The 16th Luzon Summit was held in Sagada, Mountain Province last June 9-11, wherein different stakeholders joined including Bauko representatives spearheaded by The Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines Incorporated (MFPI)
Cleaning and Preparing the Pathway of the 7 Peaks
In preparation for the Luzon Summit, the Municipal Tourism Office (MTO) and Municipal Environment & Natural Resources Office (MENRO) conducted a recon and clean-up drive activity in the Bauko 7 Peaks on June 6-7, 2023. This effort aimed to ensure the 7 Peaks were in optimal condition for the Tourism Champion Challenge.
The cleaning initiative involved 25 representatives from different organizations, including the Bauko Mayor’s Office, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO), Bauko Municipal Police Station (BMPS), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Mobile Force Company (MPPMFC), Tour Guide Organization, and Barangay Personnel from Brgy. Bila, Bangnen Proper, and Bangnen Oriente.
Assessing the Forest’s Current Situation
During the clean-up drive, Jomar P. Buclay, Administrative Assistant at MENRO, seized the opportunity to monitor the forest and watershed areas. The team collected approximately one sack of candy wrappers and plastic bottles discarded by tourists and locals in the vicinity.
Buclay’s observations revealed that certain sections of the 7 Peaks had already experienced degradation due to deforestation. Evidence of cut trees and lands left by slash-and-burn practices known as “kaingin” were also found.
Training for Basic Survival Skills Development
Simultaneously, on June 6-7, 2023, the participants received instruction in a basic mountaineering course that covered essential planning and preparation aspects before embarking on a trek. The course included topics such as trail management techniques, necessary equipment and preparations, camp management, map reading, climbing etiquette, and basic survival skills. Visitors from various parts of the Philippines arrived on June 8, 2023, in time for the event.
The Basic Mountaineering Course aimed to equip individuals with fundamental skills and knowledge required for safe and responsible travel in the mountains. The course consisted of both theoretical discussions and practical exercises.
MFPI’s Initiative: Conquering Mountains
As highlighted on the MFPI official Facebook page, the trek aimed to promote responsible mountaineering by setting standards for climbing behavior. This involved fostering a commitment to preserving mountain ecosystems, developing skills necessary for safe climbing experiences, and showing respect towards fellow mountaineers and local communities.
The three-day summit was held with consecutive scheduled activities, engaging participants. The first day was on June 9, 2023 wherein the participants trekked Marlboro- Blue Soil and Ampucao-Nabas-ang.
The trek started from Bauko 7 Peaks which includes Mt. Am-o, Mt. Bato, Mt. Mangasil, Mt. Kapowao, Mt. Nentingil and Mt. Polis. For the second day event, a sunrise viewing greeted them as the members continued to finish their trek.
As they continued, they climbed along the mountains of Mt. Ampucao in Sagada, Mt. Ampucao grassland, Nabas-ang Ridge and to the final destination base camp. In the afternoon, basic mountaineering course was discussed like adventure race, Paytokan wall rock climbing, Paytokan walking tour, and Sumaguing Cave Spelunking.
Participants’ Experiences and Sentiments
Marjorie M. Adaclog, one of the participants, expressed that the trek was challenging yet enjoyable. She shared that it was her first time undertaking such long walks, and she relished the beautiful scenery from the mountaintops. The trek provided her with a much-needed opportunity to relax her mind and immerse herself in the serene ambiance of the forest. Furthermore, she acquired valuable tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the trek.
Adaclog also expressed concern about the garbage scattered around the mountain, emphasizing the need for proper disposal. As responsible hikers, she emphasized the importance of cleaning up after oneself and leaving no trace. She also appreciated how the trek facilitated the building of relationships among the participants, despite their diverse backgrounds and unfamiliarity with one another.
Overall, the trek was deemed a success. Adaclog hopes for continued collaboration among the community, local government units (LGUs), and Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs) to further develop and promote tourism in Bauko. By Irish Pearl Teningal
