Boulder Face Challenge goes international

THE Annual boulder face challenge has gone international as foreign participating teams from all over the world aside from the locals will participate in next year's challenge.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Davao Region had officially launched the first international boulder face challenge on December 11 in cultural village of Bagobos in Barangay Tibolo, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

Prominent personalities from tourism industry, government environmental agency, travel and tour operators, and private companies have pledged for their partnership in promoting the tourism industry while protecting the environment.

Engr. Albert Gabriel, race director, the boulder face challenge 2011 is a 24-hour competition with 100% endurance test that comprises four disciplines such as mountain biking, trekking, white water tubing and road running.

To avoid biases due to familiarity of trails among local participants who have previous experiences in climbing Mount Apo, next year's challenge has a new trail for all participants.

DOT Davao Region chief Art Boncato said this kind of tourism promotion activity would elevate the tourism industry in a higher level as it attracts foreign participants from different country.

The challenge is limited only to 30 teams composed of three members (one male and female, as well as a logistic crew) per team. The winning will receive US$3500.

"This event (first international boulder face challenge 2011) will raise consciousness among locals and foreigners about Mt. Apo," Boncato said.

Aside from raising consciousness about Mt. Apo, Boncato said the main reason why they include international participants for the next year's challenge is to promote the country's highest mountain.

The agency also aims to intensify the promotion of the sport-based tourism as well as the community-based tourism.

To date, Camarines Sur (CamSur) is the leading sports-based tourist destination in the country.

Boncato believes Davao can do what the other top tourist destination cities are doing.

Mt. Apo has been the symbol of the entire Davao region as it provides livelihood for many communities and has been a vital aspect of the region's tourism.

Meanwhile, during the launching at the Tibolo cultural village, a Bagobo's traditional house was also donated to help the Tibolo community in their way of elevating the tourism sector.