source: PNA.gov.ph
The Asik-Asik Spring Falls, also known as "Paguranan" was formally opened to the public last Thursday in Alamada, North Cotabato.
North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza and Bishop Romulo dela Cruz DD, of the Diocese of Kidapawan cut the ceremonial ribbon during the event attended by more than a thousand people. The opening coincided with the 52nd founding anniversary of Barangay Dado, where Asik-Asik Spring Falls is located.
Among those present were Vice Gov. Gregorio Ipong, Alamada Mayor Bartolome Lataza Jr., Vice Mayor Leonigildo Calibara Jr., Dado Barangay Captain Ricky Natial, Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 12 Director Jose Cabaluna and provincial tourism officer Ralph Rafael.
The majestic Asik-Asik Spring falls is 60 meters high and 140 meters wide.
“Most of the people say that the water from Asik-Asik has healing wonder,†said Gov. Mendoza during an interview.
Testimonies were tested and proven by many including differently-abled individuals who tried to reach and taste the healing wonder of the falls. They also say that its water is alkaline, said to benefit people's health by helping neutralize the chemical imbalances of the body, which some believe tend to run too acidic.
Many believe that alkaline water aids in the treatment of asthma, heartburn, indigestion, among other ailments.
“This inspires people to appreciate the gift of nature that heals and the gift of God guiding the people to discover the beauty behind a mountainous place,†said the lady governor, who led the 20-minute trek to the falls.
The provincial government closed the falls to the public last July to improve the place. It now has a 626-step stairway, comfort rooms and a dressing area is now available at the entry point. Stalls were also put up for the locals who were given by the provincial government start up capital of P3,000 each.
“There are no more stalls near the falls because we want to preserve the area and maintain cleanliness,†explained Gov. Mendoza.
Guards are also posted for the safety of tourists and protect the falls from abuse.
Asik-Asik Spring Falls was earlier discovered by the locals and has attracted some 40,000 visitors to date.
Last June 21, the municipality, bouyed by the newest discovery, held its 43rd founding anniversary themed, “Pakikilahok ng Mamamayan, Likas na Yaman ay Pangalagaan Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran†which called for the participation of every individual in the community to promote tourism, unity and peace.
“Today, we celebrate the grand opening of this majestic curtain falls with the hope that we will protect and preserve what God has given us,†said Gov. Mendoza.
Asik-Asik Spring Falls is now one of the top tourist spots of Alamada located in a public land with various applicants. The road going to the falls is quite muddy especially during rainy season. It takes 43.7 kilometers from the municipality of Libungan to reach Barangay Dado and another 6.7 kilometers to Sitio Dulao where Asik-Asik Spring Falls rest its eye-catching stance.
The governor said two more falls and a lake will be formally opened for tourism soon.
“Social networking sites such as Facebook and Youtube triggers the eagerness of people to explore Asik-Asik for its natural beauty and to feel the coldest and refreshing water coming out from the falls,†said Gov. Mendoza.
The barangay council of Dado has imposed an entrance fees are P10 per adult and P5 per child for residents of Barangay Dado; P20 (adult) and P10 (child) for other barangays within the municipality of Alamada; and P30 (adult) and P15 (child) for other visitors.
The parking fees at Asik-Asik area are P50 for bus and trucks, P25 for cars and other service vehicles, and P5 for motorcycles and bikes.
The cottage fees are P100 (single), P200 (double) and P300 (family) good for eight hours and additional P10 for succeeding hours. A baggage fee of P5 is also charged.
The agreed sharing of the fees collected is 55 percent for the Trust Fund of Barangay Dado, 30 percent for the provincial government and 15 percent for the local government. The Trust Fund shall be used exclusively for the maintenance of Asik-Asik Falls.
The prohibited acts at the Asik-Asik Falls include cooking, cutting of trees, gathering of firewood, and gathering of ornamental plants inside the area. Also disallowed are shampoo, toothpaste, soap, styrofor, cellophanes and other non-biodegradable materials.
Hunting of flora and fauna, littering, vandalism, smoking, illegal drugs, and persons under the influence of liquor are prohibited.
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