Thursday, April 18, 2024

Tag: Mt. Kalatungan

DOT-Northern Mindanao gives inaccurate details about mountain ranges in Bukidnon

Posted on by cmn

April 3, 2024 MindaNews fact-checked the claim of the Department of Tourism – Northern Mindanao (DOT – Northern Mindanao) about facts involving the mountain ranges in Bukidnon province. Some details are inaccurate, hence misleading

In a post on its Facebook page last February 22 titled “5 FACTS ABOUT BUKIDNON,” the DOT-Northern Mindanao said:

“The name ‘Bukidnon’ is derived from the Visayan term ‘bukid,’ which means mountain. True to its name, the province is characterized by extensive mountain ranges, including Mount Kitanglad, Mt. Dulang-dulang and Mt. Kalatungan, which are some of the highest peaks of the country.” (emphasis supplied)

Mt. Kitanglad and Mt. Dulang-dulang are not two different mountain ranges.

They are among the peaks belonging to the same mountain range, the Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park, legislated as a protected area on November 9, 2000.

Mt. Dulang-dulang (2,938 meters above sea level) is the second-highest peak in the Philippines. On the other hand, Mt. Kitanglad (2,899masl) is the country’s fourth highest peak, and like Mt. Dulang-dulang, is one of the popular trekking destinations in Bukidnon.

The DOT-Northern Mindanao post further said that Mt. Kitanglad “sits between Malaybalay City and the municipalities of Lantapan, Impasugong, Sumilao, and Libona.”

The agency’s list of areas encompassed by the mountain range is incomplete. Mt. Kitanglad Range straddles Malaybalay City and the towns of Lantapan, Talakag, Baungon, Libona, Manolo Fortich, Sumilao, and Impasugong. These eight areas share boundaries on the summit of Mt. Kitanglad. (Source: Protected Area Management Plan of Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park, 2018-2022, Page 6. Note: No online link, e-copy only)

The two other mountain ranges in Bukidnon are Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park, where Mt. Kalatungan is located, and Pantaron Range (also called Pantadon).

Kalatungan Range encompasses Valencia City and the towns of Talakag, Pangantucan, and Maramag.

Pantaron Range straddles Bukidnon and the neighboring provinces of Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, and Davao del Sur.

As with all our other reports, MindaNews welcomes leads or suggestions from the public to potential fact-check stories. (H. Marcos C. Mordeno / MindaNews)

Locally-developed drones mimic birds, drop seeds for reforestation

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Biomimicry uses drone technology to drop seeds just like what birds do to restore denuded forests

The drone is called the galansiyang, named after the Asian Glossy Starling, a bird that drops seeds everywhere. Just like the bird, the drone also goes to places that are hard to reach.

It was developed in the Computer Applications Department of the College of Computer Studies at the Iligan Institute of Technology (IIT), Mindanao State University.

It morphed into the Galinsayang, a startup company incubated by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Northern Mindanao. It now leads a reforestation project at the Kalatungan mountain ranges in Pangantucan, Bukidnon.

The P5.5-million reforestation project will cover four hectares out of 21,000 has., according to Ritchie Guno, DOST provincial director for Bukidnon. The project is a collaboration between Galansiyang, the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, DOST, and the local government.

Using drones, Galansiyang has a 90 percent success rate in reforesting land areas in Mindanao, Guno said.

It uses the seeds of balansihan, talingtingan, bagalug and ulayan, all endemic tree species. The seeds are coated with charcoal, manure, compost, clay, and a microbial inoculant, a slow-release fertilizer that supports plant growth. The mix is then shaped into balls.

Using 3-D printing, the drones are modified to carry and then drop the seed balls in reforestation areas.

The seed balls are prepared by students at the Bukidnon Community College, members of the Manubo and Kalatungan Mandum indigenous communities which collects the seeds in the mountains, and PAMB which approves the seeds used. The selection is based on the recommendation of the Central Mindanao University which has the data on Mt. Kalatungan’s endemic plants.

Mt. Kalatungan is the country’s fifth-tallest peak and home to at least 129 animal species and 342 plant species.

“Our methodology is founded on one of the natural ways of plant propagation with birds as seed dispersers,” said Jay Gajudo, chief executive officer of Galansiyang.

“Using drones, we can plant trees faster compared to manual tree-planting. One person can plant 480 seedlings in eight hours, while one drone can plant 8,366 seed balls in one hour.”

