LOGSAC to spearhead "Help Yolanda Victims" initiative

The Local government of Sta. Cruz Adventure Club (LOGSAC) will spearhead an initiative that aims to gather relief items for the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda that wrecked havoc last week in the Visayas region particularly in the city of Tacloban. It is called "Help Yolanda Victims" initiative.

 

It will basically mount a call to all members of the club, as well as residents in Sta. Cruz and nearby places, to come together and share whatever resources that will be sent to Tacloban and other typhoon-affected areas. 

Minutes after its posting over Facebook page, a lot of commitments were already received and the good thing is a lot more are still coming. The preferred donations are the following: CASH, MINERAL WATER, RICE, MEDICINES and CANNED GOODS. 

LOGSAC has always been very sensitive in terms of giving help to disaster victims and it is manifested in its desire to give whatever assistance. 

Donations can be directly delivered to PAIC Office, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Prior information can be channeled through mobile number 09208567991.    

Sibulan Porters Association offers Mountaineering Equipment for Rent

Good news to all beginners in the mountaineering community, the Sibulan Porters Association based in sitio Colan, Sibulan, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur now offers mountaineering gears and equipment for rent at very reasonable price. This, after the association received an assistance from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Protected Area and Wildlife Division (DENR-PAWD).

The said assistance package is worth 160,000 pesos comprising the following: camping tents, sleeping bags, cooking sets, camping stoves, headlamps and backpacks. The association also received complete uniforms for its member porters to be used during climbs.

PAWD XI Chief Edward Ragasa said that the said initiative is part of their effort to strengthen the ecotourism enterprise development within the Mt. Apo Natural Park, with expected impact of enhanced upland resources and expected outcomes of sustainable management of upland resources and increased income for upland/tribal communities.

“This will become a livelihood opportunity for our Mt. Apo porters as they will be gaining rental income out of the equipment,” said Ragasa. The Sibulan trail to Mt. Apo located in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur is one of the entry points to the country’s highest  peak and local and foreign mountaineers are increasing over the years. Ragasa further stressed that aside from the economic benefit that the porters can get out of the project, they will also be encouraged to further take part in the protection and rehabilitation of Mt. Apo as a major watershed area.

The Municipality of Sta. Cruz through Mayor Joel Ray Lopez was delighted about the project and said to support whatever projects the DENR will be given to the municipality of Sta. Cruz. “This is not the only project that we tied up with DENR. There were others that were already implemented. We welcome this latest development and look forward to always support DENR programs to Sta. Cruz in the future.”

For inquiries about the rental cost, you can contact the President of the Porters Association Mr. Arturo Ading through his contact number 09122123590.

Stride Guide No. 5: SARANGANI HIGHLANDS GARDEN

Last September 28, 2013 I received an invitation from the Tourism Congress of the Philippines for a consultative forum at General Santos City. As a Tourism Officer of our town, I joined the forum as there were major concerns that had to be raised about Mindanao especially the recent dilemma in Zamboanga City that really needs to be addressed for tourism purposes. Little did I know that it was also the formal pronouncement of the promotion of my very good friend Sir Art Boncato who now officially becomes an Assistant Secretary for Mindanao of the Department of Tourism. Here’s a glass to Sir Art.

Sir Art Boncato is now the DOT Assistant Secretary for Mindanao 

Another good thing about the forum was its venue, the famous Sarangani Highlands resort. Interestingly, this highland resort located in Tambler, General Santos City is just 30 minutes away from downtown proper and it offers variety of ranges of vision not usual to an ordinary inland resort.

Seated more or less 100 meters above sea level, the resort’s spot is a vantage point to the entire Socsargen region, overlooking the broad Sarangani Bay in the east and the towering Mt. Parker in the North.  The natural landscape is notable, featuring several exotic and native flora species that blended well with the city’s tropical atmosphere.  

Sarangani Higlands Garden is also known for is delicious array of food items, most popular of which is their mixed sea foods. This even made the resort suitable for any occasions like conferences, weddings, debuts and the likes. They have comprehensive and affordable event packages.

For traveling guests who want to stay overnight at Gensan, Sarangani Highlands Garden have comfortable hotel rooms with complete amenities like private toilets, hot and cold shower, television, wifi access and more.

For bookings and reservation, Sarangani Highlands Garden can be contacted through the following numbers 083-5543336 (telefax), 09228590043 (mobile). Their email address is saranganihighlands@gmail.com.