Malubog Lake: Industry's product, nature's gift

CEBU, Philippines - What better place to unwind than in a secluded locale where you can be intimate with nature?

Malubog Lake in Barangay General Climaco is one of Toledo's not so secret destinations, but the difficulty in getting to the place has shunned many who may want to visit, essentially making it a peaceful, tranquil, and a wonderful place to be refreshed.

Ironically, the lake is not nature's work; in fact, many residents begrudge its existence, as what Barangay Councilor Armando Basalo echoed -- the community is better off when the area was still an agricultural land.

"At least during that time we had income and we did not go hungry," he said. Like all families who have chosen to settle in the area, Basalo's family used to plant corn and rice in the place before the 100-hectare area was flooded and turned into a dam in the 1970s by then Atlas Consolidated Mining & Development Corporation, the company that made Toledo City into one of Cebu's most progressive cities.

The dam is designed to hold 15 million cubic meters of water, most of which is used in the operations of the copper mines of Atlas.

To provide livelihood to the farmers in the area, Atlas and the local government through the Department of Agriculture, filled the dam with milkfish, carp, and tilapia fry, which today is being harvested by many residents in the area.

A tour in Malubog Lake is very cheap, at P2,500 per trip, while a ride to the lake only costs P20 by jeepney, one way. There is a trip to Barangay Gen. Climaco every hour. It seems that accessibility is really not a problem, but the difficult ride has become an obstacle for many to enjoy the wonder of Malubog Lake.

Through special arrangement, lunch can be prepared on board the Malubog Lake Cruiser with grilled tilapia freshly caught from the lake. Or, should one choose, he can do the catching himself and have his catch cooked by the locals.

The City Government of Toledo also plans to further develop the lake, seeing its many potentials as a tourist destination. Toledo City Mayor Aurelio P. Espinosa said that the city plans to build more facilities and amenities along the lake and introduce more activities to help make it an even more attractive destination for visitors.

"Tourism has a lot to contribute, especially to the city, because without tourism it would be difficult for us to attract visitors and investors," he said.

For the meantime for those wanting to enjoy nature at its best, these little inconveniences in going to the lake is a plus, because, after all, it would not be as enjoyable when the lake becomes crowded with visitors.

Truly, Malubog Lake, despite its industrial origin and the many issues that may surround it, is a gift for nature lovers.

A trip would take you around the river, to marvel at the confluence of nature and industry. And on the sides, you can check out Barangay General Climaco's program on agriculture, with a thrust to also include it in the community's tourism plan.

To visit Malubog Lake, contact Toledo City's Tourism Office at (032)3225748. (FREEMAN)