Balbalan, Kalinga to Malibcong Abra: ‘Possible site later…from last sitio ti Mabaca ket it’s about 6 hours to Bangilo’ – Gov. Edduba eyes inter-provincial trekking activity

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Governor James S. Edduba has shared plans for a potential trekking site in Balbalan, particularly at Sitio Kalkatan, Barangay Mabaca—which, according to the governor, is the farthest and largest sitio in the area.

Speaking during the Inter-Agency Flag Raising on April 6, he said the plan is still in its early stages and will require proper coordination with concerned agencies and local communities to map out and assess the safety of the trail.

The governor shared that while they were in the area, initial observations showed that the trail has strong potential as a trekking destination, especially with an existing route that connects to neighboring provinces, which could further be developed for eco-tourism purposes.

“Diay napanan ket one of the farthest and kadakkelan nga sitio ti Mabaca—idiay Sitio Kalkatan. Maysa nga purpose mi metlang nga napan ket diay trail going there. Kasi kitkitan mi ket it could be another—mabalin nga trekking area, ket nagdamag kami ket from diay last sitio ti Mabaca ket it’s about 6 hours going to Bangilo, Malibcong in Abra. So it would be a possible trekking site daytoy later on—we just need to properly coordinate tapno makita ken ma-trace diay dalan nu safe metlang,” he said.

The governor also emphasized that with proper planning and coordination, the site could soon be included in the province’s growing list of outdoor attractions, potentially boosting local tourism and creating opportunities for nearby communities.

While still relatively unknown, the province is steadily emerging as a promising destination for trekking and recreational activities due to its mountainous terrain and culturally rooted communities, offering ideal settings for eco-tourism.