Lumaguig Stone: A Sacred Legacy and a Call to Preserve

 Long ago, in the quaint village of Balangbang Buninan, when rugged roads traversed the landscape, and people donned weathered attire, a remarkable tale unfolded near the banks of a serene river. This narrative, woven with mystery and divine intervention, revolves around the Lumauig Stone, a colossal boulder that holds the key to the prosperity and happiness of the Mayoyao people.

In the days of old, children played blissfully in the river beside the Lumauig Stone, unaware of the unseen inhabitants dwelling beneath the surface. One fateful night, the tranquility of the village was disrupted by a series of knocks on every door. Unbeknownst to the villagers, these knocks were the prelude to an extraordinary event, orchestrated by deities residing beneath the river, beneath the very rock that now symbolizes the town's destiny.

Each villager, except one, generously lent their winnower and "tagka-i" to the mysterious guests who sought assistance. Little did they know, these benevolent deities were performing a ritual and festival, ensuring the placement of the massive rock atop the falls. The following morning, the villagers awoke to find their borrowed tools returned, now laden with meat—a gift from the otherworldly visitors.

However, one man, fueled by envy, chose a different path. The lone holdout who did not lend his winnower and "tagka-i" seized the opportunity to steal meat from his neighbors. Unbeknownst to him, this act of greed incurred the wrath of the deities, leading to the tragic loss of his child, who had innocently swum in the river.

The Lumauig Stone, now perched atop the river with only three small stones supporting it, became a symbol of both divine intervention and human folly. The legend suggests that the fate of Mayoyao rests upon this precarious balance. As you explore the area today, you'll witness the Lumauig Stone standing as a testament to the town's enduring strength and peace.

The journey to Lumauig Stone is not merely a physical one; it is a pilgrimage through local rice terraces, offering a glimpse into the enchanted history of the region. The stone, seemingly defying gravity with its delicate support, invites contemplation about the delicate balance that sustains the community.

This sacred site, surrounded by pools, water slides, and breathtaking lookout points, has become a source of wonder for both locals and visitors alike. However, with climate change posing a threat through earthquakes, storms, and floods, the delicate equilibrium of the Lumauig Stone is at risk.

Preserving Lumauig Stone is not just an act of cultural reverence but a responsibility to safeguard the future of Mayoyao. The legend implores us to recognize the significance of this site, urging us to act as stewards of this natural and cultural heritage.

As you stand before Lumauig Stone, let its precarious balance remind you of the delicate harmony that sustains not only a massive rock but an entire community. May we, as stewards of the land, ensure that the Lumauig Stone stands strong for generations to come, securing the prosperity and happiness of the Mayoyao people.