‘Stairway to Mt. Apo’ draws flak from netizens

The move of putting concrete blocks as pathways going up the slopes of Mt. Apo, the country’ highest peak, is facing massive opposition from various sectors. 

Critics took to social media to protest this move now known as “Stairway to Mt. Apo ” by the city government of Kidapawan in Cotabato. According to reports, the blocks were built along the Mandarangan trail leading to Lake Venado which is halfway to the mountain’s peak. 

Netizens raised concern over the possible destruction of the natural state of the trail because of the construction of the concrete slabs. Some others meanwhile believe that the purpose was in fact helpful for easier trek to the slopes given the mountain’s difficult terrain. 

Among the most vocal critics of the project is Ermelo Libre who served as the former director of Mt. Apo Foundation Inc. 

While he conforms that “the purpose is commendable for the safety of climbers is a priority,” he also believes that “the environmental and cultural architecture must be incorporated in project construction to reflect the spirit of the natural surrounding environment and as expression of the cultural tradition and aspirations of the indigenous community that was there before us.”

Libre encourages the public to lay their opinions for better understanding of the issue. 

“It helps that competing voices are coming out regarding the cemented pathway near Venado lake. I hope these varying passionate voices will get louder and find its way into the arena of objective public discourse. Filtered and distilled with the purest of all intentions, it may eventually lead to a unifying understanding of what dream we really want to dream for Mt. Apo,” he said. 

For the netizens, especially for those after the full experience of trekking, the move likewise did not sit well. 

Most of them argue that commercializing the area would ruin the very essence of experiencing nature in the popular tourist spot. 

Meanwhile, city officer Psalmer Bernalte defended the project saying the blocks leading to Lake Venado were built because the influx of visitors caused the soil in the area to erode. 

Since the trail was already not safe to use (due to soil erosion), trekkers look for another way [to the peak] that requires them to damage plants in the mountain,” Bernalte said in a statement.