Gems of Mindanao

Vast lands, greenery everywhere, colorful seascapes and fresh produce, rains almost every sundown, a bashful yet audacious people. A population living harmoniously as a well tossed cultural salad sometimes concealed by the sensationalism of isolated snags that burn the good reputation of the place.

Soon I will be leaving the beautiful land of Mindanao where I have learned to appreciate the diversity of our heritage and savored the wonders of our opulent country. Rich flora and fauna abound in the slopes and crevices, abundant water flow in rivulets leading to broader rivers that are alive with aquatic biodiversity. Waterfalls and headwaters that crescendo in awesome strength provide power to communities of this generous region. The numerous mountain resorts give way to the grandiose of the volcanoes dwarfed by the stately posture of Mt. Apo.

My short stay here in Mindanao has opened my eyes to the peace and tranquility that lay in the hearts of a large majority. The incidents of disruptions of peace are apart and do not constitute the wider spread of the land and populace. The Muslims, Christians and Lumads thrive in peaceful coexistence, each striving to go ahead with life without disturbing the other making their living from the produce of the land, rewards of professional work or compensation for skill.

In the small barangay where I work, I have met nice and welcoming people like Kap Jerry Tumala and his kagawads. Two of them are Muslims and they have changed my view on individuals of their faith. Bhadz and Alijadz are councilors of the barangay who strive hard to give their brothers a chance in life through programs for the barangay that would uplift livelihood and access more resources for development.

There are Kagawads like Jasmine, Inday, and Eloi whose concern over their constituents have spurred them to search for more resources that could provide the right line for them to fish. With Kap and the Kagawads are the school principal, Sir Homer Camposo and other community leaders who have made our corporate social work easier through their cooperation.

Barangay Darong belongs to the municipality of Sta. Cruz.. I remember having written about this municipality. Headed by its very humble yet driven mayor, Hon. Ray Lopez, this municipality reminds me of Mandaue as it was. The steady investments that are gaining ground in the area are gearing the municipality to take that step towards becoming an industrial zone.

It is worthy to invest in Sta. Cruz. The climate is versatile. The soil fertile. The natural resources abundant and the leaders are vigilant. Sta Cruz has a good balance between high and lowlands. Sea, river banks and mangrove areas. Its forests are lush, its seas abundant and the residents aware and active in ensuring that their environment is not sacrificed in the course of the development of their town..   

Durian, lanzones, rambutan, marang, pomelo, mangosteen, pineapple, bananas, peanuts, and cashew inspire the diet and encourage culinary creativity. 

There are many more treasures we will find in Mindanao. But the most important ones, are its people.