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| photo by Bombette G. Marin |
Bulabog Puti-an
National Park in barangay Moroboro, Dingle, Iloilo is the only National Park in
Panay. Measuring 847.33 hectares, the park covers the barangays of Lincud,
Moroboro, Camambugan, Caguyuman, Tulatula-an in Dingle and the barangays of
Lip-ac, Palje, Compo, Rumagayray in San Enrique. It was designated as a National Park in June 14, 1961 through
Congressional Bill No. 1651 and such is considered a "nationally
significant area.”
The park is an area
of protected countryside that everyone can visit, explore, enjoy the landscape
and learn about the wildlife in the area. The
centerpiece is the Bulabog Putian mountains with its Puti-an Peak measuring 322
meters, the highest in central Iloilo. It was named as such for its most
distinguishing feature, its white stone wall that is still visible even when
one is in neighboring Passi City.
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| photo by Bombette G. Marin |
There is no question
about it. It is no stroll through the park. Its rainforest trail is a pure
sensory overload, thrilling and enlightening. For the adventurous in spirit who
are willing to work for it, the real magic lie in its 33 caves, although only
six are recommended for exploration to visitors in the park. It will certainly
be a classic bucket list adventure when in Iloilo.
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| photo by Bombette G. Marin |
Being unprepared can
have disastrous results. However, when have the right gear and know what to
expect, it can be one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of your
life. Currently, the park is managed by DENR (Department of Environment and
Natural Resources) headed by a Protected Area Superintendent, Forester Abordo
with five (5) DOT trained and accredited cave guides.
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| photo by Bombette G. Marin |
Along the trail of
coral rocks, visitors will take in mesmerizing scenery as they pass through century
old trees of narra and molave that towers above you on both sides. The
centrepiece is the 130 year-old Dao tree, a native tree that reaches 40 meters
high and 90 centimeters in diameter at breast height. Dao trees occur primarily
in forest at low altitude in areas with high rainfall. Its wood is used in light construction like bancas,
rafters, and furniture.
The trail will lead
one to its most prominent cave, the Maestranza where an amazing heritage
experience awaits every visitor. A Spanish word for Garrison, Maestranza is famous
for its coral rock with Spanish inscription believed to have been written by a guerrilla
during the Spanish-American War. The Spanish inscription translated in English
reads, “The Republicans were to die before surrendering. Local history would
tell us that during the revolution against Spain, Dingle staged the first armed
uprising in the Province of Iloilo in Barrio Lincud on October 28, 1898 with
local hero Adriano Hernandez as its brigadier general.
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| photo by Bombette G. Marin |
The park also plays
a crucial role in the survival of many plants and animal species, and supports
large numbers of bats.
Following the rules
and regulations inside the park is a small effort for every visitor with a big
result for this protected landscape. Visitors are expected to log in at the
receiving area where they are oriented about the do’s and don’ts inside the
park. Visitors must wear comfortable clothes, preferably t-shirts and jogging
pants. One must wear rubber shoes. Be sure to have a face towel. Before the
trek, apply insect repellants. During rainy season the trail gets slippery that
might cause accidents. It is advisable to carry a long and sturdy stick for
support. A minimal entrance fee of P15.00 is charged for local visitors, while
foreign guests pay for P100.00. Helmets are required when exploring the cave
with a rental fee of P10.00. Visitors are required to have a guide for a fee of
P200.00. By observing these guidelines, we make sure that the future
generations will enjoy the same beautiful scenery we can today.
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| photo by Bombette G. Marin |
The municipality of
Dingle is 37 kilometers away from Iloilo City. It is bounded in the northeast
by Anilao; northwest by San Enrique; southeast by Pototan and Barotac Nuevo;
and southwest by Duenas. It is subdivided by 33 barangays distributed around
its 7,750 hectare land area.
To get to the town,
a jeepney or van is available at the Northern Central Iloilo Transport
Terminal, Inc. in Barangay Tagbak, Jaro, Iloilo City. For more information,
please contact, Forester Abordo, Protected Area Superintendent at 09173536864
or Mr. Dane Dizon – Municipal Tourism Officer at 09477424341.
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