Galinsayang displays data on its digital platform, for easy monitoring, transparency, and to make data-driven decisions. (Malaya)

DENR, folks celebrate 17th Aldaw ta Kalatungan

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MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), delegates from Indigenous People Communities, and constituents of the 21 villages within the Mt. Kalatungan Mountain Range have gathered to commemorate the 17th Aldaw ta Kalatungan

On October 18-19, 2023, all participants have gathered in Barangay Tikalaan, Talakag, Bukidnon. The theme was “Kagsabuwa para hu buhay ha Kinaiyahan daw Kultura para hu sumosunod ha kaliwatan” (Building Alliance for Sustainable Ecosystem and Culture for Future Generations).

Forester Ner A. Doydoy, Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) of Mt. Kalatungan, and his team led the yearly celebration.

Mr. Vergilino P. Alima, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer of DENR Bukidnon, graced the event.


Cong. Jose Manuel F. Alba of the first legislative district of Bukidnon was among the distinguished guests in attendance.


Datu Johnny B. Guina, Chairperson of the Council of Elders of Mt. Kalatungan headed the IP participants.

Talakag Mayor Vergito O. Factura has dispatched his town Administrator as the celebration’s host.

The event marks the recognition of Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park (MKaRNP) as a Protected Area.

The event is centered on an intensive Education and Information Campaign. Beyond this, the event serves as a unique chance to create a stronger sense of collaboration and teamwork among the diverse stakeholders of the park, with particular emphasis on strengthening ties with the Indigenous Community residing within its borders.

Furthermore, the celebration seeks to convey sincere gratitude and genuine admiration for the tireless efforts and unwavering dedication demonstrated by all those involved in the preservation of MKaRNP.

Datu Joel Alahay, Barangay Tikalaan IP Mandatory Representative (IPMR), and the Council of Elders led the ritual.

A tree-planting activity at the schoolyard of Tikalaan National High School was organized. The Dole KASILAK Foundation and MENRO of LGU Talakag have donated tree seedlings.

The LGU Talakag has sponsored the feeding program activity held at Tikalaan Central Elementary School, serving approximately 700 participating students.

Tikalaan National High School served as the venue for both Hatod Serbisyo and the Medical and Dental Mission. The Del Monte Medical Team and the Municipal Health Office of LGU Talakag, supported by the Health Workers of Barangay Tikalaan, sponsored the event.

In the Indigenous Sports Competition, IP groups displayed their skills. The annual event was highlighted by the Laga ta Kalatungan pageant competition, Pasundayag (a cultural dance presentation), and a Jingle Contest.

The following day, the 223 devoted MKaRNP Bantay Lasang Volunteers convened. This essential meeting provided a crucial platform for the volunteers to deliberate and address emerging challenges within their designated area of responsibility.

The event also garnered the participation of eminent members of the Protected Area Management Board of MKaRNP. The convergence of these notable figures not only highlighted the significance of the celebration but also emphasized the collective determination to promote sustainable development and environmental conservation in the locality.

The 18th Aldaw ta Kalatungan will be hosted by LGU Pangantucan, as per the agreement.

Standing at a remarkable 2,824 meters above sea level, Mt. Kalatungan dominates the central part of the province with its impressive height. Stretching across Valencia City and the neighboring towns of Maramag, Pangantucan, and Talakag, it’s a significant portion of the province. (melbmadera)

Bukidnon, stakeholders nagkauban sa pagpreserbar, pagpanalipod sa kinaiyahan

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Gisiguro sa Provincial Government of Bukidnon (PGB) nga kauban kini sa pagpreserbar ug pagprotekta sa kinaiyahan, ilabi na sa paningkamot nga dili na mahilabtan ug matandog pa ang Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park (RNP), atol sa ika-17 nga Aldaw ta Kalatungan, Oktobre 18, 2023 sa Barangay Ticalaan, Talakag, Bukidnon, uban sa tema: “Building Alliance for Sustainable Ecosystem and Culture for Future Generations”

Sa pakigpolong sa gipadala ni Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque nga si Stephanie Melendez, ang PGO-Indigenous Affairs Division designate, gipadangat niini nga 100% ang mapadayonong suporta sa PGB ngadto sa Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) – Mt. Kalatungan RNP diin dugay na lng gapaluyo ang pagsiguro nga mabantayan ang lasang, pinaagi sa Bantay Lasang Volunteers.

Gipasabot ni Municipal Administrator Roberto Bigcas sa lungsod sa Talakag nga gisaulog ang Aldaw ta Kalatungan aron madayeg ang kaanyag og ang importansya sa Mt. Kalatungan nga mao ang kinabuhi. Gilauman nga mahipatik sa panumduman sa tanan ang katungdanan sa pagprotekta ug pag-amping sa Mt. Kalatungan.

