LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines — Mt. Pulag in Kabayan, Benguet shivered at 9 degrees Celsius yesterday.
The temperature is expected to further drop in the coming days, as the national park continues to lure trekkers to the mountain.
Park managers have been trying to control the influx of tourists during peak seasons such as summer and Christmas.
In previous years, Mt. Pulag’s temperature reached 2 degrees.
Every afternoon, clouds brought by the northeast monsoon blanket the mountain, said to be the playing ground of Kabunian or god of the Cordilleras, according to Protected Area Superintendent Teber Dionisio.
The Mt. Pulag National Park and Protected Area Office is cautioning trekkers and adventurers to bring extra thick and warm clothing to protect themselves from the cold.
The Kabayan municipal tourism office said over 22,000 tourists have trekked to Mt. Pulag since January this year.
Mt. Pulag, more than 2,900 meters above sea level, is the highest peak in Luzon and is the third highest in the country.