By Joseph Aries F. Señara, Anchor, BNFM Cagayan de Oro
Tucked away on a cliff in Barangay Moog, Laguindingan, is a place where time slows down. The wind carries the scent of salt and history. The sea, stretching endlessly toward the horizon, shimmers under the sun. And there, standing quietly among the trees and bushes, are the forgotten stone walls of a centuries-old watchtower, weathered and still, holding the memories of a time long past.
Locals call it “Cuta sa Punta Sulauan,” a name that echoes stories from generations before. Though only four stone walls remain, partly hidden under foliage and wrapped by the roots of an old tree, the site breathes with memory. You can almost hear the footsteps of those who once stood guard, scanning the seas to protect their families and their home.
The trail leading to this spot is a gentle 600-meter walk from the barangay road, winding through quiet paths where the breeze whispers through tall grass. At the end, near a modern lighthouse, the ruins emerge, weathered, resilient, and hauntingly beautiful. Few know of its presence. Fewer still have seen it.
But that’s beginning to change.
More Than Stones and Stories
Punta Sulauan isn’t just a ruin, it’s a reminder of how people once lived, fought, prayed, and hoped. Built sometime between the 1700s and early 1800s, the watchtower stood during a time when Moro raiders threatened coastal villages. Historians believe it was made of stone at the base, with lighter materials like bamboo and wood rising above. Archaeological studies revealed walls 75 centimeters thick, enclosing an area just over 8 meters wide enough to serve as a lookout, though not large enough to shelter villagers.
This wasn’t just a military structure. It was a symbol of protection, of community, of survival.
Today, it’s a place where people pause, breathe, and reflect. The view from the cliff is breathtaking. Below lies Macajalar Bay, and on clear days, you can see as far as the Bohol Sea. Up here, worries feel small. It’s a place that invites stillness and helps you reconnect with yourself and your roots.
The People Who Carry Its Future
Among those who live nearby are families who never knew this piece of history was just minutes from their homes. Some heard whispers of it from their grandparents. Others discovered it only recently. But now, there’s growing excitement the kind that comes when people realize their land holds a story worth telling.
Imagine the possibilities. A local mother, who sells snacks at the barangay market, could open a small food stall for visitors. A young artist might paint the watchtower’s silhouette at sunset. A farmer could lead walking tours, sharing the land’s history and beauty. Kids could grow up proud, knowing they are the caretakers of something truly special.
Tourism here doesn’t need to be grand. It just needs to be honest, respectful, and sustainable. The goal isn’t to commercialize but to celebrate and in doing so, create real opportunities that support families while protecting the culture and environment.
Looking Ahead: A Gentle Call to Protect
To preserve the watchtower and share it with the world, support is needed not just from scholars, but from community leaders, cultural agencies, and people who believe in the value of heritage. Punta Sulauan deserves to be recognized as a historical site. It needs care, signage, and a plan to keep it safe for future generations.
When tourism is built on heritage and sustainability, it brings more than visitors. It brings pride. It brings dignity. It brings jobs that allow people to stay rooted while dreaming bigger.
Come and See
When you visit Punta Sulauan, you’re not just taking a photo of old stones. You’re stepping into a story, one that has waited centuries to be told again.
You’ll feel the breeze first. Then the hush. Then the awe.
And maybe, you’ll leave not just refreshed but changed.
