Maragondon, Cavite: Unveiling the Hidden Gem for Real Estate Investment and Nature Exploration

Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ph_locator_cavite_maragondon.svg

By Realttorney^®

Maragondon is part of the third Growth Area, under the Cavite Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan 2021 – 2030, known as Metro Tagaytay or the Tourism Haven and Food Basket of the Province. This third Growth Area is composed of Indang, Amadeo, Alfonso, and four other municipalities and one city, which will be featured in subsequent articles in the future.

This is the fourth part of the series where we explore each LGU belonging to the Metro Tagaytay area. We share our experiences as we travel and visit the Metro Tagaytay area in the past to inform you of the interesting facts, business opportunities, and the state of the real estate in each LGU.

Maragondon is a 3^rd class municipality located in the western side of the province of Cavite, Philippines. While it may not be as renowned as other tourist destinations in the country, Maragondon offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty that makes it a compelling place to explore. Here are some fascinating facts about Maragondon:

Historical Significance: Maragondon is steeped in history, particularly its role during the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonization. The town is the site where Andres Bonifacio, was tried and subsequently executed.

After being wounded and captured by the forces of President Emilio Aguinaldo in Indang, Bonifacio’s wounds were treated in the municipal hall of Indang. Bonifacio along with his brother Procopio, was then brought to Maragondon to be court-martialed in May 1897.

The Court Martial was headed by Brigadier General Mariano Noriel. Andres Bonifacio was found guilty of treason and sentenced to death. Wrong or right, the Bonifacio Trial House stands as a solemn reminder of this pivotal moment in Philippine history.

Natural Wonders: Maragondon is not just a historical site. It also boasts natural attractions that captivate visitors. The municipality is home to Mounts Palay-Palay–Mataas-na-Gulod Protected Landscape which includes Mount Pico de Loro, a popular hiking destination that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Mount Buntis and Mount Nagpatong are historical hiking trails, the latter is the location of the Bonifacio brothers’ execution site.

Maragondon is the only Municipality of Cavite boasting of appealing mountain ranges and a short coastline that is part of Manila Bay. And, to prove it is a coastal town, Carabao Island (Fort Frank) and Limbones Island are part of the municipality of Maragondon as well as Patungan Beach – a weekend beach destination of local residents and backpackers from outside Cavite.

Moreover, the municipality of Maragondon manages the Carabao Island Fish Sanctuary, one of Cavite’s three existing fish sanctuaries. It is an expansive 56 hectares of reef and sanctuary at Brgy. Sta. Mercedes. On the other hand, the other two sanctuaries include Ternate’s Bulaklakin Reef and Naic Fish Sanctuary.

What connects the mountain ranges of Maragondon to Manila Bay? It is the Maragondon River, which has an approximate length of 35.6 kilometers and an average width of 10 meters. According to its website, the Maragondon River is one of the six major river basins of Cavite. It is one of the largest with a total area of 357 square kilometers with an irrigable area of around five percent.

The Maragondon River provides opportunities for water-based activities like boating and fishing. However, fishing in the Maragondon River is limited in scope, as the fishery resources of the municipality have not been fully developed.

Finally, a well-known tourist destination in Maragondon is the Pantihan or Balayungan Falls which is described as a light-volume waterfall that drops over a small river gorge. This is a waterway that is one of the tributaries of the Maragondon River. It is an unspoiled area due to its remoteness but worth seeing, nonetheless.

Image source: https://shoestringdiary.wordpress.com/2018/02/06/maragondon-and-ternate-a-one-day-getaway/

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Cultural Heritage: According to Wikipedia, the name Maragondon is a Spanish approximation of the Tagalog word maragundong or madagundong, which means “having a rumbling or thunderous sound”. This refers to the noise coming from the Kay Albaran River in the village of Capantayan. This was initially the place on which the town was to be built. However, due to the floods caused by the frequent overflowing of the river, the town was later relocated to its present site.

Maragondon is a place where the past whispers through its centuries-old church and ancestral homes, and the present thrives amidst lush landscapes and stunning coastal views. One religious site is the Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Church, a centuries-old structure that serves as a spiritual haven for the townspeople.

One historic event that occurred in Cavite but is not known by millions of Filipinos was the establishment of the Iglesia Filipina Catolica (Philippine Catholic Church) in Maragondon in early 1900, about two years ahead of the Philippine Independent of Aglipayan Church. The IFC was the first Philippine independent church to be established by Riego de Dios, a general of the Philippine Revolution when the then Archbishop of Manila failed to heed the public clamor for the removal of an anti-Filipino priest assigned in Maragondon.

Moreover, Maragondon celebrates its cultural heritage through various festivals and traditions. One such event is the “Kawayan Festival,” which showcases the town’s agricultural and bamboo products, especially bamboo textiles, and promotes agri-tourism, as well.

Ideal Real Estate Projects and Investments in Maragondon

Given its unique blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and cultural richness, Maragondon presents several opportunities for real estate development and investment. Here are some ideal projects and investments that could thrive in this municipality:

Heritage Tourism Resorts: Given Maragondon’s historical landmarks, there is potential for developing heritage tourism resorts that offer accommodations and guided tours to sites like the Bonifacio Trial House, which could begin at the Bonifacio Shrine in Indang, Cavite, and end at the Bonifacio Execution Site in Mout. Nagpatong. This type of development would cater to both local and international tourists interested in Philippine history.

Agricultural Estates: Maragondon’s fertile lands make it an ideal location for agricultural estates focused on bamboo, sugar cane, corn, cassava, upland red rice, and other high-value crops. Investors could develop integrated farming communities that combine residential housing with agricultural production, creating a sustainable and self-sufficient environment.

Eco-Tourism Lodges or Agri-Tourism Establishes: With its natural attractions such as Mount Buntis and Maragondon River, there is an opportunity to develop eco-tourism lodges and adventure resorts that cater to outdoor enthusiasts. These establishments could offer a range of activities, including hiking, camping, boating, and fishing, while promoting environmental conservation. One of the quaint yet excellent resorts in Maragondon, Cavite is the Riverfront Garden Resort.

Residential Subdivisions: As Maragondon continues to grow and develop, there will be a demand for residential subdivisions that provide modern amenities and facilities. Investors could capitalize on this by developing well-planned residential communities that offer a high quality of life for residents.

Commercial Centers: With the influx of tourists and the growth of the local population, there will be a need for commercial centers that provide essential goods and services. Investors could consider developing shopping malls, restaurants, and other commercial establishments that cater to the needs and preferences of the community.

In conclusion, Maragondon, Cavite, offers a wealth of opportunities for real estate development and investment, thanks to its historical significance, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. By leveraging these unique attributes, investors can create projects that not only generate substantial returns but also contribute to the sustainable development and prosperity of the municipality.

Do you have a specific real estate project in mind for Maragondon, Cavite but not really sure if it is appropriate? Let me know how we can help you sort things out. This real estate development maybe your main project for 2024.

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Atty. Jojo is a real estate attorney, an estate planning attorney, a licensed real estate broker, and a PRC-accredited Lecturer/ Speaker for Training Programs in Real Estate. He is committed to helping new and veteran real estate service practitioners be well-informed of the latest laws, rules, regulations, and information relevant to the real estate service sector.