HISTORIC VISIT TO BARANGAY DUELIC
May 20, 2017

Barangay Duelic is a very remote, highland barangay of Midsalip wherein one of the highest peaks in the Province of Zamboanga del Sur – Mt. Pinukis – is located. Duelic takes pride of her crowning glory – the DUELIC CRYSTAL WATER FALLS. Even among locals, few dared to go because of the absence of passable road, the steep hike, the rivers to cross, and the hazards of landlides on the way.

Undaunted and all these formidable circumstances notwithstanding, on May 20, 2017, Hon. Mayor Leonida Albor-Angcap led a party of 18 people from the LGU, joined in by the DepEd Supervisor and some teachers, barangay officials from the neighboring barangays of Sigapod and Matalang, and Tourism Coordinators from the Office of Hon. Congresswoman Divina-Grace Yu of Zamboanga del Sur, District 1.

Indeed, the rigorous ordeals in that trip was truly beyond their imagination – the hike along knee-deep mud in the landslide area, getting soaked in the rain, the scorching sun at midday, the precarious slippery foot trails up and down steep hills… along narrow ridges with deep cliffs on both sides.   Moreover, within the 3-km. trek from Centro-Duelic to the site, they had to brave through raging waters of  7 rivers (or perhaps winding rivers that had to be crossed 7 times?) that took them at least 3 hours to and from.  Sympathetic Duelic natives had to make and provide the visitors with crude wooden canes to help them make it up and down in the steep hills.   On the way, some ran out of energy and literally collapsed on the mud, dead tired!

What kept them going?  – the Vision of a first-hand experience at Duelic Crystal Water Falls.   More than that, the rigors and challenges in  that barefoot trip all the more inspired them to pursue a common, long-term goal – to develop the site as a future major tourist destination not only for Midsalipnons and Zambo-Surians, but for all other guests from outside;  and the great bonus in the process – opening of a concrete access road that would surely open bright opportunities to all native residents along the way.

Upon reaching the site, lo and behold!   The mere site of the majestic Duelic Crystal Water Falls was more than rewarding! Beholding the beauty and power of such an awesome natural wonder, the muscle pains felt wiped out and the trip’s anxieties and frustrations blown away…and instantly recharged by the refreshing mountain air.  Dehydration and thirst – all fully quenched by the ice-cold crystal waters from the falls… Tired bodies re-energized by the blissful massage under cascading waters and an exhilarating dive and swim across the deep, natural pool under it.  Most of all, they felt a sense of renewal or being rejuvenated physically, emotionally and spiritually as they simply squat and leaned on huge mountain-rock while eyes feasted on sparkling waters and lush-green, pristine surroundings.   All that, and much more beyond words, can simply be put as a pure and overwhelming “Taste of Heaven.” (See photos and videos taken on May 20, 2017)

   

Want to experience all that? Visit us soon. Or, better still, see how you can help make a Big Dream come true – make Duelic Crystal Water Falls accessible to all!