By Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Are the mountains of New Zealand included in your bucket list of places to visit? Travel restrictions and budget. These are some of the reasons why we can’t tick this out of our wish list.

But wait, worry no more because the region, particularly in the vast mountains of Columbio, Sultan Kudarat Province hides a crest we are dreaming of. Tagged by many as the New Zealand of the region, La Palmera Mountain Ridge is located in Barangay Sucob and offers not only a scenic view but a refreshing feeling of being close to nature.

Lauro Domondon, Jr., the municipality’s Local Economic Investment and Promotions Officer (LEIPO) noted that the town has wide hectares of mountain ranges. La Palmera alone, according to him, covers at least 500 hectares of land.

The cogonal ridge is an apple to the eye of tourists particularly those who spend their time in the busy streets of the city. Domondon noted, the place offers the best view when cogon grasses are fresh and when these equally cover the rolling mountains.

Domondon said the ridge may feature two different seasons. The green season is when the cogon grasses are fresh and the brown season when the lushy grasses withered.

Aside from sight-seeing, one can go walking through the trail of the ridge as well as stargazing at night while being serenaded by crickets, cicadas, or katydids.  Further, you can catch the fiery skies in the afternoon once the sun sets itself goodbye.

The place’s tourism value trended in July this year following the exploration conducted by the local government unit. The La Palmera Mountain Ridge is not only a proof that Columbio’s tourism is world-class but also an evidence that the peace and order situation has improved a lot.

“Nakakatakot yan na lugar before because zone by the bandits talaga pero nung sinimulan namin magkaroon ng cooperatives and then tumulong yung landbank, nagpautang para mataniman ng palms yung area, doon nagstart ang kabuhayan tao,” Domondon stated.

Aside from boosting the municipality’s economy, the tourist site is providing employment to the B’laan tribe in the community. Particularly, the tourist destination is helpful for the living of ‘skylab’ drivers. Domondon said, at present, there are 800 ‘skylabs’ available in the entire Columbio to ferry visitors who don’t have vehicles. According to him, the drivers will be organized to ensure that tourists are handled by accredited individuals.

After closing the tourist spot due to the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 and thorough planning on the measures to properly facilitate arrival of tourists, the La Palmera Mountain Ridge reopened on September 1, 2020. This is to boost economy and help the residents gain income after being affected of the pandemic. To control tourist arrival, only 300 visitors are allowed per day through booking system. The local government unit is also strictly implementing the mandated health protocols against COVID-19.

Domondon noted that the potential to market the tourist destinations of Columbio, particularly the mountain ridge, is good. “Columbio is bounded by four provinces. Tulunan of North Cotabato, Datu Paglas of Maguindanao, Koronadal of South Cotabato, Tampakan of South Cotabato, then we have Matanao and Magsaysay (Davao del Sur),” he stated adding that more steps are needed to be done to ensure that tourists from these areas will be able to enjoy their visit.

The LEIP officer also emphasized that the LGU is planning to create tourism packages so tourists will be able to see as well the water wonders of the town. Columbio is also home to majestic waterfalls and rivers.

Amid these natural resources, Domondon emphasized the LGU, through the leadership of Mayor Edwin Bermudez, is giving premium focus to the indigenous people of the municipality. Columbio is home to B’laan tribe and their living tradition adds color to tourism. He noted, priority projects for culture and the arts are set to be implemented once the pandemic is over. The officer said, they are taking one step a time to realize the plans for a #ColumViewTiful experience Columbio has to offer.