Signages and landmarks for directions will be strategically installed along the mountain trail of the Cuernos de Negros in Valencia, Negros Oriental, to guide amateur mountain climbers.

Valencia Mayor Ricky Gonzalez said he is concerned over incidents involving mountain climbers who were trapped in the forests because of poor directions.

The mayor said he believes that signages and landmarks can greatly help amateur mountain climbers. Last month, two groups of amateur mountain climbers were trapped in the middle of the forests because of bad weather.

He said that all the signages will be posted without the use of concrete nails, only with natural materials. The local government of Valencia was criticized by some groups of environmental advocate for using concrete nails in attaching signages to the trees.

Gonzalez said Cuernos de Negros is a popular destination for mountain climbing enthusiasts. They also monitor foreign mountain climbers who try to use the mountain trail of Valencia.

Gonzalez and Dauin Mayor Neil Credo have agreed not to allow any group to climb the Cuernos de Negros without permission from their offices and that all mountain climbing activities should be properly recorded for monitoring and security purposes.

Gonzalez said they will come up with briefing and orientation materials for all groups planning to do the mountain climb.*MA

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