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Kanlaon

Coordinates: 10°24′40″N 123°07′54″E / 10.4111°N 123.1318°E / 10.4111; 123.1318
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the volcano. For the Visayan god, see Kan-Laon. For the neighbouring city, see Canlaon.

Mount Kanlaon
Kanlaon Volcano
Kanlaon in 2009
Highest point
Elevation2,465 m (8,087 ft)
Prominence2,465 m (8,087 ft)
Listing
Coordinates10°24′40″N 123°07′54″E / 10.4111°N 123.1318°E / 10.4111; 123.1318
Geography
Kanlaon Volcano is located in Visayas
Kanlaon Volcano
Kanlaon Volcano
Location in the Visayas
Kanlaon Volcano is located in Philippines
Kanlaon Volcano
Kanlaon Volcano
Location in the Philippines
CountryPhilippines
Region
Provinces
City/municipality
Geology
Mountain typeStratovolcano
Volcanic arc/beltNegros Volcanic Belt
Last eruptionJune 3, 2024 (2024-06-03)
Map

Kanlaon, also known as Mount Kanlaon and Kanlaon Volcano (Hiligaynon: Bolkang Kanglaon; Cebuano: Bolkang Kanglaon; Filipino: Bulkang Kanlaon), is an active andesitic stratovolcano and the highest mountain on the island of Negros in the Philippines, as well as the highest peak in the Visayas, with an elevation of 2,465 m (8,087 ft) above sea level.[1] Mount Kanlaon ranks as the 42nd-highest peak of an island in the world.

The volcano straddles the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, approximately 30 km (19 mi) southeast of Bacolod, the capital and most populous city of Negros Occidental and whole island. It is one of the active volcanoes in the Philippines and part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Etymology

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See also: § Mythology

The name "Kanlaon" means "[place] of Laon",[2]: 154  a pre-colonial Visayan goddess of creation, agriculture, and justice. The name Laon itself means "the ancient one", from Visayan laon meaning "ancient" or "old."[3]

Geography and geology

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Kanlaon has a peak elevation of 2,465 m (8,087 ft), although it is reported as 2,435 m (7,989 ft) in some sources, with a base diameter of 30 km (19 mi), and is dotted with pyroclastic cones and extinct craters lining to the north-northwest. Just below and north of the summit is the active Lugud crater. North of Lugud is a 2 by 0.8 km (1.24 by 0.50 mi) caldera known as Margaja Valley, with a small, often seasonal crater lake.[4] The volcano is estimated to have an area of 24,557.60 ha (245.5760 km2).[5]

The volcano has three hot springs on its slopes: Mambukal Hot Springs on the northwest, Bucalan Hot Spring and Bungol Hot Spring. Its adjacent volcanic edifices are Mount Silay and Mount Mandalagan, north of Kanlaon.

La Carlota, La Castellana, Murcia, and San Carlos share the Negros Occidental side of the volcano, while Canlaon, the component city that has jurisdiction on the Negros Oriental side of the volcano, lies on its lower slope about 8.5 km (5.3 mi) ESE of the summit.[4]

Eruptions

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The most active volcano in the Visayas, Kanlaon has erupted 30 times since 1819. Eruptions are typically phreatic of small-to-moderate size that produce minor ash falls around the volcano. In 1902, the eruption was classified as Strombolian, typified by the ejection of incandescent cinders, lapilli, lava bombs and gas fumes.[4] However, its eruptive history has not yet been recorded and larger Vesuvian eruptions generated by this stratovolcano have not yet been known.

Volcanic activity at Kanlaon is continuously monitored by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the government's bureau that monitors the volcanoes and earthquakes in the nation, although unlike Mayon and Pinatubo, the volcano has never been studied in-depth and its age is not yet accurately calculated. Kanlaon Volcano Observatory is located at the campus of La Carlota City College in Barangay Cubay, La Carlota, Negros Occidental.[4]

1996

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On August 10, 24 mountain climbers hiked the volcano when Kanlaon erupted without warning, killing British student Julian Green and Filipinos Jamrain Tragico and Neil Perez, who were trapped near the summit close to the crater. The local authorities rescued 17 others, including 10 Belgians, another British climber and six Filipinos while Edwin Ematong, a member of the Negros Mountaineering Club Inc. and who, along with his cousin Neil Perez, guided the British Nationals survived the eruption, having descended the volcano ahead of his group.

