Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles. Photo from southernluzoninquirer.com
MANILA, Philippines — It looks like Mt. Maculot in Batangas has become popular for romantic rendezvous, judging by the trash collected from the popular pilgrimage and hiking destination during Holy Week.
Garbage collection after the religious holidays annually yields condoms and panties, among other things, prompting the Archdiocese of Lipa to hold an ecological prayer assembly next month to “cleanse” the mountain, which overlooks Taal Lake, according to Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles.
“Every Holy Week, thousands of people go to the mountain, hopefully for prayer and penance,” Arguelles said in a text to reporters on Wednesday. “Among the garbage found on the mountain, however, are condoms and undies!”
The prelate said the ecological prayer assembly, which the archdiocese has scheduled for April 7, is meant to help restore and preserve the mountain’s sanctity.
“It is intended for cleanliness in all aspects of Mt. Maculot,” he said, noting that the event will be spearheaded by the Archdiocesan Ministry on Environment.
“It is also a plea to preserve our province from natural calamities, which mining, logging and flattening of mountains for industrial purposes can only bring about,” added the prelate.
Arguelles lamented the continuing exploitation of the mountain, saying that many trees have been cut to make way for the construction of a private resort.
He said there were hints that Mother Nature was already taking revenge for the defilement of the mountain.
“Volcanologists only look at the Volcano Island and they seem to sense something threatening. They do not look at the surrounding, equally protected areas, specifically Mt. Maculot zone. Residents see cracks in the area,” said Arguelles.
“There is fish kill nearby because of sulfur. Besides, many trees have been cut to make way for a private resort right on the protected area. Is nature about to take vengeance?” added the prelate.
The 3,107-feet Mt. Maculot, which offers a panoramic view of Taal Lake, is also a popular day-trip destination for mountaineers and campers, especially during Holy Week and summertime.
Many of these hikers are drawn to the mountain’s 2,300-foot-high volcanic rock wall dubbed “The Rockies,” which was believed to be part of Taal Volcano’s original crater.
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