The Wonder of Wetland

THE WONDERLAND

A captivating eco-tourism and research destination of the municipality of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, CARAGA Region, Philippines is the 5,000 hectares more or less (12 kilometers by 4 kilometers) San Francisco Marsh. We call it Wonderland for the following reasons;

ØCentury old trees in this area never grow big and tall so that they are called “Bonsai” (Pygmy) Forest.
Ø Despite being in the low land area, this site could not be reach by flood that became an evacuation site of all kinds of wild life.
Ø In this area, you have to walk not by land anymore but through the century old roots of the trees.
Ø Portion of the area you can find a Bonsai forest carpeted by moss.
Ø You will also enjoy acquatic adventure in the lake.
Ø The area is the sanctuary of local and migratory birds.

The “wonderland” according to the myths is an enchanted land and a big city of the fairies. One should not get anything from this area or else you will loose your life. One should not stay in the area during the night or else experience the lights and noise of a city. This marshy is believed to be a habitat of giant reptiles in the early centuries. The “Lumads” also claimed that an airplane loaded with gold crash at the middle of the lake found within the area. This site is still in the exploratory and developmental stage and yet to be equipped with necessary facilities for eco-tourism and research purposes.

THE AGUSAN MARSH

Ø Enjoy river navigation from Gibung to Agusan River.
Ø Birds watching along the trail
Ø Enjoy viewing unique floating houses
Ø Learn the Manobo culture and language
Ø Enjoy viewing the biggest marshland in Asia.
Ø Learn more about Binaga as specialty in the marshland people.

The Elephant Speleothem

THE DATU ANAWA KALIPAY CAVE

This cave is also known as Inepan Cave, came from a manobo term “Inepan” which means subterranean cave where creek submerge inside the cave. Located at Brgy. Lucac, this cave is generally a wet cave.

For the Lumads, this is a ritual place of the “Baylan” (priest) and only a “Baylan” can enter this cave. This cave was claimed by Faustino Espana Sr., known as Datu Anawa Kalipay who was married to a Maguinda Clan. Datu Anwa Kalipay died sometime in 1999 but his dead body did not decomposed up to the present. His dead body can be found at Sitio Durian, Lucac inside a nipa hut, Kilometer away from the cave. Upon request of the Espana family, the cave was named Datu Anawa Kalipay in honor of Faustino Espana Sr

The cave is about 800 meters from the main entrance to the exit however the main chamber of the cave is yet to be explored. It was sealed by water and equipment is needed to pursue its explorations. It has two (2) story chambers full of fresh stalactites and stalagmites of different formations. An elephant like formation, spaceship formation, different kinds of horn etc. An Altar like structure can be found inside the cave.

The Mighty Magdiwata

The Province of Agusan del Sur, which is located in the Southern part of Caraga Region, is embraced with the God-gift Mt. Magdiwata ranges that serve as her shield during catastrophic typhoons. It also serves as its landmark and also the main source of potable water in the municipality of San Francisco. The Agusanons are fortunate enough to have this legendary mountain and its ranges, because aside from the abundance of its flora and fauna, Mt. Magdiwata recently was discovered to be rich in natural wonders that make it more interesting both in eco-tourism and scientific research. Several mountain trails had been explored and each trail has its corresponding natural captivating beauty. Famous among this trail is the OMAUBAO TRAIL with its natural and alluring features to wit;

Ø Waterfalls Trekking & Rapelling. Enjoy the Seven (7) series of waterfalls + 53 Cascading.
Ø Exciting Top View of the highest falls of the province, the Nahuyugan Falls.
Ø Witness the Centennial Bagrass Tree, the biggest in the region if not in the entire country.
Ø Enjoy over viewing San Francisco town proper at the highest peak (633 ASL)
Ø Witness the Bees Haven along the trail.
Ø Enjoy the freshness of the night at Datu Lipus Makapandong resort, wildlife sanctuary and campsite.

Elephant Speleothem

The only elephant speleothem in the world can be found in Datu Anawa Kalipay Cave, Brgy. Lucac, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. It was discovered by MGB Team of ABS-CBN (Magandang Gabi Bayan) headed by Myra Valinten during exploration in Agusan del Sur on November 2001.

BAGRASS TREE

The biggest Bagrass tree in the Philippines measuring 210 cm average diameter and 43 meters high. Discovered by Arnel C. Pasilan on 2001 while exploring (alone) Mt. Magdiwata, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur looking for the nature fountain based on the story of Lumad (Native People in the area).

28th MFPI Mid Year Climb in Mt. Apo, Kidapawan

After conquering Mt. Apo; tired, drained or exhausted? No! Actually, fulfilled.



From left Mang Jeff, Arnel & Jojo.













The impossible dream, the man in the center is actually a polio victim. He is from Leyte.

God said, `` If you believe, you can move mountain.``