One of the rescued Belgians, Caroline Verlinde, said she and her group were about to leave a site near the crater rim when suddenly the volcano ejected ash, stones and hot gas. She ran to a tree for cover and saw her friends being hit by falling hot tephra. She said their Filipino guide told them the smoke billowing out from the crater "was just ordinary."[6][citation needed][7]

Recent volcanic activity

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2001

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PHIVOLCS noted in a March 22 report that since January, earthquake clusters or occurrences had been recorded by the seismic monitoring network around the volcano. These earthquakes might had signified a reactivation of the volcanic system at depth and could be a precursor to more vigorous activity, such as ash explosions. This interpretation was based on similar earthquake clusters manifested prior to the 1996 phreatic explosion from the active summit crater of the volcano. In view of the possibility of a sudden ash ejection, PHIVOLCS recommended the immediate suspension of all treks to the summit crater until further notice.

2002

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An increase in seismic activity during February to April was followed by raising alert on the volcano. An ash eruption occurred on November 28.

2003

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On March 17, a gray plume was observed above Kanlaon. Small eruptions produced plumes that rose 100 meters (330 ft) above the crater of the volcano. A total of 46 minor ash ejections were recorded. After July 23, only weak emission was noted and seismic activity returned to normal.

2005

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A brief phreatic ash eruption occurred on January 21, producing a 500 meters (1,600 ft) high ash plume. A fine layer of ash fell on Cabagnaan, 5.5 kilometers (3.4 mi) SW of the crater. Ash emissions began again on March 20 and caused minor ashfall in 5-kilometer (3.1 mi) W of the volcano. Until April 4, occasional ash eruptions reached 1 km above the volcano, and small ash fall was reported in La Castellana (16 kilometers (9.9 mi) SW of the crater), Upper Sag-ang, Yubo (5–6 kilometers (3.1–3.7 mi) SW), and Guintubdan (5–6 kilometers (3.1–3.7 mi) WNW). Ash eruptions stopped after May 25.

2006

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On June 3, Kanlaon again exhibited restiveness and spewed steam and ash. Alert Level 1 was issued on June 12. Until July 25, a total of 23 ash eruptions were reported. All eruptions were phreatic (i.e. no fresh magma was ejected), and ejected ash and steam up to 2 km (1.2 mi) above the crater. No significant seismic activity had occurred before or after the ash emissions, indicating the explosions were near surface hydrothermal events.

2008

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On February 10, PHIVOLCS issued an alert stating that the seismic network at Kanlaon recorded a total of 21 low frequency volcanic earthquakes (LFVQ) during the past 24 hours. Due to the increasing number of recorded volcanic earthquakes, PHIVOLCS raised Kanlaon Volcano's alert status from Alert Level 0 to Alert Level 1, which means the volcano is at slightly elevated unrest and volcanic activity could lead to steam and ash ejections.[8] A 4-kilometer (2.5 mi) Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) was maintained around the volcano, as sudden explosions may occur without warning, but no eruptions occurred.

2009

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From August 23 to September 1, 257 volcanic earthquakes were recorded. Epicenters of the recorded quakes were clustered at the north-west slope which may indicate movement of an active local fault at the slope induced by pressure beneath the volcano. Surface observations did not show any significant change in the steam emission from the crater. PHIVOLCS maintained the alert status at Level 0.[9]

2015

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On November 23, Kanlaon had a small, steam-driven explosion. PHIVOLCS raised the alert level to 1 (mild restiveness). On December 12, Kanlaon had two low energy ash eruptions. The minor ash eruption of the volcano reached as high as 984 ft (300 m). On December 27, an ash eruption occurred at Kanlaon's active crater. The eruption plume reached as high as 3,281 ft (1,000 m). Light ashfall were reported in some barangays near Kanlaon Volcano.

