RESEARCH PROJECT PROFILE OF TOURISM INDUSTRY IN SIQUIJOR GROUP 1 1/13/25 4BSTMOUMNECON013
PROBLEMS / ISSUES SURROUNDING SIQUIJOR .................................................................. 2 Environmental Issues .................................................................................................................. 2 Deforestation ........................................................................................................................... 2 Coral Reef Degradation ........................................................................................................... 2 Waste Management ................................................................................................................. 3 Economic Challenges .................................................................................................................. 3 Other Challenges ......................................................................................................................... 4 Disaster preparedness and mitigation: ............................................................................ 4 Promoting responsible tourism: ...................................................................................... 4 Community engagement: ................................................................................................ 4 OVERVIEW OF THE TOURISM INDUSTRY IN SIQUIJOR .................................................... 5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS ............................................................................................................ 8 (TOURISM AND/OR ECONOMIC QUESTIONS RELATED IN SIQUIJOR) ....................... 8 PROFILE PRESENTATION OF DATA ....................................................................................... 9 (RELATED TO SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE OF TOURISM IN SIQUIJOR).................... 9 DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE STATISTICAL DATA ................................................... 14 SYNTHESIS OR CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................ 16 Synthesis.................................................................................................................................... 16 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................. 16 Recommendations ..................................................................................................................... 16 Policy Implications .................................................................................................................... 17 Future Research Directions ....................................................................................................... 17 IMPLICATIONS/INSIGHTS OF THE FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS TO THE FIELD OF TOURISM MANAGEMENT....................................................................................................... 19 Strategic Implications ............................................................................................................... 19 Managerial Implications ........................................................................................................... 19 Policy Implications.................................................................................................................... 19 Research Implications ............................................................................................................... 19 Practical Applications ............................................................................................................... 20 Theoretical Contributions ......................................................................................................... 20 BIBLIOGRAPHY ......................................................................................................................... 22
Environmental Issues Deforestation Siquijor, despite its relatively small size, faces significant deforestation challenges. First, people often clear forests to farm, a practice called "kaingin". This involves burning down trees to create temporary fields. Secondly, the island is seeing increased development, with more land being used for houses, hotels, and other tourist facilities. Thirdly, illegal logging continues, where trees are cut down for timber and firewood. These issues, combined with weak enforcement of environmental laws and the impact of natural disasters like typhoons, are causing significant deforestation. This loss of trees has severe consequences: it leads to soil erosion, water shortages, the extinction of plants and animals, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters. While Siquijor is taking some steps to protect its environment, such as promoting sustainable tourism and reforestation, more needs to be done to address this critical issue. Coral Reef Degradation Siquijor's coral reefs are facing significant degradation. Destructive fishing methods like using explosives and poisons severely damage these delicate ecosystems. Coastal development and construction increase sedimentation and pollution, smothering the reefs. Untreated sewage and agricultural runoff further pollute the water, harming the corals and the marine life that depend on them. Climate change, with rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification, poses a major global threat to coral reefs, including those around Siquijor. The decline of coral reefs has serious consequences. These vibrant ecosystems support a vast array of marine life, and their destruction leads to a significant loss of biodiversity. Coral reefs are crucial for fisheries, providing vital habitats for many fish species. Their degradation can lead to depleted fish populations, impacting the livelihoods of local fishermen. Healthy coral reefs act as natural barriers, protecting coastlines from erosion. When these reefs degrade, coastal communities become more vulnerable to storms and erosion. Coral reefs are also vital for tourism in Siquijor. Their decline can negatively impact the tourism industry and the local economy. To protect these valuable ecosystems, Siquijor needs to prioritize coral reef conservation efforts. This includes establishing and effectively enforcing marine protected areas to safeguard critical reef habitats. Sustainable fishing practices must be promoted to minimize the impact on coral reefs.
