SAPANG UGA PART 1: THE BEGINNING OF THE LONG WALK

The blue line is the route of the river and the red bold dot indicates the wide reservoir type or swamp.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tabogon,+Cebu/
(I screenshot and blue-penciled this picture from the link cited above.)

Here in Tabogon, I have managed to travel for over 4 kilometers tracing the route of this Sapang Uga. Heading from Barangay Somosa connecting to Barangay San Isidro, to Barangay Sambag, to Barangay Manlagtang, to Barangay Combado and ending up to Barangay Camoboan which is already at seaside.

With tens of blind curves, ups and downs, narrows and broad drainages, small and large stones along the way, come with me as we walk through the wide and quite spectacular view along the Sapang Uga.

Sapang Uga (Dry River). This is what it called for rivers which flow only during certain periods of time, usually after heavy rainfall, but then dry up completely during prolonged periods of drought or low rainfall conditions. These rivers play a significant role in various ecosystems, both ecologically as well as geographically, despite being temporary in nature.

Firstly, dry rivers are essential for the survival of various plant and animal species since these rivers also serve as a source of nutrients for the surrounding vegetation, which helps in the growth and survival of various plant species. Secondly, dry rivers also play a significant role in the geography of the area. These rivers help in the erosion and transportation of sediment, which contributes to the formation of various landforms such as division of lands and small canals. During the dry season, these rivers also help in the transportation of sand and gravel. Lastly, dry rivers also have significant cultural and historical significance.

Me and my buddy started at the head of the river -- Tabay Pading. The river started with two routes, one going to Barangay San Isidro and other is straight to barangay San Vicente. We choose the San Vicente route as it is longer and challenging for us to walk on. We only brought my sundang (bolo)and a stick in case of emergency and snake attacks.

The width is about 12-15 meters and length about 4-5 kilometers approximate. It is so cool there that trees are very leafy and grasses are flowering at the riverside while birds are singing and wind blows in suspense like there are animals ready to hunt us. Along the way, we witness small and large white stones which are very good to be use as landscaping for gardens and lawns. We also witness large trees with strong old roots covered with ferns and fungi. There is also evidence of history as rock forms into layers of various rock types. I have remembered about our lesson in sedimentary rocks that moment. We also saw sweet potato farm near the river, green tree lizards (tabili) and various species of birds.

The feeling of freedom, fresh air, nice smell of leaves, cool surrounding, sweet sound of the wind and the chirping of birds makes me alive alright. Feels like free of problems and disturbances. Has anyone of you felt moments like this? Just me and the Earth oh yeah.

See you in part 2.