The natural splendor and burgeoning eco-tourism treasures of Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro (CdO) were on full display this week during a second day of Community-Based Tour (CBT) on 6 November, hosted by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) in partnership with Aboitiz InfraCapital. The tour highlighted Northern Mindanao’s unique blend of adventure, agriculture and environmental conservation.

The day began with a visit to Dahilayan Forest Park and Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, a popular vacation spot set amid a refreshing pine-covered landscape. The park offers cozy accommodations for a quiet evening and thrilling daytime activities. These attractions include the only razorback ride, the plunging Drop Zone, and one of Asia’s longest dual ziplines, stretching 480 meters and 4,700 feet in height.

A different kind of beauty was found at Alomah’s Place and Nature Farm, an eco-tourism destination also located in Manolo Fortich.

Established in 2010, the farm offers visitors tours, horseback riding, vegetable picking, and camping while promoting sustainable living.

The farm is a labor of love for owners Benjohn Mahistrado and Grace Alombro — its name, “Alomah,” a combination of their surnames. Benjohn Mahistrado described the farm as a “love story,” jokingly referring to his wife as the “owner of the caretaker.”

The couple, married for 34 years, told DAILY TRIBUNE that their three children now help manage the thriving property. Just like their young and strong relationship, the farm flourishes, with planting and harvesting occurring every day.

The farm’s produce, which includes vegetarian-fed tilapia, sometimes reaches Luzon when storms affect other farming regions.

Grace Alombro proudly stated her goal is for people to associate Alomah’s Place with “the freshest vegetable salad and the most delicious vinegar.”

Closer to the city, the man-made Mapawa Nature Park in Cagayan de Oro served as a key stop, highlighting conservation efforts. The park, home to the majestic Dao Tree recognized as the Cagayan de Oro Heritage Tree, was described by TPB Board of Director Bong Pelaez as sending a strong message about flood control and reforestation.

Pelaez told DAILY TRIBUNE that Mapawa represents a significant contribution to the region, addressing the “root cause of floods — no trees.”

For only P25, tourists are given the opportunity to plant their own tree, a small but meaningful way to give back to nature. Cagay-anons deem the park truly Tsada, a local term for beautiful.

Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro stand as vibrant testaments to the diverse offerings of Northern Mindanao.