Pahinumdum ang mensahe ni Congressman Jose Manuel Alba sa unang distrito sa Bukidnon nga ang panglantaw sa pagpanalipod sa kinaiyahan, malangkubon ug angayang dili mahubit diha sa politikal nga utlanan, subay sa hiniusa nga paningkamot sa tanan kay ang pagprotekta sa kinaiyahan, pagpreserbar man usab sa kultura. Kini ang hinungdan nga madasigon kini sa pagpausbaw pa sa gisugdan nga kahinguhaan sa kawayan, pinaagi sa programang Bamboo Innovation Hub, isip alternatibo sa hardwood nga anaa makuha sa lasang.

Gihingusgan ni Datu Bagusayana Johnny Guina, ang chairman sa Mt. Kalatungan Council of Elders nga dili pasagdan ang DENR sa pagprotekta sa lasang. Angayan nga ang matag komunidad palibot sa Mt. Kalatungan magsig-iya ug bantay sa ilang mga teritoryo aron dili makahimo sa iligal ang mga tawo nga mangahas sa pagsulod dinhi.

Giila usab ni PENRO Vergilino Alima ang dakong tabang ug sakripisyo sa Bantay Lasang Volunteers kay tungod kanila, anaa pa ang kinabuhi sa lasang. Kung mahimo dili na tandugon pa ug angayang pahugtan ang pagbantay sa nahibiling lasang diha sa Mt. Kalatungan alang sa mosunod nga kaliwatan, ngalan nga ang Bukidnon mao ang kasingkasing sa Mindanao ug dinhi nagsumikad ang katubigan nga miawas ngadto sa mga silingang syudad ug probinsya sa Bukidnon.

Ang Mt. Kalatungan Range nga nahimutang sa mga lungsod sa Talakag, Maramag, Pangantucan, ug syudad sa Valencia nadeklara isip protected area pinasikad sa R.A. 7586 (NIPAS Act of 1992) sa tuig 2000, nga giila ug Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park. (LGU Bukidnon)

DOST deploys drones to reforest Bukidnon’s Mt. Kalatungan

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PANGANTUCAN, Bukidnon – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-10, in collaboration with Galansiyang Inc., launched a reforestation project in a 4-hectare area at Mt. Kalatungan Range, Pangantucan, Bukidnon, May 31

The project showcases the use of drones for planting tree embryos, also known as “seed balls,” coated with soil and organic manure. These seed balls are loaded into the drone container and dispersed in the target area at Mt. Kalatungan.

Ritchie Mae L. Guno, DOST-Bukidnon provincial director, explained that the project aims to demonstrate the use of drone technology for reforestation and provide a glimpse into the future of tree planting.

“This ‘Project Tanom and Project Lantaw’ marks the beginning of DOST’s efforts in advanced reforestation technology. We plan to expand these initiatives throughout Bukidnon Province,” Guno said during the seed ball dispersal.

Guno emphasized that the initiative’s goal is to create an autonomous social system that balances the needs of people and trees.

“We will use satellite imagery to track the progress of the seed balls and monitor their growth in the forest with the help of drones,” she added.

Jay Arneil Gajudo, the chief executive officer of Galansiyang Incorporated, highlighted the event’s significance, saying that it revolutionizes tree planting in the Philippines.

He explained that the effort eliminates the struggles of planting trees in rocky locations.

The program’s first beneficiary is the local government unit of Pangantucan, Bukidnon.

The initiative is envisioned to have a large and upbeat environmental impact as it supports forestry and agricultural aspirations by utilizing modern technologies such as drones that plant trees in the scenic Mt. Kalatungan, the Philippines’ fifth-highest mountain range. (DOST/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

DA-10 veggie seeds aid food security efforts in Mt. Kalatungan

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In an effort to meet the need for food security among the region’s indigenous peoples communities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA RFO-10) headed by OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turned over assorted vegetable seeds to the Xavier Science Foundation (XSF)

A total of 60 packets of vegetables (pinakbet and sinigang) were handed over by DA-10 High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) Kersten S. Pagalan to XSF project staff Mark Auditor at the agency compound.

The said provision is in support of the foundation’s food security program dubbed as ‘Mt. Kalatungan BioCon: Creating Innovative Environmental Solutions and Sustainable Livelihoods’ which aims to promote sustainable agriculture and increase access to fresh food through community gardening.

It further addresses the escalating climate and biodiversity challenges in the 21 barangays within the Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park landscape.

“We are coordinating with six indigenous peoples organizations (IPOs) in Talakag, Pangantucan, and Maramag for the project implementation, and are aiming to establish at least 10 family beneficiaries of the said initiative,” Auditor said.

He added that XSF is grateful for DA-10’s eagerness to partner with and support the initiative for the IP communities in Northern Mindanao. (DA RFO-10)