Attraction of Kanlaon Natural Park in Calapnagan, Brgy. Bi-ak na Bato, La Castellana boosted

The Sitio Calapnagan area of the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park in Barangay Bi-ak na Bato in La Castellana town is now attracting a growing number of nature lovers and visitors, not only because it is where Brazilian trees and Cherry Blossoms abound.

The growing influx of visitors is also due to the outcome of the Municipality of La Castellana’s efforts in developing it as a community-based tourism site.

Sitio Calapnagan now has more attractions not only for nature lovers. Plantitas and plantitos, coffee lovers, and those looking for a place to relax, quench their thirst for sights and sounds that refresh and lift up the spirit, can spend hours at the cool gardens and coffee shops there just beside the eco-tourism highway.

La Castellana Mayor Rhumyla “Mhai-mhai” Nicor-Mangilimutan told newsmen that the area is being administered by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). With the town’s partnership with PAMB, the municipal government has been putting her dream into reality – to develop the site while protecting the environment and provide livelihood to those residing there.

She said she is happy that the efforts done since a few years ago are showing signs of success and are really paying off.

The area is also gradually becoming a showcase for coffee production and packaging, which also help sustain the community as well as volunteers who maintain the site.

Last August 6, 2021, Mayor Nicor-Mangilimutan led the municipality’s Department of Social Welfare and Development in distributing rice and other assistance to the community, including the members of the Kanlaon Green Brigade.* (Arman P. Toga)