Siquijor at a Crossroad: Will Our Island Stay a Paradise or Become the Next Overdeveloped Tourist Trap?

There’s something about Siquijor that makes it more than just a destination - it’s a home, a sanctuary, a living, breathing piece of paradise that welcomes all who step onto its shores. Whether you were born here, have chosen to settle, or are just passing through, there’s a deep connection to this island that is hard to put into words. It’s in the golden sunsets, the quiet whispers of the trees, the healing energy that flows through every part of this land.

But lately, I’ve found myself asking: How long will this magic last?

The Rising Popularity of Siquijor

Over the past few years, Siquijor has gained more attention - not just from local travelers but from the global community. What was once considered a hidden gem is now becoming a must-visit spot, attracting more tourists, businesses, and investments. On the surface, this sounds like a good thing. Growth brings opportunities - more jobs, better infrastructure, a thriving local economy. But growth, when uncontrolled, comes at a cost.

We don’t have to look far to see the consequences of unsustainable tourism. We’ve seen how places like Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, and Siargao have struggled with overdevelopment, pollution, and the loss of their cultural essence. Even Bali, once a peaceful island paradise, now faces overcrowding, rising costs of living, and environmental destruction.

Could Siquijor be heading in the same direction? And if so, is this something we should be concerned about or simply accept as an inevitable part of progress?

A Crossroad: Preservation or Overdevelopment?

Tourism, when managed well, can bring immense benefits to a place. It can support local businesses, create job opportunities, and bring cultural exchange that enriches the community. However, if left unchecked, it can also lead to problems:

• Environmental Impact: More tourists mean more waste, increased pollution, and greater pressure on natural resources like fresh water and marine life.

• Overdevelopment: The rise of large hotels, resorts, and commercial businesses can strip away the island’s natural beauty and local charm.

• Loss of Local Identity: As tourism grows, there’s always a risk that traditions, customs, and even the local way of life will be diluted to cater to visitors rather than preserving the island’s unique culture.

• Cost of Living Increases: As more businesses and real estate investors pour in, the cost of goods and housing could rise, making it harder for locals to afford the very place they call home.

These are not hypothetical concerns; they are real issues that have already played out in other destinations. The question is, do we learn from their mistakes and find a better way forward, or do we let the wave of overdevelopment sweep over us?

What Can We Do?

The Role of Locals and Residents

As people who live here - whether as locals, longtime residents, or even foreigners who have chosen to make Siquijor their home - we have an active role to play. We cannot sit back and expect the government or others to make the right choices for us.

Protecting our island starts within the community.

Here’s what we can do:

1. Be Mindful of Our Own Footprint

• Reduce plastic waste by carrying reusable items and supporting businesses that minimize single-use plastics.

• Dispose of waste properly and educate visitors about responsible waste management.

• Conserve water and electricity, especially as demand increases.

2. Support Responsible Tourism

• Promote eco-friendly accommodations, tours, and businesses that respect the environment.

• Choose local products and services over mass-produced, corporate options.

• Share the real story of Siquijor with visitors—its healing traditions, its people, its connection to nature—so they can appreciate and respect it beyond just taking Instagram photos.

3. Get Involved in Community Discussions

• Attend barangay meetings or local government initiatives related to development and tourism.

• Speak up about concerns regarding unsustainable projects or policies that may harm the island.

• Work with local groups that promote conservation, heritage preservation, and sustainable tourism.

What the Government Must Do

While community efforts are crucial, the government must also step up and take responsibility. Leadership at the local and national levels must understand that growth should not come at the cost of destruction. They need to focus on long-term sustainability rather than short-term profit.

Here’s what the government can and should prioritize:

1. Implement Sustainable Tourism Policies

• Enforce limits on how many resorts, businesses, or tours can operate at a time to prevent overcrowding.

• Regulate waste disposal and ensure businesses follow eco-friendly practices.

• Establish marine and wildlife conservation zones to protect biodiversity.

2. Improve Infrastructure Without Sacrificing Nature

• Invest in sustainable transportation options instead of mass road expansions that could disrupt the environment.

• Develop proper sewage and waste management systems before it becomes a crisis.

• Support renewable energy initiatives to lessen dependence on fossil fuels.

3. Create Programs to Protect Local Culture

• Fund projects that preserve and promote traditional healing practices, music, dance, and other cultural aspects of Siquijor.

• Ensure that economic growth benefits local communities rather than just outside investors.

• Provide incentives for local entrepreneurs who build businesses that align with sustainable tourism.

The Path Forward: Avoiding the Fate of Overdeveloped Islands

The worst thing we can do right now is assume that Siquijor will be fine without active intervention. The reality is, once overdevelopment takes hold, it’s nearly impossible to reverse the damage. Boracay had to shut down for rehabilitation, but even now, it struggles with the same challenges. Bali has become overcrowded to the point that locals are protesting the uncontrolled tourism boom.

Siquijor still has a choice. We can either allow things to spiral into chaos, or we can take control of our own destiny.

This isn’t about rejecting visitors or stopping progress - it’s about guiding it in a way that ensures Siquijor remains the paradise we all fell in love with. We can welcome people while also making sure that our beaches stay clean, our forests stay intact, and our culture remains vibrant.

A Call for Reflection: What Role Will You Play?

If you’re reading this, I invite you to reflect on what Siquijor means to you. Do you see it as just another island to check off your travel list? Or do you recognize it as a living, breathing home that deserves care and respect?

If you are a resident - whether local or foreign - ask yourself:

What can I do to contribute to its preservation?

If you work in tourism, consider:

Am I promoting sustainable, ethical practices?

And if you are in a position of leadership, think: Am I making decisions that benefit the island long-term, or am I focused only on short-term economic gain?

The fate of Siquijor isn’t written yet. We are the ones who will decide what happens next. Will we let it slip into the same fate as other once-pristine islands? Or will we set an example of how a paradise can grow without losing its soul?

The answer lies in what we do - starting today.