Tutubi, for some time now, has been eyeing a trek to Mt. Pulag, the Philippines' second highest peak and the home numerous unique species and lots of still undocumented flora and fauna
Although he's hearing news about the beauty of the pristine place up high in the clouds, there are also various reports of environmental destruction particularly the still pervasive kaingin method of slash and burn that destroy the unique habitat and ecosystem of the place.
A recent Inquirer.net news article is both a disappointment and welcome news for Tutubi that a closure of several trails of Mt. Pulag will allow the forest to heal and prevent forest fires.
Tutubi supports such initiatives, much like the closure of Mt Banahaw to trekkers, to allow the forest to heal and protect the mountain from further destruction and also irresponsible tourists and trekkers who leave their trash on the mountain trail (even campers and climbers from some "educated" mountaineering groups do this)
For all you aspiring trekkers and mountain climbers, please be reminded of the old saying: "Take nothing but pictures; leave nothing but footprints"
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Mt. Pulag National Park, with an elevation of 2,992 meters above sea level, has various trails via Kabayan. Benguet. This off-limits policy will affect the livelihood of tour guides, sherpas, and summer Mt. Pulag tour operators will lose business while this is in effect but the greater good will result in this initiative.
that news article is misleading acdg to this:
ReplyDeletewww.pinoymountaineer.com/2010/03/contrary-to-inquirer-article-mt-pulag.html
buti naman, ive been eyeing to clim pulag too. Ü
chyngm thanks for the link. i know kabayan town does not "own" all of mt pulag. i just hope that the local council get rid of illegal loggers and kaingin farming and train the locals in sustainable forest management and alternative livelihood
ReplyDeletehi, i'd like to know if you can help me set-up a camping tour guide (group) or something for the Philippines?
ReplyDelete