Go fishing or birdwatching and bask in the serenity of  Paoay Lake.

Discover the unique allure of Laoag’s La Paz Sand Dunes on a wild 4-wheel drive ride.

Get your adrenalin pumping while surfing the dunes.

Adore the sun, sea and sand in picturesque Pagudpud.

Surfing

Skimboarding

Be amazed in Adams, where nature is at its finest.

Rubber tubing

River crossing

Rock climbing

Rappelling

Trekking

Falls hopping

Crossing the several hanging bridges that connect the mountains in Adams

Cliff diving

Extreme mountain biking

All these and more, like a string of rare gems, forever to be treasured.

Copyright © LEAD Movement™ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

images reprinted from Smile June 2010 issue

Monica Barretto, the author of “Thrills up north”, a feature of the Cebu Pacific Air inflight magazine June 2010 issue, rates the Ilocos Sand Dune Adventure ‘♥♥♥♥♥ Awesome (Do you have life insurance? Kidding!)’ on her THRILL-O-METER.

Awesome is now an understatement. The LEAD Movement, the eco-adventure group that developed the new sport to try out in Ilocos, just made it even more than awesome for the adrenalin junkies. Check this out.

Cool! It got 5 stars on the thrill-o-meter! LEAD Movement invites you to get on their sandboards, and find out why it’s a new thrill up north…

Ilocos Norte’s Sandboarding Adventure at the Laoag Sand Dunes just got a major upgrade. Seriously extreme! D’Ramp is movable to all the peaks you want. I’m gearing up for a test run. La Paz here I come!

More ramp photos

Sandboarding Contact #s 0919-873-5516 / 0932-358-7521/ 0917-523-0331 P2500–/hour-maximum of 4 persons/jeep. Price includes 4×4 & sandboarding adventure.

Photos by the LEAD Movement

Copyright © LEAD Movement™ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Seems easy?

*Gasps*

Maybe…

Sandboarding Contact #s 0919-873-5516 / 0917-523-0331

Photos by the LEAD Movement

Copyright © LEAD Movement™ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

The sweltering 34º Celsius heat in Ilocos didn’t prevent QTV’s X-Life from shooting sandboarding scenes with the LEAD Movement, the innovator of sandboarding in the Philippines, in the world-renowned Desert of the North, or the Laoag Sand Dunes in La Paz.X-Life, a public affairs magazine show focusing on fitness and lifestyle, airs its pilot on QTV Channel 11, channel on free TV powered by GMA Network Inc, on May 26 June 2, Wednesday, at 10PM. The  initial episode also includes segments on extreme mountain biking and surfing, shot in scenic Maira-ira Point in Pagudpud. The show promises to be entertaining, informative and cutting edge.

More BTS photos…

LEAD Movement’s MC talks about the do’s and don’ts of sandboarding

Demo…

Gino de la Peña gets a close look at the boards

Preparing for another descent

Yes, she can…

Stunning Stef wants more

The X-Life hosts — Gino de la Peña, Stef Henares and JC Tiuseco — had fun x-ploring the new surfing sport on Ilocos sand.

_________________________________

PS Sorry, guys, they didn’t air like what we were told. I was waiting for the show last night, too. I heard it was rescheduled for another week. Let me check.

PPS I finally received word that is finally airing tonight. June 2 at 10pm.

Sandboarding Contact Reny Tan 0919-873-5516 ; 0932-358-7521 or Benny Arce 0917-523-0331 . P2500–/hour-maximum of 4 persons/jeep. Price includes 4×4 & sandboarding adventure.

Photos by Blauearth Copyright © Blauearth™ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

More photos by Cockroach

Mico Aytona with the LEAD Movement and the Laoag Off-Roaders

“Party Pilipinas, Summer Skin Problems, Cold Treats and Sandboarding!” – Public Affairs – GMANews.TV – Official Website of GMA News and Public Affairs – Latest Philippine News.

BTS…
Rolling… ACTION!!

Mico Aytona with 12-year old Ilocano off-road racer Brandon Tan

Mico: Ano ang maipapayo mo sa mga magfo-four by four?
Brandon: Huwag ilabas ang kamay.

Ilocanas

Ready for the lift

Earth goddess

“Watch GMA Ka-Blog… this Saturday 9 AM!!”

Photos by Blauearth  Copyright © Blauearth™ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

“Astig!!!!” was all he could utter after driving the mean machine on his own. Overwhelmed, perhaps.

