The Kawakawa Natural Park in the Lenten Season and the Sunflowers

During this Lenten Season, the Kawakawa goes into transformation from a geological wonder because of the cauldron-shaped top, the beautiful view, its pristine environs, the trees and birds, and magnificent sunrise and sunsets, into a spiritual experience with the presence of the 14 Stations of the Cross.

The Kawakawa is a religious destination in Albay because of its life-size sculptures of the Stations of the Cross. Traditionally, the Diocese of Legazpi conducts the Youth Way of the Cross at Kawakawa with thousands of youth participants led by His Excellency Bishop Joel Z. Baylon, D.D., with a culminating Eucharistic celebration and dialogue with the youth.

In addition to the life-size sculptures, the Divine Mercy Monastery of the Carmelite Nuns of the Holy Trinity is also situated at the foot of the hill, beside the sculpted Last Supper. This Lenten Season, the Divine Mercy Monastery conducts the Station of the Cross at Kawakawa every Friday at 4:30 in the afternoon.

The Divine Mercy Monastery of the Carmelite Nuns of the Holy Trinity is situated at the foot of the Kawakawa Hill

Over 100,000 devotees and visitors are expected to arrive at Kawakawa this Holy Week for the Way of the Cross beginning at the 1st Station-The Last Supper to the 14th Station-The Resurrection, at the top of the hill. From Station to Station they follow the Passion of Jesus going up the stations and around the margins of the crater. For 1,050 meters uphill, they stop at each Station for prayers and proceed to the next Station and experience the feeling of how Jesus suffered and endured his passion.

As part of the preparation for the arrival of thousands of devotees and visitors, the walkways are resurfaced to ensure a convenient passage, facilities restored, water supply systems functional, parking areas established, and lighting system installed.

The City Government of Ligao also provides medical assistance and standby ambulance as well as security, PNP, and traffic personnel to maintain order in the movement of people and vehicles.

Another significant preparation for the Holy Week at the Kawakawa is the planting of sunflowers. Visitors and devotees can expect to see and experience the presence of the beautiful sunflowers of the Kawakawa during their visit and pilgrimage. The sunflower circle is a site to behold and the slopes of the crater full of the yellow flowers facing the morning sun are wonders to witness.

The sunflower plantation in the slope of the hill is about to bloom this coming Holy Week.

Kawakawa is also a perfect destination for family recreational activities. Along the path are benches, and a Treehouse Café for people who want to take a rest from trekking and have some refreshment. A viewing deck at the top of the hill allows the people to view the cityscape while enjoying the fresh air. The amphitheater-like crater of the hill is also perfect for children to play around and enjoy the ATV ride. 

Kawakawa is also a perfect destination for family days out this Holy Week.

The Kawakawa Managament Group headed by Representative Fernando V. Gonzalez and the City Government of Ligao under Mayor Patty Gonzalez-Alsua together continues to make the improvements of facilities of the Kawakawa to respond to the ever increasing number of visitors.