Jairo Manera, one of the experienced belayers from the Whiterag Outdoors Group, emphasized the importance of patience and following instructions rather than relying solely on one’s strength while climbing. As the group responsible for the wall climbing station at the Youth Congress in 2023, they prioritized safety and aimed to create a better climbing experience.

Through earnest prayer and careful planning, the supervising group ensured the setup of reliable harnesses and trained themselves to handle any unforeseen incidents that may occur during the climbing sessions.

Tom Ledesma, a belayer, encountered his first minor injury on the first day when he saved a climber who impulsively jumped. Ledesma emphasized the necessity of constant communication between climbers and belayers to prevent such incidents from happening.

The wall climbing experience became a valuable lesson in trust, discipline, and effective communication. Nely Ugdamin, a participant from SMM, expressed her excitement and gratitude for the unforgettable experience. Attending her first youth congress, she thoroughly enjoyed the journey of climbing.

Undoubtedly, wall climbing is an inherently risky sport. However, by adhering to safety rules and placing trust in the belayers, climbers can navigate their way up with confidence, just as they trust in the Divine Belayer’s power to guide them in grappling their way to new heights.

By Abbey Gail E. Daimba
SPUC ComDept (Editorial Board)

(Photos by Ryan Marc Carillo and Stephen Haim)