by Jims Vincent T. Capuno
“TRAVELING to Davao Oriental through its scenic highway is an exhilarating experience,” says Corazon N. Malanyaon, the governor of the province.
“Visitors pass through rustic towns with their roads lined with canopies of drooping acacia trees, majestic narra and gmelina trees,” the lady governor said. “They navigate along a winding road bordered by steep mountains on one side and the panoramic view of deep blue sea dotted with jutting inlands and islands on the other.”
Going around the province is even more challenging and exciting. Davao Oriental is known for its diverse natural marvels – from cascading waterfalls to pristine lakes and rivers, from idyllic white sand beaches to exotic islands, from mysterious caves and coves to a lush forest with very unique pygmy (bonsai) trees.
“Our place has so much economic and tourism potentials,” said Governor Malanyaon during the recent business and investment forum held in Mati City . She added that the provincial and city government are working together “pursuing tourism vigorously as part of our economic development.”
Congresswoman Thelma Z. Almario, who was also present during the forum, believes tourism is the main industry of the city which can be an engine for economic growth. “People will come here for nature, adventure, and culture,” she said.
Davao Oriental, the copra (dried coconut meat) producer capital of the Philippines is bordered to the west by Compostela Valley, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur to the north. It is the easternmost province of the country with Pusan Point as the easternmost location. The Philippine Sea, part of the Pacific Ocean, faces Davao Oriental to the east. Part of the province lies on an unnamed peninsula that encloses the Davao Gulf to the west.
The province is composed of 11 towns, with Mati – one of the country’s newest cities – as its capital. The ten others are Baganga, Banaybanay, Boston, Caraga, Cateel, Governor Generoso, Lupon, Manay, San Isidro, and Tarragona.
The inhabitants of the province are a mixture of natives and migrants from other provinces of the country who brought different forms of religion. Mandaya is the most dominant tribe while the native dialect is Dabawenyo. Other natives are Mansaka, Manobo, and Kalagan. Tagalog, Visayan, and English languages are generally spoken by the populace.
Davao Oriental has total land area of 5,164 square kilometers. Its major products – aside from coconut – are rice, corn, durian, mango, and pomelo. The major industries are fishing, grains milling, lumber products, parquet tiles, and tourism.
Among the major tourist destinations are:
Aliwagwag Falls – About 25 kilometers from the town of Cateel , the falls being one of the highest and most unique waterfalls in the country. It is not on the tourist map and is known mainly to locals and intrepid adventurers; it is not even listed in international travel guide books.
Caraga Church – This is one of the oldest churches in Mindanao, located in Cateel. It houses the 1802 church bell brought by the friars from Spain. In front of the church is the municipal hall.
Sleeping Dinosaur – A natural attraction visible while passing through the eight-kilometer winding road from Badas to Mati.
Pujada Island – A 156-hectare island located at the entrance of Pujada Bay in barangay Lawigan, Mati. It is surrounded by white sandy beaches ideal for swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling.
Pujada Bay – It is considered among the richest bays in the South East Asia as it is home to 15,700 species of sea creatures. Sea cow (dugong), hammerhead shark, blue whale, manta ray, and different kinds of turtles are just among the many sea animals that can be found in the bay. Scuba diving is also experienced here.
Waniban Island – A four-hectare island located at barangay Tamisan, Mati. It is ideal for picnics, swimming and sunbathing because of its white sand.
Oak Island – This very small island of white sand is only visible during low tide and disappears during high tide. Not far from the Pujada Island.
Dahican Beach – It is characterized by white sand and oftentimes strong winds making it ideal for wind and board surfing. It is approximately a 15-minute ride from the heart of Mati and accessible by any means of land transport.
Philippine Eagle Sanctuary – This covers 7,000 hectares of tropical forest within barangays Cabuaya and Luban in Mati. The nesting tree is at the heart of the sanctuary in an old growth forest on Mount Malantao.
Buso Hot Spring – It is located in the forest of barangay Buso in Mati. The hot mineral water can really provide invigorating and revitalizing effect to one’s tired body after a hard day’s work.
Mayo Beach – It has s deep blue lagoon and cold spring water. The place has cottages ideal for picnic and small gatherings. The wind coming from the ocean is soothing to one’s tired mind and body.
