UNIQUE. Unlike any waterfalls in the Philippines, the water of Asik-asik spring falls simply gushes out from rock formations that are covered with grasses. From a distance, this unique site found in Dado village, Alamada town, Cotabato Province, looks like large green curtains. (davaotoday.com photo by Alex D. Lopez)
Unlike most other waterfalls, not a river or any body of water exists above it. The water simply gushes out from rock formations in a cliff at the edge of a hill. A great portion of the cliff is covered with grasses resembling large green curtains.
By ALEX D. LOPEZ
Davao Today
ALAMADA, Cotabato, Philippines — The rare spring fall Asik-asik in Cotabato that is touted for healing powers is now open to the public.
The provincial government has constructed a road network towards the site of the spring falls, where compared before, vehicles can now reach the camp site.
Asik which means sprinkle in Ilonggo is located in the Ilongg0-dominated village of Dado in Alamada town, particularly in Sitio (subvillage) Dulao.
Unlike most other waterfalls, not a river or any body of water exists above it. The water simply gushes out from rock formations in a cliff at the edge of a hill. A great portion of the cliff is covered with grasses resembling large green curtains.
The clean and fresh water that falls from Asik-asik down to a river below is so cold that visitors could drink from it. Some believe that the water has healing powers.
Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, who graced its opening last week, has declared the site as “among the best tourist destinations in the province.”
Locals have started visiting the place early this year when news spread about its discovery. Other stories such as the cure of illnesses upon drinking the spring falls’ water added to the curiosity of visitors who flocked Dado, Alamada in an almost daily basis.
But the provincial and local government closed the place from visitors in July this year to pave way for the rehabilitation of the road network, the construction of steps leading to the falls and training of workers and staff tasked to oversee and maintain the site’s environment.
Taliño-Mendoza said that in a period of two and a half months, one million-peso (USD 23,913) worth of fuel was consumed by the equipment utilized to construct the road network towards the spring falls’ site.
Alamada town Mayor Bartolome Lataza expressed gratitude to the provincial government for extending 1.5 million pesos (USD 35,870) to develop the infrastructure requirement of Asik-asik.
To visit Asik-asik, one must travel to Alamada Poblacion. From there, the site is more or less 20 kilometers. Passenger jeeps are always available up to Dado village proper.
As part of its eco-tourism initiatives, the local government organized a number of habal-habal (motorcycle) drivers who will ply from Dato to Asik-asik where a huge pavilion was built to accommodate guests and visitors.
From the pavilion, the walk starts down to Asik-asik passing through the newly concreted 375 steps and another non-concrete 245 steps. One has to pass through a total of 620 steps to finally reach and experience its charm, beauty and mystery. (Alex D. Lopez/davaotoday.com)
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