2016

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On March 29 at 6:20 pm, Kanlaon erupted for 12 minutes which produced a volcanic plume 1,500 m (4,900 ft) above the crater and a "booming sound" was heard in some barangays near the volcano. According to the police department of Canlaon, several fire balls, which were coming from the crater of the volcano, started to flow following a booming sound and causing a bush fire. PHIVOLCS issued alert level number 1. No casualties were reported.[10]

2020

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On March 11, PHIVOLCS raised the volcano's alert level from 0 to 1 due to its abnormal activities since March 9. 80 volcanic earthquakes were plotted since then.[11] On June 21, the volcano showed some signs of increased unrest. By June 22, the volcano's activity continued, with a series of tectonic earthquakes ranging from M3.2 to M4.7. A total of 278 earthquakes was observed for a 72-hour period (from June 21, 8AM – June 24, 8AM), possibly related to the magmatic activity underneath the volcano. Earthquakes continued, with steam and fumarolic activity rising 200–300 meters above. PHIVOLCS reminded the public to stay away to the 4-km PDZ (Permanent Danger Zone) around the volcano, as abnormal conditions and sudden phreatic explosions might occur. [12] [13] [14]

2024

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Main article: 2024 Kanlaon eruption

On June 3, PHIVOLCS raised the alert level of Kanlaon Volcano from alert level 1 to alert level 2, indicating increasing unrest after an explosive eruption occurred on its summit vent at 6:51 p.m. PST. The eruption produced a voluminous and incandescent plume that rose 5,000 m (16,000 ft) above the vent and a probable short pyroclastic density current (PDC) of approximately 2-3 km down the south and southeastern slopes of the volcano. The eruption lasted for six minutes and was followed by a relatively strong volcanic earthquake. Sulfurous odors and ashfall were reported by communities on the western slope of the volcano,[15] particularly in Bago, La Carlota, La Castellana and Canlaon,[16] and as far as Bacolod, 85 km (53 mi) away.[17] Particles from the volcano were deposited in the form of haze as far as the Bicol Region.[18] On June 5, rains triggered lahar flows in La Castellana.[19]

Evacuations were ordered in Canlaon for five barangays near the volcano[16] and communities located along rivers flowing from the volcano,[20][21] as well as in La Carlota and La Castellana. A mask mandate was also imposed in San Carlos.[22] At least 4,752 people were displaced,[23] while offices in Canlaon were ordered closed on June 4.[24] Authorities in Negros Occidental were also placed on heightened alert, with ashfall warnings declared in Canlaon, La Carlota and La Castellana.[25] At least 29 flights at Ninoy Aquino International Airport as well as in Iloilo, Cebu, Kalibo, Bacolod, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos and San Jose Airports were cancelled due to the eruption.[26][27] On June 4, several flights were cancelled and a mandatory emergency evacuation within a 3-kilometer radius was ordered.[28] Canlaon Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas said that 23,622 residents of five barangays were affected.[29] A state of calamity was declared in Canlaon and La Castellana.[30] Around 23,000 hectares of sugarcane fields in Negros Island were affected by the eruption, while a curfew and water rationing was imposed in La Carlota and La Castellana due to sulfur contamination in regular sources.[17][31] Damages in agriculture were estimated at ₱104.8 million, while 3,890.5 metric tons of crops were lost[32] and at least 3,421 animals and livestock died.[33]

On July 15, PHIVOLCS issued a notice regarding the increasing swelling of Kanlaon's edifice, which has been persisting since mid-June.[34] PHIVOLCS noted that this ongoing ground deformation could indicate magmatic intrusion, potentially increasing the likelihood of eruptive activity.[35]

Mythology

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Main article: Laon (deity)

In pre-colonial animist anito beliefs of the various Visayan peoples, Kanlaon was regarded as the domain of a powerful female spirit named Laon (meaning "the ancient one") who was also regarded as the supreme creator deity of most Visayan groups. She is present in the pre-colonial beliefs of the Aklanon, Capiznon, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Karay-a, Suludnon, and Waray people, among others.[36][37][38][39]

She was first recorded as "Lalahon" or "Lahon" by the conquistador Miguel de Loarca in Relación de las Yslas Filipinas (1582). De Loarca records that Lalahon was an agricultural deity invoked by the natives for good harvests. When she was displeased, she would send locusts to spoil the crops. De Loarca specifically mentions that she dwells in the Kanlaon volcano.[36]

Hiking

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The volcano is a favorite spot for mountain climbers and is the centerpiece of Mount Kanlaon Natural Park, a national park originally established on August 8, 1934.[40][41]

The hiking trails usually start in the center of Barangay Guintubdan. Locals work with several European institutions to introduce the pioneering Unified Hiking Marker System as the first inland tourist location in the Philippines. The system is unified across a number of countries. This makes the mountain more attractive for tourists in an ecologically responsible way.

