If
not because of the untimely demised of my personal friend and co-LOGSAC founder
Engr. Dan Alfarero, I won’t be able to remember a climb that was as important
as my other survey climbs in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Dan passed away last
July 1 after a vehicular accident where his motorcycle was hit by a passenger
van somewhere in Barangay Zone 1.
In
2007, Dan has been an integral part in forming the Local Government of Sta.
Cruz Adventure Club. His passion for mountain climbing was evident that he
always expressed interest in climbing despite his busy schedules being an
employee of the Assessor’s Office. He climbed Mt. Apo only once, but had been
with the group in minor climbs relative to local government operations.
 |
| Mt. Libodon as seen in Barangay Tibolo |
In
one of our survey climb schedules last July 2005, we traversed the highest
point in Sta. Cruz – Mt. Libodon. This mountain borders five barangays in Jose
Rizal, Coronon, Tibolo, Sinoron and Sibulan and offers clear 360 degrees view
of Davao City and Digos City (Kapatagan mountain ranges). Along with other
Technical Working Group members in the LGU and Upland Development Programme
(UDP), we trail blazed Mt. Libodon starting from a hostile trail of Tibolo and
had our exit through the Coronon trail passing Langit-langit sites in Upper most
portions of Barangay Astorga.
 |
| The Survey Climb Group |
 |
| The Buribid Mountain Range |
Standing
approximately 1,200 meters above sea level, Mt. Libodon is the wellspring of
potable water in Sta. Cruz. The vast forest reserved is very apparent as highlighted
with the presence of flora and fauna, including wild boars, deers and leeches. It
is located within the Buribid Range featuring Sta. Cruz and Digos mountainscape
and has been considered one of the highly critical areas for conservation and
protection. Residents have in fact revealed that the forest was one of the
breeding grounds of the Philippine Eagle, particularly in the southeast
portions of Barangay Sinoron.
One
of the experiences that I could not forget during that climb was our overnight
stop at Langit-langit. We had some problems locating for water sources because
we all had no idea about the trail. Our guides even had hard times fixing the
right passages. Luckily we encountered a farmer-hunter in Langit-langit and
settled for an overnight in his farm hut. The heavy rain was also a hardship for
us, as we only had two tents. Other members of the group who were not catered
to the farmer’s hut transferred to out tent (including Dan).
 |
| In one of my camping chat with Dan Alfarero and Engr. Melvin Perosillo |
On
the third day, we descended using two different trails. The first group composed
of Jonas Florencondia, Melvin Perosillo, Jovany Tajores, Larry Senarillos and
other members I could no longer remember; used the Tubison route all the way to
Astorga proper. Meanwhile, my group proceeded directly to Barangay Coronon with
George Saniel, Odik delos Cientos, Alonzo Tancontian and Dan Alfarero. We were fortunate
to have witnessed the huge woodlands of Coronon, including the very popular
scene among Sta. Cruzianz – the Kawa-Kawa forest basin where the Binuangon
watershed lies.
I
can therefore consider the Libodon climb as a unique climb, although maybe not
the best climb, but with the company of the late Dan Alfarero, I can consider
it as a treasured journey with a friend who now enjoyed his separate journey
with the Almighty in heaven.
