My first visit to Dipolog in 2004 gave me a very good impression of the city. I just knew it would soar high before long, thanks to its melting pot of various indigenous cultures plus the abundance of natural resources.

I recently returned to the city to participate in the 97th Araw ng Dipolog, which was held last June 23–July 1, and was amazed by the various improvements and profusion of attractions. Dipolog has even been awarded as one of the best cities in the country by the Asian Institute of Management. The good governance of Mayor Evelyn T. Uy surely played a huge part in transforming Dipolog into one of the country’s top-performing small cities.

From the Top Plaza Hotel where I was billeted, several of the city’s tourist attractions are in close proximity.

I first went to the 3,003 Steps to Linabo Peak, Dipolog’s highest elevation point at 486 meters above sea level. Punctuated by the 14 Stations of the Cross and verdant trees, the way up is quite a workout, but is definitely worth it once you are on top where a community chapel and a spectacular view of Dipolog and Dapitan are available.

I then dropped by Goodtimes Café & Art Gallery, a private mini-park and restaurant. The two-storey ancestral house is home to numerous artwork collections, from chinaware and figurines to papier mache masks and oddly shaped driftwood. They also have a garden where the Kapilya Juliana is located, plus the Galeria Indolencio at the yard, which houses artworks by several Dipolog artists.

Nearby is the P’gsalabuk Circle/Rotunda, an interpretation of Dipolog today. Statues representing the Tri-people of Mindanao dot the place. Standing at almost 4.5 meters in height and made of resin, these figures are symbolic of the people of Dipolog – diverse yet united. The statues raise a bowl to the heavens, a gesture of thanksgiving and offering to God.

ECO-EFFORTS

The city is also aware of the great need to take better care of the environment and make sure that the city plays a part in preserving it.

For example, there is a project called the Seawall & Foreshore development, which aims to protect the shoreline. This project was conceptualized to rehabilitate the existing seawall and protect the Dipolog Boulevard from the effects of the waves of the Sulu Sea. With an open area consisting of 16,000 sq. m. to be constructed, plus a promenade area that will extend to approximately 8,700 sq. m., the site is perfect for walkers, joggers, and those who just want to relax.

And then there is the Cogon Ecotourism Complex, Dipolog’s premier ecological destination attracting both local and foreign nature enthusiasts. Part of the complex is the Cogon Eco-Tourism Park that has a 40-hectare natural forest containing at least 10 documented rare fauna species. Apart from the Aviary, also near the park is a replica of a typical Subanen village. Visitors can witness traditional Subanen dances and rituals being performed here, plus Subanen women demonstrating the art of weaving baskets and other novelty items using mostly nito vines. Also found

in the complex is the Sungkilaw Falls with its cool, cascading waters. Where nature is at its best, the complex – which offers camping, trail-trekking, bush-walking, rappelling, swimming, and Tyrolean traverse – is perfect for action- and adventure-seekers.

THE COUNTRY’S BOTTLED SARDINES CAPITAL

The city is also dubbed the "Bottled Sardines Capital of the Philippines." According to Stephen Montano of Montano Sardines, which has a factory in Dipolog, the city has an abundant supply of herring fish or malangsi, which is very cheap. "Fresh bangus is also available any time of the year," he says.

BUT WHY BOTTLED INSTEAD OF CANNED?

For starters, the technology for production is available anytime, and manpower is at all times on standby to do the jobs involved. As compared to canned sardines, bottled ones also have the edge of being perceived as "classy," thus enjoying an established market as a pasalubong item. To top it all off, the bottled sardines industry requires only a minimal capital at the start. Hence, it is affordable to everyone who wants to venture into this business. In fact, the increase in the number of registered manufacturers attests to the fact that the market demand for the product is strong and, more importantly, has not shown any sign of decline.

Dipolog has been dubbed as the gateway to Western Mindanao but this is definitely not the only thing it has access to. Great tourist attractions rich in culture and history, an impressive ecotourism complex – even bottles of scrumptious sardines – the peaceful city of Dipolog has easy access to all these, too.