By Katrina Gracia Consebido
The famous coconut bent tree which is a popular spot for tourists in Siargao’s Maasin River has fallen, the office of Pilar Tourism Culture and Arts said Wednesday, Feb. 22.
“It is with great sadness to receive news from the community that the well-known ‘Coconut Bent Tree’ in Litik Maasin River has reached its end,” it said in a post,
“The Local Government Unit of Pilar is thankful for the resources given by the Almighty and the effort exerted by the Barangay Officials and community to preserve the ‘Coconut Bent Tree’ that was discovered by tourists and gave livelihood to the community,” it added.
“As what the community said, #ThisIsNotTheEnd,” it continued.
In a separate statement, the Litik Maasin River-Siargao thanked the well-known tree for helping them in sustaining the livelihood of locals.
“Reality, everything has a limit… Thank you for the times you were with us, for helping each of us, because of you we’re here, because of you people here have a livelihood, thank you very much for your help,” it said.
“We will try to continue whatever you started. We will miss you so much Coconut bended tree,” it added.
In a separate post, non-government organization Lokal Lab considered it as a “wake up call” on the island’s development.
It also called on tourists “to be more conscious and responsible.”
“We learned that there was a no climbing sign put up on the tree recently, yet it was still not followed and some tourists continued to climb,” it added. –ag
