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Theres’s No Mountain High Enough for Noble Intentions.

Accenture Outdoor Club at the summit

The first ever Mt. Pulag Challenge, a fundraising trek initiated by Accenture Outdoor Club, Accenture Caring for Tomorrow and VSO Bahaginan proved to be a resounding success not just in raising funds for VSO Philippines’ Peace Enabling and Community Empowerment Project ( PEACE) in Mindanao but for development awareness as well. The event was held on May 23- 25, 2008 with over a hundred participants.

Mt. Pulag at 2,922 meters above seal level is considered the 2nd highest mountain in the Philippines, next to Mt. Apo of Mindanao with only a few meters difference. It is considered as one of the most beautiful National Parks in the Cordillera Area. Mt. Pulag is typically different from the rainforest mountains in the Philippines because of its open area (no trees mountain). It also has its distinct characteristics of changing color on different occasions and season. During the dry season, Mt. Pulag is brown similar to the chocolate Hills of Bohol. During the Rainy Monsoon season, it will vary from light green to rich dark green rolling plains, almost similar to a well- maintained golf course. Local People believed that is was, and is a play ground of the gods.

Juju Tan, VSO Philippines Country Director , who joined the trek has this to say “I had talked to several people during and after the climb and I was impressed that they all said that this event was part of their “charity work” or fundraising for VSO’s Peace Building work in Mindanao. Also, when I was talking to the big group on Saturday morning, almost everyone seemed to be listening to what was being said about VSO. I suggest that we sustain VSO’s advocacy with Accenture Philippines beyond the Mt. Pulag Challenge. One way is to feedback to them how their donation was used (activity, output and expected outcomes)”.

VSO Team Juju Galvez-Tan, Judah Aliposa, Alex de Roxas, Jericho Aliposa and Benjamin Tolentino

The organizers

The trekkers found the trek well- organized and well planned even if it is the largest group organized by Accenture Outdoor club. They mentioned that the fees are reasonable and the marketing messages were truly very engaging. The participation of Regie Pablo, an Accenture staff who is the seventh Filipino who reached Mt. Everest summit in 2007 gave the trek a boost and encouraged more trekkers to join.

“For a large group like this , the 2008 Mt. Pulag Challenge was well-organised.  It is all the more commendable that we have been able to raise the level of partnership with Accenture literally and figuratively to a higher level” enthused Judah Aliposa, an experienced trekker and VSO Bahaginan Volunteer Placement Advisor.

Bacchus Energy Drink, Pocari Sweat Ion Drink, One White Tea Drink, First Metro Travel and Habagat Outdoor Gears sponsored the event through VSO Bahaginan’s efforts.

Despite heavy rains encountered by the trekkers, most of them reached the summit to see the beautiful sunrise overlooking the plains. With such a lovely view to behold and the idea that their efforts were put to good use, there is no other way for the trekkers to feel but the ultimate sense of fulfillment that there is really no mountain high enough for noble intentions!