Sandboarding, the new board sport on sand to try in Ilocos! Developed by the LEAD Movement.

A ladybugged tourist. I think she got ‘em from here.

Chucked… or Converts? One and the same. Laid-back chic personified.

Now they can wear their scarves, which were ubiquitous on the streets  in 2007.

Fashionable size… MINI! Ewww, if you bring the whole bottle!!!!!

4/2/2010 I spotted the roving Havaianas team They ended giving me one of those flip-floats.

Fit and fab Alma Oida in surfing mode. Surfing lessons in Kapuluan Vista Resort, anyone?

The most adorable reusable water bottle I spotted at the beach. It belongs to Red Dot’s fashion guru, Me-Ann Cua Macaraeg. It’s from Pylones (pronounced pee-lone), her fave store for the cutest knickknacks.

Photography gear envy! I have to get a DiCAPac SLR Pack Waterproof Camera Case for myself, too.

One of these surfboards belongs to ABS-CBN kapamilya Jericho Rosales.

Or, maybe, one of these. Surf’s up photos of Echo. *inserts* I had to check… he was on a purple one.

Henna tattooing by Tattoo de Iloco found at the Villa del Mar beachfront in Saud, Pagudpud.

Skin art masterpiece by no less than Janer Santos, The Premier Tattooist of the North, a PhilTAG member.

The leading handy phone dealer in Ilocos Norte, Vertext, also set camp in Villa del Mar. Mixing business with pleasure

I overheard that kapamilya  Enchong Dee and Victor Basa were on the other side of the Saud Beach stretch. Promise to post photos if Ericke was lucky.

Wishin’ you all a happy Easter and a bright summer!

Sandboarding Contact #s 0919-873-5516 / 0932-358-7521. P2500/hour – maximum of 4 persons/jeep. Price includes 4×4 & sandboarding adventure.

Janer Santos Tattoo de Iloco contact # 09203466607

All photos by Blauearth  Copyright © Blauearth™ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Sandy L♥ve

Sige na nga, heheh… Best in Poise.

Ang ending ni Ivana… bail beauty!!

shooting  footage and details to follow.

images by ericke of LEAD Movement

Read Newest Reason to Visit Ilocos

Sandboarding Contact #s 0919-873-5516 / 0932-358-7521. P2500–/hour-maximum of 4 persons/jeep. Price includes 4×4 & sandboarding adventure.

]]> http://blauearth.com/2010/03/27/what-happens-after-earth-hour/ Sat, 27 Mar 2010 12:35:24 +0000 blauearth http://blauearth.com/2010/03/27/what-happens-after-earth-hour/ That’s the bottom line.

photo taken at the Adams-Pagudpud boundary on Good Friday 2009. courtesy of the LEAD Movement

View  photos

Earth teach me quiet ~ as the grasses are still with new light.

Earth teach me suffering ~ as old stones suffer with memory.

Earth teach me humility ~ as blossoms are humble with beginning.

Earth teach me caring ~ as mothers nurtures their young.

Earth teach me courage ~ as the tree that stands alone.

Earth teach me limitation ~ as the ant that crawls on the ground.

Earth teach me freedom ~ as the eagle that soars in the sky.

Earth teach me acceptance ~ as the leaves that die each fall.

Earth teach me renewal ~ as the seed that rises in the spring.

Earth teach me to forget myself ~ as melted snow forgets its life.

Earth teach me to remember kindness ~ as dry fields weep with rain.

A Ute Prayer

Click on photo to view more of Blauearth’s photography on flickr .

Copyright © Blauearth™ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

~ Gandhi

In this extreme sport, I assure you, it is quite easy to get yourself started… no snowboarding or skateboarding experience required. All you need is a board and loads of guts… then head to the Desert of La Paz, where you can get your adrenalin fix and at the same time marvel at this natural wonder.

Visit and like the Ilocos Sand Boarding page on Facebook.

The LEAD Movement prepares for another sandboarding adventure along the slopes of the Laoag La Paz sand dunes.

Ready for the drop...

The Thrill...

MC, The Man

Zooming down amidst pure natural beauty...

Ilocos  Sand Boarding Contact #s 0919-873-5516 / 0932-358-7521/ 0917-523-0331.

