BY ROGER D. BELTRAN

The first “Pag-amlig”, a tree-planting and camping activity, was held at the Fabricanus Village Café and Campsite in Sitio Old Fabrica, Brgy. Cabagna-an, La Castellana, Negros Occidental on April 1-2, and drew more than 50 participants.
The two days and one night event was co-organized by LC Outdoors.


During the opening program and camp orientation, Reymon Clamano spoke on basic mountaineering and the “Leave No Trace” principles, Danlee Mangao on basic ecology, and Mar Vincent Blando and Ian Camilo on basic outdoor first aid, while Jay Salmorin demonstrated the basic backpacking.

Former La Castellana Councilor Remuel Lajo, executive secretary to the mayor, shared the ecotourism plan of the municipality through its “Tourism Highway” where a series of cafés, coffee shops, and restaurants are now being developed from the town proper going to upland barangays.

“Pag-amlig” is one of the many events that aim to preserve the forest of Mt. Kanlaon and educate the locals and participants on how to protect the environment, Brgy. Cabagna-an Captain Arbie Sacapaño, owner of Fabricanus, said.
La Castellana Mayor Rhumyla Nicor-Mangilimutan and police chief, P/Cpt. Rhon Daryl Nigos, also attended the opening program.


The campers, who came from as far as Sagay in the north and Sipalay in the south, were also treated to environmentally-inspiring music from local talents during the “Jam for a Cause” evening of Maundy Thursday.
Early on Good Friday, the campers started the 2.5-kilometer hike uphill going to the Ubod-Ubod tree-growing and campsite.


Personnel of the 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army joined the campers in planting seedlings of To-og, or Philippine Rosewood.
Proceeds from the event will go to the Project Home of LC Outdoors, where they help locals who cannot afford to repair and/or rebuild their houses, the organizers said.*