San Roque: The Guimaras You Never Knew

The rugged coastline of Brgy. San Roque, Nueva Valencia is framed by verdurous bushes staring out towards the sea riddled with alluring islets. It was a balmy day and we were all set for an island hopping tour and the Suba Malawig mangrove eco-tour in this unassuming community.

The placid sea of San Roque is punctuated by charming islets.

Based on records (McEldowney, 1996), the history of San Roque traces its roots from the Segovia family hailing from Iloilo. Barangay San Roque is said to be formerly called Sitio Nabinbinan – a part of Brgy. Salvacion.  It was delineated in 1947 and was named San Roque – the Patron Saint of Rice. The naming of the barangay was headed by Ginobiba Felomine. In 1962, Ganson’s Bill was passed and San Roque was finally established as a barangay.

“5,411 hectares of San Roque’s coastal environment are protected,” revealed Kagawad Norabelle Geraldoy, as we cruised around the mangrove forest framing the emerald green river. “The massive oil spill in August 2006 heavily damaged the biodiversity of the ecosystem here and affected our livelihoods. I remember we had to clean each stem of the mangroves with foam to absorb the oil. Then we decided to plant more mangroves.”

Mangroves fringe Suba Malawig,home to a staggering range of biodiversity.

Over the years, their efforts have paid off. Today, the community-based rural tourism (CBRT) program of San Roque in Nueva Valencia is expected to draw in more tourists. Guimaras is now aggressively promoting 6 sustaining programs composed of eco-tourism, heritage tours and agri-tourism in largely uncharted barangays.

The main advantage of San Roque over its much more visited neighbors is its remoteness, a solitude born out of the lack of paved roads to the mainland. Because it is far less developed, wildlife still thrives in many areas.

Swim, snorkel or simply laze on the powdery white sand.

“We also have tamilok or shipworms (Teredinidae) – marine bivalve mollusks with long, soft naked bodies that bore into wood immersed in seawater like the mangroves – famous in Palawan as exotic food –usually eaten raw and marinated with vinegar and lime juice. However, we don’t eat them here, as we are not used to its taste,” explained Norabelle. “But we do serve delicious imbao shell dishes to tourists”.

After the Suba Malawig eco-tour, our flatboat headed to the sea. Pocket beaches sandwiched between headlands greeted us along the way. Rock formations, such as Bato Atay and Bato Baboy – that are continually shaped by nature – also punctuate the placid waters.  If you plan to stay overnight at any of the beaches here – like Pinabaywan Islet, Isla Miguel, Isla Margarita or Sto. NiñoBeach – swimming and snorkeling are great ways to while away languid hours. But for those looking to immerse in the bucolic lifestyle of Brgy.San Roque, a homestay experience –for only Php 200 per head – is highly recommended.

Guimaras produces some of the world’s sweetest mangoes.

Indeed, Guimaras is not only home to the world’s sweetest mangoes, but it also overflows with earthly paradises that lure pleasure seekers and adventure travelers.