awareness about the importance of coral reefs and the threats they face is crucial for engaging the community in conservation efforts. By addressing these issues, Siquijor can help protect its coral reefs and ensure a healthy marine ecosystem for future generations. Waste Management Siquijor has made significant strides towards a zero-waste model, but challenges remain. While improvements have been made, the island still faces limitations in its waste collection and disposal infrastructure. Despite efforts to reduce plastic use, plastic pollution continues to be a significant concern, particularly in coastal areas. While public awareness campaigns have been conducted, consistent public participation in waste segregation and reduction efforts is crucial for long-term success. Siquijor's success in waste management depends on continued efforts to improve waste collection and disposal infrastructure, such as investing in better waste collection vehicles, improving the efficiency of transfer stations, and exploring more sustainable waste disposal options. Strengthening public awareness and participation is vital, which involves continuous public education campaigns, promoting community-based initiatives, and encouraging responsible consumption habits. Supporting local businesses and communities is also crucial, by encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing plastic packaging and promoting reusable options, and supporting local communities in developing their own waste management solutions, such as composting and recycling programs. Economic Challenges Siquijor, despite its natural beauty and tourism potential, faces several economic challenges. The island's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, making it vulnerable to external shocks like economic downturns, natural disasters, and global pandemics. The local economy lacks significant diversification beyond tourism, with agriculture facing challenges like limited land availability, soil erosion, and the impact of climate change. Brain drains, where skilled and educated individuals migrate to larger cities in search of better job opportunities, further hinders economic development. Limited infrastructure, such as inadequate transportation and telecommunications, also restricts economic growth and limits business opportunities. While poverty rates are relatively low compared to other parts of the Philippines, pockets of poverty still exist, and income inequality can be a concern. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach. Diversifying tourism offerings, such as developing eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural tourism, can reduce over-reliance on mass tourism. Encouraging and supporting the growth of other sectors, such as agriculture, fisheries, and small and medium enterprises, can create alternative livelihood opportunities. Investing in human capital, by providing access to quality education and skills training, can help
transportation, telecommunications, and other essential infrastructure, can enhance connectivity and facilitate economic growth. Implementing programs to address poverty and income inequality, such as social safety nets and livelihood programs, can improve the quality of life for all residents. Other Challenges Siquijor, like many island communities, faces challenges posed by natural disasters. Typhoons are a frequent occurrence, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall, and the risk of landslides and flooding. These natural disasters can cause significant damage to infrastructure, livelihoods, and the environment. Furthermore, Siquijor has long been associated with mysticism and folklore, leading to misconceptions and stereotypes. The island has been portrayed in popular culture as a place of witchcraft and sorcery, which can deter potential visitors and perpetuate harmful stereotypes about the local people. These misconceptions can hinder tourism development and negatively impact the island's image. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. Disaster preparedness and mitigation: Strengthening disaster preparedness plans, improving early warning systems, and investing in disaster-resilient infrastructure are crucial for mitigating the impact of natural disasters. Promoting responsible tourism: Educating tourists about the island's rich cultural heritage and dispelling harmful stereotypes can help promote responsible tourism and foster respect for local traditions. Community engagement: Involving local communities in tourism development and decision-making processes can help ensure that tourism benefits are shared equitably and that local cultural values are preserved. 1
