About the Story

Doon Po Sa Amin, May Bukal ng Kagandahan at Tagumpay (Bogac: The Spring of Beauty and Triumph) is the official entry of Barobo National High School to the Doon Po Sa Amin, Ano ang Kwento Mo?- Year 2.

Brief Historical Background

The Bogac Cold Spring, with crystal- clear and chilling water has been significantly part of the lives of Barobohanons since the dawn of Barobo’s civilization. According to the local historians, people from different parts of the country (mostly fishermen) came through the Talisay channel connecting to Barobo river until they found Bogac and two other bodies of water nearby. These found bounty of the place seemed to be a strong invitation for them to settle.

When there was no stable water system yet, Bogac served as the main source of potable water as well as an area for bath and laundry.

Bogac and the People

The spring has been significantly part of the lives of every Barobohanon. Swimming there is a family affair. It is where children learn and start to love swimming. From this humble story, children even in elementary level become athlete swimmers. Most of the elementary athletes, after graduation continue their secondary at Barobo National High School (BNHS) in order to pursue their dream to become a successful swimmer.

With an effective training team, BNHS is able to produce good swimmers since 1990's, making their way to the Palarong Pambansa. After graduation, most of them who come from poor families are able to avail scholarship to universities in Davao, Cebu and Manila. Some of them are able to compete abroad, even to the SEA games. During vacation, they go home nostalgic to Bogac cold spring from which they owe a lot. It is considered as a local treasure giving pride and honor to every Barobohanon.

The Bloggers’ Cry

In early 90s, Barobo lost one of its treasures- the majestic Macopa River. It was located right at the heart of the town. Now, concrete pavement of the barangay gymnasium serves as tombstone of a dead body of nature.

This video blog is the battle cry of the research group in order to help preserve the threatened Bogac Cold Spring. The videos published in this site will serve as a living reminder to the people that everyone has to take action before it’s too late.

Promotion and Sustainability

Community Profile

Municipality: Barobo

Area: 25, 590 hectares

Population: 34, 558

Density: 5.24/km2

Average yearly temperature: 24.63C

Average annual rainfall: 429.89 mm

No. of Barangays: 22

Province: Surigao del Sur

Region: Region XIII (CARAGA)

Barobo lies in the central part of the province of Surigao del Sur. It is located between 8'34'00" and 8'25'00" latitude and 125'59"00 and 126'22'4" longitude. It is bounded on the north by Lianga Bay and the municipality of Lianga, on the south by the municipality of Tagbina, on the southeast by the municipality of Hinatuan, on the east by the Pacific Ocean, and on the west by the province of Agusan del Sur.

It has total land area of 25, 590 hectares. It is linked by a national road to the provincial capital of Tandag, Surigao del Sur of 103 kilometers and the gateway to the regional center of CARAGA in Butuan City of 107 kilometers.

15, 000 hectars of its total land is used for the tourism industry with declared tourist destinations namely, Turtle Island, Kabgan Island, Vanishing Islet, Pongpong Resort, Pagbutuanan Cave, Bogac Spring, Bito Lagoon, and  Dapdap Beach Resorts.

A native Barobohanon speaks Kamayo, a minor language spoken in the area of Barobo and also in Bislig City, San Agustin and Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, in the Southern Philippines. It has 7,565 speakers (2000, WCD). The dialect known as "kamayo" varies from one municipality to another - Lingiganons are quite different from other municipalities on the way they speak the Kamayo language.