POLICIES AND BY LAWS

Mission

We commit to develop ourselves in protecting and preserving the environment by promoting responsible mountaineering and outdoor-related programs.

Vision

Shaping people for nature.

Goals

1. Conducting training, seminars, summits, forums, and conferences
2. Undertaking social, civic, and environmental projects
3. Practicing Values & Wilderness Ethics
4. Fostering friendship and camaraderie
5. Networking, affiliating, and coordinating with other organizations
6. Establishing national and global presence
7. Sourcing and managing manpower and financial resources.

Organization Logo

There are four colors in the organization’s logo. They are green, red, blue, and yellow. Green symbolizes the environment which the organization promises to protect and preserve. The color Red stands for the passion of its people for mountaineering and the great outdoors. The color Blue signifies peace. And lastly, the color yellow symbolizes enlightenment and discernment.

Membership

General Description

1. Who is aged 18 years old and above,
2. Of any nationality, race, status and religion,
3. In case of dual membership, who signifies priority to the organization over the other organizations in writing

Kinds of Membership

Participate in all activities of the organization except otherwise specified by the Executive Committee.

Term of Membership

Unless explicitly requested, a person’s membership in the organization is effective for a lifetime. However, membership in the organization can be cancelled due to a valid cause by the majority vote of the regular members.

Board of Trustees

Composition

The Board of Trustees is composed of 6 persons only.

Qualifications

1. Have at least 5 years of membership in the organization
2. Be of good moral character
3. Be at least 23 years of age
4. Be up to date with his/her accounts in the organization
5. Be free of any violation committed against the laws of the organization.
6. Be free of any conviction resulting from violation committed against the laws of the Philippines.

Term of Office

1. Hold office for a period of 6 years every election.
2. Run for re-election with no fixed term limits.

Executive Officers

Composition

The executive officers that comprise the Executive Committee are the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Public Relations Officer.

Qualifications

1. Be an active regular member
2. Be of good moral character
3. Be at least 23 years of age
4. Be up to date with his/her accounts in the organization
5. Be free of any violation committed against the laws of the organization.
6. Be free of any conviction resulting from violation committed against the laws of the Philippines.
7. For President, Vice-President, and Treasurer, a person must at least have two years of membership in the organization.

Term of Office

All officers of the organization shall hold office for one year. Term of office starts on the first day of July of the current year and ends on the last day of June of the following year. No person shall hold the same office twice.

Functions and Powers of Officers

President

1. Preside in all meetings of the organization
2. Execute all resolutions and/or decisions of the Board of Trustees.
3. Be charged with directing and overseeing the activities of the organization.
4. Appoint and have control over all members of the organization,
5. Review and approve expense vouchers.
6. Present to the Board of Trustees and the members the projects, an annual budget and, from time to time as may be necessary, supplemental budgets.
7. Submit to the Board of Trustees as soon as possible after the close of each fiscal year, and to the members, a complete report of the activities and operations of the association for the fiscal year under his term.

Vice President

1. Exercise all functions and powers of the President during the absence or incapacity of the latter.
2. Perform duties that maybe assigned by the President

Secretary

1. Provide notices required by these by-laws, keep the minutes of all meetings of the Executive Committee, file the minutes of all other meetings of the organization.
2. Maintain correspondence files and all other papers that are to be kept by the Treasurer.
3. Maintain organization and member’s database and other records.
4. Perform duties that may be assigned by the President.
5. Acts as the Procurement Officer of the organization.

Treasurer

1. Manage the funds and properties of the organization.
2. Act as the Property Custodian of the organization.
3. Keep the Book of Accounts of the organization
4. Report Periodically the Statement of Condition and Performance of the organization.
5. Make available the Book of Accounts for inspection by any member of the Board of Trustees.
6. Perform such duties that may be assigned by the President.

Public Relations Officer

1. Be in-charge of communications among members of the organization and among other organizations.
2. Perform duties assigned that may be assigned by the Board of President.

