LOGSAC joins several stakeholders in inking Sibulan River Conservation pact

The Local Government of Sta. Cruz Adventure Club has become an affiliate of the “GASA SA SUBA” Sibulan River Conservation Project which was done on June 28, 2010 at HEDCOR Sibulan, Inc. compound, Darong, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

Gasa sa Suba is an initiative of LGU Sta. Cruz in partnership with Ecogov to craft an advocacy campaign for conservation, protection and rehabilitation of Sibulan River, the province’s lone body of water that held several citations being the cleanest inland body of water.

In a launching ceremony, LOGSAC has participated the signing of Manifesto of Commitment and tree planting ceremony within the riverbank that eventually signaled the start of the initiative.

Headed by Mayor Atty. Joel Ray Lopez of Sta. Cruz, the program also lured the interest of industrial companies within Sibulan River such as HEDCOR, San Miguel Brewery, CJ Toyota Tsushu Philippines, Oboza Realty, Ayala Agricultural Development Corporation, International Pipes Industries, among others.

Sibulan river stretches a total of 30 kilometers length from the highlands of Sta. Cruz and is an intermediary of the Mt. Apo Natural Park and the Davao Gulf area. The river is also one of the town’s unique natural heritage, providing water supply to 5 barangays namely: Sibulan, Tibolo, Jose Rizal, Astorga and Darong.

MFSM Island Congress spells unity, friendship and pleasure

The Island Congress of the Mountaineering Federation of Southern Mindanao conducted last June 26-27, 2010 at Marex Villarica Resort, Island Garden City of Samal has spelled unity, camaraderie, friendship and pleasure among all mountaineering clubs in Region XI.

Bearing the theme MFSM goes Wet 'n Wild, the congress aimed to promote advocacy on responsible mountaineering and outdoor ethics while also reuniting with fellow mountaineers.

As usual, LOGSAC - being one of the federation members - had actively got involved during the celebration; joining all sub-events of the congress such as Basic Mountaineering Course, Ropemanship Course, Basic Orienteering and Navigation, Mini Adventure Race, Freesbie Competition, among others. There were a total of 22 LOGSACs who eventually joined the congress.

This corner would like to congratulate ka-LOGSACs Jongjong, Faridah and Jacko who won second place in the adventure race conducted by Mulatto.

LOGSAC would also like to thank Councilor-elect Andy Ugduracion and ABC President Mila M. Lim for supporting us during the event.

FREEDOM CLIMB 2010

Freedom Climb is an annual climb held to reminisce the Filipino heroes who fought for freedom and independence. This year, 50 summits were venues of the event as coordinated by FIMO, a Manila-based mountaineering club.

Sharing the same thrust with FIMO, the Mountaineering Federation of Southern Mindanao has actively joined the celebration. Almost all mountains in Mindanao were occupied with mountaineers during the 122nd Independence Day.

As usual, my club LOGSAC did our share of Freedom Climb and had it at the country’s highest peak – Mt. Apo – on June 12-14, 2010 via Sta. Cruz trail. Along with us were six mountaineers from Luzon. There was fun during expedition, although we were clasped by rain showers for two consecutive evenings.

Eventually there were several good points that the climb had prearranged. First, the spirit of patriotism was cultivated. Independence Day celebration nowadays is just a mere piece of something and its meaning has been forgotten. With us joining the flag-raising ceremony on the 13th of June, at least there was a deeper understanding and appreciation about the efforts made by our fore heroes and their century-old struggles were remembered. Here’s a glass for that.

Second, our venue was at Mt. Apo. With an echelon of 10,311 feet above sea level, we were the tallest then. For two consecutive years I spent my Freedom Climb in this mountain that has long been a backyard for me. The last time I climbed Mt. Apo was February this year and while I was face to face with the mountain last June 13 I even developed a deeper sense of accountability not only to Mt. Apo but to the environment in general. While seeing face to face with Mt. Apo last June 13 I appreciated more the beauty of this behemoth. While seeing face to face with Mt. Apo last June 13 I realized how kind the nature to human beings. Here’s another glass for that.


Third, this year’s Freedom Climb has given me new set of friends. Apol and company are great comrades

Lastly, strange things happen during the climb. We met a lone chimpanzee while taking a breather at the boulders and the good thing was that the beast was so cool, allowing me to take several photo shoots. Also, it was the only climb in my whole life that I never tasted a single wine shot.

To all those who co-celebrated the 2010 version of Freedom Climb, congrats.