PGCot opens Asik-asik (Paguranan) Falls

With a crowd of more than 1,000 individuals, the Provincial Government of Cotabato led by Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza has officially opened the Asik-asik or Paguranan Falls to the public. The formal opening of this newest tourist destination in the province of Cotabato on September 20, 2012 was facilitated by the local government of Alamada led by Mayor Bartolome Lataza and the barangay council of Dado. 

Asik-asik falls first charmed the local residents with its tiny curtain-like falls that spring from the rocks on the cliff. Since its discovery, both local and national media have featured Asik-asik Falls in different tv channels and newspapers, reason why people came in droves to actually see this wonderful panorama in the heart of Dado, Alamada. 

The sudden surge of visitors prompted the provincial government and the lgu Alamada to create a special task force to oversee the development of the area where eco-tourism principles are strictly observed.  

For 4 months, Asik-asik Falls was closed to the public to allow the rehabilitation of the road network, the construction of basic amenities in the area like the pavilion, comfort rooms and cottages and most importantly, to fix the trail leading to the falls itself. A budget of PhP1.5M was appropriated by the provincial government of Cotabato Province for the said purposes.

In her message, Governor Taliño-Mendoza said that the first time she visited the area, she realized the potential it offers in terms of eco-tourism.

After consultation with the local government of Alamada, she made sure that assistance be extended to develop the area. 

“We are promoting Cotabato as a special tourist destination on top of its being a rich agricultural province.  All of us should protect and preserve this wonder of nature in gratitude for this God-given gift,” the governor said.

Mayor Latasa, for his part thanked all the people who helped in developing the Asik-asik Falls saying that Alamada is blessed to have such gift of nature and in return, the people of Alamada should stay united in fostering peace and development.  

Regional Director Jose Cabulanan of the Department of Tourism Region 12 said that Alamada is close to the tourism department because of its participation in the Aliwan and Sinulog Festivals. 

“This is the first time I saw Asik-asik falls personally and the place is very beautiful and one of a kind”, Cabulanan said. He added that DOT is ready to help the local officials of Alamada in promoting Asik-asik in coordination with the provincial government of Cotabato. 

The blessing which was held at the newly built pavilion was attended by provincial, municipal and barangay officials and personnel.  Special guests included Bishop Romulo Dela Cruz, DD of the Diocese of Kidapawan; Police Senior Superintendent Roque P. Alcantara, Cotabato PNP Provincial Director; Mr. Ali Abdullah, Cotabato DILG Provincial Director; and Colonel Ademar T. Tomaro - Deputy Brigade Commander of the 602nd Brigade, Phil. Army. 

In a brief press conference that followed the blessing, Governor Taliño-Mendoza emphasized that proper care and management of the site should be observed at all times by all stakeholders.  She cited the infrastructure support given by the provincial government and the training conducted to equip the staff and personnel manning the area which included the transport groups and even rescue volunteer groups for any eventuality.  She is confident that the DOT found merit in the intervention extended by the provincial government of Cotabato and that it will include in its 2014 budget, assistance to Asik-asik Falls.sgjh