When charting the map of Kabankalan City, some barangays are defined by their bustling commercial markets, while others are known for their sprawling sugarcane fields. But if you are looking for breathtaking elevation, untouched eco-tourism, and a landmass so vast it gave birth to other barangays, you must set your sights on Barangay Orong.
Stretching from the winding banks of the Hilabangan River all the way up to the mountainous borders of Negros Oriental (near Barangay Inapoy), Orong is a geographic titan. Covering an impressive 2,838 hectares and encompassing 31 distinct puroks and sitios, this barangay is a beautiful blend of deep local history and premier highland tourism.
For travelers and locals alike, Barangay Orong represents the ultimate escape into nature without ever leaving the city limits.
The Historic River Stopover and the “Mother” Barangay
To understand the sheer scale of Orong, you have to look at its history. Long before modern highways connected the highland communities to the city proper, the area served as a critical logistical hub.
During the pre-war era and under the leadership of early Teniente del Barrios (Village Lieutenants) like Sixto Barile and Teofilo Cayot, Orong was a vital stopover point for merchants, farmers, and travelers navigating the Ilog and Hilabangan Rivers. The river was the primary highway of the ancient Kabankalan economy, and Orong provided a safe haven for weary travelers to rest and trade before continuing their journey into the deep mountains or down to the coast.
Furthermore, Orong holds the prestigious title of being a “mother” barangay. In its early days, its territory was so massive that it originally included the plateau of Tinanaw. As the population surged, that specific sitio eventually petitioned for independence, separating in the early 1960s to become the progressive, independent Barangay Oringao we know today.
The Crown Jewel: Balicaocao Eco Park
While agriculture remains a vital part of the local economy, Barangay Orong is universally famous across Negros Occidental for one distinct reason: The Balicaocao Eco Park (also known as Balicaocao Highland Resort).
Nestled high in the mountains of Orong, Balicaocao is the undisputed eco-tourism crown jewel of Kabankalan City. Because of its high elevation, the climate here is noticeably cooler, offering a refreshing retreat from the tropical heat of the lowlands.
Source: Touristang Pobre
The park features swimming pools fed by natural mountain springs, towering trees, and beautifully landscaped gardens. But the true draw of Balicaocao is the viewdeck. Standing at the edge of the resort provides visitors with an unparalleled, sweeping bird’s-eye view of the entire Kabankalan City landscape. On a clear day, you can see the sprawling sugarcane fields, the winding rivers, and the distant coastal waters of the Panay Gulf merging with the horizon. It is a photographer’s absolute dream and a favorite weekend getaway for families across the province.
The Orongan Festival and Community Devotion
Despite its massive size, the 31 sitios of Orong remain a tightly knit community, bound by strong spiritual and cultural traditions. This unity is showcased every 19th of March during the barangay’s annual Patronal Fiesta.
The highlight of the celebration is the ORONGAN Festival. Much like the grand Sinulog of the city proper, the Orongan Festival is a vibrant display of street dancing, traditional music, and colorful costumes. It serves as both a thanksgiving for the agricultural harvest and a deep homage to the community’s patron saint.
Local lore dictates that devotion to their patron saint has historically protected the barangay from calamities, prompting even the farthest sitios—from So. Malasbalas to Piliopiliohan—to converge in Orong Proper for the week-long festivities.
Infrastructure and the Path Forward
Managing a barangay of this size is a monumental task, but Orong is rapidly modernizing. The local government has successfully established independent, piped water systems (like the Balicaocao and Magkinigkig water sources) that tap directly into the mountain springs to serve thousands of households.
Education is also a massive priority. The barangay is currently campaigning for the complete independence of the Florentino Galang Sr. National High School – Orong Annex, striving to convert it into a fully independent national high school to better serve the growing youth population in the highlands.
Barangay Orong is a testament to the beauty of Kabankalan’s diverse geography. From the historical riverbanks to the breathtaking heights of Balicaocao, it remains a proud, soaring eagle watching over the Rising City of the South.
