Name: Jane C. Macalos Course /Yr. Level: BEED-GE 3.

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (Sulu Sea)

Diver swims by school of fish in Tubbataha Reef
Off the stunning shores of Palawan Island, you can find the Tubbataha Reefs Natural
Park, a protected area in the middle of the Sulu Sea. Palawan and its surrounding
waters have become a favored destination when diving in the Philippines due to the
various aquatic ecosystems that thrive there. The whole island is home to lagoons and
Palawan beaches containing thriving marine life just under the surface, such as sea
turtles and schools of colorful fish.
The Tubbataha Reef sets Itself apart, however, because it is a great example of an atoll
or ring-shaped reef. The whole protected area comprises a 100-meter perpendicular
wall, lagoons, and two coral islands. In addition, this natural sanctuary houses large
numbers of sea animals. Its North Islet, in particular, has become nesting grounds for
marine turtles and sea birds. Scientists have found around 600 fish species, 360 coral
species, 11 shark species, 13 dolphin and whale species, and 100 bird species in the
area since they began visiting the reef in the 1980s.
The importance of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (Sulu Sea) The reefs also serve as a
nesting ground for Hawksbill and Green sea turtles. Provides an important habitat for
internationally threatened and endangered marine species. The property is located
within the Coral Triangle, a global focus for coral biological diversity.
Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras ( Ifugao)
Nestled in the highlands of the Ifugao province in North Luzon are five rice terraces that
not only serve as sources of food but as popular tourist attractions. These landscapes
are located in the municipalities Banaue, Mayoyao, Hungudan, and Kiangan, with the
Banaue Rice Terraces being the most popular one.
As a landlocked province, Ifugao is characterized by its lush mountain ranges
containing river valleys and vibrant forests. Thanks to its location and high altitude, the
locals here enjoy a generally cooler atmosphere than the rest of the country, making it a
more optimal place to grow crops. Recognizing this, the tribe members eventually
created intricate agricultural systems, which are now known as rice terraces in the
Philippines. These landscapes are estimated to have been around for 2,000 years and
have often been revered as testaments to humankind’s ability to adapt to the
environment around them. The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras were named
a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 in honor of the natives’ beautiful work and their
efforts to maintain and cultivate sacred traditions to this day.
The importance of Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras (Ifugao) .Located 1,500
metres above sea level, the steep rice terraces are all the more special because they
were carved by hand. Following the natural contours of the mountains to form terraced
pond fields for rice cultivation, these terraces were made by the Ifugao people over
2,000 years ago.
Historic Vigan City In Ilucus Sur
A visit to Ilocos Sur is not complete without spending some time in the Historic City of
Vigan. Known as the province’s capital, this district now houses an array of attractions
that honor both its past and present. In particular, the cobblestone street called Calle
Crisologo is considered among the best tourist spots in Vigan City as it is lined with
ancestral houses that date back to the Spanish era.
During the day, it is a bustling hub filled with stores selling native crafts. When the sun
sets, it transforms into a stunning dining strip warmly lit by the street posts. Most
restaurants feature alfresco dining areas where you can enjoy a nightcap while admiring
the scene. Despite the heavy Spanish influence in the city, Vigan also fuses certain
practices gained from Chinese traders who eventually settled there. This is best seen in
the crafting of clay jars, a practice that locals learned from Chinese migrants. A number
of jar factories still operate in the city and follow the traditional method of molding them
by hand.
The importance of Historic Vigan City In Ilucus Sur is unique for having preserved
much of its Hispanic colonial character, particularly its grid street pattern and historic
urban lay out. Its significance also lies on how the different architectural influences are
blended to create a homogenous townscape.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Palawan)
In the Philippines is the Puerto Princesa Underground River or Subterranean River
National Park. This karst landscape that features an underground river measures over
8.2 kilometers and goes through a limestone cave with beautiful stalactite and
stalagmite formations that resemble popular statues around the globe.
The cave’s ceiling is also home to populations of fruit bats. While the cruise through the
river already shows the beauty of the area, one of the river’s most notable features is
that it opens up directly into the sea. It is also one of the most beautiful caves in the
Philippines. Aside from Puerto Princesa Underground River tours, travelers will also
enjoy exploring the surrounding forests that are home to an array of animals and fauna.
Among them are 15 endemic bird species such as the Palawan hornbill, the hill myna,
and the white-breasted sea eagle. Meanwhile, the nearby coastal waters have become
habitats for sea cows and hawksbill sea turtles.
The importance of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Palawan) . The
river’s cavern presents remarkable, eye catching rock formations. The property contains
a full mountain-to-sea ecosystem which provides significant habitat for biodiversity
conservation and protects the most intact and noteworthy forests within the Palawan
biogeographic province.
Paoay Church (Ilocus Norte)
In the province of Ilocos Norte, you can find another of the four Baroque Churches of
the Philippines called the Paoay Church. Also known as the San Agustin Church, it is
situated about 19 kilometers from Laoag City, the province’s capital. Along with the
church, Ilocos Norte’s fascinating rock formations and majestic sand dunes along its
stunning coastline have drawn many tourists as well.
Locals began building the Paoay Church in 1694 and finally completed construction in
1710. Its exterior walls were made from bricks and large coral stones. As with its fellow
Baroque churches, the Paoay Church is characterized by the flying buttresses flank its
sides and its wide base. Next to the church, a detached three-story bell tower was
erected.