Committees

1. Executive Committee. The executive committee is composed of all elected officers. The executive committee decides on all matters concerning the operation of the organization except those which are done through election as stated in the by-laws, policies or as deemed necessary by the Executive Committee. The head and the members are elected by members.
2. Commission On Election. The COMELEC is composed of one representative each from the Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, Old Regular Members, and New Regular Members. The Chairman is elected by members among themselves. The COMELEC is tasked to operate and manage activities during elections and plebescites.
3. Training Committee. The training committee is largely composed of, but not limited to, the latest batch of members of the organization. Membership of old members to this committee is appointed by the Executive Committee. The training committee decides on all matters concerning recruitment and training of applicants. A committee chairman heads the committee and voted by the committee members. The committee chairman reports to the President.
4. Publications Committee. Only Regular Members can join the committee. Committee membership is voluntary. The publications committee is tasked to operate paper and electronic publications. The committee chairman is elected by the members among themselves. The committee chairman reports to the Public Relations Officer.
5. Special Project Committee. The Special Projects Committee Chairman reports to the Vice-President. Only Regular Members can join the committee. Membership is appointed by the Executive Committee. The chairman is elected by the members among themselves.
6. Ad Hoc Committee. The Board of Trustees or the Executive Committee shall constitute ad hoc committees as needed to undertake specific functions and shall determine committee membership.
7. Special Trainings and Education Committee. (see adendum)
8. MMS Search and Rescue Group. (see adendum)

Responsibilities

1. In- general, committees are allowed autonomy in the matter of planning and deciding on projects to propose to the Executive Committee for approval, and in implementing the same after approval.
2. Upon completion of each project, but not later than 45 calendar days thereafter, the committee chairperson shall submit to the Executive Committee a full report including financial accounting for each project undertaken.
3. The Executive Committee shall be represented in each committee to ensure that plans and actions are in accordance with existing policies and current board thinking so that unnecessary wastage of time and effort may be avoided.
4. Funds receipts and disbursements, and reports on project status shall be fully disclosed periodically to the Executive Committee. Failure of full disclosure shall be cause for cessation of subsequent funding.

Elections

The COMELEC shall preside over election proceedings.

Board of Trustees

1. Voting by secret balloting will determine the top 6 (six) trustees.
2. The COMELEC shall conduct the canvassing of votes right after the voting exercise and in front of the regular members.
3. The COMELEC shall proclaim the winner immediately after the last ballot has been canvassed.
4. On cases where a winner declines the trusteeship, the COMELEC has the power to grant the request for declination after interviewing and investigating the reasons behind the declination. On cases where the request for declination is granted, the nominee-in-waiting with the highest number of votes shall automatically become a trustee.

Executive Officers

1. Voting by secret balloting will determine the top 4 (four) nominees for the position.
2. The COMELEC, together with the regular members, will interview and investigate the nominees in terms of qualification, credentials, availability, and other factors to determine the worthiness of the nominees for the position.
3. On cases where a nominee declines a nomination, the COMELEC has the power to grant the request for declination after interviewing and investigating the reasons behind the declination. On cases where the request for declination is granted, the nominee-in-waiting with the highest number of votes shall automatically become a nominee.
4. The regular members shall vote by secret balloting a person from the nominees.
5. The COMELEC shall conduct the canvassing of votes right after the voting exercise and in front of the regular members.
6. The COMELEC shall proclaim the winner among the nominees immediately after the last ballot has been canvassed.

