New Hibok-hibok Trail is a Bucket of Biodiversity

Local authorities in the Province of Camiguin is considering opening of new trail to Mt. Hibok-hibok, paving way for the official launching of its Itom trail last March 23. I joined the launching and familiarization day hike along with fellow mountaineers and digital influencers from all over the country. Although there is a national advisory of the mountain’s closure as a preventive maintenance before the El Nino reaches its peak season this year, the launching is somehow very timely in order for the LGU to further polish its regulations prior to the formal opening of Itom trail anytime this year.

Pitcher Plants along Itom Trail

The trail is approximately a 6-kilometer stretch from the jump off point in the DENR PASU station to the highest point which measures 1,332 masl. The climb was never a boring one as we were entertained by the varied showcase of the trail’s biodiversity and the equally jolly company of the expedition team. The cute summit offers another appealing site to behold which had us witnessing a 360-degree view of the entire Camiguin Island in broad daylight including the popular Vanishing and Mantigue Islands and the adjacent highest point Mt. Timpoong on the other side.

Athrophaneura semperi supernotatos - a Philippine Endemic Butterfly

 Since the trail is new, most of us had a slower pace which was really fine we were able to distinguish the rich flora and fauna of Mt. Hibok-hibok. The jump off point itself is home to assorted butterflies and birds while the entire trail serves host to amazing flora species, some common to me while others are new and native in the place, the most dominant are the huge tree species decorated with mosses, pitcher plants, wild romblon and giant rattan. As we approached through higher elevation the vegetation becomes stunted, proof of Mt. Hibok-hibok’s volcanic characteristics just like other volcanoes in the country which has mineral vents and deposits.

We did not notice presence of wild animals but some indirect observations led us to determine the existing fauna in Mt. Hibok-hibok. Tracks of wild boar, sounds of common frogs, dried skin of snake, leftovers of monkey foods and some personal romance with leeches (I had one cute bite) simply manifest that the mountain is really unspoiled.  

Track of Wild Boar

Leftovers in a dining place of monkeys

A dried snake skin

Love at first leech bite

The wide canopy of trees in Mt. Hibok-hibok also serves as abode of several bird species. The Camiguin Bulbul, endemic in the island, is the most widespread. This was previously identified as the Yellowish Bulbul but was later on split due to its distinct physical attribute and unique sound. I was even told by a local guide that Camiguin Bulbul could produce 16 different sounds. A subspecie of Black-naped Monarch is another lifer, this one located only in Camiguin. This is an interesting subspecie though as told by Pete because there is no black in the nape. Other than these two Camiguin endemics I also saw appearances of Turquoise Flycatcher, Rufous Paradise Flycatcher, Purple-throated Sunbird, Yellowish White Eye, Everett’s White Eyes, White-eared Brown Dove, Spotted Dove, Philippine Cuckoo Dove, Brahminy Kite, Philippine Serpent Eagle, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Olive-backed Sunbird, Zebra Dove, Orange-bellied Flowerpecker, Red-keeled Flowerpecker, Coppersmith Barbet and the invasive Asian Glossy Starlings.  

  

A subspecie of Black-naped Monarch located only in Camiguin

Spotted Dove

Yellowish White Eye

Yellow-vented Bulbul

Rufous Paradise Flycatcher 

Camiguin Bulbul

With all these information it is but fitting that the LGU of Camiguin and the DENR should level up their partnership in order to conserve and protect Mt. Hibok-hibok amidst ecotourism activities. Ecotourism should be a tool to further boost the mountain’s biodiversity and not a vehicle towards destruction.

Meanwhile, here is a glass to the organizing committee of the launching climb for a job very well done. Special credit is due to the Provincial Government of Camiguin particularly the Tourism Officer Miss Candice, Potpot and the rest of the Gang, as well as to the PASU office. Thank you so much for inviting me. You made us all overwhelmed with the hospitality that I think is one of a kind in the Philippines. The adventure turned out to be a gastronomic experience as well.

To USEC Art Boncato of DOT, my salute to you Sir for helping local government units in advocating responsible mountain tourism, or in the case of Camiguin – volcanic tourism. I hope all leaders would be able to learn from you.

Pinoymountaineer.com author Doc Gideon Lasco and seven summitter Carina Dayondon

The Fighter Boys led by Kulas 

To the solid group of mountaineers, this is all about us and the mountain. By spreading good vibes we will surely make this initiative rather than break it. It was nice climbing with Carina Dayondon, the lone Filipina seven summitter, and to Doc Gideon Lasco who had been responsible in spreading and enriching related literatures of Philippine mountaineering. The group of Kulas was also a nice company in the mountains, as well as the two pretty and intelligent influencers from Luzon Celine Murillo and Kara Santos. And of course to renowned photographer and mountaineer Rhonson Ng, thanks for the good company Brod.