EPHRATHAH Farms in Badiangan: Revitalizing the Agriculture Sector through Tourism

One of the many reasons for the sustaining success of tourism in Iloilo province is its continuous efforts on improving its existing tourism products and innovating new tourism products. Eco-tourism is inter-sectoral in nature and has shown tremendous success. Iloilo, being an agricultural and fisheries dominated province, has tremendous potential for developing Agri-Tourism in a big way without much additional investment. There is a possibility of converting potential cropped areas of the province as tourist attractions with minimum intervention to transfer the benefits of tourism directly to the farmers. Such program is intended to prepare farms, plantations, fishponds around the province to receive tourists by presenting a positive image of the farm and of agriculture and fisheries as a whole, in view of revitalizing the agriculture sector of Iloilo through tourism.

Badiangan, Iloilo has a different type of attraction in its farm land situated in Barangay Sariri, 5 kilometers away from its poblacion. The EPHRATHAH Farms owned by Engr. Eddie Canuto is this town’s newest attraction where you will be totally detached from the noisy and crowded life in the city. Without any pressures of day to day life, you will surely enjoy your leisure time in this organic land.

This farm tourism site includes developing a 5 hectare farm for lakatan, red lady papaya and dragon fruit plantation and another 4.5 hectare farm for nursery, fishpond and an area for black and pink rice.  Presently, the farm area for tourism facilities is under construction of separate enclosures. Accommodation facilities for tourists and trekkers to the area will also be part of the owner’s construction project.

Most unique to the site is its dragon fruit plantation that is known to be the largest in the province. Not known to many, the dragon fruit, popularly known as strawberry pear and is endemic to Thailand, comes from a vining , terrestrial or epiphytic cactus with fleshy stems reaching from a few inches to 20 feet long for the mature plant. Its flowers, ornate and beautiful, only blooms at night and usually last just for a night where its pollination is necessary to set fruit. Often round and red-colored, its fruit has prominent scales with a thin rind that encloses a large mass of sweet-flavored white or red pulp with edible small black seeds. Varieties are of pink and yellow colors. It is popularly eaten chilled and is also used in flavored drinks and pastries.

Scientific study shows that 100 grams of the dragon fruit contains 0.9 grams of Fiber, 8.8 grams of Calcium, 0.61 gram of Fat, 0.012 gram of Carotene, 0.430 milligram of Niacin, 36.1 milligram of Phosphorus, 9.0 milligram of Ascorbic Acid, 0.229 gram of Protein, 83.0 grams of Water, 0.68 grams of Ashes, 0.65 milligram of Iron and 0.045 milligram of Riboflavin.

Dragon fruit can help lower the diabetes blood glucose levels when included in even moderate quantities in a typical diabetic diet plan meals. It is rich in antioxidants that help prevent the formation of carcinogenic free-radicals. Packed with vitamin C it ensures fast healing of bruises and cuts and helps improve the function of the immune system. It helps get rid of heavy metal toxins from the body. It is great for asthma and cough. It helps maintain and improve the health of the eyes. It prevents hypertension.

Another attraction of this farm is its medicinal herbal plantation is beautiful and beneficial. The farm spreads over a large area with its demonstrative herbal garden beside the pond. It has varieties of different medicinal plants on aesthetically designed herbal beds. It provides a walking place for visitors.

The farm’s goat breeding area has Boer goats, known to be one of the most popular breeds of meat goat in the world. They commonly have white bodies and distinctive brown heads or pink and possess long, pendulous ears. They are noted for being docile, fast growing, and having high fertility rates. Boer goats have a high resistance to disease. The farm also raises Anglo-Nubian goats, known for its dairy or dual-purpose. They have markings of any color, the ears are elongated, pendulous and floppy and the nose is Roman. They have high butterfat content for their milk, although on average, the breed produces less milk than other dairy breeds.

With 11 grow out ponds, the farm is primarily stocked with 1,500 Pangasius fish, 15,500 tilapia and 3,000 koi. The aim of the pond area is to educate the community, site where tours can be conducted. The fish and release pond at the other site is a great spot to relax with its floating cottage, a place where you wish to make the most of your out.

University of San Agustin sophomore tourism students for Tumandok 2012-Badiangan group

One of the most important benefits of Agri-tourism is that it helps boost the image of the agriculture sector and the creation of employment opportunities for the unemployed in the agricultural sector who otherwise opt for non-agricultural activities. Youths can be attracted towards agriculture sector that has long created important changes as far as Iloilo province is concerned.

