Kamusta Ka Na, Mt. Apo?

It is almost October and the memories of the Mt. Apo October Climb come rushing back to my mind.
I was told that there will be no October Climb this year because the Parks Area Management Board, including the Tourism Council of Kidapawan City where most of the climbers start the trek, had decided to give the great mountain a rest.
Actually, Mt. Apo does not only need a rest but a rehabilitation.
The last time I climbed the great mountain passing through the treacherous Kapatagan Train, my 16th climb, poachers had already penetrated the foot of Mt. Apo where they planted vegetables.
This was in January of 2022 and my team documented the encroachment of the vegetable farmers deep inside the protected area of Mt. Apo.
I raised alarm over this but I do not know what action the Park Area Management Board (PAMB) which is supervised by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources had done.
At my age now, I do not know if I could still make another climb.
I’m hoping I would still have the strong limbs and knees to make another climb just to check on the status and appreciate the beauty of Mt. Apo.
#AppreciatingGodsCreations!