Copyright © Blauearth™ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Sandboarding is now the latest buzz in the travel/tourism and adventure circles. Being the 10th top destination in the Philippines today, Ilocos Norte hopes to attract more visitors with its new offering.

The LEAD Movement in a recent Sunday sandboarding adventure at the La Paz sand dunes. Friends Jonard, Bernard and Lei joined in.

More on SANDBOARDING IN ILOCOS

Sandboarding Contact #s 0919-873-5516 / 0932-358-7521/ 0917-523-0331. P2500–/hour-maximum of 4 persons/jeep. Price includes 4×4 & sandboarding adventure.

Plastic fishes, anyone?

The photo was created by Blauearth in support of Rise Above Plastics and Surfrider Foundation.

From Rise Above Plastics (a program of the Surfrider Foundation, an international non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches for all people, through conservation, activism, research and education):

• In some places in the Pacific Ocean, the amount of plastic suspended in the ocean outnumbers plankton six to one!

• Each year. one million sea birds and one hundred thousand marine mammals die from ingestion of, or entanglement in plastics!

Copyright © Blauearth™ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

The photo may not be downloaded, reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without written permission. Photographed by Blauearth. Blauearth wishes to thank kittykatfish for the TTV texture, and JoesSistah for the fishes.

A quote from the film The Private Life of Plants (1995)

“Ever since we arrived on this planet as a species, we’ve cut them down, dug them up, burnt them and poisoned them. Today we’re doing so on a greater scale than ever… We destroy plants at our peril. Neither we nor any other animal can survive without them. The time has now come for us to cherish our green inheritance, not to pillage it – for without it, we will surely perish.”

Photographed by Blauearth ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

The LEAD Movement, always in search of a fresh thrill, figured out how to make its first sandboard. The LEADers designed and handcrafted a board. Right away, they geared up for a Sunday afternoon adventure at the La Paz Sand Dunes…

AND THE NEW SPORT TO TRY OUT IN ILOCOS IS SANDBOARDING.

MC

Brandon

MC’s try at a steeper slope…

*Check out Wikipedia to view description and images of sandboarding

Contact # 0919-873-5516 / 0932-358-7521.

photos by blauearth

Copyright © Blauearth™ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

The images may not be downloaded, reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without written permission.

Read related post on sandboarding in Ilocos.

Environment Protection is our foremost concern. Plastics are dangerous to human and animal health. Improper plastic disposal results to degradation of our natural resources. The manufacture of plastic bags and other plastic products translates to the use of large quantities of non-renewable resources and adds to the acceleration of global warming. Plastics make the earth look like an astronomic trash can (click to view photos of plastic eyesores).

Kababayans, please support our latest campaign by endorsing this draft ordinance and writing the Province of Ilocos Norte Sanggunian Panlalawigan asking them to pass it ASAP. Sir Kris, green thumbs-up for you! May God continue to bless you with muscle and spine.

Click to read plastics that aren’t recyclable.

]]> http://blauearth.com/2009/06/03/mt-palemlem-aka-pico-de-loro-exploration-%e2%80%94-through-the-eyes-of-a-nature-lover/ Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:53:50 +0000 blauearth http://blauearth.com/2009/06/03/mt-palemlem-aka-pico-de-loro-exploration-%e2%80%94-through-the-eyes-of-a-nature-lover/ A full documentation of the first Mt. Palemlem mountain climbing exploration which happened on January 14, 2006 (the day Lukas Magnus Juan Leano was conceived). Reprinted from Blauearth’s files, an entry to the Philippine Star Lifestyle Journalism 2006, Create Your Own Topic, and LEADMovement.wordpress.com.

MT. PALEMLEM EXPLORATION

A Foray In The Wild Unknown

The plucky 17 all set for the climbing venture

Mount Pico de Loro towers above all the other mountains in the town of Adams, a little-known treasure of a place tucked away in northeastern Ilocos Norte. Like a sentinel watching over the charming, quaint and picturesque little town, the mountain, known to the townspeople as Mt. Palemlem, soars to 1,294 meters above sea level. This is well above the other mountains in Adams as Mounts Linao, Burburan and Pao which all form part of the northern end of the Cordillera Mountain Range.