The quiet town of Badiangan is 40 kilometers from the city and is situated on the west- central part belonging to the 3^rd District in the province of Iloilo. It is composed of 31 barangays over its 481.12 hectare land area. It is bounded in the southwest by Janiuay; southeast by Mina; on the east by Pototan; on the north by Duenas and on the northwest by Lambunao. To get to Badiangan, one can take the jeepney or air-conditioned van at the terminal fronting Christ the King Memorial Park in Jaro. Know more about Badiangan on Tumandok at the fountain area of Robinsons Place Iloilo on September 4-8, 2012. For more information, please contact, Miss Eva Esteva-Municipal Tourism Officer at 09186043100.

Eco-Friendly Experiences in the Sweet City of Passi

Passi City has carved out a name for itself as a destination for travelers seeking eco-friendly experiences in the province of Iloilo. The city provides travelers with an abundance of attractions about everything from organic restaurants to nature tourism and its cultural experiences. Its local government has gone further than just informing travelers about the variety of eco-friendly experiences available in the area, it has also helped raise awareness of Passi City as a visitor destination and eco-tourism experiences will increase visitors to its local eco-tourism attractions.

Come and visit Passi City and gain a greater appreciation for caves. It has 16 caves for those who wish to increase the depth of appreciation and understanding for visitors in the area. They offer both self exploring and guided opportunities. Whichever method of exploring the caves you choose, you are bound to be fascinated by this amazing underground world in the heart of Passi City.

the suspended bridge on the way to the cave with CPU tourism sophomore students 
for Tumandok 2012-Passi City group

The most popular cave in the area is an adventure to Dila-Dila Cave in Barangay Bita-ogan, 13 kilometers tricycle ride from the poblacion of the city. Getting to the area is fun, exciting and adventurous. Access to the cave is passing through rice fields and sugarcane fields. One has to pass through over a sturdy bridge about a foot in width just before a slope leading to a stream before getting to the cave entrance.

The cave is largely undeveloped and kept in a natural state.  Exploring its passage way will both challenge cave explorers physically and mentally. Compared to other caves, it is on the smaller size. In order to navigate through this cave, one is required to squeeze in, over and under through its narrow and dark passageway while submerging into the waist-deep water inside. It is a great experience able to show cavern enthusiasts something natural and unique. With nice cool air inside make it a great stop on a hot day. This cave tour is not for children and the elderly or those with limited mobility may have difficulty on the trails or in this cave.

Going organic was a bit hard in the past, especially when looking for products that we need for a total lifestyle change.  Others resort to making their own products because there was none available. With a growing consciousness for a healthier lifestyle, at least now we have it easier. 

MIDWAY in Barangay Bacuranan, 4.5 kilometers from the poblacion is a one stop organic and environmental shop, supplying fresh fruit and vegetables, dried goods, toiletries, organic skin-care. With a land area of almost 3 hectares, it is nearly all here, and if it is not just ask and they will endeavor to source it. They have been growing their fruit and vegetables and treating the property almost organically and using the biodynamic preparations for two years now.

It has a public organic farm that combines education, recreation and nature appreciation. Visitors can explore the farm on their own or with a guided tour upon request. It has a greenhouse with plant nurseries of popular local fruit-bearing trees such as atis, chico, duhat or lumboy, durian, guava, papaya, jackfruit, lansones, mangosteen, marang, santol, sambag, pomelo, rambutan, dalandan, bananas and mangoes. They also grow lettuce, basil, tomatoes, cucumber, rosemary and thyme.

The area also boasts of its fresh market and restaurant where it serves breakfast meals, lunch and snacks only. It also has a convenient store and pasalubong center. Everyone will surely enjoy its garden cottages built closely around its garden of fruits and vegetables, fishpond, chicken house and its mini-aviary. Midway has spacious parking areas, a very clean restroom and is wi-fi ready. Midway opens daily from 7 a.m. till 5:30 p.m. only.

