DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur — Towering over Mindanao’s skyline at 2,954 meters above sea level, Mt. Apo — the Philippines’ highest peak — once again proved its stature as more than just a natural wonder. During the Padigosan Festival’s Cultural and Trade Expo held from July 15 to 19 at the Gaisano Mall Atrium, the mountain emerged as a central figure in the celebration, symbolizing the deep ties between nature, culture, and sustainable development.
The spotlight on Mt. Apo came at a pivotal time, as its Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) and partners intensified the campaign for its inclusion in the prestigious list of UNESCO Global Geoparks. This recognition would place Mt. Apo alongside the world’s most treasured geological sites, highlighting its rare rock formations, rich biodiversity, and the centuries-old traditions of its Indigenous stewards.
At the heart of the expo was a Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) exhibit, curated by PAMO in collaboration with the Bagobo Tagabawa community of Tibolo and a museum partner. The display captivated festival-goers with traditional musical instruments like the kulintang, intricate beadwork, and handwoven attire — each artifact a testament to the artistry and heritage of the Indigenous peoples who have long called Mt. Apo home.
The exhibit did more than display artifacts; it told stories. Visitors learned about the mountain’s delicate ecosystems, from mossy forests to highland grasslands, and its role as a sanctuary for rare wildlife such as the Philippine eagle. Many guests — from various provinces and regions — lingered to experience the fusion of geological marvels and cultural wealth, underscoring Mt. Apo’s growing reputation as a hub for eco-cultural tourism and environmental education.
For the local communities and stakeholders, Mt. Apo is more than a destination — it is a living classroom. Recognized under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) and as an ASEAN Heritage Park, the mountain offers lessons in biodiversity conservation, indigenous knowledge transmission, and sustainable ecotourism practices that can be replicated elsewhere.
The Padigosan Festival, anchored on the theme Kultura at Galing ng Digos, provided the perfect platform to amplify this message. The event itself was a celebration of Davao del Sur’s creative spirit, blending cultural showcases, artistic performances, and community-led exhibits — all while reinforcing the call to safeguard the province’s natural and cultural heritage.
With the UNESCO Global Geopark bid gaining momentum, organizers and advocates are urging stronger support from the public, institutions, and policymakers. For them, the recognition is not merely about prestige; it is about securing Mt. Apo’s legacy for future generations — ensuring that the next wave of climbers, researchers, and cultural enthusiasts will inherit a mountain as rich and vibrant as it is today.
“Mt. Apo is our pride, our protector, and our teacher,” one community elder shared during the exhibit. “To care for it is to care for our identity.”
From the highland trails to the festival halls, Mt. Apo continues to stand tall — a timeless guardian of both the land and the stories that flow from it.