DoT, DENR launch Climb NorthMin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Tourism -Region 10 (DoT-10), in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Region 10 (DENR-10), officially launched "Climb NorthMin: Limitless Mountain Adventures — Discover the Peaks of Northern Mindanao," Tuesday, 22 April, at the Activity Center of Centrio Ayala Mall here.

The launching strengthens and reaffirms DoT and DENR’s shared commitment to promoting sustainable tourism in Northern Mindanao, with DoT-10 Regional Director Marie Elaine Unchuan extending her agency’s gratitude to DENR-10 Regional Director Henry Adornado and the DENR family for their utmost support.

“This campaign highlights the richness of our mountains and exceptional natural assets, being the region with the most number of Asean Heritage Parks in the Country — we have four out of 12. From the majestic Mt. Kitanglad in Bukidnon, to the iconic Mt.Timpoong-Hibok-Hibok in Camiguin, to the biodiversity-rich Mt. Malindang in Misamis Occidental and the rugged beauty of Mt. Inayawan in Lanao del Norte. We also recognize the towering Mt. Balatukan in Misamis Oriental — hopefully as another future ASEAN Heritage Park,” Unchuan told guests, stakeholders, mountain-climbing groups, guides and various tribal community representatives present.

Northern Mindanao has long been recognized for its rich natural landscapes, and DoT and DENR have jointly been positioning the region as a leading destination for responsible, well-managed mountain tourism.

The launching also marks an important milestone, even as DoT-10 and DENR-10 inked a memorandum of agreement to further formalize their joint efforts in ecotourism development and environmental conservation, Unchuan told the DAILY TRIBUNE.

“Through this agreement, we will implement quarterly mountain climbs, tree planting activities, conservation programs, training sessions, and community livelihood projects — in partnership with LGUs, the mountaineering community, and other stakeholders;” she stressed.

“In addition to our initiatives, we are also launching a focused program on sustainable birdwatching. Northern Mindanao is home to some of the country’s most iconic and rare bird species — including the critically endangered Philippine Eagle, the Bukidnon Woodcock, and the endemic Camiguin Hawk-Owl. Our forests, wetlands, and mountains also host a variety of other endemic species, such as the Mindanao Lorikeet, the Mindanao Scops Owl, and the Rufous-headed Tailorbird, among others,” Unchuan added.

Northern Mindanao is also an important stop for migratory birds that travel thousands of kilometers across Asia. Through the birdwatching initiative, DoT-10 aims to raise greater awareness for the conservation and protection of avian wildlife, promote responsible wildlife tourism, and highlight the role of this region as a critical sanctuary for both endemic and migratory birds.