Wednesday, April 23, 2008 Escalante youth climbs Mount Lunay
3K's ESCALANTE (Kabataan Kaabag sa Kalambo-an), a federation of barangay youth organization led by Marie Antonette 'April' Ocdinaria in Escalante City, conducted a mountain trekking at Mount Solitaire (Mt. Lunay) in Barangay Mabini, Escalante City last April 18.
The local government of Escalante City organized "Manaka Ta, Kuyog Ta" 3K's Escalante Mount Solitaire (Mt. Lunay) exploration to familiarize the youth on the city's highest peak as a kickoff of LGU's bantay bukid protection, conservation and reforestation program.
Toastmasters for the event were Francis Arambula, liaison officer for youth affairs, Rolyn Cabus and retired Major Arthur Tupas, both from Civil Security Office.
With the theme "Kabataan Kaabag sa Kalambo-an sa Kinaiyahan", 3K's Escalante were lectured on the importance of the environment. They then started traversing Mt. Solitaire from sitio Niluthangan.
After more or less two hours of trekking, they reached the summit where a brief lecture on the conservation of nature's wealth was done.
Tupas told the youth "the actual exploration of the site will help you understand deeply the importance this (bantay bukid) program." The event is in consonance with RA 9147 Section 2 or an act to safeguard the country's forest, wildlife and nature's wealth.
Among the trekkers were George 'Mark' Gregorio of Barangay Dian-ay, and Jean Warlet Saratobias of Barangay Jonobjonob, Glory Jean Sinining of Barangay Udtongan, and Reynel John Dayon of Barangay Rizal.
The exploration ended at sitio Tanquinto. Though the participants were tired and exposed to the scorching heat of the sun, they said they enjoyed being close to nature.
