Sustainable Tourism: Perpetuate Congenial In Sagada
This is one of the tourist destination that people wants especially on summer because its vacation. I chose this topic for everyone. To be aware with it, and not just about we go because we want it. But rather, let’s tackle all about what is Sagada and what should we avoid to maintain the beauty of its natural and etc. Since early history, Sagada is one of the most frequented tourist destinations brought by its wonders of nature and to some is to unearth Sagada’s rich cultural tradition. Sagada is famous for its hanging coffins. This is a traditional way of burying people that is still utilized. Not everyone is qualified to be buried this way; among other things, one had to have been married and had grandchildren. What are the activities that can be do in Sagada, and what is the negative effect of tourism in this destination. Let’s tackle all about this on the next paragraph.
Sagada has a popular activities includes trekking, exploring both caves and waterfalls, spelunking, bonfires, picnics, rappelling, visiting historical sites, nature hikes, and participating in tribal celebrations. Guides can be found upon registration at the tourist-office in Sagada Proper (the main town) for a small fee. Most of the guides are natives, also known as Igorots. Sagada problems regarding tourism are, First, Water. During summer, water from the watersheds decrease and even run out therefore limiting the water supply of the town. This are common tourist accommodation problems. People hope this serves as a reminder for you tourists out there to conserve water when in Sagada especially during summer. Because water is one of the important that people needs, aside on having some drink to survive even without food is, when they want to have some shower after a tiring visitation what’s in Sagada.
Second is, Improper Waste Disposal. It has been a growing problem that Sagada is accumulating lots of garbage left by tourists. The tourism sites are getting dirty with trash. We all know that lot of people just throw their trash anywhere just because they are lazy to look around or get near with the garbage trashes. So the least we could all do to help is to start with our selves. When the trash is just small, we can keep first to our pockets, or put it in our bag if there’s no garbage trash that is near where you are, and throw it already when you reach at home or when you see a garbage trash already. Any trash you have must be disposed off properly and should be segregated for recycling. We can help a lot in doing this, not just in sagada but in our own universe so that we will not suffer at last.
Lastly is, Heavy Vehicle Traffic but this is during peak seasons only. Sagada being a small place cannot accommodate vehicle parking during peak seasons. People just want to have some private cars when going to Sagada because it’s cheaper when you are many, or maybe lazy to have some commute. Traffic jam at the cave entrance and along the roads inside the place is often observed, we may leave the vehicle at the lodge, or guest house you are in and walk. Walking is best when roaming around Sagada. Also walking helps us a lot for our physical body, it can exercise us and make our self-more stronger and far from sickness.
We must preserve, conserve, and protect Sagada. Moreover, I believe that current mindset of tour operators and even the tourists who think that Sagada should be cheap could also be a reflection of how we also value this town. If we think nothing more than the profit tourism brings, bereaved of consideration of many things that can affect the socio-cultural and environmental aspects of Sagada, we are no less different from these tour operators who think Sagada’s value is low cost and that nothing matters as long as they benefit from it. But aside in everything, what’s good about in Sagada is, there is some Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage where Sagada culture where tradition never ceases, tourist purposely go to this certain destination to see and appreciate the culture.
The tourism industry has taken advantage of this in order to come up with measures and activities that hasten the preservation and restoration of culture. A well preserved and restored culture will enable to revive and improve the traditional arts and crafts. Those problems stated, we should reflect and realize on it. We can keep Sagada in its natural beauty by throwing all the negative things. We must preserve Sagada aims to spread awareness on the protection and preservation of Sagada’s nature, culture, heritage and promote environmentally responsible and culture sensitive travel and tourism.
