THE Council of Elders of Kidapawan City is not aware of the alleged project of the city government to pave the road to Mt. Apo.
This is the response of Barangay Balabag Captain Eduardo Umpan, who heads the Council of Elders of the Manobo Apao Descendants Ancestral Domain of Mt. Apo (MADADMA).
Umpan said the area, especially Lake Venado, has been sacred to them since the time of their ancestors, and they only found out about it through a post on Facebook.
Based on the information they received, he said it will not reach Lake Venado because the only approved route is the Mandarang trail.
Umpan said the city government planned the paving of the path called "Hagdanan Paingon sa Mt. Apo (Stairway to Mt. Apo)" was to prevent landslides.
The barangay official, however, said there is no need for the paths to be cemented because the stones in the area can be used as an alternative.
Retired lawyer and former member of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), Ermelo "Ming" Libre said they need to show their care and love for Mt. Apo.
The proposed project has sparked debate online.
Some netizens pointed out why the utilization of natural materials such as wood was not considered.
Libre said he respects the PAMB as the highest "decision-making body" but he also questioned the board's decision process, which was previously announced that the project went through process and consultation.
The lawyer questioned that if it went through the right process, why do some people complain and say that they were not consulted like the MADADMA descendants of the Ancestral Domain. EEF