The Laoag Eco-Adventure Development (LEAD) Movement Inc., after exploring and scaling Mt. Pao, a rainforest with an extremely difficult, hardly-used trail, traversed by rebels in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and, perhaps, some seasonal deer hunters, were naturally drawn to the loftier Mt. Palemlem. As we asked the community elders for details about getting to the peak of Palemlem, they scared us with legends of monkeys attacking and bees swarming those who dared disturb their habitat. According to the elders, not one from the outside territories has ever dared climb Mt. Palemlem. At first, we toyed with the idea of requesting the 505^th PAF 5056^th Search and Rescue Squadron chopper to drop us off at the summit then trek down to trail end. It would have been the end of us, being advocates of responsible adventurism, had we reached the peak on such a whim. There was virtually no challenge in getting to the top on a chopper. No sore muscles, no scratches, no dust nor mud on your feet, no sweat –no way. We just had to get to the top through the hard way. There was no stopping the adventurous spirit in each of the LEADers. Fellow-LEADer, Paul Acupan, an Adams resident, coordinated the climb with the newly-formed AMO (Adams Mountaineering Organization) in Adams while Reny Tan, the LEAD Movement’s exploration team leader, led a series of pre-climb meetings in Laoag with our perennial trekking buddies, EJ Farinas and his group. Anthony Agcaoili, Reny’s co-survivor of the 1996 Baguio-Sagada Mt. Bike Challenge, heard about the trek and hooked-up with us.

At 5:30, in the lovely morning of January 14, 2006, our four 4X4s took off at the Caltex station in Barit for Sitio Maligligay in Adams. Extreme eagerness was written on the faces of the 17 brave souls. I was the only rose among the thorns, namely: Reny, Paul, Anthony, EJ, Enrico Farinas, Arvin Alberto, Marco Flores, Allan Pagdilao, Kendrick Co, Ryan Castro, Darwin Manuel, Markee Valera, Larry Lagua, Lito Agustin, Norman Almazan and Celedonio Saturnino. After a group prayer, at exactly 9:00 am, the challenge was on. The stamina of both spirit and sinew of each one on the team was soon put to test.

Slow Progress

After a few yards of paved road, we turned left to cross the Maligligay Creek, the start of what we expected to be a long and agonizing ascent. My backpack seemed to be getting heavier with every step I took. I thought it must have been ill-packed. My BMC (Basic Mountaineering Course) taught me to evenly spread out the weight of the contents inside the pack, a technique that makes the load never bothersome, as if it was just a hump on the back; to carefully choose the size of the backpack to suit one’s figure; and to pack light. I might have packed too light that my water bottles slipped to the bottom causing my funny and unbalanced gait that I fell off a huge slippery stone into the stream. I waited to get the feel of my dangly load. When we got to the first 70 degree slope, my back pack dragged me down. I couldn’t climb. But I was firm on reaching the summit, so I decided to hand my backpack to one of the guides who did not mind carrying an additional pack. I was then ready to climb like a steeplejack. The trail was slippery as it was still early. I prayed hard for good weather all throughout the climb.

The author and Allan not seeming to mind the tough ascent

Inspired by Nature

The untouched beauty of the terrain distracted me from my feeling of near exhaustion. After hours of scaling varying degrees of inclination, it was a relief to see a view of the Pagudpud coastline through an ample space between the hills nearby, a sure sign that we have climbed far high. I wasn’t aware of how long we have been climbing as I refused to check my watch regularly. Knowing that you have been trekking for hours only adds to psychological exhaustion. We then took our first long rest — long enough for a quick snack while enjoying the picturesque view of Pasaleng Bay.

My AMO guide, Teresa, a talkative, frail looking woman, maybe in her late 20s, regaled me with stories of her childhood spent mostly in the highlands. She knew the local name of every plant and tree that grew on Palemlem. I had Botany 101 right in the woods.

Found only at the summit is a rare plant specie locals call pitselpitsel

Three hours on the trail and we could no longer hear EJ’s group in the lead. Reny found a wide shady portion at the trail for us to prepare and eat lunch. Upon reaching Adams, prior to the climb, I already ate half of my packed lunch. My full stomach added to my sluggishness early on the trail, so I planned to just snack on M&M’s until the peak. Teresa ate just a hardboiled egg and refused to have rice for lunch. She, too, seemed anxious to get to the summit for the first time. The two of us left the guys catnapping.

