Mt Kanla-on

                               Top Mountaineering Destination in the Country
          Among the highest peak in the country, Mt. Kanla-on belongs to the top-5 mountaineering destination in the country. As a matter of fact, it became the venue twice of the Annual Congress and Climb of the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines, Inc. (MFPI) - in 1983 and 1996.
          Mt. Kanla-on boasts of its wildlife and scenic spots such as its active crater, Margaja Valley, Hardin sang Balo and several lagoons. Although less lofty than Mt. Apo, Mt. Kitanglad, Mt. Pulag and Mt. Halcon, it allegedly exhibits the lowest record of temperature at zero degree Centigrade.

                                                  Mt. Kanla-on Natural Park (MKNP)
          Covering an area of 24,557 has., Mt. Kanla-on Natural Park is a protected area and a component of the National Integrated Areas System (NIPAS) by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 1005. As such, its legal management and territorial jurisdiction lies over the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) under the supervision of the Department of Natural Resources (DENR)

                                                         SB Climb on April 12-15, 2000
       The Singarong Backpackers is set to climb Mt. Kanla-on on April 12-15, 2001 (the first official expedition of SB on Mt. Kanla-on after it is opened for climbing late in the year 2000 since its closure in 1997). Actually, the original schedule of SB should have been on Dec. 29-31, 2000 but this schedule was put on hold due to the unpredictability of weather conditions.
         Among the signatories for these climb are Dennis Ella, Mariebelle Porras, Ernina Defino and Pedro Plabrica. Guests mountaineers from Kaabyanan sa Dabok Mountaineers, the sister-club of SB, are Socorro Belgira, Dondon and Edna Marcasote.
         While the booking and other preparations are almost finished, the sad news flashed on March 21, 2001 with the PHIVOLCS announcing the imminent danger of an actual eruption thereby cancelling all climbs. About 131 climbers, both Filipinos and foreigners, had no recourse but to accept this warning.

                                                Rules and Regulations on Mountaineering at MKNP
                                                      (PAMB Resolution No. 17, Series of 1999)
         1.) Official trails and entry/exit areas are the Wasay trail in Murcia; Guimtubdan in La Carlota and Bago; Mananawin in Masulog, La Carlota and Canlaon City;
         2.) A maximum of nine members, including expedition team leader, porters and mandatory-guide per expedition group. Only one expedition party per trail approach will be allowed in a given time;
         3.) Mountaineering is only open during the months of March to May and October to December. In the event, however, that PAGASA declares weather disturbance and/or PHIVOLCS declares volcanic activity, the area shall be closed automatically from mountaineering;
         4.) Mandatory requirements include the following:
                 4.1 Climbing permit, which shall be secured from the Protected Area Superintendent following submission of required information such as letter of intent; individual data sheet of the climbing party members...
         5.) Prohibited acts as covered by the NIPAS Law
                  5.1 Hunting, destroying, disturbing or mere possession of any plants or animals...
         6.) The penalties provided for in the NIPAS Law shall be imposed to whomever...

                           [ Note: selected and revised texts from PASU handouts}

P.S. Entrance/Registration Fee is Php 300.00 (Php 150.00 for students); Guide's Fee is Php 500.00 per day
News Flash!!! As of March 2001, the PAMB offers alternative climbs during the 'lean months' or the months not covered for regular climbing. In the lean months, one climb per month for one group is open for application.