“A sacred site must be respected, never to be desecrated”
When visiting a place we must be very mindful of our actions and behaviors in the surroundings, especially if it is sacred. The first rule of visiting tourist sites or holy places is that we really must come to our senses to observe the cleanliness of the place and to respect it.
In Bukidnon, there lies a river that is said to be the bedrock of the civilization of Bukidnon, the tribes. Sabangan ha Tagaloan is an ancestral domain and a sacred site of the tribes residing near it. The tribe of Tagoloan still continuously comes once a year to perform a ritual to their deity to give thanks for the water, this ritual is called “panalawahig.”
The Bukidnon Tagaloanon Tribe Ancestral Domain and Bukidnon Tagoloanon Mulahay Ha Kabukalagan Agriculture Cooperative (BUKTAMACO) remind the public which regards about climbers, trekkers, and hikers about poor manners and failed to observe cleanliness. Even though the access is not restricted and the tribes allow public access, they kindly request for whoever treks in the area to observe cleanliness and do proper manners.
They also gave guidelines to the public and hikers:
Section 10. States that prohibited acts and activities – the following are considered prohibited acts, to wit
- Climbing/Trekking/Hiking/Camping – within the areas covered under this ordinance without the necessary permit.
- Conducting a permit activity without the requisite guide or less than the required number of guides
- Taking of the following items to the site/trail/route, to wit:
- alcoholic beverages
- cigarettes
- knife
- writing pens
- paint
- lighter
- firewood
For this purpose, barangay assigned officials are allowed to inspect climbers/hikers/trekkers/backpacks and effects to ensure that no prohibited items are taken to climb/trek
- Littering and leaving of trash at the route/peak/site/trail
- Failure to log in to the visitor’s logbook upon entry and exit to the site/route/trail
Section 11. States about Penalties – For violations of any Prohibited acts stated herein the following penalties shall be imposed.
- 1st Offense – Three Thousand Pesos Fine for every climber
- 2nd Offense – Four Thousand Pesos Fine for every climber
- 3rd Offense – Five Thousand Fine for every climber and shall be banned from engaging in any activity within the covered ordinance.
The penalty included community service for those who cannot pay the above-mentioned imposition.
It is a reminder to be mindful of the actions we do, enjoying outdoor activities without leaving any trace of waste and respectfulness to the place and people. This is to show that we respect their culture and their spiritual attachment to the site. By observing it he also helped in preserving the sacred grounds.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Barangay Can-ayan, Malaybalay City
- By Tricycle or Jeepney: From Malaybalay City, you can take a tricycle or jeepney heading towards Tagoloan. The ride typically takes around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic and road conditions.
- By Motorcycle (habal-habal): Another option is to take a motorcycle (habal-habal) which can be a quicker and more direct route. This option is especially useful if you’re traveling light and prefer a more adventurous ride
- By Car: If you have access to a car, you can drive directly to Sabangan ha Tagoloan. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and offers scenic views of the countryside.
