Kabayan at odds with environment office on Pulag

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Kabayan Mayor Faustino Aquisan is having difficulties in maintaining order on Mt. Pulag climbs.

Aquisan said the Mount Pulag National Park Administration has been authorizing climbs to the sacred mountain without coordinating with the municipality.

Aquisan said the carrying capacity of the mountain has not been met and is blaming the park administration while the municipality limits climber to 75 people.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) limits climbers to a maximum of 120 climbers at a time to avoid damage to the camp site as well as foot trails leading to the mountain peak.

The mountain is the fifth highest mountain in the country at 9,322 feet above sea level and is a favorite destination for nature lovers as well as those on a pilgrimage of sorts.

Years ago, the municipality was criticized for allowing 300 climbers to trek all at one time.

Acquisan said to declog the mountain trail of trekkers the municipality has crafted side tours in and around the municipality to give tourists an alternative.

Side tours give an opportunity for mountaineers, hikers, and nature lovers to view the Tabeyo Lake, Letepngepos Lake, Incolos Lake, and the multi-awarded cleanest inland Ambulalakaw Lake.

Visitors also have an option to have a glimpse of the well-preserved mummies kept at the Kabayan National Museum.