Mountaineers protect Marinduque peak

CALAPAN CITY, Philippines  – Some 50 climbers from different mountaineering groups recently scaled Marinduque island’s highest peak, Mt. Malindig, with the objective of protecting the environment through eco-tourism.

The Noble Blue Falcons International (NBFI), together with 10 other mountaineering groups from the government and private sectors, reached the summit of Mt. Malindig and conducted tree planting and other environment-friendly activities there.

According to Ronald Go, NBFI spokesman, aside from their group, the 50 climbers came from MEOW Outdoor Group Specials, Green Philippines, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, local government units, Philippine Red Cross, Yappak, United Trekkers, Provincial Risk Reduction Management Council, Dumagat Mountaineering Society and San Diego-Quezon City Mountaineers.

About 100 trees were planted by the climbers at Mt. Malindig.

A group of community-based first aiders who recently graduated from a Red Cross first aid training course was on hand to give assistance.

The group was formed through the initiative of the Provincial Tourism Office of Marinduque in preparation for the Community-Based Rural Tourism Projects.

After the climb, the group went to the Center for Agricultural Resource and Management Enterprise Networking at Brgy. Tamayo, Sta. Cruz town for bird- and firefly-watching.

The mountaineers spent the second day island hopping at Palad sandbar, which is located between the islets of Maniwaya and Brgy. Mompog, and enjoyed the natural rock formations and land bridge in Sitio Ungab, Brgy. Mompong.

Go said the mountaineers are set to go back in June with another set of mountain climbers, divers and cavers.