Mt. Halcon or “Mt. Sialdang” is one of the toughest mountain to climb in the Philippines rising with 2,582 MASL, located in Baco Oriental Mindoro. The mountain offers steep slopes, long terrain and limatik experience before you reach the summit. It is also the main reason why it has a difficulty rating of 9/9. Despite of these, the giant guarantees majestic and breath taking views that will captivate your heart. It has a lush mossy forest that will make you think you are in a different world when you see it.

Mt. Halcon is also home to the indigenous Mangyan Tribe which divided into eight different groups (Iraya, Alangan, Tadyawan, Tau-buid, Bangon, Buhid, Hanunoo and Ratagnon). The Mangyans are ancient inhabitants of Oriental Mindoro, they are living along side with the giant mountain and away from civilization of the town people. Their tribe usually lives in a small nipa hut and their livelihood comes from planting crops in a mountain and to farms they didn’t own. Most of them weren’t able to go and finish school, very few finish the entire basic education. For them it is enough that they know how to read the basic, write their name and count. Children go to school on foot and most of the times empty handed. No paper, nor writing implements, they would simply sit and listen. If the teacher-in-charge of them is resourceful enough, the teacher provides writing materials, however, this is not always the case.

Hence, the “SIALDANG: AHON PARA SA MGA BATANG MANGYAN Year 2” Outreach climb is formed.

We have received different kinds of blessing in our life, it is time to share some with these people specially the children who only wants to finish their school. Team DHAMO (Daang Haari Mountaineers) aims to bring smile with these kids by giving them school supplies that they will need in the next school year.

MT. HALCON
Baco, Oriental Mindoro
Major jumpoff: Brgy. Lantuyan, Baco, Oriental Mindoro
Alternate jumpoff: Brgy. Bayanan, Baco, Oriental Mindoro
LLA: 13° 15.749N 120° 59.703E, 2582 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 3.5-4 days / 15-18 hours
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 9/9, Trail class 2-4
Features: River crossings, mossy forests, rocky ridges

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
♣ Basic Mountaineering Course certificate
♣ Medical certificate (fit to climb)
♣ Waiver (to be filled up at the tourism office of Baco)
♣ Valid ID

The outreach will be conducted before the climb. Anyone who wants to participate to become part of this activity may give some cash donations or pledges that will benefit the Mangyan community.

Anyone who wants to give donations are very much welcome and you may contact the following person to acknowledge your pledges:

Macoy Tayoni
Jongpogi Ong

LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES

1. Major climb to beshy kaya maghanda ka 9/9 difficulty lang naman to!
2. Travel and Camp on durable surface
3. Dispose waste properly. Trash and litter primarily distract from the naturalness of an area
4. Leave what you find: Leave rocks, plants, archeological artifacts and other objects as found to allow others to experience the sense of discovery
5. Minimize use and impact of Fire. Firewood selection, gathering and use of fire tending are critical to minimizing its impact in the environment
6. Respect the wildlife
7. Be considerate of other visitors

NOTE:
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THINGS TO BRING
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