PROFILE

Bandila-an is located at the center of the island province of Siquijor. It lies between latitude 9 degrees 18 minutes and 19 seconds and longitude 123 degrees 26 minutes and 5 seconds to 123 degrees 42 minutes and 2 seconds with an elevation between 300 meters above sea level to 557 meters, the highest point on the island.
It has a total area of about 244 hectares which encompasses portions of the municipalities of Lazi (71 has. covering a portion of Brgy. Canga-mantong) and Siquijor (173 has. covering portions of Brgys. Cantabon, Luzong, Canghonog and Cang-agong). Being on top of the island, it is in this area where the headwaters of big rivers emanate.

A provincial road that connects all the 6 municipalities bisects the site. It is approximately 25 kilometers through the municipality of Siquijor from Larena, which is the main port of entry to the island. The major means of transportation in reaching the area is the motorcycle locally called the "Habal-habal". However, public utility vehicles can be availed of by charter or "Pakyaw" basis.

BRIEF HISTORY

The project site covers the entire area of the former Siquijor Reforestation Project, which was established in 1938 through the initiative of the late Lieutenant Governor Sergio Jumawan. The same was under the jurisdiction of Dumaguete city. The site was the first reforestation project on the island and species planted were Benguet Pine, Ayangile, Vidals Lanutanm, Lumbang, etc. Funding of the project was under the Camp and Reforestation Project of Cebu City.
The outbreak of the Second World War had caused great damage to the plantation. The Japanese soldiers burned the vegetation of the area upon knowing that it had been the refuge area of our guerillas. After the war, rehabilitation activities had been made through the Reforestation Administration which later merged with the Bureau of Forest Development (BFD).

FLORA AND FAUNA

The following are some of the important flora and fauna:
Flora: Narra, Ipil, Molave, Kubi, White Lauan, Kalingag, Apitong, Nato, Sagimsim, Teak, Rattan, Hingiw, Bamboo and medicinal/love potion plants used by "Albularios".
Fauna: Pigeons, Jungle fowls, Long-tailed Macaque, Rare butterflies, Leopard Cat, Phil. Woodpecker, Phil. Hanging Parakeet, Phil. Turtle Dove, Monitor Lizard, Owl, etc.

OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST

1. Bandila-an Peak: The highest point on the island with an elevation of 557 meters.

2. Balete View: A unique view of an old balete tree that grows beside the access trail at the periphery of Mt. Bandila-an. Its aerial roots are spreading like a drape of curtains, which change color as the season changes.

3. Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto: A shrine of our Lady of Lourdes, donated by Dra. Cleopatra Abilay of Brgy. Basac, Larena.

4. The Way of the Cross: A 14 station cross constructed along the way to Mt. Bandila-an's Peak, which depicts the way of Jesus Christ to Mt. Calvary.

5. Soil and Water Conservation: A series of gabions constructed along the creeks in Bandila-an to minimize soil erosion and enhance water percolation.

6. Natural Springs: Five Perennial springs have been noted at the foot of Mt. Bandila-an. Two springs have been tapped by the Brgy. Cantabon community and the Bandila-an lodge.

7. Caves: There are 9 caves surrounding the area. The most frequented with visitors are the Cang-anhao Cave and Ambaka-g Baki Cave.

8. Butterfly Sanctuary: An area developed by planting different kinds of butterfly food plants. There are 102 species of butterfly recorded on the island, and the second biggest butterfly in the country can be found in the area. A butterfly enclosure has also been constructed to showcase the butterfly larva and adult stages.  This project ran into some difficulty when Professor Jumalon passed away a few years ago.  We are hoping that the efforts will continue in the future.  However, without funding this project has been abandoned.