Environment

Tuklas Aklan Press Release:

Published

4 years ago

November 19, 2021

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After seven months, Aklan Trekkers through Team Aewag Highest Mountain while discovering the province’s natural richness and biodiversity, and uncovering the unique stories of Akeanon-Bukidnon’s culture and heritage.

During this time of pandemic, empowering indigenous and remote communities through conservation talks, cultural arts, ecotourism, mountain adventures, and other outdoor activities are helpful in meeting their basic needs and at the same time, mitigating impacts on the environment caused by increased livelihood activities in the forests and protected areas.

By generating local contents and organizing eco-friendly or almost carbon-neutral events, AT community aims to contribute to the conceptualization, establishment and promotion of community tourism which serves as an alternative livelihood for the locals coupled with advocacy on the recognition of the Indigenous Peoples’ rights, protection of the environment and development of local resiliency.

Initially, the explorations started in Madalag and Libacao wherein these towns are part of Aklan River Watershed Forest Reserve (ARWFR). Panipiason, Madalag was the first point of exploration and followed by Dalagsaan, Libacao.

The ARWFR is very rich in biodiversity located in Central Panay Mountain Ranges where Indigenous Cultural Communities particularly, Akeanon-Bukidnon thrive. The ARWFR has unique features and sceneries which can be proud of and has the capacity to be a conservation and ecotourism destination which can be a potential source of livelihood for the locals.

In the evening of November 12, the team conducted dialogues with some of the council members of Barangay Panipiason, mountain guides, and community people. The group also had a focus group discussion with Hon. Gemerick Zaquita and local guides on the ecotourism mapping and the proposed environmental and user’s fee for tourists.

On November 13, the team composed of 11 hikers and three IP guides hiked to the summit of Mt. Maylumay, the second highest peak of Madalag and potentially, in the province of Aklan.

Team Aewag:

Joejit N. Naldoza

Ritchel C. Cahilig

Richard R. Cahilig

Jemmar M. Arandilla

Kit C. Magdaluyo

Mae Belle Lennin Claire I. Remetio

Noralyn E. Colas

Carme Ann N. Talaga

Noel R. Bajande

Ernesto H. Laguardia

Razel D. Paredes

Mountain IP guides:

Amadeo Gregorio

Alvin Zaquita

Ike Zaquita

The next day, November 14 was the installment of the signage at the summit of Mt. Maylumay sponsored by the Municipal Mayor of Madalag, Hon. Alfonso ‘ Dindo Posoy ‘ Andrade Gubatina and supported by the Panipiason Barangay Council represented by Hon. Arnaldo Gregorio.

The team successfully descended at 1730 from a two-day and one-night hike. Logged out from Madalag MPS past 2000.

This hike for a cause is a seal of commitment by Aklan Trekkers to continue to contribute to the development and conservation of both the natural and cultural richness of Akeanon-Bukidnon heritage.

Hike Details:

Mt. Maylumay

November 13 – 14, 2021 (Saturday – Sunday)

Jumpoff: Panipiason, Madalag, Aklan

Hours to summit: 7 – 9 hours

Event duration: 2D1N

Local name derivation: Maylumay came from the two words “May Lumay” which means “There is a Lumay.” Lumay is a significant tree for IPs that notably thrives near the summit.