MANILA, Philippines – Atty. Iluminada Vaflor Fabroa of Cavite is a testament that age should not limit the things you want to achieve in life, as she completed her journey to the peak of Mount Apo at 82 years old, making her the oldest woman to accomplish the three-day climb.
Fabroa’s journey was made even more memorable as she celebrated her 82nd birthday at the campsite with her daughter-in-law and grandchild, together with their tour coordinators.
The travelers embarked on the challenging journey on Nov. 30 via the Kapatagan, Digos City Trail in Davo del Sur, and ended it successfully on Dec. 2.
According to Digos City Tourism Officer Perla May Griffin, Fabroa encountered difficulties during the climb, but with good weather conditions and her determination, she was able to conquer the country’s highest mountain and even set a record for herself.
Fabroas , a retired director of the Commission on Audit and a CPA-lawyer, had already previously conquered Mt. Pulag, the Philippines’ third highest mountain and Luzon’s highest peak, according to BU DA CO Travel and Tour who oversaw her most recent climb.
“If you are in the summit, it’s a different feeling. You feel like you are the beneficiary of God’s beautiful creation,” Fabroas said in her interview with the City Government of Digos.
Fabroas wishes to be able to climb the Mount Everest base camp as well.
In her Facebook post, she said: “Glory to God I have conquered the Mt. Apo in 3 days at the age of 82.”
Last September, an 83-year-old farmer became the oldest person to climb the country’s highest peak.
According to Pinoy Mountaineer, the first successful climb to Mt. Apo peak was led by Don Joaquin Rajal, a Politico-Military Governor of Davao, with Datu Manib of Sibulan as their guide, dating back to year 1880.