The Municipality of Alegria, Surigao del Norte has the prowess of showcasing the mystical beauty of flora and fauna through its wondrous tourist destinations. Through multiple discoveries displaying nature’s beauty, the municipality was chosen as one of the venues for a national workshop among the tourism volunteers to preserve its environment. A workshop called “Volunturismo” was recently conducted on April 4, 2024, to conserve the beautiful scenery located within Alegria.
The Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) organizations, the Women’s Association, and the prestigious Alegria Horse Owner and Handlers Association all enthusiastically participated in this event, which struck a chord as a symbol of group resolve and common goals.
The community united behind a single goal and sewed together a fabric of cooperation and dedication to promote a positive interaction between local history preservation and tourism development. The event exuded the promise of revolutionary transformation and limitless opportunities in the distinguished presence of dignitaries and visitors from the Provincial Tourism Office, Caraga Region, and DOT Central Office.
Volunturismo is a workshop implementing a sense of volunteerism towards the environment’s tourist attractions, hence the workshop’s main objective. Preservation of the environment is the message that the seminar is conveying. Sustainability is also discussed within the seminar to sustain and further improve Alegria’s environment without causing any damage.
From foreign countries, the workshop has finally landed in the Philippines, specifically the Caraga region. Socorro, Tubod, and Alegria are the places chosen to establish Volunturismo movement. Alegria was proudly chosen, as it exhibits a rich environment with jaw-dropping destinations, further conserving the environment and the community within the vicinity.
Alegria is home to various tourist attractions. Emerald hues from various forests can be found within the quaint town, further attracting visitors from different places. Visitors are in awe when visiting the municipality’s tourist attractions, as if in a trance with the environment’s beauty. Among the tourist spots, there are two places that stood out the most among visitors: Lumundo’s hanging bridge and Lake Mainit.
Sitting between two mountains, nearly grasping the vast blue sky, is the infamous hanging bridge, proudly located in Lumundo, within Alegria’s vicinity. After four years of careful construction, the hanging bridge boasts its beauty towards Alegria’s people, further attracting numerous visitors. The bridge is bombarded with numerous visitors each day and night, but the municipality ensures the tourists’ safety by regulating the bridge’s capacity, despite it having a carrying capacity of 70 tons! The panoramic view of Lake Mainit on the left and the magnificent beauty of Lumundo’s waterfalls on the right are both sights to behold from either side of the bridge.
Another notable tourist attraction is located in Alipao. This part of Alegria is home to Lake Mainit, a marvel of beauty. There is a cool breeze blowing in the air and lovely green hues on the land all around the lake. The overall beauty of the lake can surely elevate one’s mood and spirit; it is the work of God’s artistic hand.
With the help of Volunturismo, these tourist spots will surely flourish and prosper as the years go by. Conserving nature is vital to the tourist attractions, specifically Alegria’s joyful community. Through this workshop, Alegria’s environment is safe and secure in people’s hands. Volunturismo is a way to connect Alegrianhons together to leap into eco-tourism development while conserving the environment and building a greener, lasting, and sustainable future. (Grica Ysabelle Corazon R. Archinue, ASASHS Student Emersion / JSN)