It seems there are several title holders for the “cleanest inland body of water” in the Philippines. The good thing about this is it shows how many natural clean bodies of water we have. Bugang River in Pandan, Antique was the first I know to have the title through the Gawad Pangulo ng Kapaligiran. There’s also Lake Apo for Northern Mindanao. Cantingas River in San Fernando, Sibuyan Island in Romblon add to this merry list of clean bodies of water in the country.
Cantingas River Resort
Upon setting sight of the river from afar as we approached the Cantingas River Resort, we were awed by its crystal clear and inviting turquoise waters. The river resort is located at Baranggay Taclobo, 4km away from the town proper and half a kilometer away from the national road. I liked the controlled development of the resort with only some well-paved platforms and pathways leading to the multi-leveled diving platforms. Nothing else so everything still looks natural.
It was unfortunate we only had a short time to enjoy the Cantingas river during our visit. I was only able to dip my feet and legs momentarily as I took pictures. It was fun seeing the locals enjoy the river. Jumping from different levels or simply swimming and wading on the river. Climbing up the stairs of the diving platform offers a nice vantage point of the meandering river as if coming from the slopes of Mt Conico.
Renewable Energy and Water Source
Aside from the wonderful scenery, Cantingas River is the source of 90% of Sibuyan island’s electrical power. Fifteen minutes away from the resort is a natural hydropower plant. Generating up to 900 kilowatts of power to around 57,000 electric users on the island since 2010.
Aside from providing power, the Cantingas River is also the source of drinking water on the island. Locals even drink and refill their containers from the river itself.
I kind of envy the Sibuyanons for having natural wonders such as the Cantingas River in their backyard. Not only can the locals enjoy the clean and refreshing river, but they also benefit from the river by providing clean energy and mineral-rich drinking water.
Cantingas River Resort entrance is P 20/ person.
For a tour of the river and other attractions of Sibuyan Island, connect with Bayay Sibuyanon at their FB page https://www.facebook.com/BayaySibuyanon/
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
