Story by Gelyka Ruth R. Dumaraos / Photos by Ramir G. Cambiado
Mercedes, a town tucked in the southeastern part of Camarines Norte, is just like how it was named after—quaint, enthralling and full of compassion.
Considered as one of the emerging destinations in the Bicol region’s gateway, its islands, falls and rivers surprise travelers beyond island-hopping and beach bumming.
Catandunganon River
The town’s Catandunganon River, just a several minutes boat ride from the mainland port, is slowly carving its name as an eco and agritourism site for its vast 90-hectare mangrove forest.
The mangrove forest was a sleepy, unmanned area before being wholly protected by the government six years ago. Most parts of the vast Catandunganon River were neglected fish farms. Mangrove forests were unregulated and were regularly harvested by the locals.
Former Barangay Captain Joseph Arciga, who has witnessed how the river and the mangroves have been overlooked for years, says locals tend to harvest the mangroves for coal production so they can augment their daily income.
He underscores how important it is to educate the locals on the preservation of natural resources for their own long-term benefit.
“Mahirap po kung hindi ma-preserve ‘yung lugar. Ngayon, gumawa kami ng paraan para maipakita ang kahalagahan ng mangrove area. [It is hard to preserve the place. This time, we have come up with a way to demonstrate the importance of the mangrove].”
The local government reached out to the fisherfolks and spread awareness on how to protect the area, as well as make a living out through the implementation of fishery and breeding programs. They put up nets to shelter mangroves and its diverse marine life.
Mangroves play a major role in economic development as it contributes to food and social security and, thus, uplifting the lives of locals.
The mangrove is not only a sustainable source of income. As Arciaga points out, they also serve as coastal defense for environmental hazards, such as erosion, flooding, hurricanes, storms and tsunamis. Furthermore, the mangrove forests guard coral reefs and sea grass meadows.
With the help of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the mangrove forest is now being regulated by the local government through an ordinance banning the harvest of mangroves.
The plan is in line with the Millennium Development Goals of the Camarines Norte province, under the upland development projects where unproductive fishponds are reforested.
In 2012 its rehabilitation paved the way for the mangrove forest to be declared as a sanctuary and as a source of livelihood for the locals.
Today, 10 of the 90-hectare mangrove forest are protected and named as the Cantadunganon Mangrove and Mud Crab Sanctuary.
“Ngayon nakikita na ng mga tao na pwedeng may pagkakitaan sila [Now, the locals beginning to see how they can have a livelihood.] Arciga adds.”
While ecotourism is being highlighted, Mercedes eyes to promote agritourism within the sanctuary. The town has a lot of plans for Barangay Catandunganon’s protected area and as an added attraction, the river also offers visitors a sneak peak of the local living.
Passing through the river, tourists can view the 30-year-old stairway from the old port of the barangay. A bamboo walkway going to the entrance sanctuary is in the works for easier access.
Mud crabs, scientific name Scylla serrata, are known to inhabit in rivers lined with mangroves. These crabs, usually dark brown in color, prefer living in the soft, muddy bottom, just below the tide. They can grow as big as 25 cms. Aside from crabs, prawns, shrimps and fishes also thrive in the area.
With the help of the locals, visitors can experience catching mud crabs while kayaking, or boating around the vast mangrove forest, as part of the river tour. After the activity, while waiting for some cooked mud crabs to be served, visitors can also get to taste Catandunganon’s best rice coffee and rice cakes.
Bird watching at dusk
Aside from the mud crab harvest, the river tour also provides an opportunity to watch some migratory birds. On the way back to the mainland port, there is a part of the Catandunganon River where people can do bird watching from afternoon until dusk.
If you are lucky, you can get to witness thousands of migratory birds covering up the skies, batches as they seek refuge in Barangay Catandunganon’s forest.
According to Kevin Mel Pastor of the Mercedes Tourism office, these migratory birds prefer the Catandunganon forest during nighttime for its peaceful and quiet environment.
During the day, the birds fly around different neighboring towns, such as Basud and Daet. The migratory bird species seen in the area were Bittern, Kentish Plover, Cattle Egret and Brahminy Kite. Some associated birds like Maya-Maya, White Collared Kingfisher, Sunbirds and Fantail were also spotted.
The Philippines’ natural attractions are already given and Mercedes is not an exception to this. With the marine ecosystem of this beautiful town slowly carving a name as one of its destinations, this just proves that tourism can work both for the locals and the environment.
Image credits: Ramir G. Cambiado