Rosary Herbal Products in F. Palmares Street believes in the immense value of providing an alternative to mainstream medicine and have discovered that consumers agree with them. The company uses 90-98% organic herbs that are commonly found in farms, mountains and forest. Indigenous people attest the use of these herbs remedy their sickness and pains. Pharmaceutical chemicals used are very minimal, just as the base for the preparations of their products. Popular products are the Balanyos, Passi Herbal Vaporub, RHP Skin Disease Ointment, Q.C. Herbal Candle, Women Papaya Herbal Soap, Womean Herbal Bath Soap, Nature Herbal Lotion and Glutathione Soap. For more information, please call Ma. Tessie S. Pagay at telephone number (033) 3315186 or at 09208912095.

the CPU sophomore tourism students for TUMANDOK 2012-Passi City group

By promoting Passi City and its values, with respect towards its attractions and supporting its local produce, not only we help sustain Passi City’s local economy, but also share the richness of the area. Know more about Passi City at the 8^th Tumandok on September 4-8, fountain area of Robinsons Place Iloilo. For more information, please contact Mae Pojol-Buenaflor-City Tourism Officer at 09213543537 or at (033) 3116072.

FIESTA IN THE CITY: A Celebration of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism

The region’s rich cultural history, traditions, and its provinces have brought out fun and original celebrations through fiestas, celebrated all throughout the year. There are so many of them. Some are of religious nature, others are historical, and all vary in style, but one thing remains the same, each celebration involved music, dance, and a great deal of lively spirit by its people.

SM City Iloilo is a busy yet serene mall, except when it plays host to annual events and tourism-related activities. Every May, the mall holds a week-long celebration known as Fiesta in the City in which many people attend.

Fiesta in the City is the longest running tourism celebration annually held inside a mall. Since 2002, Ilonggos know and crave the intense energy that pervades the Activity Center during the festivity. Many shows up to partake in the fun.

The fun began ten years ago when the mall tried to keep up with the decadent fiesta celebrations all over the region and partnered with the Department of Tourism Regional Office along with the different provinces in Western Visayas. Since then, it has evolved throughout the years into an amazing round-the-clock spectacle of all that is in this region.

The Activity Center turns into the celebration’s main “stage,” a place to meet friends, and where families stroll together, and everyone enjoys the presentation simply has a great time!

It is celebrated this year on May 16-22 and for those seeking more conventional pleasure, the week-long includes exhibits, music, dancing, colorful costumes and beauty parade. The daily activities are hosted by a provincial government or a town where each scheduled event has its own atmosphere and tradition.

The highlight of the event is the much-anticipated annual Sagala of Festival or Fiesta Queens. Known to be the only consistently celebrated Santacruzan in a mall in the region, this colorful religious and historical street pageant parade originally held in cities, towns and even barangays becomes the most colorful attraction of the mall during May. The luckiest queen gets to be escorted by a featured celebrity from Manila. Many movie and television personalities in the past have participated in the event and are featured as the only escort. This year, Enrique Gil, an upcoming dramatic actor from the teleserye, Mula Sa Puso will be the featured escort of the parade scheduled on May 22 at 3 in the afternoon.

Other activities include the dance performances from Badiangan Dance Troupe of the municipality of Badiangan on May 16 at.; a musical treat from Ritmo Tambores of Passi City on May 17; an afternoon of pure Ilonggo classic from the newly-organized rondalla group of Himig Cuerdas at Tiklado from West Visayas State University; a fashion show featuring Filipiniana gowns from designer Mandy Salcedo on May 19; the kids take centerstage with the Little Santacruzan on May 20; a Santacruzan-inspired design competition featuring local fashion designers is set on May 21. Showtime starts at 4 in the afternoon.

Despite the different themes, the sentiment remains the same. Fiesta in the city is an event to be proud of our common culture and for us to recognize everything that joins us, rather then dwell on that which separates us.

Don’t miss out this year’s great variety of cultural activities for everyone! See you there.

Igbaras Celebrates 6th Tangyan Festival

Tangyan Festival street dancing competition, photo by Julius Sollesta

The Festival of TANGYAN scheduled on May 16-23, 2011 is a time when the scenic town of Igbaras unites in recognizing the economic importance of its Tangyan River to its people. The river has functioned as the economic heartland where Igbarasnons are engaged in agriculture. As they say, the most fertile areas for farming are in the plains near the Tangyan tributaries where it provided irrigation water for their agricultural produce.

photo by Julius Sollesta

The festival is also dedicated to the preservation and protection of their cultural heritage and to be able to share them with the younger generation.

The River of Tangyan in Igbaras has played a fundamental role in the lives, history and culture of its people for many years. This waterway provides irrigation, potable water and fish stocks, supporting livelihoods in the area. Water from the river is a basic natural resource, essential for various human activities.

