PARACELIS, Mtn. Province — Even amidst this time of pandemic, the local government of this remote eastern town tested its tourism product – boating- last December 18, 2020, in preparation for the full fledge opening of tourism soon and to the delight of the participants.
With the concerted efforts of the municipal government headed by Mayor Marcos Ayangwa, Municipal Tourism Office headed by Flora Madanom, the Philippine Red Cross, Mountain Province chapter led by Robert Pangod, the Satellite Office of the Congressman in Paracelis, the Mountain Province Caves and Eco-Tourism Guides Association (MPCETGA) led by its president Jayr Guindalos, and the municipal government employees, the first ever boating activity here was deemed a success.
The activity was fully supported by the regional office of the Department of Tourism that provided the t-shirts for the participants. This show of support was made possible with the visit of OIC Regional Director Jovita Ganongan to the place some two weeks before.
The boating activities started in Palitud to Sinmacbot enroute to Damsite, barangay Anonat.
The participants for the initial grand water experience came from as far as Sagada and Natonin who had no opportunities for similar water activities.
It was an exciting activity as the Sagada delegates later testified.
Waiting for two hours, the six boats filled with people from the municipalities of Sagada, Natonin, and Paracelis showed up at sitio Damsite, barangay Anonat, Paracelis where some spectators were waiting in awe.
Expressing excitement over the newly found tourism activity, the participants were expressed their contentment with the activity,
“It was very exciting but the boating time should be shortened. Two hours is too long”, said a participant from Sagada.
It was later learned that the children with them were given the opportunity to swim along the route and that added more time for the boats to proceed. Two hours is too long for them to soak in water.
Another observation that for the improvement of activity is the lack of facilities such as a place where to change clothes.
These comments were brought to the attention of the MTAO and LGU that must install said facilities as it strives to promote tourism in the place.
Anyway, the common sentiment is that the boating activity was a splendid experience.
Boating is only applicable here where the water moves calmly and slow and without deterrents like boulders and sudden drops.
Unlike water rafting along the Chico River in the western part of the province which is very dangerous due to the presence of boulders, holes, and obstacles. the water here is perfect for smooth sailing.
Boating here is best these months when the water is high but the current is slow.
The Natonin participants went for upstream boating that started from the Damsite or at the dead end going up to Palitud upstream. This is a reverse of what the participants did going downstream. This is not a problem for the motor powered boats.
After the boating activity, a trek though the trails from Damsite to the road or view point in Sinmacbot is appropriate rather than motoring through Simimbaan, Roxas to Sinmacbot, Paracelis.
Tourists or visitors can proceed further to see the mystical Mabarotbot Mud Spring in Bantay and the Ansawang and Canabo waterfalls in Poblacion Paracelis or the Nansuso sight in Bacarri and little Chocolate Hills of Buringal.
This boating activity might as well be a prelude to other tourism activities and sights inside the municipality that one must appreciate; more so if one tastes the sweet banana delights cooked or raw. Purchasing of Bala’dang woven items, in various designs and sizes, is also enticing.**By Roger U. Sacyaten
