Have you been to Sibalom, Antique lately?
For those who are not familiar of this place. The Town of Sibalom is one of the three land-lock municipality in the Province of Antique. Known as "The Rice Bowl of the Province". Today, the municipality belongs to the classification of a 2nd Class Municipality. It is the home of the University of Antique, the newest University in the Region and the first and the only University in the province. Also the home of Sibalom Natural Park which was declared as a protected area by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 282 and became the first Protected Area in the Island of Panay.
Sibalomnons or the people of Sibalom are proud of their hometown for it is home of diverse wildlife and blessed with so many natural resources. The municipality is blessed with one of the largest land area in the province. It can be found within the municipality's territorial jurisdiction several mountain ranges, untouched forests, rivers and lakes, wide areas of rice fields, etc. In its river beds there are boulders of semi-precious gemstones such as Jade, Jasper, Chert, Onyx and Agate. Minerals can also be found in areas around the municipality such as high grade Manganese, Gold, Copper, Coal, Limestone, etc.
The forested areas of the municipality are also known for its diverse wildlife. The Sibalom Natural Park is home of some of the exotic and endangered species of both flora and fauna. The largest bloom "Rafflesia" can be found in Mt. Porras and surrounding areas, other rare species of trees are also present in the area. There are at least 59 known species of birds and some are even endemic to the municipality. Visayan Warty Pig and Visayan Spotted Deer are some of the mammals that roam the forest of the Municipality.
Sibalomnons celebrates the Buroyluganay Festival every month of December for the people of the municipality to enjoy and to showcase their talents in different fields (singing, dancing, etc). Also this is the time were the "Balikbayans" enjoy their stay in the municipality to experience the festival and at the same time to celebrate the Christmas Holiday with their love ones.
Today, Sibalom is becoming a Tourist Destination in the province especially during the Holy Week for the "Taltal sa Igmitao" were Aglipayan devotees celebrate a mass in Mt. Igmitao summit, during Christmas to celebrate the Buroyluganay Festival, on rainy seasons were the Rafflesia frequently blooms and during May 21-22 the municipal fiesta celebration.
Because of the hard work of Sibalomnons to protect its natural resources and to promote its cultural uniqueness, the municipality became a must destination when tourist come to the Province of Antique.
So, if you happen to visit the Province of Antique, you should stop-by and experience the hospitality of Sibalomnons and experience the Beauty of Nature at its best.
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