The Dec. 9 eruption of Mt. Kanlaon appeared as a necessary precursor to focus attention also to a global celebration that was observed two days later – International Mountain Day.
While there are distinct differences between a mountain and a volcano, the latter is generally described as a mountain, except, among others, that the latter can erupt with lava at times.
Mountains have fascinated many. I have friends and kin who have developed immense love for mountains that a number of dream have passionately pursued mountain climbing, regardless of the risks.
One of them, a relative, a high school student then, was lost for days after a fall and later found dead while navigating the challenging and foggy terrain of, yes, Mt. Kanlaon. That was three decades ago.
I recall that during overnight trips to south and east central Negros, where Mt. Kanlaon is located, I have always made it a point to have a glimpse either late in the day or very early in the morning of the wondrous view of the highest peak in the whole Visayan islands.
My own personal interest of the mountains started in boyhood days with the view of a small mountain seen from our backyard in Cauayan. With the use of binoculars, my brothers and I had a better view of the mountain and hills in Sitio Camayatan.
The mountainview was more fascinating from the tops of fruit trees we climbed. From up there, we had a distant yet clear view of how the mountain folk struggled daily in traversing the challenging and rigorous paths in their upland community.
I eventually had a small share of mountain living – that reminded me of the Camayatan scenes from a distance – when I had an opportunity to live with Negritos in a mountain village in northern Iloilo. There, I studied the ethnic people’s way of life as part of my major project in graduate school, which required us to immerse ourselves in the day-to-day life of our study subjects.
To say that mountain living, especially in rural Philippines, is hard is not an understatement. Upland areas are often difficult to reach, thus services from agencies have been wanting. Social mobility had also been slow and opportunities wanting.
I have also seen and heard of testimonials of the difficulties teachers encounter as they cross rivers and streams and endure rough byways to educate children in very remote communities, which have remained inaccessible due to physical barriers.
Their stories are truly inspiring, like also those of social and health workers and NGO personnel, whose mission is to deliver basic services to people in very far-flung areas to make them feel that kindness and generosity are at the core of a compassionate society.
***
The Mountain Day observance, UN said, “creates awareness about the importance of mountains to life, highlights the opportunities and constraints in mountain development and builds alliances that will bring positive change to mountain peoples and environments around the world.”
The IMD observance this year focuses on the theme, “Mountain Solutions for a Sustainable Future.”
UN explained: “Innovation is essential for addressing complex mountain-related issues. It encompasses technological advancements as well as creative problem-solving such as climate-smart agriculture.
“While dealing with climate change’s pressures on mountains, adaptation becomes imperative for building resilience and reducing vulnerability…
“The active participation of youth is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of mountain solutions. IMD 2024 promotes decent work and quality employment for young persons, accessible training, and entrepreneurship opportunities that contribute to the sustainable use of mountain resources.”
UN also highlighted these facts:
• Mountains are natural jewels we should treasure.
• They are home to 15% of the world´s population and host about half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.
• They provide freshwater for everyday life to half of humanity, helping to sustain agriculture and supply clean energy and medicines.
• Over 311 million rural mountain people in developing countries live in areas exposed to progressive land degradation.
• 178 million of these people are considered vulnerable to food insecurity.
Governments and other organizations are rallying and mobilizing efforts to address the threat to mountains by climate change, overexploitation and contamination – which, UN said, are increasing the risks for people across continents and the planet.
As the global climate continues to warm, mountain glaciers, UN continued, mountain people – who are some of the world’s poorest – face even greater struggles to survive.
***
As we celebrate the blessings mountains provide us and as we pray for the safety of people in central Negros communities and greater public awareness of disaster risks management, we are reminded of what mountains signify in our lives: they are associated with constant challenges people should surmount for their dreams and hopes to come true.
Above all, they are spiritual reminders for us to strive toward nearness to God, their majestic presence far beyond our human understanding as they extend up high – an icon of consciousness of God’s absolute power and dominion over land and sea.
***
I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber. (Psalm 121:1-3) | NWI
