I summitted Mt. Kitanglad in August 2024, after hiking more than 8 hours of steep, muddy, rocky, slippery terrain. It is the fourth highest mountain in the country, and graded 6/9 in terms of trail difficulty.  

It is nominated as a mixed site, to recognize the cultural heritage values of the indigenous cultural communities (ICC) living the mountain range. Few wooden altars can be noticed along the trail - a place of prayer for ancestors and mountain spirits; most are hidden from hikers and only the ICCs know where they are. 

Before starting the climb, hikers must participate in a traditional ritual facilitated by Talaandig datus. These include offering of native chickens, shots of locally brewed alcohol, blessing, protection from harm and prayer for good weather. Based on anecdotal accounts, the tribe leaders of the Kitanglad and Kalatungan mountains (and hike operators/guides) continue to discuss, maybe negotiate, the execution of these pre-hike rituals, i.e., who must perform them, how fees are equitably shared, which hike trails to open, etc. From an outsider's point of view, these negotiations are minor irritants, but they are actually key to long-term management of the heritage site.