Lambunao: Land of Waterfalls

By Anna Razel L. Ramirez & Randy Madrid
Photographs by Ramon B. Ramirez

Dolongan (Visayan Writhe Hornbill)

Located at the center of Panay, Lambunao spreads on a 40,708.55 hectare land that creates an enchanting landscape of verdant hills and valleys embellished with nature's gift of beauty and abundance. Adding luster to these countryside charm are the many waterfalls and cascades that pour towards the different river ecosystems which give life to agriculture – particularly rice, coffee, bananas, and rattan which are the prime products of the community.

Cradling one of the last ecological frontiers in the island of Panay, Lambunao, with its lush forest cover, provides refuge to various floras and faunas endemic to the area. It's mountain villages are also home to indigenous peoples, who, to these days, keep a distinct culture and oral literature.

Maasin falls

Lambunao plays a major role in spurring the educational growth of the 3rd Congressional District of Iloilo with the presence of the West Visayas State University's two branches – the College of Agriculture and Forestry and the Lambunao east Branch which offer Master's degrees and college courses in the areas of agriculture, forestry and technology. The newly built Yamato International School promises to bring in international scholars that will collaborate with local researches in upgrading agricultural productivity.

Lambunao plays host to the largest Hornbill Breeding Facility in the world in its Mariit Conservation Park under the auspices of the WVSU and the DENR. In its care are 51 of two critically endangered hornbill species: Dolongan (Visayan Writhe Hornbill) and Panay Tariktik Hornbill. The Conservation Center also provides resources for the breeding of white spotted deer, native pikoy - “Dangag” (Racquet Tail Parrot), and wild boar, among other endangered species.

The municipality has also been identified as the District Agricultural and Industrial Center (DAIC) for the 3rd District of Iloilo recognizing its role in the agricultural and industrial development of the province. Complementing this status are the presence of the Pupanta ARC (Pughanan, Panuran and Tampucao Agrarian Reform Communities, the Cattle Breeding Station in Brgy. Balagiao and the many Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that thrive in the town.

Mahangin Falls (Cabatangan)

In thanksgiving for all the blessings and good harvest the Lambunaonons received throughout the year, the Municipality headed by their energetic Mayor Ignacio Ramirez and the Parish under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Borong Ablona will join hands in the celebration of their Municipal Fiesta, this Saturday, September 10, 2005.