DAVAO — Seventy members of the Digos City Mountain Guides Association gathered at the Dawis Heritage Wharf Function Hall on August 5–6, 2026 for their mandatory annual refresher course. The training ensures that every hiker who sets foot on Mount Apo is guided by professionals who know how to save lives, protect nature, and deliver world‑class Filipino hospitality.
A Two‑Day Refresher for Frontline Ambassadors
The City Tourism Office designed the training to renew the guides’ accreditation while sharpening their skills in safety, customer service, and environmental stewardship. Councilor Liza M. Cagas, chair of the Committee on Tourism, Culture and the Arts, opened the event by thanking the guides for their dedication. She reminded them that they are the first face of Digos City, and every trekker’s experience depends on their professionalism.
On Day 1, facilitator Cherry Faye B. Al‑ag led a session on the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence, a Department of Tourism framework built on values like warmth, compassion, and community spirit. Guides practiced how to turn their natural friendliness into consistent, high‑quality service that makes visitors feel safe and valued. The workshop emphasized that a well‑guided journey is more than just a climb; it is a memory that travelers carry home.
Training That Saves Lives and Protects Nature
Day 2 shifted to the technical skills essential for the unpredictable terrain of Mount Apo. In the Basic Life Support module, guides learned cardiopulmonary resuscitation, how to handle hypothermia, high‑altitude sickness, and traumatic injuries on the trail. These skills buy precious time before medical teams can reach remote areas, and they can mean the difference between life and death.
The Leave No Trace principles taught guides how to minimize human impact—from proper waste disposal to campfire safety. Participants also practiced land navigation and map reading, using compasses and topographic maps to find safe routes even when visibility drops to zero. These competencies ensure that every expedition is as safe and environmentally responsible as possible.
Why Accredited Guides Matter for Your Mt. Apo Adventure
Mount Apo, the Philippines’ highest peak at 2,954 meters, attracts thousands of local and foreign hikers each year. All trekking routes—including those starting from Digos City—require hikers to hire accredited local guides who are licensed by the Protected Area Management Board. The refresher course is a legal requirement, but it is also a guarantee that the person leading you up the volcano is trained, certified, and regularly updated.
Protected Area Supervisor Clint Michael B. Cleofe of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Mt. Apo Natural Park underscored the critical role guides play as frontline eco‑wardens. They enforce park quotas, monitor waste, and ensure every visitor follows the rules that protect the fragile summit ecosystem. By supporting these trained professionals, hikers contribute directly to the conservation of one of the country’s most treasured natural parks.
A Shared Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
The annual refresher course is part of Digos City’s larger strategy to position itself as a premier eco‑tourism destination. By investing in its mountain guides, the city protects its visitors, preserves its natural assets, and uplifts the livelihoods of local families who depend on tourism. For anyone planning to conquer Mount Apo, the presence of well‑trained, passionate guides makes the journey not only safer but richer with meaning.
