Pagari Park: the brigade porch

Since my assumption, I have openly invited acquaintances to drop on my porch either to have coffee or exchange thoughts with me. My porch then was a shaded and fenced area next to my temporary lodging and furnished with native furniture. The increasing number of visiting friends afterward required for a bigger space; hence, the Pagari Park. "Pagari" means friendship in Maranao.

A related article with pictures entitled "Army Sultan's shot for unity in Mindanao" at Mindanao Examiner and at Blogger; also in PIA Website (by Breezy Jimenez) as "Sultan Brigade Opens Pagari Park."

The park is a newly developed garden, transformed from a former dump of volcanic rocks, at the heart of the Sultan Brigade camp. This was officially opened during the 9^th Founding Anniversary of the Army's Sultan Brigade last 26 October. Former Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda "Angging" Quibranza-Dimaporo—a Christian married to a Muslim and a strong advocate for cultural harmony and eco-tourism—graced the inauguration of the park. Also, Iligan Diocese Catholic Bishop Elenito Galido, Islam Aleem Elias Macarandas, and Lumad Datu Rolando Soong came for the interfaith joint consecration.


















A fountain and ornamental plants under the trees beautifully complemented the rocks—some of which serve as natural tables and chairs. The park features three corners representing the major Philippine Muslim cultures—Maguindanao, Maranao, and Tausug—have inspired the brigade moniker of "Sultan." During the inauguration of the park, guests had the chance to have a glimpse of the different traditional wear of each ethnic group and sample their respective delicacies.

"Pagari Park has a strong good vibes," comments a theosophist echoing the observations of other guests. This encouraging remark is a wonderful incentive for the park to serve as the brigade porch in fostering unity and harmony.

Pagari Park was realized with the support and contributions of those who shared the thought of promoting peace. My personal gratitude to my wife, Belle, and her "committee of three" (Eza, Jeffrey & Nhor) for assisting me in realizing this concept; and to TSG Francisco Saladaga for his passionate commitment to this endeavor. Also, I acknowledge the invaluable support of the following: Hon. Jaber Azis, Michelle Daniel, Hon. Maminta Dimakuta, Robert Estroga Landscaping Services, Eza Galvez, Jeffrey Rufo Galvez, Norcaya Maquiling, Hon. Mastura Manangolo, Hon. Elias Montod, Alexis Natividad, Hon. Haironi Omar, Engr. Marivel Frances Ong, Engr. Hilal Sangcopan, Hon. Hadji Yusop Saripada, Engr. Roger Suyang, and other personnel of the brigade.

Mighty Cave: ushering progress?

Driving a vehicle for 45 minutes towards the east of Iligan City, following a concrete and climbing road, brings you to the adjacent Municipality of Tagoloan. Up here, in the cooler mountain areas of the Province of Lanao del Norte, we can find the recently opened Mighty Cave Park.

The inauguration of this park was the highlight of the 40th Araw ng Tagoloan last 21 June. Speaking during the occasion, with the theme “Tagoloan Geared Towards Eco-tourism,” Mayor Maminta Dimakuta and Governor Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo highlighted the social and economic prospects in promoting the cave as a tourist attraction. The audience was amused as other speakers took turn proposing interesting ploys to attract visitors. I further thrilled the crowd when I added the suggestion of promoting the waters from the cave as a love potion.

Expectedly then, on my exit of the cave, the people cheered as I acted to have downed all the contents of my bottled water—though it was the same water I had with me before entering. Amid the festive atmosphere, I was amazed how the town became populous: it was sparsely so in the early 1980s when, as a young army lieutenant, I patrolled this hinterland municipality.




Even as I share in the enthusiasm to promote the nature park to usher opportunities for progress in the area, I am equally bothered in the preparedness of authorities to cope with the environmental consequences. During the tour of the cave, curious visitors and their guides alike—unaware of conservation measures—liberally touched the cave walls further endangering its fragile and already disturbed condition.

Eco-tourism, like in other countries, can offer us great opportunities for socio-economic benefits, but this cannot long endure if we don’t take serious responsibility to value and protect the natural site we promote as an attraction.