Get to Know the Locals of Lake Leonard 

When you visit Lake Leonard in Maco, Davao de Oro, you’re not just stepping into a majestic volcanic caldera lake—you’re entering the heart of a vibrant and warm community.

Surrounding this serene spot are small, tight-knit villages nestled between the lush mountains and the shimmering lake. These barangays, like Mainit and Taglawig, are home to locals who live simple but deeply rooted lives—farming the land, fishing the lake, and now, warmly welcoming adventurers and eco-tourists from all over.

Maco itself is a growing municipality with a population of around 83,000 people, and while the town is developing, the areas near the lake retain their raw, authentic charm. Here, people will greet you with genuine smiles, and if you’re lucky, you might even be invited for some tinolang isda (local fish soup) or fresh grilled tilapia straight from the lake!

Languages You’ll Hear Around Lake Leonard:

Cebuano is the primary language spoken here, so don’t be shy—try a few phrases! Locals love it when visitors make the effort to speak their tongue.

• Maayong buntag! – Good morning!

• Salamat kaayo! – Thank you very much!

• Asa ang Lake Leonard? – Where is Lake Leonard?

• Gwapo/a kaayo diri! – It’s so beautiful here!

You might also hear Tagalog (especially in more public areas) and even English, particularly among younger locals or tourist guides.

But the cultural gem of the area? The indigenous Mansaka language. While not everyone speaks it fluently today, elders and tribal members still keep the dialect alive through songs, stories, and festivals. If you’re lucky, you might catch a cultural presentation or learn a word or two:

• “Tabo” – Hello (in a friendly tone)

• “Salamat” – Thank you (same as in Tagalog, also used in Mansaka)