By Irish Pearl Teningal
SAGADA, Mountain Province – Mountain climbers all over the country joined the 16th Luzon Summit recently held in this tourist town and adjacent Bauko municipality.
Participants included the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines Incorporated (MFPI).
In preparation for the Luzon Summit, the Municipal Tourism Office and Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of Bauko earlier held clean-up activity in the town’s 7 Peaks Mountains June 6-7.
The Summit was held June 9-11 in what participants said was a memorable experience climbing mountains with beautiful sceneries and cold weather.
The cleaning involved 25 representatives from organizations, including Bauko Mayor's Office, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Municipal Planning and Development Office, Bauko Municipal Police Station, Bureau of Fire Protection, Mobile Force Company, Tour Guide Organization and barangay personnel from Bila, Bangnen Proper and Bangnen Oriente of Bauko.
During clean-up drive, Jomar P. Buclay, Administrative Assistant of MENRO, personnel and participants collected a sack of candy wrappers and plastic bottles discarded by tourists and locals in forests and watersheds.
Buclay said certain sections of the 7 Peaks experienced degradation due to deforestation.
Evidence of cut trees and lands left by slash-and-burn practices known as "kaingin" were also found.
On June 6-7, participants were instructed on basic mountaineering before embarking on the trek.
The course included topics such as trail management techniques, necessary equipment and preparations, camp management, map reading, climbing etiquette, and basic survival skills.
The basic mountaineering course aimed to equip participants with fundamental skills and knowledge required for safe and responsible travel in the mountains.
The course consisted of discussions and practical exercises.
The MFPI’s Facebook page said 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.
On the first day, June 9, participants trekked Sagada’s Marlboro Blue Soil and Ampucao-Nabas-ang
The trek started from Bauko 7 Peaks which included 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.
Participants climbed mountains of Mt. Ampucao, Mt. Ampucao grassland, Nabas-ang Ridge and to the final destination base camp in Sagada
Basic mountaineering was discussed prior to the adventure race, Paytokan wall rock climbing, Paytokan walking tour, and Sumaguing Cave spelunking.
Marjorie M. Adaclog, a participant, said the trek was challenging but enjoyable. She said it was her first time undertaking long walks, while watching the beautiful scenery from mountaintops.
She said the trek provided her with a much-needed opportunity to relax her mind and immerse herself in the serene ambiance of the forest. Adaclog added she acquired valuable tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the trek.
But she expressed concern about garbage scattered at mountains, sayhing there was need for proper disposal.
She said the trek facilitated the building of relationships among participants, despite their diverse backgrounds and unfamiliarity with one another.
Overall, the trek was deemed a success.
Participants said there was need for collaboration among communities and local government units in promoting tourism through events like the 16th Luzon Summit.
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