Mount Makiling

Mount Makiling
Mount Maquiling

Satellite view of Mount Makiling
Highest point
Elevation 1,090 m (3,580 ft)[1]
Coordinates 14°08′N 121°12′E / 14.13°N 121.20°E / 14.13; 121.20Coordinates: 14°08′N 121°12′E / 14.13°N 121.20°E / 14.13; 121.20
Geography
Mount Makiling

Location within the Philippines

Location Luzon
Country Philippines
Region CALABARZON
Provinces
Cities and
municipalities
Geology
Mountain type Stratovolcano
Volcanic field Laguna Volcanic Field
Last eruption Unknown
Climbing
Easiest route from U.P. Los Baños

Mount Makiling, or Mount Maquiling, is a dormant volcano in Laguna province on the island of Luzon, Philippines. The mountain rises to an elevation of 1,090 m (3,580 ft) above mean sea level and is the highest feature of the Laguna Volcanic Field. The volcano has no recorded historic eruption but volcanism is still evident through geothermal features like mud spring and hot springs. South of the mountain is the Makiling-Banahaw Geothermal Plant. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) classifies the volcano as potentially active.

Mount Makiling is a state-owned forest reserve administered by the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Prior its transfer to the university, the mountain was the first national park of the Philippines. Mount Makiling National Park was established on February 23, 1933 by Proclamation No. 552. However, it was decommissioned as a national park on June 20, 1963 by Republic Act no. 3523 when it was transferred to the University for use in forestry education and information.[2]

Now known as Mount Makiling Forest Reserve, it was declared an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2013.[3]

Legend

Legends surrounding the mountain relates to Maria Makiling, which is said to be the 'guardian' of the mountain. The contour of the mountain is said to be that of her in a reclining position.[1]

History

Mount Makiling viewed from SSW in Malvar, Batangas.

The following are the proclamations, republic acts, and executive orders relevant to the Makiling Forest Reserve (MFR):[4]

Places of interest

View of Mt. Makiling's north face as seen heading south on South Luzon Expressway's Exit 50 - Calamba Interchange.

Geographical features

Rivers and creeks

  • Munting River — Santo Tomas
  • Siam-Siam Creek — Calamba
  • Sipit Creek — Calamba
  • Pansipit Creek — Calamba
  • Pansol Creek — Calamba
  • Dampalit River — Los Baños
  • Saran Creek — Los Baños
  • Pili Creek — Los Baños
  • Molawin Creek — Los Baños
  • Maitim River — Bay
  • Calo River — Bay

Hiking activity

Mt. Makiling is a popular hiking destination. The two major trails begin at the UPLB College of Forestry and Brgy. San Miguel, Santo Tomas. The UPLB trail is more commonly used, taking 4–5 hours to reach the summit (Peak 2). This trail was closed in October 2007 due to trail damage wrought by Typhoon Xangsane on September 2006. The trail was closed again in December 2012 after two students were found drowned in a restricted area on the mountain.[5] The trail was re-opened most recently in March 2013.[6] The second trail, known as Maktrav, starts in Santo Tomas. This route is more difficult and requires 6–7 hours to reach the summit. Both trails are generally established and safe, although throughout the years there have been occasional reports of fatal accidents and injuries, especially on the Santo Tomas side. Climbers also frequently encounter leeches along the way.[1]

Bibliography

References

  1. 1 2 3 PinoyMountaineer: Mount Makiling, 1 September 2007, retrieved 2007-10-26
  2. "Republic Act no. 3523". PhilippineLaw.info. Retrieved on 2013-10-15.
  3. "Mt Makiling named ASEAN Heritage Park". Rappler.com. Retrieved on 2013-10-06.
  4. "Laws Governing the Makiling Forest Reserve". Mount Makiling Forest Reserve. Retrieved on 2013-10-04.
  5. Makiling trail closed in wake of UPLB deaths, 9 December 2012, retrieved 2013-04-05
  6. Mount Makiling trail reopens for Lenten hikers, 25 March 2013, retrieved 2013-04-05
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mount Makiling.
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 11/30/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.