INAEC celebrates as it summits Mt. Pulag for the third time. INAEC made its first and second hikes to Mt. Pulag in 2013 and 2019, respectivelyInaec has once again reached the summit of Mt. Pulag, the Philippines’ third highest mountain. Twentyfour of its employees set foot on the summit in the early hours of Feb. 28, 2025.

This is the third time INAEC has achieved this feat; the first was in 2013 and the second in 2019.

We arrived in Baguio on Feb. 26, our energy levels high enough to warm the 22°C chilly weather. The following day, we traveled from Baguio to the DENR Visitor Center in Benguet for an orientation on the dos and don’ts of the hike. Afterward, we headed to our homestay to spend the night before the big day. The drive to the homestay was already unique, with the roads growing steeper and the views becoming more stunning.

The chill in the air was palpable as we stepped out of the vehicle. That evening, we shared a hearty dinner and prepared for the activities ahead, resting for a few hours before the trek.

Bone-chilling wind

The day began at midnight when alarms blared through our homestay, but no one was eager to wake up. At 12:30 a.m., it was as though we had an agreement that it was time to get ready. Most of us slept in our hiking attire, knowing that we needed to be prepared for our 2 a.m. call time. I distinctly remember the bone-chilling wind cutting through our layers of warmers and jackets. The temperature, which ranged from 7°C to 11°C, was a clear reminder that we were indeed on Mt. Pulag. With our layers on, backpacks up and headlamps on, we began our trek.

From our homestay, we could already see many other hikers ahead of us. With only our headlamps to light the way, we set off on the Ambangeg Trail. The cold wind was biting, but the continuous walking kept us warm as we made our way to Camp 1, a challenging section of the hike with continuous ascents. After a short break, we pushed on to Camp 2. The climb became more gradual but also muddier and wetter due to the mossy forest. The path to Camp 2 was dark and damp, filled with the sounds of running water and the occasional sigh—a peaceful silence amidst the effort.

Sunrise on the summit

Upon reaching Camp 2, we were exhausted. But a sense of urgency gripped us as we worried about missing the sunrise on the summit. It was nearly 5 a.m. and we still needed at least an hour to reach Peak 3. With that in mind, we pressed on. The trail vastly changed; the tall trees of the mossy forest gradually gave way to a field of tall grass. The sky opened up above us, revealing a stunning display of stars—the calm before the next challenging part of the hike. The steep inclines leading to Peak 3 tested our endurance. Though we felt the occasional fatigue, the determination and encouragement of our colleagues, combined with our race toward the sunrise, kept us going.

Around 6:15 a.m., we reached Peak 3. Everyone was all smiles by then. The sky was painted a luminescent orange by the rising sun and the clouds spread out like an ocean below us. While cold wind brushed across our faces, our feeling of accomplishment overshadowed the chill.

We stayed on Peak 3 for an hour to rest and take the mandatory photos.

From Peak 3, it was still at least a 30- minute trek to the summit. Knowing our climb wouldn’t be complete without it, we continued to the summit. By this time, the sun was fully up, though the nippy weather persisted.

All the emotions

Reaching the summit was exhilarating beyond words. There, you will feel all emotions: fulfillment at having completed the climb, awe and wonder at the seemingly endless mountains and sea of clouds, and a profound gratitude for being alive to witness it all.

After taking pictures, we began our descent around 8 a.m. With the sun out, we could truly appreciate the beauty of our hike. The grassland looked like a scene straight out of a travel magazine. The mossy forest felt enchanted.

After an arduous 11-hour journey, we finally returned to our homestay for a quick lunch before heading back to Baguio to freshen up.

Climbing Mt. Pulag was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I now understand why INAEC has returned for the third time. No single word can encapsulate the adventure we shared on Mt. Pulag. Having the support of colleagues and friends made the hike easier and more enjoyable. As the famous quote goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to walk far, go together.”

We will be going back for sure.

Mt. Pulag, you were breathtaking, literally and figuratively.

The adventure begins! INAEC’s first glimpse as they set out on the challenging trail under the night sky

The INAEC team enjoys the Mt. Pulag summit view after braving the cold which went down to as low as 7°C during the hike that started in the early morning

(Story by:Sofia Ilagan)
(Photos by:INAEC FILES)