As part of a side trip during one of our Trails to Empower Kids (TREK) missions, we ventured into two of Iloilo’s best-kept secrets - Mari-it Wildlife Conservation Park and Montillano Falls in Lambunao.

TREK, a volunteer group focused on providing assistance to children in remote communities, likes to include local tourism in our missions.

Wherever we go, we also take the opportunity to explore local attractions, combining our humanitarian efforts with the appreciation of the rich culture and natural wonders of the areas we visit. It was also moment to recharge after our TREK mission.

On this mission, we made a stop at Mari-it Wildlife Conservation Park in Lambunao, a hidden gem of biodiversity in the Philippines. 

The park serves as a safe haven for some of the country’s rarest and most endangered species. Its name, Mari-it, comes from an indigenous belief that nature is inhabited by taglugar, or nature spirits.

It is home to animals like the Usa Pamitun-on (Visayan Spotted Deer), the flagship species for biodiversity conservation on Panay Island. 

It also houses the Dulongan (Visayan Writhed Hornbill), the second most critically endangered hornbill in the world, along with the Tirik (Visayan Tariktik Hornbill), another endangered species.

One of my personal favorites, the maral (Visayan leopard cat), which has been listed as vulnerable, is also here. making the conservation efforts even more critical. Other species like the Baboy-Talunon (Visayan Warty Pig) and various species of cloud rats also find refuge here.

Managed by West Visayas State University’s College of Agriculture and Forestry, the park is a leading conservation center in the Visayas. 

Beyond the wildlife, the park boasts spectacular landscapes that include a diversity of unspoiled habitats and ecosystems. These natural sanctuaries are home to unique, and often ancient, trees that cannot be found anywhere else in Iloilo, adding to the park’s allure as a vital conservation site.

After our visit to Mari-it, we continued on to Montillano Falls, a short trek away. The journey itself was a treat, with scenic forest views and the sound of rushing water guiding us to the falls. 

Montillano Falls is a beautiful cascade tucked into the heart of Lambunao, with a natural pool at the bottom perfect for a refreshing dip.

Lambunao, according to our friends from the town, is home to around 70 waterfalls and many of which remained unexplored.

Visiting places like Mari-it Wildlife and Montillano Falls allows us to enjoy nature's beauty while also supporting TREK's mission to help communities and protect the environment. By exploring and backing conservation efforts, we contribute to a thriving future for both the communities and the children we serve.