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Hiking activity in the municipality of Calanasan has increased over the past two years, with more climbers making their way to Mt. Sicapoo, Apayao’s highest peak, according to local tourism records.
Data from the Municipal Tourism, Culture and the Arts Office (MTCAO) show that around 194 hikers were recorded at Mt. Sicapoo in 2024, a year when hiking schedules remained limited. In 2025, the number rose to an estimated 399 climbers, nearly double the previous year’s figure.
Municipal Tourism Officer Krinezza Vail Boday-Lawat attributed the increase to growing interest in hiking and clearer coordination protocols now being enforced. Climbers are required to coordinate in advance with the Calanasan MTCAO, as walk-in hikes are not allowed. A carrying capacity of 30 hikers per climb is also imposed to manage safety and reduce pressure on the trail, in line with Municipal Ordinance No. 4-2024.
Financial records from guided climbs in 2025 show consistent activity throughout the year, with 374 trekkers documented and ₱262,000 in total collections, based on official receipts from the Municipal Treasurer’s Office.
Despite the growing number of climbers, Mt. Sicapoo remains a regulated site, with municipal tourism workers stressing the need for proper scheduling, DOT-trained guides, and coordination with the local government. The controls, they said, are intended to balance visitor access with trail safety and environmental protection.
With climbing activity showing a steady upward trend, the MTCAO sees hiking as a practical entry point for tourism development, particularly for nature-based and low-impact travel, as long as visitor numbers remain within manageable limits.
While Mt. Sicapoo remains the municipality’s primary hiking site, the MTCAO is also studying the possible opening of another mountain, Mt. Kilang, locally known as the Blazing Mountain of the Gods. The area has drawn interest from climbers for its wide ridges and open terrain, which resemble mountain landscapes commonly seen in parts of Europe.
Tourism personnel said Mt. Kilang is being assessed for possible opening to hikers and mountaineers in 2026, subject to trail inspection, safety planning, and coordination guidelines.
Hikers planning to climb Mt. Sicapoo are required to register in advance through the official form at: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSf9mO6065X.../viewform...