Trails & Hiking Markers System

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Basic Marker – Red color used for difficult or summit trails
Basic Marker – Red color used for difficult or summit trails

In 2016, the first three hiking trails were marked, with additional and more extensive trails added in 2017 from the center of Guintubdan including a trail to the top. These were implemented by Mendel University, in cooperation with the University of St. La Salle and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The project was financed by the Czech Embassy in Manila under the Czech Aid Development program.[42] Three color-coded trails using the colors of the Philippine flag were opened:

Left Turn Marker on a blue trail – marker showing the change of direction of the trail
  • Red Trail from Guintubdan to Buslugan Falls (marked in 2016)
  • Yellow Trail from Guintubdan to Oro Falls (marked in 2016)
  • Blue Trail from Guintubdan to Salas Park new Pavilion (marked in 2016)
  • Red Trail from Guintubdan to Mt. Kanlaon Summit (marked in 2017)
  • Adventure Trail and additional new trails (marked in 2017)

This system uses three bars – usually one color in between two white bars,[43] with different meanings attached to different colors: red indicates the most difficult or summit trails,[44] blue for difficult trails and yellow and green for easy or interconnecting trails. These marks may be posted on wooden boards or metallic plates. Basic trail markers are square, 10x10 cm in size. The volunteers marking these trails usually prepare sheet metal or cardboard matrices to keep the signs uniform in size. Any change of direction is marked with arrows of the same color and similar design.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ https://volcano.si.edu/showreport.cfm?wvar=GVP.WVAR20230426-272020 Archived July 15, 2024, at the Wayback Machine Global Volcanism Program, 2023. Report on Kanlaon (Philippines) (Sennert, S, ed.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 26 April-2 May 2023. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.
  2. ^ Romualdez, Norberto (August 1914). "A rough survey of the pre-historic legislation of the Philippines". Philippine Law Journal. 1 (1): 149–180.
  3. ^ Demetrio, Francisco R. (1991). The Soul Book: Introduction to Philippine Pagan Religion. GCF Books. pp. 12, 13, 15.
  4. ^ a b c d "Kanlaon Volcano Page" Archived February 18, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
  5. ^ "FAST FACTS: What you need to know about Kanlaon Volcano". Rappler. June 4, 2024. Archived from the original on June 4, 2024. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  6. ^ "Canlaon Volcano Eruption". aenet.org. Archived from the original on December 14, 2017. Retrieved December 13, 2015.
  7. ^ The Kanlaon Volcano unrest, 10 August-14 October 1996. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. OCLC 793843148.
  8. ^ "KANLAON VOLCANO BULLETIN 10 February 2008 8:00 AM". PHIVOLCS-DOST. February 10, 2008. Archived from the original on February 26, 2010. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
  9. ^ "KANLAON VOLCANO ADVISORY Released: 01 September 2009, 9:00 A.M." PHIVOLCS-DOST. Archived from the original on September 8, 2009. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
  10. ^ "Phivolcs: Kanlaon Volcano erupts, remains under alert level 1". Cnnphilippines.com. Archived from the original on April 2, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  11. ^ "KANLAON VOLCANO BULLETIN: 11 March 2020 10:00 A.M. – Alert Level 0 (normal) to Alert Level 1 (abnormal)". Phivolcs.dost.gov.ph. Archived from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  12. ^ "KANLAON VOLCANO BULLETIN 22 June 2020 08:00 A.M". Phivolcs.dost.gov.ph. Archived from the original on June 22, 2020. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  13. ^ "Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS-DOST) – KANLAON VOLCANO BULLETIN 23 June 2020 08:00 A.M." Phivolcs.dost.gov.ph. Facebook. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  14. ^ "KANLAON VOLCANO BULLETIN: 24 June 2020 08:00 A.M". Phivolcs.dost.gov.ph. Archived from the original on June 26, 2020. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  15. ^ "KANLAON VOLCANO BULLETIN 03 June 2024 8:00 PM". Phivolcs.dost.gov.ph. June 3, 2024. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  16. ^ a b "Phivolcs records 43 volcanic earthquakes; 5 Canlaon City villages forced to flee". ABS-CBN. June 4, 2024. Archived from the original on June 4, 2024. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  17. ^ a b "Sulfur from Kanlaon Volcano eruption renders water unsafe in La Carlota villages". Rappler. June 5, 2024. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  18. ^ "Volcanic haze from Kanlaon Volcano reaches Bicol". GMA News. June 7, 2024. Archived from the original on June 7, 2024. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
