Subangan museum as DavOr's newest attraction

The provincial government of Davao Oriental, under Gov.Cora Malanyaon, has officially opened the sophisticated museum called Subangan installed at the capital town of Davao Oriental - Mati City.

The museum showcases photos, videos, relics and documents that all manifest the culture and historical

information of the province. It also highlights the skeletal display of a 53-feet ( in length) Sperm Whale that was found in the shores of Governor Generoso on 2010. Accordingly, it took them years to assemble this 7th largest sperm whale in the world.

“It allows one to experience the breath-taking beauty of its natural wonders - the glorious cascading waters of Aliwagwag falls, the amazing pygmy forest and biodiversity sanctuary of Mount Hamiguitan Range, varied crystal waterfalls, pristine white sand beaches, verdant green islands, mysterious caves, and, tranquil rivers and lakes,” Malanyaon said.

Subangan is now officially opened for public viewing after it was inaugurated by the local government officials together with the Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Art Boncato and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid last January 8, 2014.

Subangan means "East". I have first encountered this word from the provincial hymn ,composed by my grandmother's first cousin, Lolo Dioscoro Vicentino, entitled "Banwa Kaw na Madayaw" which defines Davao Oriental is located at the point where the sun shines. This word has been close to my heart since I took college in Davao City because of our ambitious plan before to create an online magazine that promotes Davao Oriental together with my friend/classmate Daisy Jane Banugan ,who is now the 1st councilor in Caraga, Davao Oriental, using the same word - Subangan.

The plan wasn't pushed through because of the limited resources we only had before but I think it's futile for us to push it now that the provincial government has taken over the way using the same word. I am personally glad to know that at last the provincial government is now considering the ecosystem as vital part in the growth of this promising province - Davao Oriental.

Watch the walk-through video of the museum taken by a local media Nathaniel Quiñones known as 'Birador' and see how interactive the exhibits are.