CEZA Unveils New Tourist Site

The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) here, opened to the public on Thursday the newly-developed “Buwacag Falls” at barangay Sta. Clara here.

According to Grace Ruiz, CEZA community relations specialist, the “Buwacag Falls” was discovered by two Negritos namely, Maplit Ortega and his close friend, Manolo Tugawen, in 1921, who were then elders and leaders of their tribe.

“Buwacag” means the thunder sound of flowing water from a high level stream falling over a cliff like step in a bedrock.

Ruiz said the falls remained unknown to the public until CEZA explored its possibility to be part of the tourist destinations of Sta. Ana town.

Santa Ana is known as the economic hub and one of the tourism flagship destinations of the Cagayan Valley region.

It is also the home to the famous Anguib White sand beach, Palaui Island, Cape Engano and other must-visit places here.

Agrimero Cruz Jr., CEZA deputy administrator for operations, said the “Buwacag Falls” is an additional tourist site that will surely contribute to the development of the region’s economy and will help uplift the living status of the locals.

“With the opening of this newest destination here, we do not only provide a choice to the tourists but we also provide the locals other livelihood opportunity,” Cruz said.

Cruz also stressed the importance of sustaining the eco-tourism site and the need for the unity of the locals, the LGU and CEZA in the furtherance of the newly opened tourist zone.

On his part, Mayor Darwin Tobias said there are beautiful spots that the tourists will surely enjoy their stay in the northeastern tip. “The cooperation of the community is needed not only to sustain but to promote the sites, giving tourists reasons to come back here,” the mayor added.

Jesus Dalipe Jr., president of the Buwacag Eco-Tourism Association (BETA), the organized group to take care of the tourist site, expressed his gratitude for providing them a livelihood opportunity.

Dalipe said they never expected that the hidden falls will be launched as one of the major tourist spots in Santa Ana and be their source of income.

Meanwhile, CEZA provided trainings for the members of the organization such as basic-tour guiding and resort management while LGU-Sta. Ana turned-over three “nipa huts for rent” to the organization. (ALM/OTB/PIA-2 Cagayan)