Know Mt. Kitanglad

Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park is a full-fledged protected area by virtue of Republic Act 8978 signed by former President Joseph Estrada in 2000. It is considered one of the country's priority protected areas and a prime spot for nature ventures like trekking and birdwatching.

MKRNP covers 40, 176 hectares. It supplies waters to Bukidnon and its adjoining provinces like Misamis Oriental and Cotabato for power generation, irrigation and domestic uses. Its highest peak is called Mt. Dulang-dulang which rises at 2, 938 meters above sea level. It is the second highest peak in the country following Mt. Apo Natural Park in Davao City.

MKRNP is the sacred ancestral domain of the Bukidnon, Talaandig and Bukidnon tribes. These tribes performed sacred ceremonial rites in select mountain peaks where forests are largely undisturbed by human activities. If the PA system has zoning classification around the park based on its landuse and natural features, the tribes too, have various categories of cultural zones in MKRNP. The indigenous peoples perspectives and value on the importance of Mt. Kitanglad to their survival and identity can very well qualify the area not only as a natural park but also a cultural heritage site. A rich cultural tradition is still preserved in the area even to this day.

MKRNP is found in Bukidnon province in Northern Mindanao, Philippines. It is surrounded by seven municipalities namely: Talakag, Baungon, Libona, Manolo Fortich, Sumilao, Impasugong, Lantapan and the lone city of Malaybalay. These eight geographical units share boundaries at the summit.

Different species are found in MKRNP. Among these are: tarsier (tinokak), woodcock (mandalugsok), Rufous Hornbill (tungkago), Philippine Warty Pig (baboy ihalas), Philippine brown deer (usa), Golden-crowned flying fox (kabog), Philippine eagle owl (pungak/okang), Philippine eagle (agila or kalumbata), Kapa-kapa tree, pitcher plant (sakuro hu busao), white lauan, giant fern (anonotong), etc.

To enter Mt. Kitanglad, there are two three famous entry points. Mountaineers and visitors, with a minimum of 15, shall obtain a permit at the Park's Superintendent's Office located in Malaybalay (call at +63 88 813 3453 or email at mkrnp@philcom.ph). After obtaining a permit, visitors will still undergo a cleansing ritual courtesy of the tribal chieftain responsible for each of the entry points.