CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – An undiscovered place, which lies in the uplands of Baikingon Barangay, is just about to be the next big thing in the city’s touristic attractions for lovers of nature and thrill seekers. Bungkalalan River has been officially declared by the City Council as a promising destination for eco-adventure tourism, with its rich natural assets and great economic prospects for locals.

The assessment conducted by Councillor Joyleen Mercedes Balaba indicates that the river is indeed ideal for many different water activities. These activities range from trekking the river, kayaking, bamboo rafting, swimming, and even bird watching, along with educational tours that may be undertaken. The overall objective behind this activity is to come up with an alternative option to the traditional sightseeing method of tourism, thereby making the place an active classroom for people to understand the biodiversity.

Livelihoods at the Core of the Plan

The project has been viewed more than just a tourist attraction; it is considered the lifeline of the community. As Balaba pointed out, “Developing the river as an eco-tourism site could generate new livelihood opportunities for residents,” The concept has been crafted to boost small-scale enterprises and involve the community, ensuring that the economic gains generated by the tourism sector reach those who work hard to maintain the integrity of the river. Balaba’s dream is that the destination will be used as an example where economics and conservation coexist.

A River with Local Roots

The drive for development began through a presentation given to the tourism committee of the council during December 2025 by the chairperson of barangay Baikingon, Ronello Gumapac. During the presentation, he emphasized on a five-kilometer long section of the river where the water flow is not too fast, making it suitable for kayaking activities. The idea of adding a personal touch was achieved by Councilor George Christopher Goking who chairs the trade and commerce committee. According to the councilor, he has had previous experience with the area since he used it as a subject of his college thesis.

With the expansion and diversification of tourism in Cagayan de Oro from just the whitewater rafting activity, the Bungkalalan River serves as a tangible symbol of the city’s unwavering dedication to development that is both sustainable and driven community-driven growth.