Malay Ecological Park

Category: Significant Immovable Heritage
District of Malay

Background Information

Photo Credit By: Francis C. Sinel June 23, 2023

A. Type:	[ ] Plaza [ ] Archeological Site	[ /] Park [ ] Heritage Landscape	[ ] Street [ ] Heritage Waterscape
	[ ] Cemetery [ ] Sports Complex	[ ] Burial Site [ ] Pilgrimage Site	[ ] Railway System [ ] Other _________________________
B. Ownership	[ /] Pubic	[ ] Private

C. Address/ Location/ Coordinates (Longitude & Latitude): Argao, Malay, Aklan

D. Area:It has a total area of 8, 640 square meters and 35 meters inclined. It is a scenic place where you can overview the island of Boracay.

E. Year Constructed/ Estimated Age: 97

F. OwnershipP/ Jurisdiction: Public under Local Government Unit of Malay

G. Declaration/ Legislation: The Malay municipality is the lawful owner with tax declaration 17-12-002-00387.

Description

Physical Description

Malay Ecological Park is an 8,640 square-meter sloped rural eco-tourism site situated in Barangay Argao, approximately 65 steps to climb. It is a steep place with a flat top that is encircled by stunning natural features like mountains, the sea, rivers, and rice paddies. You can see the islands of Boracay, Caluya, Mindoro, Tablas, Sibuyan, and Carabao Island, from the top of the tree home. In general, it is a good location for both international and local tourists.

History of the Site

The former site of Argao Elementary School is now known as the Malay Ecological Park. Golden-hearted individuals founded the school in the barangay in 1926 so that students wouldn't have a long trek to get to Buruanga. Many students who attended the school went on to have prosperous careers. However, the teachers' and students' stay in the previous location did not last due to the teachers' inability to climb the school's steep stairs while pregnant, as well as the refusal of pupils to enroll in school. The government-funded a program and the opening of schools in nearby barangays like Cubay and Caticlan.

From 1977 to 2013, the former Argao Elementary School was known as Argao Primary School. This location was long abandoned, but in the late 1990s, the barangay rehabilitated it and turned it into an ecological park, making it a popular Malay tourist destination. The Malay local government unit is currently in charge of it, and visitors can still come and go whenever they choose.

Stories Associated with the Site

The Malay Ecological Park offers young people an abundance of positive experiences and stories. Every afternoon, they play hide-and-seek, chase each other, and eat local fresh fruits like "eomboy" (duhat), "kueonakon", guava, mango, santol, and many others. Additionally, some families go on picnics when the weather is nice, and couples go on dates every afternoon. The Malay Ecological Park is the ideal location for individuals who prefer to meditate alone. Furthermore, visitors may view many kinds of butterflies that are raised by individuals who look after them.

The Malay Ecological Park also provided translations of a number of terrifying and amazing tales, including engkanto, mga bulalakaw, dwendi, agta, kapre, kama kama, and aswang. It is believed that engkanto and bulalakaw reside in the large Balete tree and other nearby old trees, where they're able to play and interact with locals. According to legend, the bulalakaw is a winged fairy with long fair hair that appears with both good and bad news. There might be a bountiful grain harvest and a plentiful fish catch in the sea, or there might be a flood, a catastrophe, or even death.

Additionally, due to this area's elevated position, residents fled here during World War II when the Japanese invaded Malay because they could see the harbor on the shore. The Malay Ecological Park was later included in the list of the seven wonders of Malay under the control of the Department of Tourism because of the growth of Malay tourism and the identification of Boracay Island as one of the most stunning and popular tourist destinations in the world. Tourists from both domestic and foreign countries have until now visited.

Significance

Historical

One of the oldest schools in Malay, it was also the hideout of the ancient Argao people during the Second World War because of its high location.

Aesthetic

This area has a view deck or tree house that overlooks Boracay Island, attractive bamboo platforms, a garden swing, a large area of carabao grass that makes a great backdrop, the famous 65-step entrance staircase, a water fountain, and a fish pond.

Economic

Developed as the main tourist destination in Malay, which opened up employment opportunities and brought income into the barrio and town of Malay.

Social

Visited by locals and foreigners, day camp, prenuptial shoots and wedding venues, friends or family outings, outdoor office for a day, study place, and many more.

Political

Held by meetings and gatherings of political parties and other events related to politics.

Spiritual

Perfect for nature healing, yoga and meditation, recollections, and other spiritual activities.

Conservation

Status/ Condition of the Site

Currently, it is properly taken care of and well maintained by LGU Malay to continue the operation of the ecological park, there are employees assigned here to clean and take care of butterflies, and also take care of plants.

[ / ] In good condition

[ ] deteriorated

[ ] ruins

Remarks:

Integrity if Site

[ / ] altered [ ] unaltered

Remarks: The former Argao Elementary School site was turned into a Malay Ecological site.

Constraints/ Threats/ Issue

When it fails to receive priority and attention, particularly when it comes to the budget from the local leaders' Local Government Unit, it will be returned to the area that was previously abandoned.

Conservation Measures

The local government and community are carefully organizing and working together for the conservation of the Malay Ecological Park, especially the structures and plants that have a great relationship with the rich history and culture of the area. The local government allocates a large amount of funds for the continued operation of the Malay Ecological Park which will serve as a resting place and rich in knowledge.

List of Significant Flora, Fauna and Heritage Structure

1. Eomboy (Duhat tree) - 100 years old

2. Molave tree - 100 years old

3. Leatherback Sea turtle - 50-70 years old