This technical and documentation climb was spearheaded by the Department of Tourism DOT) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) basically to see the actual situation of Mt. Apo Peak and Lake Venado. The date was May 18-19, 2007 via the so-called V.I.P Trail of Kidapawan Site G and H, Philippine National Oil Company area.
Two months after the Lenten season of 2007, it was reported that Mt. Apo was very untidy. Trashes were thrown all over its premises which prompted the above-mentioned offices to validate the information. The technical team was also composed of LGU personnel, media practitioners and photographers. Representing Sta. Cruz then along with this blogger was Danrev Broñola of LOGSAC and Lito Roque, SAVERS leader and now President of Tribung Mindanaw Mountaineering Club (TRIMMOC).
The two-day climb saw several issues confirmed. First, Mt. Apo was really beset with garbage problem. Second, there were concrete structures built in Lake Venado that was way beyond the PAMB policy. Third, there were still plenty of irresponsible mountain climbers climbing Mt. Apo every year. And fourth, some – if not all LGUs are not following and/or imposing the PAMB guidelines on trekking within the Mount Apo Natural Park.
The good thing, however, about the climb was that concerned authorities had learned their lessons. After that, a documentation report was created so that all stakeholders would be able to see the real condition of the country’s highest peak. All LGU’s had already complied with the agenda of trekking policies which includes conducting of an annual clean up drive particularly after a Lenten climb.
Leading the technical climb was no less than the former Director of DOT Ms. Sonia Garcia and Protected Area Superintendent Leonilo Rivera.
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