After Hiker's Death, People With Heart Ailments Warned Against Climbing Mt. Pulag

The management of the Mt. Pulag National Park has issued an advisory warning people with heart ailments and related illnesses to think twice and procure medical clearances from authorized physicians before they climb the famed mountain that towers 2,922 meters above sea level.

In a bulletin posted on their official Facebook page, the park's management said that, "Mt. Pulag National Park is such a beautiful destination but it requires physical and mental preparation before ascent. In line with this, all organizers and trekkers are advised to have medical clearance or certificate before ascent to the park. People with heart ailments and other ailments are discouraged to come to the park without medical certificate/clearance from authorized physicians."

The advisory came just days after it was reported that a hiker died on the mountain on November 6 (Friday) due to cardiac arrest. Edna Ocampo Villanueva, a 51-year-old climber from Quezon City was reportedly found in her tent unconscious. She was rushed by Kabayan policemen to a hospital in the nearby town of Bokod but she was declared dead on arrival by an attending physician.

This is not the first time that an incident of this nature occurred in the mountain. Back in October last year, a certain Rogelio Canceran also perished on the slopes of the mountain due to a heart attack.

In a nutshell, always see to it that you are physically fit before you even plan on climbing the mountain. People who have heart ailments but still want to climb can check out this simple guide for a start.

Image from Google Maps.

Hikers Advised To Stay Off Mt. Pulag From October 16-18 Due To Incoming Typhoon

The management of the Mount Pulag National Park has released an advisory on Wednesday advising climb organizers and hikers to stay off the mountain from October 16 to 18 due to an incoming typhoon that's expected to affect Northern Luzon this coming weekend.

The park's management made the decision in light of a warning advisory released by the Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council about the tropical cyclone.

The following was posted on the park's official Facebook page: "This is to inform all trekkers of Mt. Pulag to PLEASE postpone trek to the mountain this friday to sunday (October 16-18, 2015) in view of the incoming super storm KOPPU or code named "LANDO". the office of the Civil Defense has given a warning and advise on this. Your safety is our utmost concern."

Please be guided accordingly.

Image credit: Google Maps.

The Common Kingfisher Found In The Balili River In La Trinidad, Benguet

It is an undeniable fact that the portion of the Balili River running through the town of La Trinidad in Benguet is heavily polluted. It's strewn all over with garbage. The water is always murky and there are times it's colored black. This is not at all surprising provided that a lot of the communities living along the banks of the river have their canals directed towards the river. This is not to mention the fact that a good portion of nearby Baguio City's wastes flow directly to the Balili River.

With that said, you would think that the river will be devoid of any sort life, be it fishes or birds. Well, no matter how polluted the river is, it seems there are still fishes and birds that call the river home. Sammy Paran, a La Trinidad resident who has an office near the river has taken the video that you are about to see featuring a colorful common kingfisher hunting for fish among the garbage-ridden river.

The bird with its rather colorful plumage can be seen standing on a rock, flying nearby, and then coming back with a small fish stuck within its beak. For environmentalists and advocates of the movement calling for the revitalization of the Balili River, the video makes for a great source of encouragement if not inspiration. There's still hope for the river, so it seems.

Post by Cordilleran Sun.

The common kingfisher. Image credit: Wikimedia Commons.