MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2014

Enjoying the Bounty of Nature in

Miagao

TINAGONG DAGAT, photo courtesy of Miagao Tourism Office

Miagao, Iloilo is a historic town known worldwide for its very ornate and
unique religious structure. It is a well-preserved municipality where the
artistic traditions of its local people were influenced by Spanish culture, and
the result is brilliant.
But more than the church, watchtowers and bridges, Miagao is also home to
several exciting natural attractions. Nature is very specific and unique in its
beauty especially in the upland barangays with stunning cascades, unique
rock formations, mysterious caves, a hidden lake and magnificent rice
terraces. Though some are already well-known to local tourists but many are
waiting for their discovery. Undoubtedly, this miracle of nature is among the
most extraordinary natural attractions in Iloilo which is worth the visit.

DANAO SA MIAGAO known to the locals as TINAGONG DAGAT is a hidden

lake situated in the forested area of Barangay Ongyod elevated
approximately 3,000 feet above sea level. Getting there requires some
hiking to be able to see this mysterious lake which is said to be ten times
bigger than an ordinary swimming pool. It is one of the most visited
attractions of the town by local tourists especially during the Holy Week.

RICE TERRACES, photo courtesy of Miagao Tourism Office

MIAGAO RICE TERRACES in Barangay Cabalaunan is another attraction that

will surely overwhelm sightseers. Its panoramic terraces over its 500hectare rice fields were carved in perpendicular of the mountain barangay
with minimal equipment. Its mud walls beautifully contouring the slopes
protects pond fields that are maintained through an elaborate irrigation
scheme.

SINUHUTAN CAVE, photo courtesy of Miagao Tourism Office

SINUHUTAN CAVE In Barangay Onop is a 3-hour mountainous trek. The

caves name coming from the Hiligaynon term suhut or to walk below,
speaks for itself when entering the site. Tourists can access the cave by
passing through its three entrances that leads to three prominent chambers
such as the Jacosi Tab where a certain species of shrimp is found; the
Female Genital; and The Plaza or The Cathedral. It is said that during the
Japanese occupation, the cave became a fortress for the locals living in the
area.

BATO LABOG, photo courtesy of Miagao Tourism Office

BATO LABOG in Barangay Olango is a mysterious elongated rock that is

buried in the middle of the mountain. It has an estimated length that
measures 400 meters with a width of 3-4 meters and a height of
approximately 30 meters. The name originates from the local word labog
which means long.

BUSLUGAN FALLS, photo courtesy of Miagao Tourism Office

BUSLUGAN FALLS in Barangay Dalije is surrounded by virgin forest. Its

inviting pond creates a playful ambience irresistible for visitors. BANOGON
FALLS in Barangay Dalije is a cascade that resembles a smooth white hair
falling gracefully. The word banogon may have come from the fact that the
surrounding forest is home to banog birds belonging to the eagle family.
BUSLOGAN FALLS in Barangay Tigmarabo is very popular during rainy
season as its current is so tough that produces a thundering sound that can
be heard even from afar. The name comes from the local word buslog
which means strong current. Other falls found in the area include IRIK-IKAN
and PARIGUSAN DIWATA.
Though these attractions have not been strongly promoted yet, the current
administration under its very active and hard-working Municipal Mayor Hon.
Macario N. Napulan is giving more importance to promoting its upland
sceneries. This is one of the reasons Miagao is now giving more priority to
developing tours, attractions and routes. It is a way to preserve the local
culture and folklore, historical monuments and natural bounties. Go
experience Miagao its hospitable warm people, and lovely land and
seascapes . Because those are the memories you would want to keep.

Miagao is a peaceful town partly coastal and partly mountainous. The town is
one of the seven towns comprising the First District of the Province of Iloilo
and is situated 40.5 kilometers southwest from the city. It is bounded by
the town of Igbaras in the northeast, in the east is Guimbal; the town of San
Joaquin in the west; and in the northwest by the town of Sibalom, Province
of Antique. It has a land area of 13, 286 hectares subdivided into 119
barangays, of which 22 are in the urban area of the town and the rest are
rural. Its coastline stretches 16 kilometers and covers 22 barangays. Its
town fiesta in honor of St. Thomas de Villanova is annually celebrated every
September 22. Market day is every Saturday.
Know more about Miagao and this historic town can offer on the 10th
TUMANDOK celebration on September 18-20 at the fountain area of
Robinsons Place Iloilo. For more information, please contact Mr. Arli Nim
Municipal Tourism Officer at 09332124066.
Miagao Church, Barangay Tacas

Stone Watch Tower, Barangay Baybay Norte

Miagao Church

Written by Municipality of Miagao

The Miag-ao Church was built

in 1786 by Spanish Augustinian missionaries and was declared as part of the
UNESCO World Heritage Site "Baroque Churches of the Philippines" in 1993. Read
more: Miagao Church

University of the Philippines

Visayas

Written by Municipality of Miagao

Th
e Miag-ao campus of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) spreads out
over 12 km on the outskirts of the town proper. Read more: University of the
Philippines Visayas