Mount Sicapoo, which straddles the provinces of Apayao and Ilocos Norte, will be opened for tourism and mountaineering activities in April.
A VIEW on top of Mount Sicapoo in Calanasan, Apayao. (Provincial Tourism Services Office Apayao FB)
Apayao Provincial Tourism Officer Rebecca Mamba said that the local government unit (LGU) of Calanasan, Apayao is now organizing a program for the opening of Mount Sicapoo for mountaineering and tourism activities following the successful Apayao Trail Expedition of a group of mountaineers on March 5 to 9.
She assured the environmental integrity of Mount Sicapoo which is 2,354 meters above sea level.
Mamba said that mountaineers have discovered a cave with eight chambers in the mountainous area of Flora, Apayao.
Mount Sicapoo is located to the south of Mount Kilang, to the southeast of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, and to the east of the Padsan River.
The mountain, considered as the highest peak in Ilocos Norte, is heavily forested with pine trees and due to its steep cliffs, particularly approaching the summit, it is considered highly treacherous and exceptionally difficult to climb.
The mountain was fully ascended by mountaineers in 2009.
Mountaineers going up Mount Sicapoo begin their ascent at the Gasgas River in Solsona, Ilocos Norte which leads to the campsites in Saulay then the Bubuos and Pakpako Campsites.