Underpromoted Tourist Attractions

The Tarsiers in Barangay Katipunan

 

Tarsiers saved at Brgy. Katipunan, Loreto, ADS

Tarsiers are famous in Bohol. We never knew they existed in the Municipality of Loreto, Agusan del Sur until we saw the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Area Management Office's post on Facebook.

With our curiosity, we started asking the natives of Loreto. We discovered how rich in natural resources Loreto was before logging became an integral part of its economy. The income from logging convinced others to do it, circumventing the laws. Illegal logging continued to destroy the lush forests, rivers, and lakes of Loreto, including the animals' and other creatures' habitats. 

Deers, fruit bats, hornbills, tortoises, and crayfish were once abundant in the area. Deforestation became unstoppable until, one day, the creatures started disappearing. 

It was a shock for the young generations who were not aware of the history of Loreto (including us) after we saw the post. There are certainly more things to discover in the municipality. Things that may increase tourism activities and boost economic growth leading to sustainable tourism.

Loreto Recreational Center

Loreto Recreational Center 2021

They said there's always a rainbow after the rain. That is true for this municipality. Several years ago, Loreto experienced a war against rebels, but it was not the most tragic experience. During colonization and World War II, Loreto was one of the battlegrounds. Remnants of the Japanese and American armies are still there, waiting for conservation. 

Barangay Waloe, named after Colonel Ole C. Waloe, is the most known battleground because the last battle happened there, according to the residents of that barangay. 

Loreto Recreational Center 2023

The Americans described Loreto as a ranch at the time of American occupation. Today, the municipality is undergoing urbanization. Since 2019, the development in Loreto has been unstoppable.

The Loreto Recreational Center is one of the green infrastructure projects this municipality has implemented. It considered as one of the tourists' spots in Loreto. 

Rocky Mountain

We saw the beauty of that rocky mountain (in the photo above) with the waters flowing on our way to Kasapa I. It was an adventurous ride because of the lack of access road. We had to pass through a small river and a long, uphill, and rough road to arrive at our destination, but it was a fulfilling journey.

Nursery Umayam, Kasapa I

According to the adventurous people we met there, three waterfalls connect to the river in the photo above. The locals call one of them Bunlac Falls. 

Bunlac Falls, Nursery Umayam, Kasapa I
Source: Facebook User

Bunlac is a Hiligaynon word that means "layers." The waterfall consists of layered mountain rocks, which probably made the people call it Bunlac Falls. According to them, going there is a great challenge, so we will wait until it becomes easier and more secure to get there.

Cave Rock Formations

Stalactites (rock formations on the cave ceiling) and stalagmites (rock formations on the cave floor) are growing in the Simbahan Cave, located at Sitio Bubujawon, Barangay Waloe. 

Simbahan Cave, Bubujawon, Waloe
Source: Facebook User

Many residents know about the place, but we are curious why it has not become a tourist destination (even the locals refuse to go there). Maybe it is true that the majority of the people of Loreto lack appreciation for the gifts of nature. It is sad because they might vanish if they are continuously ignored.

Simbahan Cave, Bubujawon, Waloe
Source: Facebook User

According to UNESCO World Heritage Center, 

"Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration." (Emphasis supplied) 

We hope the citizens will realize the importance of the above ecotourism destinations.