CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--Recognizing the valuable role of community-based tourism organizations (CBTOs) in tourism development, the Department of Tourism is providing livelihood assistance to CBTOs to give them additional opportunities and to take part in propelling the country's tourism industry forward.

One of the recipients of the DOT's livelihood assistance in Northern Mindanao is a community-based mountaineering club in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Founded in 2010 and driven by a strong sense of environmental protection, the Kalasanen Mountaineering Club (KMC) brings together mountaineers, hikers, and nature explorers who share the same goal of protecting and preserving the local natural spot.

According to the DOT, KMC was chosen because of the several climbs and outreach programs it initiated to provide children living in far-flung areas with educational supplies and raise funds to support the medication of a 64-year-old resident of Manolo Fortich with Parkinson’s Syndrome.

Moreover, KMC plays a vital role in protecting Mt. Palaopao and the flora, fauna, and community around it, especially now that Manolo Fortich has been declared the Philippine Eagle Sanctuary in Northern Mindanao following the discovery of eight (8) pairs of Philippine Eagles residing in the forests of the municipality.

With 27 members, the mountaineering club received a Basic Mountaineering Course worth P300,000 from the DOT. They were also given livelihood kits as part of the training. The kits included tents, rope, a cook set, burners, butane, a mountain bag, a compass, and a sleeping bag.

The ceremonial turnover of the livelihood assistance was held during the recent visit of DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco to the said municipality to inaugurate the first tourist rest area in Northern Mindanao.

First DOT-assisted CBTO in northern Mindanao

The Kalasanen Mountaineering Club is the first CBTO in the municipality to receive such assistance from DOT, although the Manolo Fortich municipal government recognizes ten CBTOs.

"Kani nga pag-ila dakong tabang sa among panginabuhian ug pagpalambo sa among adbokasiya nga maprotektahan ang atong mountain treasures ug makatabang sa mga isig katawo natong nanginahanglan. Kami malipayon ug mapasalamaton sa imong regalo sa amoang grupo [This recognition is a great help in our livelihood and development of our advocacy to protect our mountain treasures and help our fellow human beings in need. We are happy and grateful for your gift to our group]," said KMC President Junell Wayan.

He added that they will support the secretary and the Department of Tourism for the development of tourism in Bukidnon, Northern Mindanao, and the Philippines.

KMC remains steadfast in its commitment to encourage people to support their cause and invite more tourists to explore the beauty of Manolo Fortich through tree-planting activities and friendship climbs. (APB/PIA-10)