In my younger days, an upland barangay located just 7 kms. east of the Poblacion in Cauayan, my hometown, fitted into the “so near yet so far” description.
I used to wonder what life was beyond the heights I viewed from my hilltop-located school.
Family friends who have been to the places had told us of the rigors they faced in traveling there as the road was rough and steep.
Thus, life in Abaca remained only in my imagination even, after years and little by little, the provincial road leading to the village has been improved.
My brother, Eli, who worked in the local government, said about a decade ago, the barangay became easily accessible with the completion of the construction of the road network that also leads to other barangays beyond Abaca.
Abaca, with a population of about 1,400, is located almost 1,000 feet above sea level.
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Finally, after years of wondering about the upland village, I got a glimpse of life in the village through photos sent and posted online by a new friend, Reynamer Grace Pabalan-Caceres, who commutes daily – a task previously impossible – from her home in Barangay Isio.
Ma’am Rain, a recent social media connection, teaches English and language subjects at the Abaca Extension of the Guiljungan National High School, where she also performs multiple functions as Senior High School coordinator, librarian designate and school paper adviser.
The school is located on an elevated portion of the mountain village.
It is presently under Teacher-in-Charge Milrose Rubi, who was our host principal last year when I conducted a Journalism training at Tuyom National HS, which is also located in Cauayan.
These days, I’m getting an extensive glimpse of Abaca life through the photos and videos shared or posted by Ma’am Rain.
Among the photos posted recently by Ma’am Rain are those that reflect strengthened partnership between the Barangay Council under Captain Leonido Cumawas and the school.
The photos showed how students and faculty, with community residents, cleared the roads leading to the school of debris brought by Typhoon Crising.
Just last week, the barangay, through the assistance of the Department of Labor’s Cash for Work Program, conducted a clearing operation to help ensure the safety and well-being of learners, teachers and school officials and personnel.
The clearing work was done for four days – on July 31, August 1, 4 and 5.
Ma’am Rain said nine Abaca residents participated in the four-day work that cleared school surroundings, including the shoulders of the uphill road leading to the school and the area along the entrance to the campus. The workers cleared the premises by cutting tall grasses and removing debris and other potentially harm-causing elements.
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Because of the accessibility of the barangay now, Abaca is helping boost the Cauayan tourism program as visitors regularly include the barangay in their itinerary for a view of the interesting upland scenery, including three waterfalls, which have become popular recreational destinations.
Likewise, visitors often stop at the Abaca Café, that offers a panoramic view of the Poblacion and Sulu Sea, the body of water in southern Negros.
Abaca plays an important role in upland travel and tourism in Cauayan as it is a gateway to the neighboring barangays of Tambad, Lumbia, Tomina and Basak – which are rich in almost untapped natural attractions.
It is my hope that, one of these days, I can finally realize that childhood dream to experience firsthand the mountain air and the glorious upland scenes Abaca and its neighboring communities offer.
Thanks, Ma’am Rain for keeping my Abaca dreams alive… and nearing realization.
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On a spiritual note, I came across a church song I heard last more than 20 years ago but its lyrics have been deeply ingrained in memory.
The song, entitled “On a Mountaintop” reminds me especially of upland communities I have set foot in. It was composed by Elliott Banister and popularized by gospel singer Amy Grant in 1977, and another vocalist, Chris Christian in 2000.
The first part of the song says:
“I love to sing and I love to pray
Worship the Lord most every day
I go to the temple and I just want to stay
To hide from the hustle of the world and its ways
And I’d love to live on a mountain top
Fellowshipping with the Lord
I’d love to stand on a mountain top
‘Cause I love to feel my spirit soar
But I’ve got to come down from that mountain top
To the people in the valley below
Or they’ll never know that they can go
To the mountain of the Lord…”
What an appropriate thought to ponder on and sing in adoration of the One who made the hills, valleys, hills, lowlands, oceans and most especially, mountainous areas, like Abaca.
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I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1&2) | NWI
