NAVAL, Biliran — At least 10 members of the Samar Mountaineering and Outdoor Club, Inc. (SAMOC, Inc.) joined “Climb Biliran,” a new mountaineering tourism product designed to establish Biliran as the adventure capital of Eastern Visayas.
The SAMOC, Inc. members included Victor Pol Llana, Stephanie Maliper, Rodney Cabrera, Ann Misai, Brylle General, Kyn Tigley, Yuan Llanza, Ronald Orale, Jhun Ty, and Nonoi Verdejo.
The Department of Tourism Region VIII, in collaboration with the Province of Biliran, launched the event on June 14-16, featuring at least four notable mountains and picturesque waterfalls in the province.
The DOT said the initiative, which has been in development for nearly three years, involved extensive planning, conceptualization, and training to enhance the capabilities of local guides and ensure minimal environmental impact.
The mountaineering activity, offered free by the organizers, was participated in by hikers from various parts of the country, including Albay, Bacolod, Cebu, Bohol, Agusan Del Sur, General Santos, and regions within Eastern Visayas such as Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Biliran.
Participants had the option to choose from four distinct trails: Camp Beben in Kawayan, Kapatagan in Culaba, Mt. Naliwatan in Almeria, and Mt. Suiro in Caibiran.
The launch event was graced by Vice-Governor Brigido Caneja III, who highlighted Biliran’s potential as a premier mountaineering destination in Eastern Visayas. Hon. Marygie Tacoy, Vice-Mayor of Almeria, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the hikers for their participation. Assistant Regional Director of DOT8, Mr. Boris Pascubillo, welcomed the hikers and wished them a safe journey. Provincial Tourism Officer of Biliran, Mr. Jun Oliva Jr., recounted the history of “Climb Biliran,” detailing the extensive preparations leading to the successful launch.
With this initiative, Biliran aims to attract adventure enthusiasts and establish itself as a key destination for mountaineering in the region.
(By Ricky Bautista) (Courtesy photos from Samoc, Inc.)
