CORDILLERA Region, Philippines — The Department of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) recently conducted multi-day trail assessment and validation activities in Bauko and Sabangan, Mountain Province, from January 19 to 21, 2026, in line with its efforts to strengthen mountain tourism in the Cordillera.

The activity evaluated existing and newly developed trails for their suitability for mountain biking, as well as trail running, hiking, camping, forest bathing, birdwatching, and other nature-based experiences.

It also assessed the feasibility of expanding mountain biking routes in selected areas.

In Bauko, trail sites in Barangays Guinzadan, Lagawa, and Otucan Sur showed strong potential for downhill, enduro, and cross-country mountain biking, as well as camping and nature appreciation activities.

In Sabangan, the team validated a newly developed multi-use trail traversing several barangays, built through the collective efforts of local communities under the TUPAD program following Typhoon Uwan.

While already suitable for trail running and mountain biking, further improvements were recommended to enhance safety and trail conditions.

The team also revisited Batacang Adventure Park in Barangay Data. This developing outdoor site has already welcomed visiting mountain bikers from nearby municipalities and has previously hosted an overlanding activity. Although still relatively little known, the area shows strong potential for mountain biking, hiking, trail running, camping, and overlanding.

DOT-CAR underscored the importance of proper trail maintenance, safety measures, community participation, and environmental protection to ensure the sustainable development of these mountain tourism sites.