Road to recovery: A ‘Biyahe ni Drew’ itinerary in Cateel, Davao Oriental

 

Cateel is a third-class municipality and one of the oldest towns in the province of Davao Oriental.

On December 4, 2012, the day when Typhoon Pablo hit the easternmost part of Mindanao, Cateel was one of the most affected towns in Davao Oriental. Pablo’s dreadful winds, which was classified as super typhoon category 5, destroyed a huge part of the town. Due to the victims’ dire need to survive, some of them resorted to looting of NFA rice from a warehouse in Cateel.

Upon seeing what was left to them -- balding rainforest and damaged waterfalls like Aliwag-wag, Mahan-ob and Tres Marias -- locals persevered to bring back what used to be their home town’s pride. And instead of losing hope over the situation, little by little, Cateelenos started building new homes and planting new trees that would help regain their town’s glory.

NGOs worked hand in hand just to build a new relocation site for people who were affected by the typhoon.

Olan Emboscado shared that the aftermath of the typhoon, gave each one of them such motivation to help each other and their town as well. And just like the story of Mang Exequias, a farmer turned tricycle driver, found an inspiration from what he had experienced during the typhoon.

He could still remember how catastrophe swept his entire house. “Nawalan na kami ng pag-asa, pero sa awa ng Panginoon, nakaahon din at lumakas ang aming loob na maghanapbuhay.” With the help from NGOs, a new house was built to protect him and his family.

How to get here

After four years, Cateel proved that they could still bring back their town’s priceless beauty. If you want to witness how this town is endowed with abundant gifts from above, you may take a plane ride from Manila to Davao City.

Once you get there, you still have to take a bus or van going to the towns of Boston and Cateel. From Davao City, it will take you six hours before you reach your destination.

Via van

If you want to take a van, fares range from P300 to P400.

Via bus

Taking a bus is way cheaper for it will only cost you an amount of P150 to P200.

What to do

Aliwag-wag Falls

Truly magnificent -- this is how Drew Arellano describes Aliwag-wag falls upon seeing it for the first time.

The Aliwagwag falls -- the longest cascading waterfalls in the Philippines -- was one of the attractions that was destroyed by the typhoon. The strong winds uprooted century-old trees surrounding the waterfalls while some of the trunks and branches lie strewn all over its pool.

After the Typhoon Pablo, a lot of people showed concern over the Aliwagwag’s state. Through the #HelpCateel, a movement headed by Olan Emboscado himself, their group has done tree planting activities and clean-up drive in various communities in Cateel.

Now, the falls is gradually recovering.

Situated just along the main highway, you will already hear the soothing sound of burbling waters coming from the Aliwagwag falls. Moreover, the falls is also a series of 136 cascading waterfalls over rock formations in various shapes and heights. It’s towering height of 1,100 feet above sea level is just so amazing that Cateelenos even called it as the”Stairway to Heaven.”

The Aliwagwag falls is now going back to its natural beauty. Aside from its breathtaking view, it also offers exciting activities like the 680-meters zipline hovering above the ground, giving you an overview of the Cateel rainforest and the falls as backdrop.

Make your vacation memorable by trying their newest zipline!

If you want to get a closer look of the Aliwagwag falls, you may try climbing this 45 meters monkey bridge.

Ooops! Be careful, Biyahero!

Biyahero tip! The monkey bridge is too slippery so don’t forget to have your trekking shoes or sandals on!

What to eat

Situated in front of the Pacific Ocean, Cateel is also rich with huge lobsters or locally known as “banagan.” These lobsters are also the source of income of most Cateelenos. To complete your Cateel travel experience, don’t forget their hometown’s special delicacy -- the sweet and chili banagan.

After a pretty exhausting stroll around the town of Cateel, indulge yourself with this huge lobsters that will definitely silent your growling stomach!

Biyahero tip!  In Manila, a kilo of lobsters will cost you thousands of peso. But here in Cateel, their lobsters usually range from P600 to P700.

Mahan-ob Falls

Mahan-ob was hidden in a thick forest. But, after the typhoon’s wrath, this falls can now be seen from the main highway.

Along with Aliwag-wag, Mahan-ob was also one of the towns that was badly hit by the raging typhoon. Those lush green trees and bushes that used to conceal the entire falls were smashed, uprooted and damaged. Now, the Mahan-ob falls can easily be seen, enticing every tourist and local to experience its pristine waters.

Biyaheros need to do some five to ten-minute trek before witnessing Mahan-ob’s multi-tiered waterfall that is varying in height and width.

Unlike other waterfalls in Cateel, Mahan-ob is different because it doesn’t have a natural pool where tourists can take a plunge. To appreciate and enjoy your stay at Mahan-ob falls, it is better to bathe under its strong cascading fresh waters.

Tres Marias

A whole day is not enough to explore all the tourist attractions the town of Cateel has to offer. In fact, the Muntanao Eco Park is also home to another waterfalls called Tres Marias Falls. It has three tiers and a blue-green natural pool. Just near the Muntanao Ecopark, there is also a cave good for spelunking.

“Those are the factors that want you to experience any type of waterfalls. ‘Yun ‘yung hindi mo makakalimutan. It will be there in your memory. Beautiful!,” Drew shared upon seeing three of the best waterfalls in Cateel.

Indeed, all the wonderful sites in Cateel were not spared from typhoon Pablo. And according to Olan Emboscado, “Lahat ng mayroon kami rito, sinira ng typhoon Pablo. Ang mga simbahan, ang mga puno at maging ang mga gusali sa paligid, lahat ‘yan ay nawala.”

You might wonder how Cateleenos able to mend the damages brought by the catastrophe?

“Tatlong taon matapos ang delubyo na ‘yun, makikita n’yo na bumangon kami at patuloy kaming nakaahon. Kasi kaming Cateleenos, we don’t dwell on the negative. Marunong kaming mag-move forward,” Olan ended. -- Tyne Villan/ BMS, GMA Public Affairs

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