Sagad na ang Sagada

Summary

Sagada, a hidden paradise in the Cordillera mountains, is facing the pressures of rising tourism, which threatens its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Once a serene town, the number of visitors skyrocketed after the improvement of access roads, leading to environmental damage, waste problems, and cultural disruption. Locals express concerns over the destruction of sacred caves, loss of traditional practices, and the commercialization of the area. Efforts to implement responsible tourism, protect the environment, and preserve Sagada’s heritage are led by residents, particularly women, who continue to fight for sustainable solutions amidst ongoing challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 The small town of Sagada, located in the Cordillera mountains, is known for its natural beauty and cultural resources but is facing significant challenges due to tourism.
• 😀 Improved accessibility through the Halsema Highway has significantly increased tourist numbers in Sagada, from 31,000 in 2008 to over 64,000 by 2014.
• 😀 The sudden influx of tourists has led to problems such as waste management issues, with garbage being burned due to a lack of proper disposal systems.
• 😀 During the peak tourist season, Sagada faces water shortages, with the local water supply being insufficient to meet the demands of tourists.
• 😀 Traffic congestion is a growing problem, both on the narrow roads leading to Sagada and inside the town, adding to pollution and environmental strain.
• 😀 The caves in Sagada, including sacred burial sites, are being damaged by tourists who touch the formations, smoke inside, or disrespect the area, leading to ecological degradation.
• 😀 Tourism is affecting local culture, as traditional practices are being commercialized and altered to cater to tourists, leading to the 'bastardization' of Sagada's rituals and customs.
• 😀 The younger generation in Sagada is increasingly becoming focused on monetary gain, with local guides now expecting payment for favors, a shift from the previous culture of communal help.
• 😀 Unregulated construction in Sagada, especially to accommodate tourists, poses a risk to safety due to the region's fragile limestone terrain, which could cause buildings to collapse.
• 😀 Local women are leading efforts to protect Sagada's heritage, organizing tourism summits and opposing environmentally damaging developments such as tree cutting for road widening.
• 😀 There is a push for Sagada to be declared a heritage site in order to protect it from over-commercialization and preserve its unique cultural and natural resources.

Q & A

What is the main issue faced by Sagada due to the influx of tourists?

The main issue faced by Sagada due to the influx of tourists is the negative impact on the environment, cultural traditions, and local infrastructure. These include increased waste, damage to natural resources, overcrowding, and the commercialization of the area.

How has the number of tourists in Sagada changed over the years?

The number of tourists in Sagada has increased significantly over the years. In 2008, there were over 31,000 tourists, which tripled to more than 64,000 in 2014 due to improvements in road accessibility and the popularity of the place, especially after the movie 'V Dadhana' was filmed there.

What role does the accessibility of roads play in the increase in tourism to Sagada?

The accessibility of roads has played a major role in increasing tourism to Sagada. Prior to road improvements, travel was difficult, taking up to 10 hours, but with better infrastructure, the travel time has been reduced, making it easier for tourists to visit.

What are some environmental concerns caused by the growing number of tourists in Sagada?

Environmental concerns include the increase in waste, the destruction of caves and natural formations due to high tourist traffic, pollution from vehicle emissions, and a lack of proper garbage disposal systems, which often leads to the burning of waste, damaging the environment.

What impact is tourism having on Sagada's cultural traditions?

Tourism is impacting Sagada's cultural traditions by leading to the commercialization and bastardization of age-old rituals. Cultural practices are being altered to cater to tourists, and this compromises the authenticity of traditional ceremonies and customs.

Why is the Lumiang cave significant, and what recent incident caused concern among locals?

The Lumiang cave is significant as it is a sacred burial site for the locals. Recently, a group of tourists conducted a prenuptial photoshoot inside the cave, which angered the residents due to the disrespect shown towards their sacred site.

What challenges does Sagada face due to its geographical location and infrastructure?

Sagada faces challenges due to its irregular terrain, including the risk of sinkholes and the lack of adherence to the National Building Code, which compromises the safety of buildings and infrastructure. Additionally, the small roads and inadequate waste management systems are further problematic.

What is the current state of the water supply in Sagada during the tourist season?

During the tourist season, Sagada experiences a shortage of water supply, especially in the summer when it doesn't rain. This leads to concerns about water scarcity, as tourists use excessive amounts of water for showers and other activities.

What measures are being proposed to address the issues caused by tourism in Sagada?

Measures being proposed include responsible tourism practices, promoting Sagada as a heritage site to protect its cultural and natural resources, and ensuring that the local government enforces tourism ordinances and regulations to limit the negative impacts of tourism.

How are the people of Sagada responding to the threats posed by tourism?

The people of Sagada, particularly women, are leading efforts to organize tourism summits and protest against the destruction caused by tourism. They are also advocating for the preservation of the environment and culture by pushing for Sagada to be declared a heritage site and opposing unsustainable development practices.