MindanaoToday.com | DENR Camiguin reiterates rules for Mt. Hibok-Hibok climbers
By: Maria Garen A. Balingan
CAMIGUIN – As the popular Mt. Hibok-Hibok continues to attract tourists and climbers, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Camiguin shares a few rules to keep the place trash-free.
Gloria Abian, one of the mountain guides, said on a radio program that tourists should secure a permit from the DENR’s office before anything else.
They can also check the Facebook page ‘Camiguin Mountain Guide’ to verify legit mountain guides, or visit directly at the DENR’s office for the complete lists of the mountain guides.
Mt. Hibok-Hibok, one of Camiguin’s tourist attractions, is home to endemic species, birds, wide plants, and a wide variety of biodiversity.
“Naa ta’y mga wild orchids, naa’y pitcher plants na makita nato nga naa sa 800 elevation up to 900 elevation. Then naa pod ta’y power plants na gitawag nato nga ‘Camiguin iom’,” Abian mentioned.
(We have wild orchids; there are pitcher plants that we can see at elevations ranging from 800 to 900. Then we also have power plants that we call ‘Camiguin iom.’)
She added, “Aside ana, ang birds nga endemic, atong madungog ang Camiguin bulbul nga naay local name nga ‘Tagmaya.’ Aduna pud ta atong endemic species nga Camiguin hanging parrot, or ‘Kulasisi.’ Ato gayud na siya makita along the trail, or madungog na magkanta-kanta.”
(Aside from the endemic birds, we can hear the Camiguin bulbul, which has the local name ‘Tagmaya.’ We also have the endemic species Camiguin parrot, or ‘Kulasisi.’ We can see it along the trail or hear the birds singing.)
Abian also reminded the public that, if possible, they should avoid touching trees or taking home plants as souvenirs because it might cause unwanted damage.
The tourism office also reiterated the rules and guidelines about the dos and don’ts when climbing Mt. Hibok-Hibok. To maintain the mountain’s cleanliness, visitors are reminded to keep their trash when leaving the area.
In addition to mountain climbing, Camiguin also promotes bird watching. The bird-watching activity is located at the ASEAN Heritage Park along the highway, with an allotted time from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
The birding site is home to a variety of species, including the Camiguin bulbul, Rufous paradise flycatcher, Mangrove blue flycatcher, white-eyes, yellowish white-eyes, dimorphic kingfisher, and more.
The mentioned activities would require a permit fee of 500 pesos per person. At the entry point in Barangay Yumbing, the ecological fee is P50 per person, and a guide fee of P1,500 is applicable for a group of three.
There is also an option for the visitors to get a porter worth P1,200 per 20 kilos for a smooth hike.
While protecting the natural state of Mt. Hibok-Hibok, it is important that everyone who visits adhere to the rules set by the locals as they get to enjoy the picturesque view of the mountain and the colorful birds flying. (MGAB/PIA-10)
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