Mapping out Mount Pulag

Mt. Pulag National Park lies on the north and south spine of the Grand Cordillera Central range that stretches from Pasaleng, Ilocos Norte to the Cordillera Provinces. The provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya surround the mountain. The whole park—which became a National Park by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 75 on February 20, 1987—covers 11,550 hectares. It was established to protect and preserve the natural features of the area such as its outstanding vegetation and wildlife. It belongs to Northern Luzon’s Cordillera Biogeographic Zone. It is also a National Integrated Protected Area Programme (NIPAP) site.

Mt. Pulag is the highest peak in Luzon and is the second highest mountain in the Philippines at 2,922 meters above sea level. Its summit is covered with grass and dwarf bamboo plants. At lower elevations, the mountainside has mossy forests veiled with fog and full of ferns and lichens. Below this is the pine forest growing on barren, rocky slopes. Waterfalls, rivers, and small lakes mark the area. The park has a large diversity of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the mountain. Its wildlife includes threatened mammals such as the Philippine Brown Deer, Northern Luzon Giant Cloud Rat, and the Luzon Pygmy Fruit Bat. One can also find several orchid species, some of which are possibly endemic to Mt. Pulag, as well as other rare flora such as the pitcher plant in the mountain. Mt. Pulag is an important watershed, providing the water needs for domestic and industrial use, irrigation, hydroelectric power production, and aquaculture. The Ibaloi tribes who inhabit the areas around Mt. Pulag along the Benguet province consider the mountain as sacred and the final resting place of their ancestors. Campers and trekkers think of Mt. Pulag as a mystical setting, with its pristine rain forests and grasslands carpeted with dwarf bamboo often bathed in sunny but foggy conditions. The park’s accessibility, availability of transport from Baguio City and Nueva Vizcaya, and peaceful conditions are some of the reasons why many visitors frequent the National Park. The Department of Tourism recorded a sudden rise in visitors to the park from 2008 to 2009. Just this month, around 500 climbers have visited Mt. Pulag. But you don’t have to be a gung-ho mountaineer to enjoy the mountain. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Parks and Wildlife Bureau, in cooperation with Mt. Pulag Tribal Guides Association, provide guide and porter services. - GMANews.TV

CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN

Aside from Mt. Pulag, other peaks favored by mountaineers are the following: Mt. Kanlaon in Negros This mountain is home to various species of ferns, lichens, and orchids. It is also inhabited by numerous species of tropical birds such as bleeding heart pigeons and endangered Negros Fruit Doves. Mt. Apo in Mindanao This dormant volcano is the country’s highest mountain at 2,954 meters. As a known habitat of the mighty Philippine Eagle, its forested slopes were protected for the conservation of this endangered bird. Mount Arayat in Central Luzon This dormant volcano is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Right at its foot is a picnic site surrounded by waterfalls and numerous species of plants. Mt. Isarog in Bicol This is the region’s second highest volcano at 1,966 meters. This dormant volcano is the home of the Agta tribe. Dave Leprozo, Jr.