Mount Kalawitan is the fourth highest mountain in Luzon which spans the municipalities of Bauko, Bontoc and Sabangan in Mountain Province, and Hungduan and Tinoc in Ifugao, and the southwest of Buguias, Benguet.
It has pine and mossy forests, sanctuary to a unique biodiversity. It serves as the headwaters of Agno River Basin and Cagayan River Basin where the Chico River drains.
To promote sustainable ecotourism while taking into consideration its biodiversity conservation, an ecotourism roadmap for Mount Kalawitan was crafted.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Cordillera Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo endorsed the Biodiversity Conservation and Eco-Tourism Development Plan of Mt. Kalawitan to the Forest Management Bureau in Manila. It was earlier subjected for review and approval by appropriate bodies such as the Forest Investment Review Committee and the Regional Ecotourism Committee.
As an entry to the Forestry Investment Portfolio Approach, one of the objectives is to encourage environment-friendly investors to give full support and invest on Mount Kalawitan for the development of an ecotourism site that provides economic support to the community while maintaining the unique biodiversity and the ecological balance of the site.
Giving their nod, the local government units of Bauko and Buguias endorsed the plan through separate resolutions.
The development plan underwent several processes such as orientation and consultations with concerned communities and local government units. Writeshops and other technical work engagements were held.
As an ecotourist destination, among its come-on are mountain loop tours with forest and agricultural landscape view, and a wide array of flora such as endemic plant species and rare orchid species and fauna such as wildlife.
As illustrated in the plan, it features the mossy forest of Palapal Sub-watershed passing by the greatwall of Bauko where forest and agricultural landscapes are distinct then to the majestic pine and mossy forest of Mount Molmog, that connects Bauko and Buguias to Sabangan, Bontoc and the province of Ifugao.
Other activities and attractions are forest bathing, wildlife viewing/watching, sunrise and sunset viewing, breathtaking sea of clouds, and the popular falls in the area called Paradise Falls.
Farm tourism with plant market adventure will also be installed for tourists to have a firsthand experience on practical agricultural farm chores/activities such as preparing the planting beds and harvesting fresh vegetables and fruits with a side trip tour to the Irish Potato Seed Production Farm.
Tourists can also have the opportunity to learn the culture and traditions of the area through village immersion, savor local delicacies and products and experience indigenous ways of relaxation such as the so called “kulkulis” or the traditional foot massage and other de-stressing activities.
Accordingly, there have been explorations in the past notably by the First Philippine Everest Expedition Team that scaled the mountain as part of their training.
As Mt. Kalawitan features closed forests, open forests, grassland and agricultural lands, it calls for biodiversity conservation to maintain a healthy watershed and good environment.
Among the programs, projects and activities to intensify the mountain’s forest protection and resource/biodiversity conservation are through an integrated watershed management approach, social and human development, sustained economic growth, environmental quality and sustainable use of resources, cultural integrity and identity, sustainable integrated area development and management of the watershed ecosystem and resources. Moreover, mapping and valuation, construction and procurement of monitoring facilities/equipment, perimeter fencing of the critical watershed boundaries, fire prevention activities and procurement of firefighting equipment, rehabilitation projects and activities shall be undertaken with active community participation.
As a protocol, the promotion of tourism circuit development includes forest protection, conservation and development, management of biodiversity and other natural attractions.** JDP/SCA-PIA CAR
