Karen Lou Deloso / Davao Oriental Provincial Information Officer
DAVAO ORIENTAL (MindaNews/11 April) – The Provincial Government of Davao Oriental opened on Sunday, April 5, the newly completed zipline ride in the soon-to-launch Aliwagwag Nature Park in Cateel town, Davao Oriental.
Considered as one of the park’s major highlights, the 680-meter zipline hovering 55 meters from the ground provides the user an overlooking view of the rainforest canopy and the pristine Cateel River, with the majestic Aliwagwag Falls serving as the backdrop. The ride costs only 300 pesos.
Vacationers and locals who flocked at the Aliwagwag Falls over the weekend to relax and enjoy in time for the Lenten Season say the newly installed zipline is probably one of the most exhilarating experiences they had during their stay here.
Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, who initiated the Aliwagwag Development Site Project, says this zipline ride is yet another reason for tourists to visit Cateel as well as the rest of the province.
Touted to become a ‘must-experience’ outdoor adventure activity here, the zipline ride is only one of the many astounding features the eco-park boasts.
Also built with the park is a monkey bridge that crosses over the falls, giving tourists overlooking view of the cascading torrents below. A restaurant, which will soon be regularly opened to serve meals to guests, will highlight the Cateel’s famous ‘lechon de leche’ on its menu. A concessionaire’s area is also established that would display souvenir items for sale. In addition, a viewing deck, a vast parking area and clean comfort rooms are also placed within the area.
Showcasing conservation and biodiversity, an aviary will be established here to showcase the area’s wildlife, particularly the sixty-four bird species that made the surrounding forests its haven.
Boasting with natural beauty, the grand Aliwagwag Falls remains to be the main attraction of the park. Although not yet officially opened to the public, tourists and locals have started to visit the area to take a dip in the cool and refreshing waters of the Aliwagwag Falls. Swimming areas are designated for children and adults.
With teeming potentials, several activities are set for everyone to enjoy here, including canopy walks, trail-hiking, picnics, and river cruising
, among many others.
Boosting Eco-tourism
Set to launch Davao Oriental’s eco-tourism industry this year, Governor Malanyaon is determined on her ambitious plan to make Davao Oriental a premier destination in the country.
Gov. Malanyaon said ‘it’s about time to push the potentials of Davao Oriental’ as it possesses a bounty of tourism come-ons that are at par with many world-class destinations.
Having earmarked a budget for tourism development sourced out from the Provincial Government coffers and some support from the national government, the province since last year had simultaneously implemented tourism site development in every town, including the City of Mati, as a way of laying the foundation for tourism development.
In fact, several sites in the province have already been completed and launched, such as the Sunrise Boulevard in Baganga, Cateel Riverview Park in Cateel, Pintatagan Welcome Park in Banaybanay, and Subangan Museum in the City of Mati. Meanwhile, nearing completion are the Mt. Hamiguitan Eco-Park in San Isidro, Pusan Point in Caraga, and Tourism Site in Boston.
Moreover, more projects are underway as the Provincial Government is fast tracking the completion of the implementation of its tourism development plan for the whole province. Still in the pipeline are the developments in the towns of Governor Generoso, Lupon, and Manay. (Karen Lou Deloso is Provincial Information Officer of Davao Oriental. MindaNews’ “Mas Lingaw sa Mindanaw” is open to anyone who wishes to contribute his/her suggested travel destination in Mindanao. Please send your article or photos to mindanewseditor@gmail.com, along with a note about the writer or photographer)
