MOST waterfalls have become a magnet of tourists in the southern part of Cebu, especially this summer when everyone wants to escape from the hot and humid season.
Those who love to explore can take a look at two waterfalls in Barangays Balud and San Isidro in the mountains of San Fernando town, which have remained underdeveloped.
Ian Bacalla, 31, a skateboarder and artist who is the founder of GoSanFernando, said they have been hearing stories from his grandparents about the second World War and this was the reason he and his friends went to find the hidden falls.
Bacalla is seeking support from the municipal government, so these waterfalls will be developed.
He also wants that people will be guided and educated about the hidden falls.
r“We are getting there. We are now in the process of getting support from the LGU,” Bacalla told Sun.Star Cebu.
San Fernando Mayor Antonio “Abe” Canoy is supporting GoSanFernando in their projects in developing the waterfalls, as planned.
Canoy said that they also want to develop other tourist spots in town.
“I will fully support them in doing that in order to invite tourists. I think that’s what we need in San Fernando,” he told Sun.Star Cebu.
Christopher Tampon, 21, single, who lives near Basak falls in Barangay Balud, said that in the past only the residents in the area bathe in the falls.
Tampon said that today, people from the city are already going there.
Marife Tampus, 43, married, who lives near near Tananas falls in San Isidro said that the falls has been there long ago.
“Wala kaayo’y nakahibaw ana diha kay layo man gud, pero nindot kaayo na diha (Only a few people knew about the falls because it is far. But the place is beautiful),” she said.
Tampus also said that up until now, people are not aware about the falls’ existence.
If one loves the chance to learn more about hidden nature, a hiker needs to lace up his hiking boots and pack a sense of adventure to get to Basak Falls and the Tananas Falls.
Before planning to go there, one may contact GoSanFernando at +63 923 825 6945 or the Paulo Luna Resort and Spa.
In getting to San Fernando town, one may board a bus or a mini bus for P30 for a one-hour ride from the Cebu South Bus Terminal on N. Bacalso Ave., Cebu City.
Upon reaching Barangay Balud, one can get off from the bus on the Balud Alley beside the Balud Chapel along the national highway where a lot of habal-habal
(motorcycle-for hire) drivers wait.
The motorcycle ride of five kilometers to Basak Falls will cost a visitor P40 to P60, depending on the deal with the driver.
Tananas Falls in Barangay San Isidro is about 10 to 20 kilometers from the pathway of San Isidro to the first level, crossing to Tananas up to the seventh level.
One will meet a rough and rocky road on the path and upon reaching the sloping corner, one has to get off the motorcycle and start trekking for 15 minutes to Basak Falls and 20 to 30 minutes (for experienced trekkers at a normal pace) further up to Tananas Falls.
Rocks
Once there, one will find on the trail way shallow pools of water near the mossy walls; and water sliding along bedrock ledges, some are mossy, some are smooth and others are rough.
Mayor Canoy, who is on his last term, is seeking a congressional seat in the first district.
He said that he will start developing the waterfalls if his son, Mikko Canoy, who is running for mayor against Neneth Reluya, will win in the May 9 elections.
Canoy added that the tourism officers of San Fernando have yet to meet and plan for the two hidden falls, as the discovery is still new. (Vaña Ferre C. Abella USJ-R Mass Com Intern)