|
Monday, 10 March 2008 |
MOUNT UGO The legendary Mt. Ugo has an elevation of 2,150 meters above sea level. Its name was derived from the Ibaloi word “Ugoan” which means to cut the neck/ throat.
Mt. Ugo is also known as the “plane grabber” because of three plane crashes that happened on the said mountain. In early 1960’s, a UC45 CAB from Cubi Airport crashed at the slope of Mt. Ugo in Kalaudan. Mr. Tomas Lacquias, a nearby resident rescued the victims (3 pilots). His three-day old baby boy at the time of the accident was named after one of the pilots, Lindsay. In June 26, 1987, a Philippine Airline (PAL) plane from Manila bound to Loakan Airport crashed on the Southern portion of Mt. Ugo, about 1 km. down from the peak, killing all passengers and crew on board; so far the most tragic incident in the history of air transport in Benguet. Mr. Tomas Lacquias and his son Lindsay were the first to rescue. Later, as they were trying to gather the personal belongings of the victims, the rescue helicopter crashed, nearly killing the rescue team. As a sign of gratitude to Mr. Lacquias, the PAL management sent Lindsay to school to take up Aircraft Mechanic Course after which he was hired and is now a proud employee of the country’s flag-carrier company.
Nevertheless, these series of accidents did not bring any negative impression or effect to the mountain. Instead, it has paved the way to its discovery as a tourist attraction. Yearly thereafter, treks were made by PAL employees as well as the victims’ relatives to light candles & offer prayers in commemoration to their loved ones. They were also enticed with its cool temperature and its unique flora and fauna. Presently, several mountaineering followed, and now, an alternative to Mt. Pulag.
Kayapa-Itogon Traverse
Day 1
22:00 Assembly (Victory Liner, Kamuning)
Day 2
04:00 Bambang to Kayapa (Hire Jeepney)
06:00 Kayapa (Breakfast)
07:00 Start Trek
10:00 Indupit Village
13:00 Domolpos Village (Take late lunch/Last water source)
14:00 Resume Trek
17:30 Summit (Set camp)
Day 3
04:00 Wake up call
06:00 Break camp
07:00 Start descent
09:30 Old Saw Mill
12:00 Brgy Lusod (Lunch) (Last water source)
14:00 Resume Trek
15:00 Ridge
17:30 Tinongdan, Itogon
18:30 ETD to Baguio
19:30 Baguio City
20:00 Bagiuo to Manila
Itinerary was based on Miguel Mapalad's information
For more information, you can also visit the Official Website of the Munipality of Itogon, Benguet .
|
|
Last Updated ( Monday, 10 March 2008 )
|
Hiking 
