Cordova, the smaller and lesser-known half of Mactan Island in Cebu, is arguably the best-kept secret in central Philippines. Situated just a few minutes from the aerial gateway to the south, this 956-hectare coastal third-class municipality is an unheralded tourism gem. It has five outlying islands - Nalusuan, Shell, Lava, Tongo and Ka Loquing, anfd a vast mangrove forest covering the seaside villages of Catarman, Buagsong, Dayas, Bangbang, San Miguel and Pilipog.

Supetran, B. (2021, January 31). Mangrove Propagation and Information Center: Shoring up, Cordova's Marine Ecosystem. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A7.