Mindanaotoday.com | MisOcc gears to be top tourism destination in Mindanao
By: Jasper Marie O. Rucat
MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL – With over P27 billion in infrastructure development, particularly in concreting almost all barangays, provincial, municipal, and city roads, and a P1.7 billion expansion of the airport in the next two years, Misamis Occidental will be one of the top five destinations in Mindanao.
In a recent courtesy call visit by Philippine Information Agency Region 10 at the Provincial Capital in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental, Governor Henry Oaminal said the province is not just agricultural but, more importantly, a haven for tourists who want to get closer to nature, the mountains, and the water.
“MisOcc is not on the tourism map of the country; MisOcc is not on the investment map of the country; we are trying to build that situation. In the next two years’ time, Misamis Occidental will be one of the top five destinations in Mindanao,” said Oaminal.
He added that, after evaluation, the province added another road development project worth close to P400 million project.
“And hindi pa natapos [It is not yet complete], so now, as governor, in the last evaluation, we are putting up probably another P100 million to complete it,” he said.
One of the municipalities being developed is Sapang Dalaga, a coastal town in the province of Misamis Occidental.
Just a kilometer off the town center of Sapang Dalaga nestles an alluring 60-foot-tall waterfall.
Sapang Dalaga Falls, which means ‘‘Sapa ng Dalaga’’ or ‘‘the maiden’s creek,’’ as old folks claimed to have witnessed a beautiful maiden, whom they believed to be an Engkanto, bathe at the creek near the area every six in the evening.
Meanwhile, tourists and locals can enjoy a breathtaking view of the mountains, Caluya Bay, and Murcielagos Bay at Caluya Shrine.
“Caluya Shrine” is located in Sapangdalaga, Misamis Occidental.
Besides the captivating view, visitors can also enjoy the fresh air. There is a 45-foot-high, huge statue of Jesus Christ, also known as Christ the Redeemer, standing up on top of a hill.
The latest feature is the floating playground, which families and kids can enjoy.
Further, Baliangao town offers breathtaking ocean views with white sand islands where the sky touches the sea.
On the side of the road, D & Del’s Pottery in Barangay Sibugon, Lopez Jaena, serves as a proud showcase of the municipality’s artistic heritage. Here, visitors can witness the meticulous craftsmanship of local pottery makers in action. (JMOR/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
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