Summer is supposedly a great time to travel and explore enthralling places. It provides excitement, amusement, and, even more thrillingly, a sense of adventure. Everyone is undoubtedly looking for some stimulating experience because they are on summer vacation. But, even if it’s not summer and you want to lay low and go to some places to clear your head, Subangan Museum is one of the best places to visit.
Subangan Museum
The Subangan Museum hosts themed exhibitions focused on the natural, cultural, and historical legacy of Davao Oriental. The province’s heritage covers these three facets in three separate sections covered in the museum.
An interactive, cutting-edge museum, the Subangan Museum showcases priceless artifacts, interactive images, realistic statues, informative videos, and vivid textiles. The museum got its name from the Bisayan word Subang, which means “east” or “sunrise.” The Subangan Museum is located in Provincial Tourism Complex, Brgy. Datu Martin Marundan, Mati City, Davao Oriental.
The Exhibits
Subangan Museum shows off numerous more exhibits and presentations. For instance, the Mandaya and Kalagan ethnic groups’ cultures are among the museum’s highlights. Moreover, a display of natural wonders found within the region, like the Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel, are shown on the walls of that National Heritage Section.
There are numerous more exhibits showcased in the museum. The following are some of the things you will find when exploring the historic Subangan Museum.
The Gentle Giant
In 2010, Davor, a 20-ton sperm whale, was found dead along the shores of the municipalities of Governor Generoso and San Isidro. Locals claim that the whale was initially spotted swimming alongside other whales in shallow waters. Then, powerful winds and waves carried the whale across the Samal Sea.
The 53-foot-long preserved mammal remains are the largest whale exhibit in the nation and rank as the seventh-largest whale in the world. Its bones were painstakingly recovered, studied scientifically, and preserved thanks to the joint efforts of partner agencies.
The province gave its name, Davor, from the words Davao Oriental to this gentle giant. Whom he considered its shores his final resting place. Every Dabawenyo embodies lofty goals in Davor. He is a symbol of the province’s incredible biodiversity, unspoiled beauty, and remarkable promise.
Sub Silva Naturae
The exhibits resembling forests, graven images, life-like models, and videos of eagles and other regional animals will welcome you upstairs. Additionally, Mt. Hamiguitan is one of the highlight exhibits on this floor.
Mount Hamiguitan is home to more than 1,300 different flora and fauna. You can read about exotic plants and animals in this section. It includes tarsier, eagle, mossy-pygmy fruit bats, and more animals exotic to the Philippines. Moreover, there were also images and information about the creeks and rivers on the mountain.
Pictures and films of eagles and other local creatures are also displayed. In addition, photos of various marine animals found in Davao Oriental in the section on coastal environments.
The ecosystem of the mangroves is also in one of the sections. Mangrove forests are everywhere in the province because it borders the Pacific Ocean. The Guang Guang Mangrove Forest is famous in Mati City, the province’s capital.
Due to the province’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean, its coastal waters are home to numerous charismatic and vulnerable species, including sharks, whales, dolphins, and turtles. There are at least 35 different species, including anything from fish and crustaceans to marine mammals.
These natural gifts are exclusive to Davao Oriental, from the land to the sea. A diverse ecosystem supports its economy and affects the way of life of its citizens. Hence, the province has pledged to maintain the delicate and fragile ecosystem.
In a rapidly modern country, while giving only tepid attention to environmental problems and global warming. Davao Oriental may be the final holdout of its natural biological and ecological variety.
In Memory of Pablo
A memorial to the victims of Typhoon Bopha or Bagyong Pablo, which hit Mindanao in 2012, is also present within the museum. Its section with a collage mural is filled and serves as a reminder of Typhoon Pablo’s wrath. In addition, various photos and videos throughout the room showcase how the typhoon changed the lives of the locals.
The status of the hard-hit areas by the images used. The video presentations included footage of the relief efforts and professionally made before and after pictures. It demonstrates why Davao Oriental is an example of a successful Typhoon Pablo recovery.
What are you waiting for?
The Subangan Museum has themed exhibits highlighting Davao Oriental’s rich natural, cultural, and historical heritage. It offers thrills, levity, and a valuable collection of old and new knowledge about the province. The displays at the Subangan Museum serve as a reminder of people’s innate responsibility to protect the history, culture, heritage, and environment, including the oceans and mountains.