Tangyan River produces and supports the town’s extremely fertile soil. The rainy season further enrich the soil, as the river overflow its banks and deposit nutrient-rich silt over adjacent land. In this area, agriculture, as well as fish and shrimp farming are widely practiced by some. These activities constitute their sole sources of income or, in many cases, subsistence.

street dancers of Tangyan Festival, Igbaras, Iloilo, photo by Julius Sollesta

This year, with its humble preparations, the municipality of Igbaras through the leadership of their municipal mayor, Hon. Vicente E. Escorpion Jr. will celebrate the 6th Tangyan Festival with the theme, “Igbarasnon nga may Pagkabalaka, Pagla-um kag Dungog sang Banwa, Nagapanglakaton upod kay Sta. Rita.” Daily special events with start with a Fun Run at 5-7 a.m.; Opening Parade and Street Dancing Competition at 1:30 p.m. and the Opening of the Food Festival and Agro Fair at 4 p.m; the Igbaras Dance Revo caps the day at 6:30 p.m. on its first day. May 17 opens with the Adlaw Kang Tangyan through a River Clean-up and Tree-planting activity along the riverbank at 6:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.; the day ends with the Search for Little Mr. and Miss Igbaras 2011 with a cavalcade of dances at 6:30 p.m. May 18 is set for an Acrobatic Show at 2 p.m. and a Concert of Local Bands at 7 p.m. May 19 is full with a Medical Mission from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and the search for Lin-ay Kang Igbaras 2011 at 6:30 p.m. May 20 highlights the Gabi-I Kang Tumandok with a fashion show featuring their hand-loomed fabric, hablon by the Napulak Ladies Club at 6:30 p.m. May 21 opens with a Motorcross event at 7 a.m. and the Disco Concert at 6:30 p.m. May 22 welcomes everyone with its Procession to be followed with a Concelebrated Mass at 7 a.m., an evening of Disco is set at 6:30 p.m. The final day is for Dho Peds in Concert at 6:30 p.m.

Igbaras is a quiet town with a number of captivating tourist attractions that include waterfalls, caves, endemic flora and scenic mountain ranges. The town is bounded on the north by the Municipality of San Remegio of the province of Antique; east by the Municipality of Tubungan, Iloilo ; west by the Municipality of Miag-ao, Iloilo; south by the Municipality of Guimbal, Iloilo . The province of Antique is separated from Igbaras by the presence of its famous Napulak Mountain, known to be the highest in the area with the elevation of 1,200 feet above sea level. It is famous because it is shaped like a woman's breast with its massive coral rock formation on its top. It is very popular to mountaineers since they can get an eye-catching view of Iloilo and Antique provinces during sunset and the peak of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Occidental on early sunrise.

The Booming Abaca Industry of Janiuay

Long before the Spanish occupation, Filipinos have been growing Abaca. Endemic to the Philippines, it is a banana-like plant where its fiber is considered as the strongest among natural fibers and is commonly used for textile materials. For centuries, it has provided income to many Filipinos especially those living in the areas of Mindanao, Bicol and the Visayas.

Easily-grown in almost all types of soils and climate like ours, abaca is best grown in areas where the soil is rich in organic matter common in areas that are rolling to hilly or mountainous.

The municipality of Janiuay is now becoming one of the major abaca producers in Iloilo as production and interest from farmers to plant continue to improve. The industry in the town has improved as more and more famers especially in barangays Barasalon, Atimonan and Kanawilihan venture into abaca propagation.

The status of abaca industry is booming. There are now many farmers who want to plant abaca. The shift of interest of farmers to abaca is credited to its shorter maturity period compared to other high value crops.

The Tuburan Abacca Handicraft Association (TAHA) in barangay Tuburan, Janiuay, Iloilo is the leading promoter of livelihood projects on abaca production. Among its missions is to provide more employment and create more innovative products that will respond to the needs of its members and its market.

Organized in 2006, the association, then with 26 members started producing abaca fiber-based products that were marketed locally. It was in 2007 that the association became DTI-registered. At present, it has 33 members and presently headed by Barangay Captain Flora Ensolente. The association is currently producing fibercraft like mats, purses, bags, hats, placemats, high-grade decorative paper as art media, and all purpose decoratives perfect as gifts or souvenir items. The use of abaca fiber has long been recognized and the demand is continually growing.

Projects for the association are developed in partnership with other local government agencies. The municipal government of Janiuay work with government departments, local service providers and community workers to facilitate local planning and develop projects based on the needs of the community. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also pitched in by providing additional consultancy in the training and the transfer of knowledge and entrepreneurial perspectives of the community.

