• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Another eco-tourism destination is now ready to accommodate visitors to E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, complementing the Tomongtong Mangrove Eco-Trail, which has been dubbed as a haven for seafood enthusiasts.
The site, locally known as “Kweba (cave)”, is a hidden gem in Sitio Calaptan, Barangay San Isidro, and located beside the Malogo River. It is being further developed as the new eco-tourism attraction.
Kweba boasts of a natural spring, and maintains a natural setting ideal for those craving to “commune with nature.”
Supplementing Kweba is a 500-meter lido (bathing area) within Malogo River, also an ideal place for group swimming.
E.B. Magalona Mayor Matthew Louis Malacon said the local government allocated funds for the development of the area surrounding Kweba.
“We developed the entire area enveloping Kweba, we built cottages and we maintain cleanliness within the surroundings because we want this place to be our next eco-tourism destination,” Malacon stressed.
“This is one wonderful place that, for sure, tourists, especially nature lovers, will like and love because of its serenity and coolness,” he added.
Locals in Sitio Calaptan were organized to help maintain cleanliness inside and outside Kweba. Malacon said there is no entrance fee yet to enjoy this newest attraction.
With Kweba just minutes before reaching Brgy. Canlusong, which is the farthest village of E.B. Magalona, Malacon is optimistic on the development of an upbeat farm or upland tourism in the area.
Another must-visit spot is the town’s fish landing site in Barangay 2-Poblacion, which is easily accessible from the national highway. Here, one can find fresh and affordable seafoods daily, from 3 to 7 a.m.
Beyond the coast, E.B. Magalona also offers upland attractions.
Barangay Canlusong, about 36 kilometers from the town proper, is home to the stunning Dabo-Dabo Falls and picturesque rice terraces. With a new concrete road, reaching this once-remote area has been made easier.
Stressing that E.B. Magalona has a lot of tourism potential, Malacon said what they need is focus and persistence in developing latent tourism gems.
“Under my leadership, we want to discover our unexplored eco-tourism assets, one spot at a time,” the youngest elected mayor in Negros Occidental stressed. | GB
