Cagayan de Oro: The Northern Mindanao Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC-10) launched a hiking for a cause initiative at Mount Balatukan on Tuesday. This charitable event aims to raise funds for infrastructure in isolated communities across the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, RPOC-10 chair and Camiguin Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating that “the aim is to collect funds for meaningful infrastructure projects to protect geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.” The event, scheduled for May 16 to 18, is held in partnership with the Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion and targets upland communities in Gingoog City, Lagonglong, and Balingasag as beneficiaries.
Participants are required to pay a registration fee of PHP2,700 for local hikers and PHP2,920 for foreign participants. Mount Balatukan, located in eastern Misamis Oriental, is part of the Department of Tourism’s mountain tourism program and is recognized as a protected area due to its high conservation value.
The Mt. Balatukan Range Natural Park is also being considered for designation as northern Mindanao’s fifth ASEAN Heritage Park. It would join the ranks of Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park in Bukidnon, Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park in Misamis Occidental, Mt. Timpoong-Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument in Camiguin, and Mt. Inayawan Range Natural Park in Lanao del Norte.
