Natural Heritage Archives - Page 7 of 9 - Cultural Mapping of Panay and Guimaras

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Nalupa River is a calm and shallow river located in Purok 3, Jinalinan, in the municipality of Barbaza, Antique. Its waters are murky due to the silty riverbed and are surrounded by vegetation, including nipa trees. Historically, the river&apos;s name traces back to the third settlement of Barbaza during Spanish colonization, when the area called Nalupa served as a defensive site against Moro raids before the town moved to its current location. Today, Nalupa is known as Jinalinan, which means “where it came from” or “place of origin.” The river plays a crucial socioeconomic role, providing locals with livelihood ...

Natural Heritage, Protected Area

IBA MARINE RESERVE AND FISH SANCTUARY

Anini-y, Antique, Iba

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Iba Marine Reserve and Fish Sanctuary is a non-NIPAS (National Integrated Protected Areas System, RA7586) protected area located in Barangay Iba, Anini-y, covering 5.54 hectares. The sanctuary features clear turquoise waters that indicate a healthy marine environment, with varying shades of blue marking the changes in depth. Traditional fishing methods like panalun-ton, pamunit, and panaplik are still practiced, and a regulated open season allows local residents to fish under strict guidelines. The sanctuary provides both livelihood and food to the community while serving as a site for ecological and scientific study. Managed by the local government and MENRO, the ...

Bodies of Water, Natural Heritage

SIBUNAG RIVER

Alegria, Guimaras, Sibunag

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Sibunag River is the longest river in Guimaras which spans approximately 10 kilometers from its source in the hills of Barangays Millan, Tanglad, and Ayangan to its mouth at the Guimaras Strait. Flowing through Barangay Alegria, it provides irrigation to agricultural lands and supports fishing, as well as sand and gravel extraction. Rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage, the river is steeped in legend, most notably the tale of Prince Sibunag which explains the river’s mystical origins. During both the Spanish and Japanese colonial periods, it served as a strategic refuge. Presently, it is a site for community gatherings, festivities, ...

Natural Geological and Physiographical/ Land Formations, Natural Heritage

BUKID AYAKAN

Constancia, Guimaras, San Lorenzo

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Bukid Ayakan is a hill in Barangay Constancia, San Lorenzo, Guimaras that stands 217 meters above sea level. It spans 57.65 hectares and features diverse vegetation, layered rock formations, and a notable cave-like structure known as trangkalan. Its coconut palms and rice fields which have been a source of livelihood to the locals. Historically, it served as a refuge and fortress for residents during World War II. Culturally, it is believed to be home to supernatural beings, and, during Holy Week, is visited by faith healers for rituals. From its summit, visitors can view the neighboring seas and mountains on ...

Animals (Fauna), Natural Heritage

PULANG PASAYAN

Guimaras, Nueva Valencia, Pandaraonan

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Pulang pasayan is a rare crimson-colored freshwater shrimp endemic to the tidal pools of Tiniguiban and Hinlaran Islets of Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. These shrimps are uniquely visible only during high tide and inhabit in anchialine pools. Local folklore regard the species as sacred, protected by superstitions that discourage locals from catching, consuming, or even pointing at the shrimp. This cultural reverence has played a vital role in preserving the species and its fragile ecosystem. The site has become a subject of scientific interest and a developing eco-tourism destination that benefits the local community. Conservation efforts are reinforced by traditional beliefs, ...

Natural Heritage, Plants (Flora)

LUNOK TREE AT SITIO SAL-AGAN, BRGY. POBLACION

Guimaras, Jordan, Poblacion

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Lunok tree, also commonly known as balete, is a towering tree located in Sitio Sal-agan, Barangay Poblacion, Jordan, Guimaras, believed to be a hundred years old. This endemic species thrives along moist stream banks and is notable for its wide canopy, moss-covered branches, and evergreen foliage. Beyond its ecological value, the tree holds cultural and spiritual significance for the local community, with numerous oral traditions describing supernatural beings believed to reside within it. Residents have shared stories of encounters with mythical entities such as the kapre, duwende, and kaperosa, reinforcing the community’s reverence and cautious respect for the site. ...

Natural Geological and Physiographical/ Land Formations, Natural Heritage

DALIRAN CAVE

Buenavista, Guimaras, Poblacion

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Daliran Cave, located in Sitio Daliran, Buenavista, Guimaras, is a natural formation known for its vast chambers, unique rock formations, and refreshing underground air. During World War II, it served as a refuge for locals fleeing invading Japanese soldiers. Today, it is a known tourist destination, especially during holidays and summer, with locals and visitors drawn to its beauty and mystery — including legends of a giant snake that was said to guard the cave. The cave is home to bats and other wildlife, and has become a source of livelihood through fishing and bathing in its spring. It is ...

Natural Heritage, Plants (Flora)

POTAT

Iloilo, Naslo, Pototan

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Potat tree, also known as the powder puff tree or fish poison tree, is a native tree which thrives near riverbanks and freshwater swamps. It is known for its white flowers with pink stamens that bloom at night, attracting nocturnal pollinators. Its glossy leaves and red-green fruits make it visually appealing. Locals use its bark and fruits as fish poisons, as they contain toxic saponins, and its wood is used for light construction projects. The young leaves are edible, and the bark is used to treat coughs and skin issues. It is believed that the town derived its name ...

Bodies of Water, Natural Heritage

PAIT SPRING

Iloilo, Maasin, Magsaysay

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Pait Spring in Barangay Magsaysay, Maasin, Iloilo is a small natural spring known for its distinct salty water. Locals have relied on its water for daily use, and for stories of spiritual sightings near the spring, including sighting of a “white lady” during Holy Week. The water is also believed to have unusual properties for it kills plants and weakens cement. Historically, the spring helped give the town its name, derived from when early settlers used the spring as a source of salt. Today, it is a known local tourist attraction where people come to relax, take photos, and learn ...

Natural Heritage, Plants (Flora)

LAMBUNAW

Iloilo, Lambunao, Panuran

February 18, 2026

CMPG

maral

NALUPA RIVER

Cultural Mapping Of Panay and Guimaras

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