Bucari

Bucari is a barangay in the municipality of Leon, Iloilo, Philippines. It is a popular tourist destination in the province known for its cool climate and highland attractions, and often regarded as the summer capital of Iloilo and "little Baguio."

The term "Bucari" also refers to the broader area, which include 15 barangays in Leon (including Bucari itself) and 7 barangays in Alimodian (known as ''Seven Cities''). The area has been declared a special economic zone for tourism and ecological enterprises.

Geography

Bucari is located from the town center of Leon and from Iloilo City. It is bordered by several neighboring areas: Barangay Camandag to the north, Barangay Bacolod to the northeast, Barangay Maliao to the east, Barangay Tagsing to the southeast, Barangay Cawilihan to the south, Barangay Cagay to the southwest, and Barangay Panpanan II of San Remigio, Antique, to the west.

Barangay Bucari covers a total land area of , while the Bucari Area, which includes a total of 22 barangays, spans in Leon and in Alimodian, resulting in a combined total of .

Topography

The region features diverse terrain and mountain ridges that are part of the Central Panay mountain range.

The average elevation of the populated mountain ridge is above sea level, surrounding a valley that serves as the catchment area for the Aganan River. The highest point in the region reaches .

Climate

Temperatures in the area typically range from , with occasional dips to during the wind-chill period from December to February.

Demographics

In the 2020 census, the population of Bucari was 1,606 people.

Flora and Fauna

The area is home to diverse fauna, including the Visayan warty pig, various snakes and lizards, hawks, frogs, hornbills, and monkeys. The endemic flora consists of pine trees, narra, teak, bacan, antipolo, hambabalop, mahogany, antosan-dilaw, kultingan, and undergrowth coffee.

Tourist attractions

The Bucari Area features a range of attractions that highlight its natural and cultural significance. Pineridge Bucari is a spa resort that offers health and wellness services, along with climbing and exploration activities. It includes a restaurant with organic and gourmet menus. The Tabionan Reforestation Area covers nearly of 30- to 50-year-old pine trees.

Mansiga Cave, located in Tabionan, requires a descent of about 30 feet (9 meters) down a cliff to access its entrance. Susong Dalaga, or Ambassador Hill, is the highest point along the road to Bucari and features twin peaks. Imoy Falls, at the headwaters of the Aganan River in Barangay Camandag, includes clear waters surrounded by trees and wildflowers.

The Tomas Confesor Marker stands on a hill to commemorate Tomas Confesor, who established the Free Government of Panay and Romblon during World War II. Agua Colonia is a rainforest in Alimodian's Seven Cities. The Farm Terraces in the area demonstrate rich soil suitable for high-value crops.

Bato Duko (or Bato Dungok) is a rock formation resembling Pico de Loro, and Manipuron Hill in Barangay Tugaslon provides views of the plains and Iloilo City. Maslog Waterfalls are located in Barangay Lico, featuring a series of mini waterfalls within a forest.

Ibagat Spring offers mineral spring water in Alimodian, and Putting Bato in Barangay Cabacanan-Rizal is a large stone associated with local legend. The Umingan Plateau in Barangay Umingan consists of grasslands that blend with the surrounding atmosphere. Tinagong Danao, situated between Barangay Dao and Barangay Umingan, is known for its quest for hidden treasures, while Taruc Hills in Barangay Tabug provide scenic views and exploration opportunities.

Local farmers in the area cultivate a variety of vegetables, including asparagus, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, baguio beans, sayote, eggplant, and carrots, as well as fruits such as strawberries, mangoes, and bananas. Rice is grown in terraced fields. Currently, part of the area has been developed into a mountain resort, and future plans include the conversion of additional land into a national park and botanical garden.

References

External links

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Barangays of Iloilo
Tourist attractions in Iloilo
Mountain resorts in the Philippines
Geography of Iloilo