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Beyond the Summit: Safety and Sustainability for Mt. Pulag Porters

May 4, 2026
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Helping Those Who Carry the Weight of the Mountains

Hi, I’m Joshua De los Santos. As an avid hiker, I have seen firsthand the incredible physical labor and dedication of the local porters who make our climbs possible—often while facing environmental collapse and limited resources. These individuals, some over 60 years old, carry heavy loads for 5-hour assaults up to 2800 MASL to support their families.

I believe they are often unheard by officials, so I started this project to bridge the gap between willing donors and the local community. Our goal is to create a sustainable support system that eases their burden and ensures their safety.

Our Impact So Far We have already coordinated with local mountain leadership to provide:

12 Communication Radios for emergency rescue and coordination.
Essential Gear, including boots and raincoats, to protect them from the harsh mountain elements.

Organized By

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Joshua

De Los Santos

Hi, I’m JoshuaI’ve dedicated my life outside the office to the peaks and trails. But for me, hiking is no longer just about the summit it’s about the people who make those summits possible.As I witnessed the environmental challenges facing our mountains, I became deeply aware of the hardships endured by local porters. These individuals perform grueling physical labor to support their families, yet their voices often go unheard by officials.What I’m Doing I believe in direct action. By coordinating with local mountain leadership, I identify the immediate needs of the community. So far, our project has successfully provided:Communication Radios for safety and coordination.Boots and Raincoats to provide protection against the elements.My Vision My goal is to bridge the gap between those who want to help and the locals who need it most. We cannot always wait for government intervention, so I am building a sustainable support system to ensure these mountain communities thrive. I’m currently documenting the livelihoods of these porters to bring their stories to light and ease their burden.I am eager to connect with like-minded individuals who want to make a tangible impact. Let’s build something sustainable for those who carry the weight of the mountains.

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Organizer

3 weeks ago
Update on our campaign: So far, we’ve successfully donated 12 communication radios to the local porters for rescue Our next goal is to provide durable rain boots and raincoats. We’ve already sent out two pairs to test their quality and durability in the field. Once confirmed, our target is to deliver at least 12 more sets.Currently, this effort is being managed by just myself and one other fundraiser. If you’re willing to support this cause, I’m using this platform to reach out for any help you can provide. I’ll be posting from time to time for the updates here to keep you all in the loop. God bless everyone!
radios

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