What a dream come true this June: Visayan inter-island exchanges for local youth to see, learn from & immerse in other island communities 🏝️

Last June 1-2 (World Reef Day), local guides of Siquijor & Bulata, “Buglas” (Negros island) Arvin, Fritz, Rommel & Dev Albao visited Bantayan island! Together, we toured around the beaches, cliffsides, mangroves & recovering reefs of Santa Fe and Bantayan island.

Preparing to lead a Sustainable Tourism seminar with the Santa Fe LGU, we met with Santa Fe Mayor Ithamar P. Espinosa and Administrator Jay L. Batiancila Contento; grateful to share their excitement to explore future local livelihoods and possibilities in sustainable marine tourism.

Last June 4, we celebrated the birthday of Fritz @mac_fwetss in Okoy, Santa Fe, hosted at the home of Nong Duduy Marabi, one of the first and long-time marine sanctuary guardians in Bantayan island waters.

We rode Katawhan, a glass-bottom boat rebuilt by us last year (from supplies generously donated by SEA Camp and beautifully painted by the Santa Fe High School Art Club).

Visiting the Hilantagaan marine sanctuary with local youth of Hilantagaan island, we explored the islet’s diverse corals & wildlife. For some of the locals, this was their first time swimming and snorkeling in the reef; for others, this is their underwater playground!

When we came back to Okoy shores, we played a game of “Dream Island” developed by @devalbao. Three teams each made their own ‘fantasy’ island – thinking about drinkable water sources, food sources, electricity, trash disposal, livelihood opportunities, local governance and sustainability.

No island is perfect, but by collaborating collectively to confront livelihood issues, we have a better chance of surviving and thriving together. Congrats to our winning team and kudos to their vision of a sustainable island community! @zerah_rosales 💕 Kasadya ang atuang ‘hampang’ & duwa-duwa sa dagat & sa pulu!

Last June 5 (World Environment Day), organized with the Santa Fe LGU, we led an Environmental Seminar/Forum on Sustainable Tourism alongside members of Sikad Kabataan, high school educators, boat operators, hospitality managers, sanctuary guardians, and Hilantagaan youth. Salamat to Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Hanz Seno Hortelano II, for introducing & leading the lively discussion.

Khokhoi @kalamispiritarts founder of Kubkubub, shared their vision of Visayan inter-island learning exchanges & local-led cultural heritage preservation. Dev @devalbao presented on their experiences with sustainable marine tourism as 10-year Director of Danjugan Island and current Programs Manager at @reefworld. Fritz @mac_fwetss shared a “Day in the Life” of a Local Freedive Guide in Siquijor, including best safety practices. As a firedancer of Siquijor, Rommel shared their perspective of the booming tourism in Siquijor – and why it’s important to priotize local livelihood opportunities.

After the seminar/forum, Fritz & Rommel led a Snorkeling Guide 101 demonstration to the youth of Okoy & Hilantagaan island. While snorkeling trips are offered to tourists in Hilantagaan’s marine sanctuary, locals don’t always have the same access. We hope more islander locals are empowered to be caretakers, guardians & guides of their rich ocean ecologies.

Hangtud sa sunod! Until next time – ugmanapod (there’s always tomorrow)!