Protecting Mt. Lumot, from its trails to its skies!

Mount Lumot, located in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, holds a significant place in Philippine history as the crash site of Cebu Pacific Flight 387 in 1998—a tragic event that claimed the lives of all passengers and crew aboard. Despite its somber past, Mount Lumot has gradually transformed into a symbol of resilience and renewal. The mountain is part of a biodiverse ecosystem and is home to the critically endangered Philippine Eagle, one of the world’s rarest birds and a national symbol of the Philippines. In recent years, Mount Lumot has been gaining recognition as an emerging hiking destination in Northern Mindanao. With its lush forests, rich wildlife, and panoramic views, it offers nature enthusiasts and trekkers a unique experience that combines ecological wonder with historical reflection.

While many adventurers are drawn to Mount Lumot to explore its challenging trails and breathtaking landscapes, others are inspired by a deeper purpose—to help preserve and protect the sacred mountain and its rich biodiversity. This shared commitment to conservation was brought to life through a collaborative initiative involving the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR–PENRO) Misamis Oriental, DENR–Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Gingoog, the local conservation group Kaplag, and Minergy Power Corporation. Together, these partners conducted a mountain clean-up drive and eagle nest monitoring activity on March 20–21, 2025. The event, held in celebration of the International Day of Forests, not only emphasized the importance of protecting forest ecosystems but also strengthened community involvement in the ongoing preservation of Mount Lumot—a vital habitat for the critically endangered Philippine Eagle and a growing symbol of environmental stewardship in Northern Mindanao.