Mountain climbing with PDI

The photo of Mount Pico de Loro on the front page of the March 16 issue of the Inquirer is a most welcome sight for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts in the Philippines. The fact that the Inquirer also featured in the past other mountains and natural attractions, such as Mount Pulag and Mount Apo,  has not been lost on us.

Moreover, the Inquirer has been very strong in reporting what is relevant and specific to mountaineers and nature lovers. Mount Banahaw’s status, for instance, has been covered by news writer Delfin Mallari, and we have seen some of the significant events in hiking documented by the Inquirer, including the recent accidents that befell some mountaineers. Also, the Inquirer’s documentation of environmental issues involving mountains has brought to our national consciousness these crucial concerns.

This, I believe, augurs well for the hiking community, as a sign of and support for the growth of mountain climbing as a mainstream sport and recreational activity in the Philippines. Hiking cuts across a diverse range of interests: It is a form of tourism, a healthy pursuit, as well as a social activity. Moreover, since hiking involves traveling to different communities, it is a way by which the various aspects of our country’s realities and social issues can be seen.

Who will tell the world of the beauty of our mountains, and the richness of the cultures found on them? The power of the press to project the images and stories of these wonderful places and the people who live there is awesome and, when used for such purpose, commendable.

Kudos, then, to the Inquirer for highlighting the heights! We look forward to seeing more mountains on its pages in the future.

—GIDEON LASCO, MD, glasco@gmail.com