Mount Pulag hikers warned; temperature down to 2 celcius

KABAYAN, Benguet – Mountain climbers and hikers planning to climb Mt. Pulag here were warned to take precautions against the chill and respiratory illnesses as temperature dropped to 2-3 degrees Celsius.

It is the highest mountain in Luzon and the second highest mountain in the country, next to Mt. Apo in Davao.

Mt Pulag is 2,922 meters above sea level with a total land area of 11,500 hectares.

It was declared a national park on Feb. 20, 1987 by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 75.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources rangers here said Mt. Pulag usually attracts a lot of mountain climbers at this time of year as the camping season begins and lasts through the summer.

But DENR-Cordillera Regional executive director Clarence Baguilat said this may not be the best time for trekkers to go up the mountain since the trees and grasslands are freezing and the peak is much colder, especially at night until dawn.

“The thin cold air in Mt. Pulag could cause hypothermia and even respiratory failure,” Baguilat said, quoting medical professionals.

However, for those trekkers who want to take on the “extreme adventure” of freezing temperatures to view the majestic scenery from Luzon’s tallest mountain, the DENR advised them to bring along thick windbreakers, jackets and warm suits and to keep their bodies warm, especially at night.

Since two weeks ago, Baguio and Benguet have been experiencing cold weather.
Baguio registered 9.6 degrees Celsius, the lowest this year.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration-Baguio said the chill will continue until February and could 9 degrees as Luzon is experiencing the tail-end of a cold front.

The lowest temperature reading in Baguio was 6.3 degrees in 1961.

Northern Benguet areas like Kabayan and vegetable producing towns usually experience temperatures two degrees lower than Baguio City.

The other week, the DENR reported bookings for Mt. Pulag from mountain climbing groups in Manila and other areas.

Last December, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson climbed the peak, considered by the Ibalois of Benguet as hallowed ancestral ground.

Environment and Natural Resources officer Ed Flor said Singson wants to concrete the road from Ambangeg in Bokod to the Babadak ranger station and build a new ranger station at the Babadak Station of Mount Pulag.