Brush alternated with soft slippery soil. Our trail was getting more demanding. We crawled under fallen trees. Teresa’s specific instructions helped me handle the difficult slopes with confidence. At a certain point, our trail which rested on a ridge with a vertical drop has become so narrow that only one climber could pass at a time. In some instances, I thought that nature jokes too, just like when I needed either handholds or footholds only patches of thorny plants or loosely embedded tree roots were available (definitely better than having none at all).

Like a trail into a lost world

I knew we were almost at the top after we passed by a space on the bushy ridge to our left. It gave us a magnificent view of Adams at the middle of what looked like a green carpet covering the land as far as we could see. I could not get enough of it, I gazed in awe at the skyline as the freshest cool air breezed through me. Arvin, Marco, Lito and Larry were able to catch up and proceeded to trek ahead of us. Meanwhile, I heard Reny’s voice from below. I had to wait for him because he was carrying my camera – I did not want to miss the chance of having my arrival at the peak undocumented.

A view into the pristine mountains of Adams with the poblacion at the center

Towards the Sky

As we ascended, the slants were getting steeper and the forest was getting thicker. At one point, the space between the trees on both sides of the trail was narrower than our bodies we had to pass through sideways. Anticipation started to build up upon hearing faint voices from above. My cell phone rang and it was our lead man Paul on the other end checking if I was okay. I learned that the bunch before us were now at the peak. The faint voices became recognizable as we hurdled more intimidating slopes.

The final uphill push to the top was the most thrilling portion of the trek. My reward at the summit was waiting. My arrival at the peak was greeted with cheers from the guys who looked like proud champions in the Olympics. As I basked in my own triumph, all the drama was rudely interrupted by a welcoming limatik (mountain leech). The dreadful blood-sucker was squirming on my left arm while I was freaking out. Paul came to my rescue with a squirt of alcohol from a tiny spray bottle.

After the last guy on the trail arrived, we set camp. The summit looked pristine and untouched with no telltale signs of previous inhabitants or visitors. It looked small for all of us that the guys agreed to clear out the underbrush between the age-old trees. As soon as my tent was pitched, I took a rest until I fell asleep. When I woke up, it was getting dark that I had to postpone claiming my reward at the summit’s edge.

Under the full moon, amidst the wilderness, we swapped accounts of our uphill trials over a dinner of freshly cooked rice and Ilocos longganisa. All of us, chilling and dog-tired, retired into the warmth of our tents.

Teresa staring at the spectacular Ilocos skyline

Like a Kaleidescope

Recharged for another tough day ahead, we headed towards the scrubby edge where a fine vista awaited us. From there, one could have a full view of all the splendor of Ilocos Norte between the emerald vastitude of the Cordillera mountains and the turquoise waters of the South China Sea. One could also clearly see the 15 tall and mighty windmills of Bangui, the long and sinuous Bolu River and the Kalayan group of islands (through binoculars). The glorious display was just too much to take in that I could hardly contain the inexplicable surge of emotion within me, but I, still, could not find my purpose beyond merely exploring Mt. Palemlem.

A view from the top -- the Ilocos Norte coastline

After a hearty breakfast of warm mountain rice and red eggs with samatis and lasona, we prepared to leave the summit campsite, which we named Camp Gazebo. We found the nomenclature to be apt because the tree trunks looked like posts with the lush leaves serving as the top cover, like a real gazebo.

Keeping One’s Eye on the Ball

Going down the same paths we covered throughout the uphill slog the day before was an easier task, but required just as much focus plus a combination of quick wits and good reflexes. With barely a rest in between drops, I made it to Maligligay Creek in just half the time of my summit ascent.

After I buried the old man’s tale of the monkeys and the bees of Palemlem at the end of the trail, I rested and stared at the water. It was exhilarating! I saw a familiar image – it was me. Only then did I realize that the ultimate reward one gets for exploring a land as old as time is the chance to have discovered one’s own self as well. Treading the paths within an unfamiliar territory is like beating life’s adversities – one never knows what comes next. Nothing defeats the power of sheer determination, I am convinced. The countless steps each of us made to conquer Mt. Palemlem started with that single, toughest step – taking its challenge. Indeed, all glory comes from daring to begin.

Now that I am back in the urban jungles facing life’s different challenges, I can always easily draw out strength and inspiration from our Mt. Palemlem foray which has been imprinted on my mind for ever.

