IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon — The local government of Impasugong has issued a stern public advisory warning mountaineers, tour organizers, and tourists against participating in unauthorized climbing activities at Mt. Saldab, citing serious safety, environmental, and legal concerns.
In an official statement released by the Municipal Tourism Office of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Impasugong in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Community Environment and Natural Resources Office Manolo Fortich, authorities clarified that no permit, endorsement, or clearance has been issued for any mountaineering activity in the mountain area.
The advisory came amid reports that several groups have allegedly been promoting “open climb” events and mountain tours to Mt. Saldab through social media platforms and online group chats despite the absence of government authorization.
“The LGU strongly urges the public not to participate in any climb, tour, or event going to Mt. Saldab,” the advisory stated.
Authorities emphasized that Mt. Saldab currently lacks the necessary safety and environmental assessments required for tourism and mountaineering activities. According to the advisory, the mountain has no established trail system, no carrying capacity study, no rescue protocols, and no accredited local guides — conditions that significantly increase the risk of accidents, hikers getting lost, and possible landslides.
The LGU also underscored the ecological importance of the area, noting that Mt. Saldab forms part of a watershed and ancestral domain. Officials warned that unregulated entry could threaten vital water sources, wildlife habitats, and sacred sites of Indigenous Peoples (IPs).
The advisory further revealed that the Higaonon and Bukidnon Indigenous communities have not granted Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) for tourism-related activities in the area, a requirement under the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA).
Authorities also stressed that Mt. Saldab is not recognized as an open ecotourism destination under Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order 2013-19, making unauthorized entry a potential violation of environmental regulations.
The LGU specifically warned tour organizers and hiking groups to immediately stop promoting Mt. Saldab climbs on platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and messaging applications.
“Posting open climb events without LGU-DENR permits is illegal,” the advisory emphasized.
Officials also clarified that barangay clearances alone are not valid authorization for mountaineering activities and warned that individuals or groups collecting fees for Mt. Saldab tours may face complaints before the DENR, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, and the Philippine National Police for alleged illegal entry into forestlands and possible violations of the IPRA Law.
Tourists and hikers were likewise reminded that their safety cannot be guaranteed in the absence of emergency response systems, medical teams, communication signals, and registered guides in the area.
The LGU cautioned that violators may also face liability under Presidential Decree 705 or the Forestry Code of the Philippines, as well as Republic Act 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act.
Instead of risking unauthorized climbs, the tourism office encouraged visitors to explore accredited and recognized destinations in Impasugong, including the Impasugong Communal Ranch and Center for Ecological Development and Recreation (CEDAR), along with other Department of Tourism and LGU-recognized tourist sites.
The LGU reminded the public that legitimate mountain destinations should always have permits from the local tourism office, DENR clearances for protected areas, NCIP certification for ancestral domains, and accredited local guides.
“Protect our mountains. Respect IP communities. Follow the law,” the advisory concluded.