Hikers drawn to Mayon's reputation as most difficult volcano to climb

For its reputation as the most difficult volcano to climb in the country, Mayon Volcano has become a favorite destination among adventure-seekers — so much so that some would resort to illegal climbing activities just to "conquer" it. “Pinaka-problema namin iyon,” admitted Dan Intong, tourism office consultant in Albay, referring to the illegal climbers. “May mga nagbabantay naman, kaso may mga nakakalusot pa rin talaga.” The problem hit a tragic note Tuesday morning when five people — four foreign hikers and their Filipino guide — were crushed to death by large rocks triggered by an ash explosion. Albay Governor Joey Salceda said the five went there without the necessary permits from authorities. "Huge demand kasi ngayon ang pag-akyat, lalo na sa foreigners," he told GMA News Online. Intong said tourists, foreign and local alike, need to obtain a permit first before climbing Mayon Volcano, considered the most difficult volcano to climb in the country. "To get the permit, kailangang mag-register at mag-attend sa orientation," he said. "Kailangan ng medical certificate to make sure na fit ka talaga to climb, and kailangan ding mag-sign ng waiver." “Kasi dangerous nga ang pag-climb sa Mayon,” Intong added. “May chance na biglaang magkaroon ng explosion, kagaya kaninang umaga, wala naman kaming advice from Phivolcs na tumaas na pala ang alert level. Biglaan ang nangyari, and we were not adviced.” “Conquer Mayon” Intong said Mayon Volcano's reputation as the most difficult volcano to climb in the country has attracted adventurous climbers to "conquer” it. "Dinadayo talaga ito ng mga adventurous who would like to conquer Mayon," he said. "Karamihan nito mga foreigner." However, only 20 tourists are allowed to climb the volcano every day. "Hanggang 20 lang kasi ang capacity ng volcano. Kaunti lang din ang pwedeng umakyat kasi lahat iyan kailangang bantayan ng mabuti," Intong said. He added there are only 17 tourist guides—trained and accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT)—authorized to lead groups climbing the volcano. "Inaalayan talaga ang mga umakyat, lalo na sa summit climb kasi lose gravel na 'yung daan, very dangerous," Intong said. Only a maximum of five are allowed to climb the summit so guides can secure each one, while the others would need to wait at Camp 2, according to Intong. An alternative for climbing, ATV or all terrain vehicle rentals are also available for tourists. Hollywood actor Zac Efron had one during his stay in the Philippines last September. Alert levels "Biglaan ang nangyari, hindi na kami na-advice ng Phivolcs na may pagbabago para sa sitwasyon," he stressed. "Kapag Alert Level 2 na, doon lang ipagbabawal ang pagpasok sa six-kilometer danger zone.” Under Alert Level 1, recreational activities around the area are still allowed. Despite the threat of sudden explosions and rockfalls in Mayon Volcano, authorities are not inclined in totally ban activities around it. "Economy kasi ng bayan ang apektado, dito kumukuha ng kabuhayaan ang mga residente," Intong said. "At lahat talaga ng adventurous activities, may threat talaga. Kagaya ito ng scuba diving, may panganib din doon." — KBK, GMA News