Abaca fibers are extracted by stripping off the outer sheath of the trunk of the abaca plant and pull out individual fibers. The length varies from three to nine feet or even longer, depending on the height of the plant. It is then stripped and scraped to remove the pulp. The fibers produced are then washed and dried. The color of the fibers extracted ranges from ivory white or in the shade of brown. The best grades of abaca fiber are fine and lustrous in texture; light beige in color and very strong.

Popularly known as Manila hemp in the international trade, 84% of the world’s abaca supply comes from the Philippines. At present, the country’s major markets are Japan, Europe, India, United States, the Middle East, and Korea. China is the biggest emerging market for abaca.

The abaca craft production project of the Tuburan Abacca Handicraft Association has gone a long way since it was launched with orders coming in from various parts of the province and the region. The municipality hopes more people will be interested in products that enable rural communities to see their livelihood in a different light.

Know more about Janiuay’s abaca production and its abaca crafts during the 8^th Tumandok celebration on September 4, 2012 at the fountain area of Robinsons Iloilo. For more information, please contact (033) 5318719-Janiuay LGU trunkline and look for Miss Corel Locsin-Yap-Municipal Tourism Officer.

A Complete Solitude and Absolute Luxury at Sheridan Boutique Resort in Oton

The province of Iloilo also offers a wide range of accommodations for visitors from every budget bracket. On the frugal side of the spectrum you will find camping grounds set in a resort---a wonderful way to experience Iloilo’s pristine beauty in the most intimate and personal way. Clean and adequate mid-range resorts are also prevalent throughout the area offering cozy accommodations with a personal touch. Luxury resorts are not in short supply, particularly in the ever-trendy Ilonggos.

The Sheridan Boutique Resort is Iloilo’s newest resort destination. It is a cozy boutique Resort hidden away in the secluded barangay of Buray in the peaceful municipality of Oton, Iloilo. Only a 20-minuter drive from the city, the boutique resort is just a few meters away from the alternate route on the right side of the road before reaching the Batiano Bridge.

This 1.5 hectare boutique resort consists of beautifully-designed structures not taller than a coconut tree. Dramatically decorated with dark, rich wood and connected with immaculately groomed walkways, its intimate setting is what visitors to this place can expect.

This resort destination would not be complete if the outdoor area is not well-designed, too. The area is filled with beautifully-landscaped yards with a specific selection of trees, ornamental plants and flowers. Its Asian landscaping offers a very structured, elegant style that focuses on the wildness of nature with a tamed, calm center space where guests can relax. 

The area also includes koi ponds rife with lily pads. Curved bridges span the pond. Under the trees are shrubs and grasses of varying sizes, planted and allowed to grow together into a colorful mass. 

The picture-perfect setting of its Ayanna Garden Restaurant opens daily at 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. and at 6 p.m. till 10 p.m. and dinner with meals prepared using as much local produce as possible creating exquisite culinary delights that will surprise any discerning taste bud. Enjoy private dining at its air-conditioned restaurant that offers a unique luxury dining experience. As a lifestyle property, the restaurant provides the easy, relaxed ambience of Iloilo in an opulent and elegant setting.

They also have an area for relaxation with a touch of nature as everyone would actually like that for the atmosphere under the sky that is certainly better than that under the roof. Swim in comfort and style to its soothing Azure Infinity Pool with great landscaping and comfortable seating areas that opens from 9 a.m. till 10 p.m.

Celebrate your next important event at Wilfredo’s Garden Pavilion that can carry 300-350 persons. It is this boutique resort’s private getaway from the regular activities in the area and noise. Combining nature and structures is all about.

Setting a standard of lavish comfort, this boutique resort will soon open its 10-appointed two-bedroom suites to the public. The smallest details have been carefully crafted to provide every guest with every comfort and luxury available, making its suites as one of the most relaxing, enjoyable and satisfying experiences ever.

It is an ideal destination for anyone who wants to simply kick back on vacation, stretched out in pool chairs with a good book or frosty drink in hand. What better way to escape the stress and responsibilities of everyday life than with a boutique resort stay at Sheridan.

Lose yourself in the vibrant beauty and captivating allure of Sheridan Boutique Resort where the comfort and convenience of their guests is always their top priority. For more information, log on to their website: inquiry@sheridanboutiqueresort.com or send email: wilfredosgarden@yahoo.com.ph or call the resort at 09173077642 and look for Alysan.

