Backtrack # 13: MT. LIBODON CLIMB, ONE OF MY FEW CLIMBS WITH ENGR. DAN ALFARERO

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.

To Dan, thank you so much for the memories in the outdoors you used to share with us.

Stride Guide No. 6. SECDEA BEACH RESORT

As part of the post-event respite of the Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge, our office was treated with an overnight stay on June 6-7, 2014 in one of Samal Island’s newest resorts, SECDEA Beach Resort. Thanks to our honorable Municipal Councilor Sir Andy Ugdoracion for taking care of the getaway. Being the overall chairperson of the Boulder Face Challenge, Sir Andy has always been in the forefront of whatever activities related to the event, including that very memorable escapade.

As a new destination in the island of Samal, SECDEA is a place everybody would love to visit and experience. With its  natural beach feature and amazing amenities, SECDEA stands out as one of Mindanao’s finest resorts. It is located in a quiet barangay of San Isidro in Babak district, more or less ten (10) kilometers away from Babak Public Market.

SECDEA also offers variety of activities to try such as snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, diving, banana-boating and jet ski riding.

Here are some of the photos I would like to share, all taken during my first and only visit to SECDEA Beach Resort.

Thanks for viewing.

Revisiting the Heart of Compostela Valley Province

I’ve been to Compostela Valley for countless times already but my latest visit to this beautiful province was unique as I had the chance to explore its main town, Nabunturan, where the provincial capitol is situated. Also, this trip (which happened to be my first after that lethal Typhoon Pablo), happened during a Reorientation Forum on Climate Change intended for Information Officers in region XI as spearheaded by Philippine Information Agency and Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Truly, there were more pressing issues that were tackled during the forum, one of which I was interested very much about how climate change is being figured that it has become a very trendy thing today and in the future. One thing I really find it very true and challenging about climate change adaptation is to “change our selves”.  Somehow, while we are bent on combating the effect of this “New normal” scenario, the best item so far that we failed to combat is ourselves.

Meanwhile, back to Compostela Valley, there is something extraordinary about this province that I like most and that’s the way how local leaders beat its minimum very effectively and efficiently. In terms of resources, ComVal is basically agricultural. To some point, they are also rich in mines and the province has even become a mining capital of the Davao region. Thumping the dynamics of responsible mining has been the main reason why this province is rich, despite being hampered by natural disasters in the past.

In the façade of its provincial capitol building is a display of their 1.5 kilogram, 18 Gold “solidarity ring”, a symbol of the province’s wealth and trademark that also symbolizes oneness, unity and teamwork. The ring, which is the biggest in the country as per record, now costs approximately 4 million pesos.  

Another thing that I appreciate about ComVal is the resiliency of its leaders and the people. Less than 2 years after Typhoon Pablo wrecked havoc to this place, Comvaleños are now starting to live a normal life. Their effort towards social rehabilitation, more than physical rehabilitation, is surprising. It is also commendable that after the devastation, people in all walks of life can now afford to throw a smile to every visitor.

For me, Comvaleños really transcended the word transformation into a whole new level. And just like how the solidarity ring attracts every person visiting the province, more and more people are now being tempted to stay and experience the best that the province can offer.