Pinukpuk’s biggest hike yet: Over 250 government workers conquer ‘Great Trek Challenge’

PINUKPUK, Kalinga — More than 250 government employees and other participants traded office desks for muddy trails as they took on what the local government described as the biggest hiking activity organized by the Municipality of Pinukpuk to date—the 2nd Sumkad Pinukpuk “The Great Trek Challenge” on September 25, 2026.

Covering 14.55 kilometers from Guesang in Barangay Baay to Ewang in Barangay Asibanglan, the trek brought together employees from the Municipal Government of Pinukpuk and various national government agencies as part of the town’s month-long celebration of the 126th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA).

But more than a physical challenge, the trek offered participants a chance to see a different side of Pinukpuk—one where rolling and hilly terrain, mountain views, waterfalls and other natural attractions could become part of the municipality’s growing tourism story.

A trek through Pinukpuk

Led by Mayor Jimmy B. Dasayon and municipal officials, the participants began their journey at Guesang, Barangay Baay and made their way through hilly and scenic portions of the municipality before reaching Engaw in Barangay Asibanglan.

The route took approximately two-and-a-half to four hours, depending on the pace of each participant. Rain the day before added another layer of difficulty, leaving portions of the trail muddy and slippery.

Still, the challenging conditions did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the trekkers.

Employees from the municipal government and national government agencies, including the Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other offices, joined the challenge.

They were divided into eight teams—the Guardian Triad, Invictus, Titans, Lycans, Knights, Educators, Onevolution and 3K Guardians—turning the trek into a test not only of endurance but also of teamwork and camaraderie.

Among the recorded first finishers were Kevin Anniban of the 3K Guardians Team, who started at 7:31 a.m. and finished at 10:15:34 a.m., and Mark Oliver Ramos of the Educators Team, who started at 7:34 a.m. and posted the same recorded finish time.

Meanwhile, Jervis Conag of the Onevolution Team, who started at 7:43 a.m., recorded a finish time of 1:40:55, making him the last recorded participant to reach the finish line.

By around noon, most of the trekkers had already made it to Ewang.

A mayor who walked the same trail

Dasayon was not content to simply send off the participants.

The mayor himself completed the 14.55-kilometer trek, joining government employees as they tackled the challenging route.

At the finish line, he congratulated the participants and expressed appreciation for their strong turnout and support.

He also encouraged government workers to continue giving their best in serving the people of Pinukpuk and delivering responsive and effective public services.

For the participants, reaching the finish line became more than just completing a physical challenge. It was also a shared experience that strengthened relationships among employees who normally meet within the confines of government offices.

Beyond the trail

The trek also highlighted the tourism potential of Pinukpuk, a municipality with numerous destinations and natural attractions waiting to be explored.

Among these are the Asibanglan Waterfalls, Aciga Giant Rocks and Aguinaldo Hill, along with other scenic areas and community destinations across the municipality.

The Great Trek Challenge provided a glimpse of how these landscapes can become part of experiences that bring visitors closer to Pinukpuk’s natural environment and local communities.

At the finish area near Asibanglan National High School and the Barangay Hall of Asibanglan, participants rested, socialized and celebrated their accomplishment through traditional and community dances accompanied by gangsa and local music.

More than a celebration

The 2nd Sumkad Pinukpuk “The Great Trek Challenge” was more than a one-day outdoor activity.

As the biggest hiking activity organized by the town’s LGU to date, it brought together hundreds of public servants in an experience that combined physical wellness, teamwork, fellowship and an appreciation of Pinukpuk’s natural beauty.

For the municipal government, the trek also offered a reminder that public service can extend beyond office walls—sometimes taking people onto difficult trails, across muddy paths and into places where they can see their community from a different perspective.

And for Pinukpuk, every step toward the finish line also opened another path: toward discovering and showcasing the many places the municipality has yet to share with the wider world.