Bucari
Bucari is an area with mountainous terrain situated in the highlands of Leon and Alimodian, both are municipalities of Iloilo province in Panay island, Philippines. It is composed of Bucari, a barangay in Leon and neighbouring barangays of which 14 barangays are in Leon and 7 barangays are in Alimodian which is called the "Seven Cities". It is known as the "Summer Capital of Iloilo" and declared as a special economic zone for tourism and ecological enterprise due to its cool climate, topography, highland attractions and scenery.[1]
Geography
It is located in 58 kilometres (36 mi) from Iloilo City, the capital of Iloilo Province. It comprises 7,490.625 hectares (18,509.74 acres) in Leon and 2,942.25 hectares (7,270.5 acres) in Alimodian for a total land area of 10,432.875 hectares (25,780.20 acres).[2] The area spans terrain and mountain ridges that is part of the Central Panay mountain ranges.
The temperature in the area ranges from 18 to 20 °C (64 to 68 °F) and dipping to 10 °C (50 °F) with the wind factor from December to February.
The average elevation of the populated mountain ridge is 600 metres (2,000 ft) above sea level. This elevation surrounds a valley serving as the catchment of Aganan River. The highest point in the area is 1,300 metres (4,300 ft).
Local farmers grow vegetables such as asparagus, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbages, baguio beans, sayote, eggplants, carrots and fruits such strawberries, mangoes and bananas. Rice is planted in rice terraces similar to the popular Banaue Rice Terraces of the Ifugao. Today some portion of the area has been made into a mountain resort and in the future, it is being planned that part of the area will be converted into a national park and botanical garden.
Fauna
Fauna found in the area include the Visayan warty pig, snakes, lizards, hawks, frogs, hornbill and monkeys. Species of existing endemic flora are pine trees, narra, teak, bacan, antipolo, hambabalop, mahogany, antosan-dilaw, kultingan and undergrowth coffee.[3]
Tourism attractions
- Pineridge Bucari
- Pineridge Bucari is a spa resort that offers health, wellness and climbing/exploration activities. It has a restaurant featuring organic and gourmet menus.[4]
- Tabionan Reforestation Area
- Reforestation area where 30- to 50-year-old pine trees cover almost 5,000 hectares (12,000 acres) area.
- Mansiga Cave
- Found in Tabionan where a person has to lower himself about 30 feet (9 m) below the side of a cliff to have access to its entrance.
- Susong Dalaga or Ambassador Hill
- The highest point land-mark along the road to Bucari, barren of trees and showing patterns on the hard rock. This is a twin mountain with similar tips and cones at about a distance of 20 metres (66 ft) from the top. The natives called it “Susong Dalaga” or the "breasts of a maiden".
- Imoy Falls
- Located at the headwaters of the Aganan River in Barangay Camandag. The stream where the fall drops has clear water and is surrounded by large trees and wild flowers.[5]
- Tomas Confesor Marker
- The Tomas Confesor Marker is a landmark on top of a hill for lasting remembrance of bravery and heroism in honor of Tomas Confessor who established the Free Government of Panay and Romblon, the only civil resistance government that did not fall to the Japanese during WW2.
- Agua Colonia
- a thick rain forest in Alimodian Seven Cities.
- Farm Terraces
- A version of Alimodian Farm Terraces showcasing its rich and lush soil suited to a variety of high value crops.
- Bato Duko / Bato Dungok
- This is a protruding rock formation that closely resembles Pico de Loro.
- Manipuron Hill
- A mound in Barangay Tugaslon, Alimodian which gives viewer views of the plains below and a far view of Iloilo City.
- Maslog Waterfalls
- Almost hidden within Barangay Lico, Alimodian located near the thick forest, where a series of mini waterfalls can be found.
- Ibagat Spring
- Taste the nature's mineral spring water that is abundantly free. Also found in Alimodian.
- Puting Bato / Bato sa Nabalay
- An enormous stone appeared to be a cradle of hidden past and found in Barangay Cabacanan-Rizal, Alimodian.
- Umingan Plateau
- On top of Barangay Umingan, Alimodian lies the green grass covering a wide range called plateau that blends with the foggy atmosphere and freezing breeze.
- Tinagong Danao
- A tiresome quest for a hidden treasure would turn out to be fulfilling adventure. Located between Barangay Dao and Barangay Umingan, Alimodian.
- Taruc Hills
- Scenery located at Barangay Tabug, Alimodian, Iloilo.