, explained how the association began transforming Barungoy into new and innovative dishes in 2021.
The association, which comprises 23 men and 31 women, has been experimenting with dishes like Spanish-style Barungoy, Barungoy Burger, and Barungoy Lumpia, breathing new life into a traditional local ingredient.
“We started innovating in August 2021,” said Simeon. “Our goal is to offer something different to our tourists and show the world how we can take something as simple as Barungoy and turn it into something exciting and new.”
The association, established in 2018, initially focused on traditional fish harvesting methods but began exploring food products after seeing an opportunity to expand and diversify their offerings.
Unique offering
The Spanish-style Barungoy, a steamed fish dish cooked in oil with herbs and spices, has become one of their most popular products. Simeon explained that the dish has not only supported local families but has become a symbol of economic independence and empowerment for the community.
The products from the association are available at the Hiyas Sipalay City Pasalubong Shop, with the Spanish-style Barungoy priced at ₱160 per bottle.
The Lumpia, which contains five pieces, is available for ₱50. They are also in the process of trialing new products like Barungoy Siomai, Barungoy Molo, and Barungoy Nachos to offer tourists even more diverse food options.
“We take great pride in our product. It’s not just about selling fish; it’s about telling the story of our city, our families, and the fishermen who make this happen,” Simeon said.
Tourism Boom
According to Sipalay City Tourism Officer Jerick Lacson, the southern Negros city is expanding its offerings to include more than just food, with activities ranging from scuba diving and shipwreck exploration to spelunking and sports events.
The food innovations are part of the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Lunsod Lunsad Program, which seeks to incorporate local creative industries into the tourism experience, he said.
In 2023, the city saw an increase in overnight tourist arrivals, reaching 214,942, a significant jump from 178,170 in 2022.
Sipalay has become the most visited city in Negros Occidental, making up 30.97% of the province’s total tourist arrivals. Before the province’s separation from Region 6, Sipalay had ranked as the fourth most visited local government unit in Western Visayas.
Sustainability
Lacson highlighted that the city’s focus on creative industries also helps showcase its commitment to sustainability. This strategy is not just about developing tourism but about ensuring the long-term preservation of the city’s natural resources.
“This initiative benefits not just resorts and accommodations but extends tourism’s economic impact to other sectors, including farmers, fisherfolk, artisans, and producers,” Lacson said.
Sipalay has earned recognition for its commitment to sustainable tourism. In 2023 and 2024, the city received the Green Destinations (GD) Top 100 Story Award for its inspiring initiatives in sustainable tourism development.
Lacson said that Sipalay has eight marine protected areas, three rivers, six waterfalls, and numerous diving sites, all of which are crucial for the city’s ecotourism initiatives.
“Ecotourism is the only sustainable path forward for Sipalay,” said Mayor Gina Lizares. She emphasized that the city is integrating environmental protection into its tourism policies, and any development must align with sustainability goals.
Sipalay has also trained local tour guides from various sectors—including tricycle drivers, women’s groups, and academics—to assist tourists in exploring the city responsibly and respectfully.
From Tragedy to Recovery
Once home to Southeast Asia’s largest copper mine, Sipalay faced a drastic economic decline after the mine’s closure in 2001. The mine’s closure led to environmental disasters, including contamination of river systems and widespread crop damage.
Lizares explained that the closure triggered a significant downturn in the local economy, forcing the city to turn to tourism as a means of recovery.
“Our goal is to ensure the long-term well-being of our community. We’re not just promoting tourism; we are promoting ecotourism, which will ensure that future generations can enjoy Sipalay’s natural beauty,” she said.
Today, it boasts 98 licensed accommodation establishments and continues to grow as a prime ecotourism destination.
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.