CATBALOGAN, Philippines – Ricky Bautista, president of the Samar Mountaineering and Outdoor Club, Inc. (SAMOC), delivered an inspiring report on the club’s remarkable progress at their Christmas Party held on Friday, December 13, at Lucas Wharf Bar & Restaurant in Catbalogan City.
The event marked another year of growth for SAMOC, which, since its revival in 2022, has quickly become a key player in the Visayas mountaineering and outdoor community.
In his address, Bautista reflected on the club’s journey from its re-establishment to its growing influence in local tourism, environmental advocacy, and outdoor activities.
“SAMOC’s journey has been incredible. From our humble beginnings in 2022, we’ve come so far, and I am truly proud of everything we’ve accomplished together,” Bautista shared in the local dialect.
Rebuilding and Giving Back
Bautista began by recalling SAMOC’s revival in 2022, highlighting the club’s official registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and its affiliation with the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines (MFPI). A milestone achievement that year was the Charity Hike & Camp at Mt. Danglay in Basey, Samar, where the club benefited 150 local children by providing school supplies and installing a summit marker. SAMOC also organized the Dalaw sa Dilim 3 caving expedition and participated in numerous regional hiking events, contributing to the rise of adventure tourism in the region.
Growth and Expanding Influence
SAMOC continued its upward trajectory in 2023, with Bautista highlighting the success of its Basic and Advanced Mountaineering Courses. The club’s influence in regional tourism grew as SAMOC worked with the Catbalogan City Tourism, Culture, Arts, and Information Office to explore the Central Caves, helping boost the area’s eco-tourism potential.
“We’ve worked closely with local government units and tourism offices to position Samar as a premier eco-tourism destination. Our combined focus on adventure tourism and environmental sustainability is starting to yield real results,” Bautista said.
National Recognition and Preparing for the Future
SAMOC’s efforts gained national recognition in 2024, with Bautista being elected as a board member of the MFPI. Two SAMOC members, Victor Pol Llana and Dennis Anthony Salazar, were also accredited as part of the National Search and Rescue Team (NSART) Mt. Pinatubo Batch of the MFPI. Additionally, SAMOC members participated in various MFPI activities across the country, including in Bicol, Bohol, Zamboanga City, Pampanga, Sagada, and Davao, strengthening the club’s presence in the national mountaineering community.
SAMOC’s social media following also grew significantly, reaching 1,100 by 2024, reflecting the club’s broader outreach and commitment to environmental advocacy and sustainability.
VMF 2025: A Landmark Event for SAMOC
Looking ahead, Bautista proudly announced that SAMOC would host the prestigious Visayas Mountain Festival (VMF) in August 2025. This major event will bring together mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country, offering them the chance to experience the stunning landscapes and warm hospitality of Samar.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase the natural beauty of Samar to 300 mountaineers. We’re collaborating closely with local government units to ensure the event’s success, focusing on Basey, Sta. Rita, Calbiga, and Paranas,” Bautista explained
A Bright Future for SAMOC
Bautista expressed confidence in SAMOC’s continued success, with plans to expand its educational programs, strengthen its environmental advocacy, and foster even stronger partnerships with local governments and the MFPI.
“We are excited about what lies ahead. SAMOC is committed to becoming a lasting force in outdoor adventure, environmental protection, and community engagement,” he concluded.
During the Christmas Party, 12 new members were inducted into the club. Additionally, all members received gifts, and outdoor gear such as water bladders, camping chairs, T-shirts, camping stoves, lanterns, and carabiners were raffled off.
As the celebration concluded, SAMOC members reflected on the club’s accomplishments and eagerly looked forward to an even more successful 2025 and beyond.
| Via Samar Chronicle
Ricky Bautista, president of the Samar Mountaineering and Outdoor Club, Inc., delivers his President’s Report to members during the club’s Christmas Party on Friday, December 13, 2024.