The LEAD Movement explores the Mt. Palemlem summit

Photos by Blauearth, Allan Pagdilao, EJ Farinas and Paul Acupan

Click to view the first tv media documentation of  a Mt. Palemlem Climb. Taken and shown by ProbeTV’s Gameplan headed by Ms. Wowie Meloto.

Don’t be a litterbug; keep the beaches and shorelines free from trash, including cigarette butts, which threatens the lives of birds and animals that might ingest it and get choked. When going outdoors, use reusable containers for food and beverages. Get into the habit of bringing reusable spoons and forks. Pack it in, pack it out.

Use waterproof sunscreens. Oily formulations leave a residue on everything, even on the ocean.

As they say, leave what you find. Don’t bring home souvenirs such as marine life, including corals, seaweed — even driftwood. Some habitats might just get disturbed.

If you love fishing and eating fish, choose only sustainable fish. Learn about marine species that are vulnerable, threatened or endangered like our sea turtles and dugong. Be sure not to tug too hard on snagged lines to avoid disrupting habitats below the surface.

Enjoy the beach, but keep a respectful distance from wildlife, especially at night, when animals may be nesting.

If you happen to be in areas with mangroves, avoid dumping waste by all means. Never cut trees for bonfire.

Encourage your family and friends to do the same, and get them involved in issues such as conservation.

Good stewardship starts from awareness. If you see someone destroying beach property, marine animal habitats, or disrespecting the environment, report the sighting to local authorities, or get in touch with the LEAD Movement.

[photos by blauearth]

"Batang Pawikan" by Elmer Borlongan

BABALA: bawal kumuha at kumain ng itlog ng pawikan o ng pawikan. Pabayaan natin sila sa kanilang mundong ginagalawan.

Outliving their predecessors, like the dinosaurs, more than 200 million years ago, marine turtles are now highly threatened for extinction from human cruelty. Poaching, slaughter, blast fishing, illegal trade and pollution are only some of the battles that have put the pawikan on endangered status. A number of NGOs in the Philippines have been working for the conservation of the pawikan.

The pawikan is on the CITES list of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, of which the Philipipines is a member. It is an international agreement between governments, aimed at ensuring that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

mga bakawan sa Davila, Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte

The importance of mangroves

Mangroves, or bakawan, the backbone of tropical and sub-tropical ocean coastlines provide more than 10 percent of essential dissolved organic carbon that is supplied to the global ocean from land. These plants with finger-like roots protect coastal wetlands against the ocean; provide protection from typhoons, storm surges, erosion and deadly flooding like tsunamis; and serve as fish habitats

Mangrove forests in the Philippines

According to a report by Haribon Foundation, in the past 100 years, the Philippine mangrove forests have been reduced from 500,000 hectares to around 100,000 hectares with only 5% primary or old growth forest left. Mismanagement of coastal resources, a manifestation of economic and political symptoms, is to blame. Conversion into aquaculture ponds, urban and agriculture lands, beach resorts; timber poaching; exploitation of resources; destruction of coral reefs continue to contribute to their rapid decline.

Also, according to Haribon, there is no rational mangrove forest conservation program in the Philippines. However, there are some noteworthy efforts being done by local government units (LGUs), academe, NGOs and People’s Organizations (POs). These initiatives have been properly recognized but remain mostly as reforestation projects with single species or monoculture stands due to scarcity of information on the mangroves’ economic, ecological and aesthetic importance and how to manage them properly.

boat sanctuary?

The mangroves in Davila, Pasuquin

In Ilocos Norte, the mangroves in Davila, Pasuquin face treat as there is no agency directly managing the area. The old DENR office within the area was beaten-up by typhoons in recent years. According to RTD (for forestry) Remilio Atabay, DENR lacks funds for its renovation. The LEAD Movement found a  fishing vessel docked among the mangrove trees in May 2006. Upon close inspection, trees were cut to accommodate the fishing vessel. The sighting was reported immediately to the Environment Committee Head of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Ilocos Norte and the PENRO. On Earth Day 2009, last April 22, part of the itinerary of the Earth Day Caravan, spearheaded by the DENR, in cooperation with various NGOs and the academe, was a visit to the Davila mangroves, as requested by the LEAD Movement. The same fishing vessel was still there on the same spot — an eyesore to the beautiful mangrove foliage landscape. The DENR officials announced it would immediately facilitate its removal.

