Mount Kampalili, located in Davao De Oro, offered us an unforgettable adventure. As we prepared to board the wooden outrigger, the skylab driver instructed us to ride together, emphasizing that our safety relied on our cooperation. The thought of falling was daunting, especially when our teammate Tina Corpuz watched from the backseat. Despite my previous experiences on habal-habal vehicles, riding on the katig itself proved to be even more exhilarating, or perhaps terrifying.
The journey through banana plantations lasted 1.5 hours, with nerve-wracking descents along rough and steep roads. I held on tightly for dear life. However, compared to my past rides, this one felt relatively less precarious, thanks to the cemented portions of the road leading to Sitio Kaluyapi, where our hike began. In the past, it would have taken four or five days to ascend Mount Kampalili from Davao City, but now, due to improved road conditions, it can be done in just two or three days.
During my two-week stay in Mindanao, I have been contemplating the socioeconomic transformation the island has undergone in the past decade. From the cosmopolitan cities with their excellent cafes and smartphone-based conveniences to the digitalization of the remote sitios, change has come in various forms. However, this progress also faces challenges. As Mindanao’s cities become more similar to Metro Manila, they risk replicating its unfriendly urban environment, characterized by heavy traffic, lack of quality public transport, poor walkability, and limited parks and green spaces. It is crucial for Mindanao’s rapidly expanding towns and cities to prioritize the well-being of their citizens, preserving their connection with nature and ensuring affordable food and housing while upholding their “right to the city.”
One caveat to this progress is the uneven distribution of its benefits. When I asked the leaders of Sitio Kaluyapi about their wishes, they unanimously expressed the need for completing the road and building a bridge. The 1.5-hour daily ride to town is still too long and dangerous, especially during heavy rains when the road becomes nearly impassable. The desire for a medical mission also highlights the inaccessibility of healthcare for many Filipinos, who are often one illness away from falling into poverty. As a medical doctor, I must mention the environmental health hazards that people may overlook, such as the aerially sprayed fungicides on banana plantations.
It is heartening to see that more people in Mindanao have access to food, as severe hunger has significantly decreased in the region. Additionally, the reduction of violence and armed conflict is a positive development. However, the challenge now lies in improving the overall quality of life in Mindanao and ensuring that its developmental gains are equitably shared among its diverse regions and peoples, including the lumads, Muslims, and Christians.
As I camp in the enchanting mountain, surrounded by starry nights and fireflies, and immersed in the beauty of mossy forests and limestone cliffs, I am reminded of how culturally diverse Mindanao is. Its diversity extends beyond humans to include other species, like pitcher plants and the endangered Philippine eagles. Sadly, these species and their habitats are threatened by destructive projects like Tampakan. Therefore, it is essential to strike a balance between development and environmental conservation, pursuing a sustainable course that acknowledges our interdependence with nature.
In conclusion, our fate is intricately tied to the natural world, much like the two sides of a skylab. We must stand together with nature and ensure our actions contribute to the well-being of both humanity and the environment.
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