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WARD

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WARD

CMPG

Ward Mountain, located in Sitio Iraya, Barangay Arante, Sara, Iloilo, spans about 1.75 hectares and is rich in native trees and wildlife, including monkeys, pythons, and civet cats. A natural cascade in the area provides water for locals’ rice fields and vegetable gardens. The mountain earned the name “Ward” during World War II when it served as a secret hospital for wounded Filipino guerillas, sparing it from Japanese bombing due to a mix-up in location. Local stories tell of mysterious sounds and spirits, especially after a Balete tree was cut down, making some residents fearful of entering the area. The ...
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BRGY. TRAPICHE BEACH

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Brgy. Trapiche Beach in Oton, Iloilo, is a 10-hectare coastal area known for its long shoreline, resorts, and fishing communities. Located just 13 kilometers from Iloilo City, the beach is popular for both recreation and small-scale fishing, particularly for lampirong shells. Historically, it was the site of the Japanese landing on April 16, 1942, during World War II, as detailed by former Imperial Army officer Toshimi Kumai in his memoir. While there were talks of installing a historical marker, locals were hesitant to commemorate the enemy landing. The beach also holds environmental importance, as pawikan (sea turtles) are occasionally seen ...
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TOMAS CONFESOR HILL

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Tomas Confesor Hill is a small hill in Brgy. Bucari, Leon, Iloilo, privately owned and surrounded by thick vegetation. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes to walk from the main road, and while there is no formal trail, the climb is easy enough to reach the top. From the summit, visitors can enjoy wide views of the Alimodian mountains and nearby towns, making it a peaceful place for relaxation and sightseeing. Historically, the hill is important because Governor Tomas Confesor used it in 1942 to lead the local resistance against Japanese forces during World War II. The hill is ...
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BUGTONG BUKID

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Bugtong Bukid is a small mountain located in Poblacion East, Lemery, Iloilo, covering 3 hectares of private land owned by the Alcantara family. It is easy to climb and accessible by motorcycle or tricycle, with rice fields and crops like bananas nearby. The mountain is culturally important as the site of the Taltal celebration during Holy Week, serving as a spiritual altar for prayer and reflection. Climbing Bugtong Bukid is seen as a symbolic spiritual journey that connects the community to their heritage. Although the area is not formally protected, threats include grassfires, pollution, and illegal slash-and-burn farming. Local groups ...
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MT. NAPULAK

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Mt. Napulak, located in Brgy. Tigbanaba, Igbaras, Iloilo, is a 1,200-meter mountain known for its granite “nipple rock” at the peak, giving it the nickname “Nipple Mountain.” It features dense forests, limestone slopes, and scenic waterfalls, attracting hikers with its natural beauty and panoramic views of Panay Island. A local legend tells of a maiden named Napulak, whose tragic love story led to the formation of the mountain, with waterfalls believed to be her flowing tears. The mountain is valued not only for its beauty but also for its role in local culture, hosting weddings, anniversaries, and other milestones. It ...
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TINABUAN

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The Tinabuan River in Dueñas, Iloilo, is where the Ulian and Jalaur rivers meet, creating a deep river that stays high even in the dry season. The riverbanks are sandy with rocky beds, and the area is used for quarrying gravel and sand. Historically, the river is linked to local legends and important events, including the settlement of early leaders and the death of a key religious figure during the Spanish era. The river supports local fishing and farming, with bamboo rafts once used to transport goods, helping connect nearby towns. However, unregulated quarrying and ownership conflicts threaten the river’s ...
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AGONY HILL

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Agony Hill is a small hill located in Sitio Taban, Barangay Taban-Maguining, Alimodian, covering 1.87 hectares with an elevation of up to 100 meters. The area has clay loam soil and is home to various trees such as teak, mabolo, and acacia, and features a station of the cross built in 1966. The hill is linked to historical events, including the efforts of the first mayor and parish priest who brought religious activities to the indigenous community, inspiring the placing of a large wooden cross at the summit. Agony Hill is a religious site attracting many pilgrims during Holy Week ...
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MT. SUPO: AGBUBUTO KAG AGPUPUTAY

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Mount Supo, located in Barangay Parian, Sigma, Capiz, covers 16 hectares and includes the twin mountains Agbubuto and Agpuputay, named after male and female reproductive organs due to their shape. Local stories tell of a golden cow believed to be owned by deities, and the mountains once served as a refuge during wartime. The area is rich in natural resources like fruits, vegetables, trees, and spring water, supporting both the local community and wildlife. Despite damage from typhoons in 1985 and 2013, the mountains remain popular for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and swimming near the waterfalls. However, no ...
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MT. OPAO

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Mt. Opao is a mountain located in San Silvestre and Blasco, Pilar, Capiz, covering over one hectare of government-owned land. Its smooth green landscape and peaceful atmosphere attract both locals and tourists for hiking and sightseeing. The mountain holds historical significance due to a tragic 1982 plane crash and stories of wartime atrocities by the Watanabe Force during World War II. Despite its dark past, Mt. Opao remains a popular destination and contributes to the local economy through tourism. It is a protected area under the DENR, which helps manage threats like illegal logging, mining, and unregulated tourism. Conservation efforts ...
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LAT-ASAN SHORELINE

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Lat-asan Shoreline in Brgy. Lat-asan, Panay, Capiz is a 496-hectare coastal area known for its gray sand, shell-strewn beach, and surrounding mangroves. Historically, it served as a refuge during the Japanese occupation, and its name comes from “lat-as,” meaning “to leave” in Hiligaynon. Today, it is a lively community space, especially during the San Juan feast, and is also used for everyday activities like swimming and picnics. The shoreline supports the local economy by serving as a docking site for fishermen, whose catch is sold in markets and restaurants. It is home to diverse marine species and mangroves, which help ...
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