Mt. Pinatubo Trek Tourism for a cause

Preparations are now under way for the 6th Mt. Pinatubo Trek aimed to promote and develop the area as an ecotourism destination in the country. Slated on Nov. 30, the annual Mt. Pinatubo Trek organized by the Department of Tourism (DoT) will take the Capas, Tarlac route, according to Regional Director Ronaldo Tiotuico.

"This trekking event will, at the same time, help build a better quality of life for the indigenous host communities living in the area through travel and tourism," he added.

The trek, which is part of DoT-Region III’s "Kabuhayan sa Turismo" program, was launched in 1999 to create jobs and alternative livelihood for indigenous groups and residents of depressed villages in Tarlac and Pampanga.

The Mt. Pinatubo trek was started in November 1999, eight years after the volcano’s disastrous eruption on June 15, 1991 and the discovery of an access trail system that leads to the bowels of the volcano in Brgy. Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac.

Today, around 60 Aetas now work as guides and porters to tourists who want to get a feel of Mt. Pinatubo.

The "Kabuhayan sa Turismo" program has already received numerous awards from international and national associations for being the best community-based sustainable ecotourism project. These awards include those given by the Pacific Area Travel Association and the Asean Tourism Association as well as the local travel industry’s Kalakbay Award.

A registration fee of R1,000 is required of each participant to help fund the Mt. Pinatubo Conservation Plan and Ecotourism Development Program. This fee is inclusive of use of a 4 x 4 all-weather vehicle, certificate of conquest, dinner, and souvenir T-shirt.

Part of the trek’s proceeds will also be donated to the community of Brgy. Sta. Juliana here, 80 percent of the 3,000 population belongs to the Aeta ethnic group.

The Mt. Pinatubo trek is co-sponsored by the Angeles City Four Wheelers Club which will provide transportation to the participants.