DENR officials lecturing about mangroves

We have been guided by the Core Values of our organization. It is known to us as the LEADERS TRAIL – Leadership, Eco-consciousness, Altruism, Democracy, Equality, Respect, and Teamwork, Reliability, Action, Integrity, Loyalty. It is often that people ask us why we are doing what we do. It is hard to explain how we started looking beyond our simple dreams — enjoying nature and adventure. Our initial exploration was an awakening; it opened our eyes to the direness of the current situation of the environment. Establishing sustainable ecotourism projects, empowerment of the marginalized communities, promotion of environmental awareness are our long-term goals. As LEADers, we want to be a catalyst for change regarding responsible ecotourism and adventure.

We were scheduled for a group trek to Maligligay Falls on April 18, 2009, but we thought it was a good idea to give some love to the children of Adams, a postlude to their annual Tadek-Bagat Festival. We gave away used books, toys and clothing, and we delivered some to the month-old triplets — Ramy, Romy and Randy — in Sitio Maligligay. The 3 boys were in in the pink of health, and their mother too. She told us she has forgotten who’s who.

After visiting the famous triplets, we trekked to Maligligay Falls. On the trail, we saw cut trees and some abandoned wood boards. The ascent was tough because some areas were denuded. We felt bad that irresponsible timber poachers were at it again. It is very difficult to handle issues such as this one. Like a mob, there are big-league protectors, and it is usually the bush-league or small potatoes who get caught. Big money is usually involved — about 15,000 – 20,000 per load. The forest, where we trekked, is part of the Kalbario-Patapat Natural Park. How come the Protected Areas Management Bureau (PAMB), created by virtue of the NIPAS Act, and chaired by the Department of Natural Resources (DENR) is not doing their job? The DENR initiated the proclamation of the area; and also the endorsement of the Proposed Northern Ilocos Norte Natural Park. The DENR Region I office, headed by Dir. Cora Davis, was in Adams to attend the fiesta celebration, a day before we were there. We hope she noticed something too.

For additional photos of Maligligay Falls trek, click here.

Benguet Corporation (BC) held a public consultation with stakeholders regarding its mining exploration application in Ilocos Norte at the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol Auditorium on June 24, 2008. Present during the presentation were BC officials, Gov. Michael Keon, Rep. Bongbong Marcos, SP members, mayors, Bishop Sergio Utleg, and representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region I office, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), IP communities, NGOs, religious organizations and environmental groups. Mr. Philip Romualdez, BC President and CEO, presented a large-scale responsible mining proposal that would allow it to explore and possibly mine in the towns of Adams, Vintar, Carasi, Solsona and Nueva Era. (Click here to read related story.) In a copy of BC’s Financial Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) application with the DENR-MGB, the project would cover 21,513.37 hectares of land spread out in the 5 towns.

“I want to ventilate the issue openly and I will remain neutral,” Gov. Keon said in his welcome speech.

A group of indigenous people from the remote town of Adams carried banners expressing their opposition to mining. Several individuals voiced out their fears about the possible effects of mining. Bishop Utleg said, “It’s too risky… ” in response to Mr. Romualdez’s presentation. An avid birder, Dr. Petrus Calope, cried out, “Papatayin ninyo ang sagisag ng Pilipinas (You are going to kill the symbol of the Philippines.) He was probably referring to the endangered Philippine Eagle believed to have been spotted in Adams and Nueva Era.

“It’s up to you to decide and find balance for ourselves,” BBM said when it was his turn to speak.

After Benguet Corporation's presentation regarding its operations for exploration in Ilocos Norte, a "no to mining" banner was posted on the church facing the Adams Municipal Hall

In a privilege speech delivered before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on July 7, following BC’s consultative meeting with stakeholders, SP member Renato Ma. Peralta relayed the findings of an international fact-finding commission, led by British Member of Parliament (MP) Clare Short, which visited 2 mining sites in Mindanao in July and August 2006 and interviewed government officials, mining corporations and affected indigenous groups. The said commission visited a prospective mining site in Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur, home to Subanon (riverside dwellers) people and the closed Philex-Libay mining site on the coast of Sibutad, Zamboanga del Norte. The group learned that the homes of more than 10 million indigenous peoples in the country are located in areas with large mineral deposits. It found that 16 of the 24 priority mining projects promoted by the government are located on indigenous lands and the mining activity threatens the local community’s survival. The report cited incidents in which companies violated legal guidelines and “engineered” the required consent of indigenous communities to proposed mining projects. Philippine mining law requires companies to obtain local indigenous peoples’ Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) to mining projects. In response to SP member Peralta’s privilege speech, the SP agreed to form a multi-sectoral group that would look into the mining track record of Benguet Corp.

