DOLE Backs Sipalay’s PHP10M Agri-Ecotourism SIKAP Project

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 6 has committed PHP 10 million in support of Sipalay City’s inclusive and sustainable development, turning over the funding for the city’s flagship Sipalay Integrated Kabuhayan Agri-Ecotourism Projects (SIKAP) on April 29, 2025.

The initiative, designed to generate sustainable livelihood opportunities and resilient local enterprises, is expected to benefit 472 individuals across 12 rural workers associations from farming, fishing, transport, and cooperative sectors.

SIKAP, meaning “diligence” in Filipino, reflects the industrious spirit that the project aims to cultivate among the city’s marginalized and informal sector workers.

The project is a partnership between DOLE and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sipalay, focusing on enterprise-building that is climate-resilient, ecologically sound, and rooted in the community’s agricultural and coastal strengths.

“The support is more than a financial grant; it is an investment in the people of Sipalay, particularly the informal sector, and in the stewardship of our environment,” said DOLE Region 6 Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez, Jr.

“SIKAP is a testament of the LGU’s commitment to dynamic and responsive governance,” he added.

Twelve associations will benefit directly from the program, including the Sipalay Small Farmers Upgraded Carabao Association, Gil Montilla Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Sipalay City Hog Raisers Association, and several small fishermen’s and farmers’ groups across various barangays.

The initiative covers key livelihood clusters—agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and transport—creating diversified income streams and fostering community resilience amid climate and economic challenges.

Sipalay City, known for its thriving ecotourism, attracts nearly 600,000 domestic and international tourists annually, making it one of Negros Occidental’s most promising tourism hubs.

Framed by white-sand beaches, forested hills, island formations, and rich mangrove belts, the city’s natural assets provide a strong foundation for eco-friendly and heritage-based entrepreneurship.

Through SIKAP, the city envisions a grassroots economic model that links environmental preservation with enterprise development, further boosting its tourism appeal.

The PHP 10 million DOLE grant will be allocated for equipment, raw materials, infrastructure, and capacity-building support for each beneficiary association to enhance their production, marketing, and operational sustainability.

The project also aligns with national goals under the Department of Agriculture’s thrust for agro-ecotourism and the Department of Tourism’s sustainable tourism framework.

By integrating livelihood creation with ecological stewardship, SIKAP is positioned as a replicable model for inclusive growth in coastal and rural communities across the country.

Sipalay’s LGU has committed to provide counterpart support in terms of technical assistance, monitoring, and enterprise mentoring to ensure project continuity.

With this initiative, DOLE Region 6 reinforces its role in empowering communities and building strong local economies through employment-focused, environment-conscious investments.

As part of its ongoing mandate, DOLE will continue to support inclusive economic activities and labor empowerment across Western Visayas, with special emphasis on rural development.