Sanchez Peak National Clean Up Day 2014

People climb mountains for sports, hobby and recreation. Because climbing a mountain gives us the feeling of freedom and accomplishment to ourselves every time we get through the obstacles and hurdles before reaching the summit. But despite of the delight and happiness that Mother Nature gave us, some irresponsible mountaineers leave their garbage causing bad effects to the environment. Thanks for the initiative lead by “Pinoy Mountaineer” Gideon Lasco, he initiated the National Mountain Clean-up Day (NMCD) held last May 10, 2014.  It aims to promote awareness on the importance of maintaining cleanliness in Philippine mountains.

In line with the said event, the local mountaineers group in General Santos City also organized a climb for a cause to clean Sanchez Peak / Mt. Balakayo, which is known to be the highest peak in place. The event themed “Let us show the country how important it is to have clean mountains for our future” it was organized and lead by Joseph Sanchez and the First Five Trekkers.    

Participants for NMCD fills up a registration form during the first day of the event.

A short briefing is conducted by Mrs. Teresa Naranjo Garay CENRO Officer; she gave us the details about the goal and importance of the said event. The briefing also includes the presentation of climb marshals and other officers to whom they can call for assistance in case of emergency.

After the briefing and orientation we then traveled to Barangay Olympog our starting point.

Some garbage we saw along the trail.

Every single piece of garbage has no escape; we search the trails all the way to the top.

It’s already 5pm when we reach the peak; we then fixed our tents and prepares food for dinner and socials with fellow mountaineers.

Lakwatserongmamoy holding the National Mountain Clean-up day event t-shirt.

Hope these wonderful views of our mountains will be preserved up to the next generation. Let us unite in promoting responsible mountaineering and follow the leave no trace principle. With this not only us but even our grand children’s will enjoy the gift of our mother nature.

We would like to thanks the following young fellow who organize and played a major role in event. Once again you guys prove that mountaineering is not just having a good and branded gears, it is the heart, passion and advocacy in preserving the nature. Kudos! And congratulations for the job well done. Edward Biboy Angelo Phyll Joseph Kelvin and Tintin.

Event Itinerary :

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