As a group that promotes environmental awareness and advocates for the protection and conservation of natural resources in Ilocos Norte, the LEAD Movement opposes the application of the Benguet Corporation, or any other mining firm, to conduct prospecting or exploration in Ilocos Norte. It submitted a manifesto following BC’s public consultation. The mining industry might mean extra livelihood and income for the said towns and the province, but it may also mean the possible degradation of the environment. Through research about the ill effects of mining, the group found that there is no such thing as sustainable or responsible mining. A fellow mountaineer, who happens to be a geodetic engineer, says, “Metals, like petroleum, coal and water are not regrown, re-made or regenerated once extracted. The process of which these metals are extracted disrupts the topsoil and disturbs habitats, thus altering an ecosystem. It disturbs productive grazing and cropping lands. Contamination of water sources is impossible to avoid. An open pit remains open and when the rains come, that pit, filled with toxic materials such as cyanide and mercury, might get filled to the brim with more rain water, and there would be no way to control accidental run-offs or spillage from that open pit.” Mining might wreak more havoc on the quality of the environment and public health. The building of roads, bunkhouses and parking area for heavy equipments will mean that a chunk of the forests will have to be sacrificed in exchange for short-lived economic gains, maybe 13 years, as metals are non-renewable resources. As Stewart Udall said, “Mining is like a search-and-destroy mission.” When the metals are gone and operations seize, the pits usually remain open and the strip mines don’t get to be rehabilitated. What happened in Marinduque a few years back when the Boac River and Calancan Bay were contaminated with tons of run-offs from the open pit created by Marc Copper and Placer Dome mining firms caused the loss of many lives and their fish catch decreased considerably, thereby affecting the poor fisherfolk.

In late 2008, Itogon in Benguet was in the headlines when a typhoon caused landslides dislocating many residents and entrapment of local miners in the old “no working zone” tunnels of Benguet Corporation.

More than half of the remaining old-growth forests in the country has been lost to mining and other forms of destruction like illegal logging. Destruction of old-growth forests contributes largely to global warming and soil erosion. A part of Adams (and Pagudpud) has been declared a protected area, known as the Kalbario-Patapat Natural Park, in August 2007, under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992. Adjacent to it is the Proposed Northern Ilocos Norte Natural Park which is approximately 11, 794.19 hectares. The intact vegetation of the site which is the show window of the remaining Old Growth Forest in Region I contributes to the presence of perennial water sources, habitat for wildlife resources and the unique waterfalls, ponds and springs for its extreme natural beauty; it is close to the subject area (658.68 hectares of land in Adams still included in the Amended Area) presented at the public consultation meeting. The Original Area ( 36,247 hectares) filed by BC on February 8, 2005 included areas in Pagudpud, Adams, Vintar, Carasi, Solsona,and Nueva Era. Even if the DENR-MGB has amended the original proposal and has taken out areas in Pagudpud and Adams included in the Kalbario-Patapat Natural Park and the Proposed Northern ILocos Norte Natural Park, several important watersheds might be hit directly by the project. Deforestation, siltation and pollution of water systems contribute to the  bigger picture. The world-famous Pagudpud, known for its ivory beaches, is right below Adams; the Pasaleng Bay and the Sinidangan River and its tributaries will be at risk once mining takes place in Adams. Both towns thrive on ecotourism. The crystal-clear water (Bulo River) from Adams passes through the towns of Dumalneg and Bangui and empties into the South China Sea.

The Bulo River is paradise to the children of Adams

View this video that tells the story of Rapu-Rapu Island (in Albay), home to coral reefs, mangrove forests on the shoreline, rich sea grass beds and a high amount of biodiversity.

Click here to view video of Probe TV’s Gameplan featuring the Mt. Palemlem summit which offers the best view of the lush mountains that nestle Adams.

Ilocos Norte isn’t just about old churches and landmarks that bespeak its rich history. It is also proud of its abundant natural wealth – pristine beaches and untouched forests that host a high amount of biodiversity. Help save this wealth for the coming generations to enjoy.

“You ain’t gonna miss your water until your well runs dry” ~ Bob Marley