SIQUIJOR Siquijor , a picturesque Philippine Island, it’s tourism industry plays a vital role in its economy. The island boasts beautiful beaches like Paliton Beach and Salagdoong Beach, stunning waterfalls like Cambugahay Falls and Lugnason Falls, historical sites like the Lazi Church and Convent, and opportunities for diving and snorkeling. Siquijor is also known for its mystical and cultural traditions, attracting visitors interested in experiencing local healing practices and folklore. Tourism has seen significant growth in recent years, contributing significantly to the local economy. The island has attracted both domestic and international tourists, drawn by its unique charm and natural beauty. The island's tourism infrastructure includes accommodations ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts, dining options serving local seafood and international cuisine, and regular ferry services. Pre-pandemic visitor arrivals exceeded 700,000, with tourism contributing approximately 50% of annual revenue and growing 10% annually from 2015-2020. Government initiatives, infrastructure development and eco-tourism demand position Siquijor for continued growth. However, the economy is heavily dependent on tourism, making it vulnerable to external shocks. The rapid growth of tourism can also put pressure on the environment, leading to issues like pollution, deforestation, and coral reef degradation. Balancing tourism development with the preservation of local culture and traditions is a crucial challenge. To ensure long-term sustainability, Siquijor needs to focus on promoting sustainable tourism practices, such as eco-tourism and community-based tourism. Diversifying tourism offerings, such as developing adventure tourism, cultural tourism, and wellness tourism, can reduce over-reliance
to ensure that tourism benefits are shared equitably and that local cultural values are preserved. Despite the challenges, Siquijor has the potential to further develop its tourism sector while minimizing its environmental and social impact. By focusing on sustainable practices and responsible tourism development, the island can continue to attract visitors while preserving its unique charm and natural beauty for generations to come. Siquijor, a captivating island in the Visayan region of the Philippines, is steeped in legend and rich history. According to local lore, the island was formed by a storm and an earthquake that rose from the sea. Farmers in the highlands have even discovered giant seashells buried beneath their fields, lending credence to this myth. Before the arrival of colonizers, Siquijor was inhabited by the Kedatuan of Katugasan. The island was named after the abundance of tugas, or molave trees, which were essential for the local people. These sturdy trees were used to construct homes that could withstand harsh weather, and they fashioned wooden plows to cultivate the rocky terrain, often using male cattle for assistance. Archaeological finds, such as pottery and ancient tools in caves at Sam-ang, suggest that the early inhabitants lived in these cave before settling in more permanent structures. Trade flourished with Chinese merchants, evidenced by the discovery of Chinese ceramics and other artifacts on the island. During this period, traditional healing practices and beliefs in witchcraft began to take root. When the Spanish colonizers arrived, Datu Kihod was the local ruler. Today, Siquijor is renowned for its pre-colonial traditions, particularly those related to natural healing and mysticism, which have become significant draws for tourism. The "Healing and Wellness Tour" invites visitors to engage in ancient rituals designed to cleanse negative energies. While experiences can be mixed, many participants appreciate the harmless nature of these practices, which often involve herbs, smoke, and incense led by a shamanic healer. Spiritual retreats also offer visitors a chance to step away from everyday life and explore alternative healing methods.
supernatural reputation. Signs featuring the governor's portrait proclaim that "magic" and "witchcraft" are nonexistent. However, some older residents and those with superstitions hold onto the belief that the island is cursed, leading them to avoid mentioning its name altogether. This dichotomy between the island's enchanting mystique and the skepticism of some locals creates a unique atmosphere that attracts curious tourists. Still, certain religious groups, particularly Catholics, criticize practices related to self-help and natural healing as being "blasphemous." Aside from its magical reputation, Siquijor boasts stunning natural attractions. The island is home to pristine beaches, breathtaking waterfalls, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse wildlife. It offers excellent diving opportunities, with various operators providing courses for enthusiasts. Notable sites include Cambugahay Falls, known for its picturesque beauty, and the ancient Balete tree in Lazi. For those seeking adventure, Mount Bandila-an, the island's highest point, features a natural park and a butterfly sanctuary, making Siquijor a multifaceted destination for travelers.
(TOURISM AND/OR ECONOMIC QUESTIONS RELATED IN SIQUIJOR) 1. What is the economic contribution of tourism to Siquijor's GDP, and how has it impacted local livelihoods and poverty reduction? 2. To what extent do tourism activities in Siquijor align with sustainable tourism practices, and what strategies can be implemented to minimize environmental degradation and cultural commodification? 3. What impact does tourism have on Siquijor's local economy, particularly on employment rates and income generation among residents?
Fleepit Digital © 2021