The importance of Paoay Church (Ilucus Notte). It served as observational post for
Filipino revolutionaries against the Spaniards in 1898 and by Filipino guerrillas against
Japanese soldiers during World War II. According to historians, the bell tower also
served as a status symbol for the locals.
Sandugo Blood Compact Shrine
Address : J.P Inting Street, Tagbilaran City, Bohol

The Sandugo Blood Compact Shrine was built to commemorate the peace treaty
between Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna of Bohol on 16
March 1565. It signified the bond shared between the Filipinos and Spaniards and is
considered the first treaty to represent their international relations. The name “sandugo”
means ‘one blood’.

This has become a hallmark of the Bohol Province and as a symbol for peace,
illustrated on the province’s flag and official seal. A statue commemorating the compact
can be visited at the location of where the ship anchored and the treaty was performed.
l.
The importance of Sandugo Blood Compact Shrine performing a blood compact
preserves the bond of friendship between two tribes. This ceremony was the first treaty
or bond of friendship between the natives and the Spaniards.
Baclayon Church
La Purisima Concepcion de la Virgen Maria Parish Church (also The Immaculate
Conception of the Virgin Mary Parish Church), commonly known as Baclayon Church, is
a Roman Catholic church in the municipality of Baclayon, Bohol, Philippines within the
jurisdiction of the Diocese of Tagbilaran. Baclayon was founded by the Jesuit priest
Juan de Torres and Gabriel Sánchez in 1596, and became the oldest Christian
settlement in Bohol. It was elevated as a parish in 1717 and the present coral stone
church was completed in 1727. The Augustinian Recollects succeeded the Jesuits in
1768 and heavily renovated the church since then.
The importance of Baclayon Church is a declared National Cultural Treasure and
National Historic Landmark. It is one of the Philippines' oldest Catholic churches —
structurally original and still with authentic materials — dating back to 1727.

Dagohoy Marker
This heritage site located at Magtangtang, Danao, contains two historical markers. The
Dagohoy Marker is a life-like statue of Francisco Dagohoy, a well-known Boholano and
historical figure. The Revolt which Francisco Dagohoy started in Bohol lasted for 85
years which began in 1744 until 1829. The Philippine Historical Commission took
charge of building the statue located at the plateau of the cave. The cave served as the
main headquarters and hideout of the revolutionaries. It was said that the
revolutionaries who refused to come out of the cave opted to die inside it rather than to
surrender. It also served as a concentration camp during World War II. At present, the
cave retains its original look as the guardians wanted to preserve the look it had way
back.
The importance of Dagohoy Marker honours Francisco Dagohoy, who inspired an 84-
year revolt against Spain from 1744 to 1829 – the longest revolt in the country’s history.

Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Park Tagbilaran City Bohol

To remember one of Bohol’s sons and respected leaders of this country, a giant marble
statue was erected within this park. Carlos P. Garcia, the fourth President of the
Republic and the first President of the 1971 Constitutional Convention, chose this 11-
acre area when he was still a governor. The marble statue was made by a Boholano
sculptor and artist, Napoleon Abueva.
Not only was a park honored and maintained but also the house where President
Garcia stayed is found at Tagbilaran City. This served as the former President’s vacation
house during his term and now it was converted into a museum. The present-day
museum fondly known as the White House contains personal properties of the late
President and his family. President Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Park is established to
commemorate the loving memory of the greatest Boholano, Carlos Polistico Garcia.
The importance of Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Tagbilaran City Bohol holds
significance as a tribute to the legacy of President Carlos P. Garcia, the 8 th President of
the Philippines. It serves as a reminder of his contributions to the country’s history and
development, particularly his promotion of Filipino nationalism and his “Filipino First
Policy.” Additionally, the memorial site is a symbol of pride for the people of Bohol and a
point of interest for visitors interested in Philippine history and culture.
Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills are not very high, ranging from 100 feet to just 165 feet high —
though the largest recorded is around 395 feet tall. However, they cover about 20
square miles and can be seen from the towns of Batuan, Sagbayan, Bilar, and
Carmen.Be warned: You won’t be able to climb the hills — aside from the 214 steps to
the observation deck at the Chocolate Hills Complex, a resort atop the biggest hill, in
the town of Carmen. The complex also includes accommodations, a restaurant, and a
gift shop. There’s another great viewing deck in the nearby town of Sagbayan, where
the hills also offer a peek of the sea between Bohol and Cebu.
The importance of Chocolate Hills it has been declared the country’s 3 rd National
Geological Monument on June 18, 1988 in recognition of its scientific value and
geomorphic uniqueness. Similar to the formations found in Java, the conical and almost
symmetrical and same-sized hills known as the “Chocolate Hills”, are more aesthetically
extensive.