Initao, Misamis Oriental

Initao National Park

It’s known as “Lasang” which means Woods in English. I have heard a lot of stories about the place; mostly grotesque tales from the past that made the place seemed haunted to some people. Lasang had once a hospital that has made the place a limelight setting for frightening stories.

The place, lies along the highway of Misamis Oriental province. It is located amidst two municipalities- Initao and Libertad, bordered by Baranggay Tubigan and Gimaylan respectively. The 50.58 hectares forest   is thrived by endangered species such flying lemur, monitor lizards, seal-fin lizards, fowls known as megapodes, long-tail macaque monkeys, nose-split bats and tarsier. There are also century old tress such as mahogany, narra and talisay. The unique landscape has cliffs for diving and 30 caves housing stalagmites and stalactites. The 1.240 hectare marine water has been a home to hawksbill marine turtle different species of fish and coral reefs.

Lasang gained recognition since Manuel Quezon’s presidency under Under Proclamation No. 66 when lasang proclaimed as “Initao Forest Reserve” on June 16, 1936. Succeeding late President Sergio Osmeña changed the name of “Initao Forest Reserve” to “Initao National Park” under REPUBLIC ACT NO. 3568 on June 23, 1963, along with the two hundred thousand pesos sum of money to improve the place. Later, former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo proclaimed the park as Initao-Libertad Protected Landscape and Seascape on September 16, 2002 under the Republic Act 7586. 

Last 2010, 10 million pesos was poured to the park to establish the Lasang Secret Adventure project. The sum of money launched the five-span canopy walk, 80-foot spiral staircase, 100-meter boardwalk, 100-meter zip-line, function room and restaurant. More amenities are yet to come.

We are forever grateful to our leaders for transforming the once commonly known as haunted Lasang to a utopia. Now, it provides the perfect spot for spelunking, rappelling, swimming, snorkeling, bird watching, jogging, biking, and trekking are just few of the activities for people.