The Hidden Paradise of Mindanao, Governor Generoso

By: Carlo Calumba

When was the last time that you travel along the road?

Sanaol naka Govgen. These were exactly the words I muttered while looking at the

travel photos of my friends’ recent visit to the quaint fishing town of Governor Generoso

in the Province of Davao Oriental. The captivating photos of the picturesque seascape

and scenic landscape seemed to be teasers of what one can see, experience and enjoy

in this southeasterly part of the Philippines. Enticed by these snapshots, I made ways to

go there to see, experience and enjoy it firsthand and promised myself to behold more

of what the town has to offer.

Governor Generoso is one of the 11 municipalities comprising the Province of Davao

Oriental, the easternmost part of Mindanao. It is bounded by the City of Mati in the East,

Davao Gulf in the West, Municipality of San Isidro in the North and Celebes Sea in the

South. It is 57 kilometers away from Mati City, the province’s capital; and 175 kilometers

away from Davao City, the metropolitan center of Southern Mindanao.

The Municipality of Governor Generoso endearingly called Govgen is formerly named

Sigaboy, a term derived from a local folklore. After many years, it was changed to the

Municipality of Governor Generoso in honor to Governor Sebastian Generoso, one of

most popular governors of then Davao Province who hailed from the town. But even if it

was changed to Govgen, its old name Sigaboy was still widely used referring to the

town.
It was Friday, May 7, 2021, morning when we left Panabo City. Govgen is 175

kilometers away from Panabo City and approximately 4 hours drive. Traveling to

Govgen is fun. All roads are paved and the scenic view of the coastal road is just
superb especially when traveling by day. It was almost 8 in the morning when I arrived

at Govgen.
Our first stop in Govgen is the Giant Mamaco tree. This Giant majestic Tree is 300 year

old. You’ll find this 375 feet tall tree along the highway of Barangay Magdug.

Our next stop is the Sabangan Beach Resort. This beach resort is located at Brgy.

Lanca, Governor Generoso. The beach has very fine pink sand and refreshing waves
that you could feel the vibe and chillax from stress moments of online school. Be

captivated by the picturesque and scenic view of the sea where the raging waves of the

Celebes Sea meet the raging water waves. The entrance fee is only 20 pesos and 500

pesos for the cottage fee. It is fun and relaxing moment at Sabangan beach.
Our Final destination is the Cape San Agustin(Parola). The wind can be your worst

enemy up there, aside from the intimidating height which is a problem for those who

have acrophobia like I do. But with such a commanding view of the Cape, it feels like

you’re the king or queen of the world even just for a while.
The calm and placid waters of Governor Generoso fringed with lush greenery, and

simple local communities justified the place’s tranquility. Never did I imagine that

Governor Generoso has that perfect view of the sea horizon. Feast your eyes with this

scenic view, which you can only see in postcards and stock photos. You will feel the

bliss and calmness like no other.