The Northern Mindanao Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC-10) launched hiking for a cause at Mount Balatukan on Tuesday, a charity event to fund infrastructure for isolated communities.
“The aim is to collect funds for meaningful infrastructure projects to protect geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas,” RPOC-10 chair and Camiguin Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo said.
The beneficiaries of the event on May 16 to 18, in partnership with the Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion, include upland communities in Gingoog City, Lagonglong and Balingasag.
Registration fees are PHP2,700 for locals and PHP2,920 for foreigners.
Mount Balatukan in eastern Misamis Oriental is part of the Department of Tourism’s mountain tourism program. The Mt. Balatukan Range Natural Park is recognized as a protected area for its outstanding high conservation category.
It is also being considered for designation as northern Mindanao’s fifth ASEAN Heritage Park, to join Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park (Bukidnon), Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park (Misamis Occidental), Mt. Timpoong-Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument (Camiguin) and Mt. Inayawan Range Natural Park (Lanao del Norte). (PNA)