Based on signage data the Salagdoong has a total area of 202.15 hectares. 80 hectares are planted with Molave trees.

A Little History

According to very respected sources, this Molave Plantation was initiated by Mr. Agrepino Lomongo. Lomongo was a native of the Municipality of Maria, Siquijor. Back to the time of former President Ramon B. Magsaysay, he was working in Siquijor. He was assigned at the agriculture sector. He worked there for more half of a century. 61 years to be exact.

Salagdoong man-made forest

Biggest in Southeast Asia

This Molave Plantation Project is recognized as the biggest not only in the entire Philippines. It is also the largest in Southeast Asia so far. At present the Peoples' Organization is tasked to monitor and initiate activities to sustain the care of this rare project. Of course they get help from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Their latest project is a rattan plantation. Our group helped them in planting some rattan seedlings.

As an environmentalist in my own right, the tree plantation program of our government maybe good. But I suggest that instead of just planting trees, we change it to CARING FOR TREES. We should not just be content with photo opportunities after planting. We should care to think whether the tree grows or not. The best way is to organize people's organizations who will take care of the sustainability of the program. Fund the project. After ten years, you go back to the area and see a huge tree. In this context, the success of National Greening Program of Pres. Benigno C. Aquino III is assured.

Tree planting at Salagdoong man-made molave forest

The Salagdoong Beach Resort is one of the best in Central Visayas for me. It is a very unique place that everyone loves to admire. It has a beautiful cove and white sand beach. But most importantly, the cleanliness of the area and its natural beauty is well maintained.

Salagdoong Beach

According to the caretaker of the place, the name Salagdoong is derived from the birds whose population is abundant in the area. The birds builds their nests in the rocky cliff at the shoreline of the cove. Salag meaning nest and doong is the name of the bird.

This post is written by Paterno Muñez, Tourism Officer for San Remigio, Cebu. This piece is based on his experiences during the 1st #InfoTourismAdventureRace at #SensationalSiquijor during the 22nd annual RADIO 7 Convention held 28 - 30 October 2015.