The Bounty and Beauty of BATAD

In many towns across the province of Iloilo, farmers and fishermen are recognizing the need and desire to diversify their produce and supplement their agricultural and fisheries income. As a mainly agricultural and fishery community, Batad, a 5^th class municipality situated north in the province of Iloilo. Comprised of 24 barangays, it is 125 kilometers or a three-hour bus or van ride from Tagbak Terminal in Jaro Iloilo City.

Batad is generally far and due to the remoteness, majority of the people still rely on farming and fisheries for subsistence. The fertile farming land attracted the people of Batad to start farming in the vicinity of the cornfields community. It was due to abundant production of corn that the community was called “Corn Capital of Iloilo.” Aside from rice as its major crop, corn is planted throughout its 900-hectare land area. Corn is considered as this town’s OTOP (One Town One Product).

CPU sophomore tourism students for TUMANDOK 2012-Batad group

Corn is considered as one of the most popular cereals in the world. Corn forms as a staple food of numerous people in different countries. Although there are no particular health benefits of corn, except for the fact that it provides necessary calories for daily metabolism of the body, corn is good for skin care, boosting nervous system, digestion, and maintaining low cholesterol levels.

Located in very rural areas that lack a steady stream of visitors, cornfields is the most noticeable attraction of Batad. Farm kids have always enjoyed getting themselves lost in cornfields. The local government is trying to raise the bar on this kind of attraction and do it as well as it can be done anywhere. It is called agritourism, and it is an important strand of the tourist economy of Iloilo Province whose major attractions involve scenic beauty, outdoor recreation and traditional rural folkways.

Agri-tourism is the practice of attracting travelers or visitors to an area used primarily for agricultural purposes. The idea of tourism stimulates images of mass-produced travel that attracts a large number of visitors. Tourism is an option for enhancing their agricultural revenues. Like ecotourism, it is small-scale, low-impact, and is education-focused.

The few people who have jobs commute out of the community. The local officials are looking at its Local Governance Initiative as a means of attracting commercial and industrial development and to create jobs for the community.

With travel and tourism is fast becoming a big business across Iloilo, the farmers of Batad have tremendous opportunities to diversify their local produce and service offerings with agricultural and eco tourism. It can provide them with basic information on how to use tourism as an additional product offering on the farm. This practical tool can help farmers decide whether or not to enhance their incomes with tourism activities.

There are many and varied uses for corn husks. Although not so popular, it is one of the most common for wrapping fish and other types of seafood so they can be grilled. While many people are aware of toys and simple crafts that can be made from corn husks, home decorating also inspires different uses. They can be made into attractive flowers by folding them in half and attaching the ends together to make a flower petal. Several can be made and then the ends attached at the center. A dried flower can be glued to the center as an accent. The Women’s Group Association in barangay Caw-i through its FITS Center has been making corn flowers, baskets, trays and bags for the last five years. They are thoughtful homemade gifts and can be great centerpieces.

Another attraction of Batad is probably the biggest constructed dam in the province of Iloilo, the Alapasco Dam. It is a five-kilometer drive from the town’s poblacion to the scenic barangay of Alapasco in Sitio Luy-a, Bulak Sur. the dam serves as a water storage reservoir in the low foothills of cornfields that forms a backdrop to its artificial lake. Besides being an educational site, it is also cheap entertainment, that is, there is no fee for enjoying the exhibits and scenery. The dam was constructed in 1993 and was finished in 1997 with a length measuring 264.90 meters and  a height of 21 meters.  It has a hatchery of golden tilapia that allows visitors to view as well as the ponds where they keep some of the adult fish. Paddling boats are popular activities for visitors in the area.

Off to a 15-minuter pumpboat ride from barangay Tanao four kilometers from the poblacion is this town’s only island attraction, the Magalumpi Island. Uninhabited, it is a perfect snorkeling and swimming area for visitors. Motorized boat service is convenient and economical. The island barangays of Concepcion, Estancia and Carles serves as backdrop of this island. Its turquoise waters and sunshine make it a perfect adventure destination.

If you have not been to Batad, you should, and if you have been here more than once, come again, as this quaint town is home to ecotourism surprises and activities galore. You will not be disappointed.

Know more about Batad during the 9^th TUMANDOK on September 4-8 at the fountain area of Robinsons Place Iloilo. For more information, please contact Mr. Ernesto Balida-Municipal Tourism Officer at 09399388030.