GCI Environmental Grant Recipient 2023
Project: Belay platforms for erosion mitigation in Cantabaco, Cebu, Philippines
As the recipients of GCI’s Environmental Grant, the CRCC will make improvements to Area 4 in Cantabaco by developing caged structures of rock, soil, and rebar that will serve as belay platforms. Doing so will mitigate the worsening soil erosion that is currently occurring due to monsoon rains and flooding, as well as foot traffic caused by climbers moving from one area to the other. These structures will also serve as a barrier for further erosion since they will be attached to the crag itself and capture loose debris and ground material that otherwise would be washed away by the flow of flood water. They will provide an easier and safer approach between areas, and will encourage more climbers to use Area 4, thereby decreasing the use and polishing of the rock in other areas.
What is the mission of Cebu Rock Climbing Community?
Cebu Rock Climbing Community is a grassroots organization that is dedicated to building strong connections within the climbing community, promoting rock climbing in Cebu, and ensuring its sustainable development.
What is the history of your organization?
In 2004 a small group of Cebuano climbers founded 't330haiball', a crew of anti-establishment climbers tired of the sport’s state of affairs back then (limited outdoor climbing options and the only indoor climbing gym had just closed).
Among the group’s common goals were:
1. to establish new outdoor climbing areas around the island
2. to further develop existing climbing areas; that is, improve access and bolt sport routes (before this, there was no sport routes on the island, only trad routes)
3. to develop a sustainable relationship with the local communities around climbing areas (i.e., landowners, local governments, establishments)
4. to improve and maintain a mutually beneficial relationship between gym owners and local climbers
In 2011, with the influx of new members, the group felt the need to change its name to Cebu Rock Climbing Community in order to foster inclusiveness and usher a new era for local climbing.
What are your current programs/areas of work?
Our current projects include the maintenance of existing routes thru re-bolting, hardware replacement, and clean-ups (loose rocks on walls and trail maintenance).
We are also developing and opening up new climbing areas around the region like Mansorela and Poog while building good relationships with the landowners and the locals.
We also conduct outdoor climbing clinics for beginner and intermediate climbers.
Motivated members are also upgrading their skills in areas of crag development and safety in climbing.
What positive impacts are you creating?
While social, economic, and environmental positive impacts surrounding climbing are a given in a local climbing organization, we want to project an image of a passionate and compassionate group of climbers who care about more than just climbing.
We care about having fun and safe climbing experiences for everyone, supporting our members' growth, being open and inclusive to new climbers, connecting with neighboring climbing communities, and respecting the locals around the climbing areas.
What are your organization's goals/vision for the future?
We want our organization to be stronger, with dedicated members who are equipped with the best knowledge to sustainably take care of our crags in a way that is best for our region.
We want to be involved in the establishment of some sort of standardization of safety practices in the Philippines - in outdoor climbing or in crag development.
We also want to work more with the local government for the development and protection of climbing areas.
And, to build a stronger relationship with other climbing communities, locally or globally.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Thank you GCI for this incredibly wonderful opportunity and for the future partnership. We are more than grateful for the funding and its impact on our local community. We are also thrilled to be among the other amazing awardees and cannot wait to learn from each other.