Visually Impaired Children summits the highest peak in the Philippines, Mt. Apo – an inspiring feat made possible with the Parents Advocates for Visually Impaired Children, Inc. (PAVIC) and Columbia Hike Society’s support.
PAVIC (Parent Advocates for Visually Impaired Children, Inc.) has been a long-standing advocate for creating meaningful opportunities for children with visual impairments. The organization focuses on building confidence, independence, and social inclusion by exposing the children to activities that develop real-world skills.
Inspiring Ascent with Columbia Hike Society and PAVIC
The climb was designed as an experiential learning activity that would allow visually impaired children to navigate unfamiliar environments, work closely with guides, and challenge their own perceived limitations. By participating in this climb, the children demonstrated capabilities that are often overlooked or underestimated.
Overall, PAVIC’s goal was to demonstrate what visually impaired individuals can accomplish when given proper support and access.
Columbia Hike Society supported PAVIC with their expedition by providing outdoor gear that helped ensure the safety, stability, and comfort of both the climbers and their guides. The collaboration highlights Columbia Hike Society’s ongoing commitment to supporting inclusive outdoor experiences and enabling more people, regardless of physical ability, to enjoy nature in a safe and empowering way.
Throughout the multi-day ascent, the climbers engaged in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, all while navigating challenging terrain. These experiences provided them with practical lessons in resilience, trust, and self-reliance.
The project also served as a platform to show families, educators, and the broader community that visually impaired children can take on activities once thought out of reach.
The expedition resulted in several noteworthy milestones:
Jerhea Ichi May S. Rodriguez – Youngest Female Blind to Reach the Summit
Arvin T. Delos Reyes – Youngest Male Blind to Reach the Summit
Jean Lisette A. Urriquia – First Multi-Disability with Visual Impairment (MDVI) to Reach the Summit
Most Number of Persons with Disability to Reach the Mt. Apo Summit:
Yousef Andrei R. Amorillo, Arvin T. Delos Reyes, Jerhea Ichi May S. Rodriguez, Jean Lisette A. Urriquia
Their Mt. Apo journey has been fully documented.
🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziTIAugeukc
The success of this climb reflects what becomes possible when access and opportunity come together. It reinforces the idea that outdoor spaces can, and should, be inclusive, allowing more individuals to grow, explore, and discover their potential.
Their road to adventure doesn’t end here. The team is now preparing for their next challenge: a guided hike at Mt. Guiting-Guiting, continuing their journey of breaking boundaries and proving what visually impaired youth can achieve.
The Columbia Hike Society, under Columbia – a brand distributed by Primer Group of Companies, is a vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts brought together by their shared love for hiking and exploring nature. As a part of the Columbia Hike Society, we provide unforgettable adventures and opportunities for meaningful connections. Join us as we venture out to uncover new trails, build lasting friendships and fully immerse ourselves in the wonders of the natural world.