  19. ^ "LOOK: 'Muddy stream flow' hits 2 villages in La Castellana, Negros Occidental". Rappler. June 5, 2024. Archived from the original on June 5, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  20. ^ "Canlaon City orders evacuation after eruption of Mount Kanlaon". ABS-CBN. June 3, 2024. Archived from the original on June 3, 2024. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  21. ^ "Mandatory evacuation ordered amid Kanlaon Volcano eruption". GMA News. June 3, 2024. Archived from the original on June 3, 2024. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  22. ^ "Negros Occidental under Blue Alert, 3 towns on Negros Island begin evacuation after Kanlaon eruption". GMA News. June 3, 2024. Archived from the original on June 3, 2024. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  23. ^ "DSWD: 4,000 individuals still in evacuation centers after Kanlaon eruption". Manila Bulletin. June 10, 2024. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
  24. ^ "Work in government, private offices in Canlaon City suspended after volcanic eruption". ABS-CBN. June 3, 2024. Archived from the original on June 3, 2024. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  25. ^ "Kanlaon Volcano erupts, emits 5,000-meter tall plumes — PHIVOLCS". ABS-CBN. June 3, 2024. Archived from the original on June 3, 2024. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  26. ^ "29 domestic flights canceled due to Mt. Kanlaon eruption". Philippine News Agency. June 4, 2024. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  27. ^ "Kanlaon Volcano eruption prompts flight cancellations". Rappler. June 4, 2024. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  28. ^ "Mount Kanlaon volcano erupts sending 3-mile ash plume into the sky". CNN International. June 4, 2024. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  29. ^ Partlow, Mary Judaline (June 4, 2024). "Over 23K residents affected by Mt. Kanlaon eruption: mayor". Philippine News Agency. Archived from the original on June 4, 2024. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  30. ^ "2 areas under state of calamity due to Kanlaon Volcano eruption". Rappler. June 4, 2024. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  31. ^ "La Castellana under curfew amid water shortage after Kanlaon Volcano eruption". Rappler. June 7, 2024. Archived from the original on June 7, 2024. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
  32. ^ "Agri damage from Kanlaon Volcano eruption now at P104.8M — OCD". GMA News. June 13, 2024. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  33. ^ "Kanlaon Volcano eruption killed over 3,000 farm animals in 2 cities alone". Rappler. June 25, 2024. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved June 25, 2024.
  34. ^ Abanto, Rowegie (July 15, 2024). "Kanlaon volcano edifice swells, 'increased chances' of eruptive activity". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
  35. ^ Arceo, Acor (July 15, 2024). "Phivolcs: Kanlaon Volcano increasingly swollen since mid-June". Rappler. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
  36. ^ a b Blair, Emma Helen; Robertson, James Alexander; Bourne, Edward Gaylord (1903). The Philippine Islands, 1493–1803. Vol. 5 (1582–1583). The Arthur H. Clark Company. Archived from the original on June 4, 2024. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  37. ^ Cruz-Lucero, R., Pototanon, R. M. (2018). "Capiznon". With contributions by E. Arsenio Manuel. In Our Islands, Our People: The Histories and Cultures of the Filipino Nation, edited by Cruz-Lucero, R.
  38. ^ Yuste, Eduardo Descalzo (2010). "La historia natural y moral de Filipinas en la obra de Pedro Chirino, S.I. (1557-1635)". Ciencia Y Cultura entre Dos Mundos: Segundo Simposio. Fundación Canaria Orotava. pp. 25–48. ISBN 9788461550449.
  39. ^ Clark, Jordan (December 30, 2016). "Tungkung Langit & Alunsina: The 'Other' Visayan Creation Story". The Aswang Project. Archived from the original on June 4, 2024. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  40. ^ "NIPAS's 202 Initial list of components" Archived March 20, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau. Retrieved on August 13, 2011.
  41. ^ "Protected Areas of Region 6" Archived March 20, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau. Retrieved on August 13, 2011.
  42. ^ ""New Hiking Markers in Negros Occidental"". Eagle News PH. December 2, 2016. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
  43. ^ "Czech Tourist Klub". Kct.cz (in Czech). Archived from the original on February 12, 2019. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  44. ^ "Hiking in the Czech Republic". Archived from the original on November 24, 2016. Retrieved November 25, 2016.
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