Natural Heritage Archives - Page 2 of 9 - Cultural Mapping of Panay and Guimaras

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Danaw is a small one-hectare lake in Brgy. Damires, New Lucena, Iloilo, surrounded by trees and grasses with soft brown soil around it. Locals believe the lake was formed from the tears of a woman named Ires, whose ground cracked after a mysterious event involving her missing husband and a talking dog. The lake is known for its changing fish species by season, and it never dries up even during droughts like El Niño. Danaw holds cultural importance as a gathering place for local celebrations, especially the Feast of San Juan, where children swim and boat. It also supports the ...

Natural Heritage, Plants (Flora)

MIAGOS

Iloilo, Miagao

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Miagos, is a native shrub commonly found along riverbanks in some barangays of Miagao, Iloilo. It has long, pointed, smooth leaves that become slimy when wet, and produces small round fruits in bunches. The plant has no flowers or fragrance, and its brown roots are used in traditional medicine to treat arthritis and liver problems. The name Miagao is believed to have come from this plant, which was abundant when the Spaniards arrived, making it culturally significant. Although classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, the plant faces threats from pollution, especially plastic waste, flash floods, and pests, and ...

Natural Geological and Physiographical/ Land Formations, Natural Heritage

TOMAS CONFESOR HILL

Bucari, Iloilo, Leon

February 18, 2026

CMPG

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 ...

Natural Geological and Physiographical/ Land Formations, Natural Heritage

BUGTONG BUKID

Iloilo, Lemery, Poblacion East

February 18, 2026

CMPG

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 ...

Natural Heritage, Protected Area

LEGANES INTEGRATED KATUNGGAN ECOPARK (LIKE)

Iloilo, Leganes

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Leganes Integrated Katunggan Ecopark (LIKE) in Barangays Gua-an and Nabitasan, Iloilo, is a 15-hectare mangrove reserve developed from a typhoon-damaged fishpond, now protected under local ordinances. Through community efforts and partnerships, especially with the Zoological Society of London, the area was restored with mangroves, increasing the species from 6 to 11, and now serves as a biodiversity hub for 49 bird species, including endangered ones. The park features a bamboo bridge, community kitchen, and biodiversity training center, and follows scientific principles for planting and managing mangroves. It plays a big role in local livelihoods through ecotourism, seedling sales, and ...

Natural Geological and Physiographical/ Land Formations, Natural Heritage

MT. NAPULAK

Igbaras, Iloilo, Tigbanaba

February 18, 2026

CMPG

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 ...

Natural Heritage, Plants (Flora)

GUIMBAL VANISHING MANSION

Guimbal, Iloilo

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Guimbal Vanishing Mansion is a century-old acacia tree, located in front of Gate 1 of Guimbal National High School, known for its wide canopy and eerie stories. Though exotic and native of South America, it has adapted well in the Philippines and is visible in some barangays, growing as a perennial tree. Local legends say a mysterious mansion sometimes appears near the tree, along with ghostly figures like a white lady, a kapre, and dwendes, adding to its spooky reputation. One well-known story involves a taxi driver who saw a beautiful mansion vanish into the acacia tree after dropping ...

Bodies of Water, Natural Heritage

PANI-AN RIVER

Estancia, Iloilo

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Pani-an River stretches about 7 kilometers from the mountains of Balasan to the sea, passing through barangays in Balasan and Estancia. Its banks are lined with mangroves and other plants that support local wildlife and provide resources for nearby communities. Historically, the river supported pottery-making, as clay from the riverbanks was used, and the river helped transport goods. Local beliefs warn against swimming at certain times due to spiritual reasons connected to the river’s guardian. Conservation efforts include dredging, tree planting, clean-up drives, and educating residents about waste management to protect the river from pollution caused by household waste.

Natural Heritage, Protected Area

TABONG- TABONG MARSH/ BIRD SANCTUARY

Dumangas, Ermita, Iloilo

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Tabong-Tabong Marsh is a mangrove marshland located in Barangay Ermita, Dumangas, Iloilo, covering about 18,437 square meters. It is home to white egrets, Brahmin Kites or Dapay, as well as rescued wildlife, with some mangroves believed to be over a hundred years old. The marsh filters brackish and seawater, supporting unique fish species like the Alimusan found only in Dumangas. It provides shelter for fish, shellfish, migratory birds, and sea turtles, and serves as a safe place for fishermen during bad weather. The local government is working to declare it a bird and wildlife sanctuary and has started a “Nature ...

Natural Geological and Physiographical/ Land Formations, Natural Heritage

TINABUAN

Dueñas, Iloilo

February 18, 2026

CMPG

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 ...

DANAW

Cultural Mapping Of Panay and Guimaras

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