Disciplinary Actions and Penalties

1. Any member or officer of the organization shall be subject to disciplinary action when found to be in violation of any of the rules, regulations, policies, and provisions of the by-laws, or has committed an act of misconduct detrimental to the welfare and interest of the organization and its members.
2. A signed written complaint by a member of the organization outlining the specifics of the charges, and submitted to the Executive Committee shall constitute the necessary documentation to warrant investigation and the creation of an ad-hoc special committee for the purpose.
3. The Executive Committee shall create the ad-hoc Committee on Discipline. Committee on Discipline shall be composed of three (3) members of the Executive Committee and two (2) Regular Members which shall not include the accused person. The Committee on Discipline shall handle investigations regarding the misconduct allegedly committed by a member or members of the organization as specified in the written complaint, and to impose the proper penalty as necessary.
4. The Committee on Discipline shall serve a copy of the complaint and written notice of time and date of hearing to the accused. The hearing shall be held no earlier than five (5) days after the date of the receipt of notice.
5. The accused shall have the right to appear before the committee and to produce evidence and to cross-examine witness.
6. The committee shall put its decision in writing and shall provide copies of the same to each of the accused as applicable and to the Executive Committee.
7. The decision of the committee may be appealed to the board in writing not later than 15 days after its promulgation. Such appeal must state the reasons why the appeal is being made.
8. The board en banc, may confirm, overturn, reduce, expand, or in any matter modify the decision of the committee by a majority vote of the full board.
9. The decision of the board is appealable to the general assembly upon presentation of a written appeal duly endorsed by at least 10 percent (10%) of the active regular membership on record as approved by the general assembly.

Suspension and Termination of Membership

Any member of the association may file charges against a member by filing a written complaint with the Secretary of the association. The Board of Trustees shall call a special meeting of the members to consider the charges. The affirmative vote of 1/3 of all the members of the association shall be necessary to suspend a members; Provided that where the penalty is expulsion, the affirmative vote of 2/3 of all the members shall be necessary to expel a members.

Impeachment Of Officers/ Board Member

1. Any elected officer or member of the board of trustees may be removed from office on impeachment for conduct or performance detrimental to the interest of the organization.
2. A special committee on impeachment, composed of three members of the board, which shall not include the accused, and two from the general membership, shall be constituted to investigate the charges and recommend impeachment or otherwise. All recommendations shall be in writing and the accused furnished a copy of the same.
3. Where the committee recommends impeachment, the board shall convene the membership to a special general meeting for the sole purpose of voting on the recommendation. A three-fourths (3/4) vote of the members in session, which body shall constitute a majority of the regular membership, shall be necessary to remove the accused officer or board member.
4. Any elected officer or member of the board of trustees may be removed from office on impeachment for non-performance of duties and responsibilities.

Meetings

Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the members shall be held at designated location on the last week of May of each year.

Special Meeting

A special meeting may be called as the need thereof arises, by the Board of Trustees or the Executive Committee or upon petition of 1/3 of the general membership.

Notices

Notices of the date, time and place of a meeting shall be communicated at least one week before the date set for such meeting. In urgent cases, the notice may be communicated at least two days before the meeting. The notice of every special meeting shall state briefly the purpose or purposes of the meeting. No other business shall be considered at such meeting, except with the consent of all the members present thereat.

Quorum

A quorum for any meeting of the members shall consist of the majority of the active regular members and a majority of such quorum may decide any question at the meeting.

Fund

The funds of the organization shall be derived from admission fees, special assessments of members, gifts, donations or benefits.

Fees and Dues

Disbursements

Withdrawal from the fund of the organization, whether by check or any other instrument shall be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by the President. If necessary, the Board of Trustees may designate other signatories.

Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the organization shall be from July 1 to June 30 of each year.

Recruitment/ Training

1. Recruitment and training period starts from January to May annually.
2. Training format, lectures, training climbs, lecturers, training climb officers, and other matters regarding training shall be addressed by the Training Committee and shall be approved by the Executive Committee.

Organization Properties

1. Borrower prepares damage or loss report countersigned by the issuing personnel. This must be prepared within one week after the completion of the activity for which the equipment was borrowed. In the event that the borrower on record fails to make the report, the issuing personnel must make the report even without the signature of the borrower.
2. The report must be addressed to the Executive Committee and must contain necessary details on the circumstances, nature, and cost of the loss or damage.
3. If the loss or damage is clearly and admittedly the responsibility of the borrower, the report must include the borrower’s offer or plan of restitution. Else, it must include borrower’s justification of the loss of damage, supporting statements, etc.
4. The Executive Committee reviews the report, and determines culpability of borrower, and impose sanction if needed.

Storage

As a general policy, organization equipment, especially high-value items must be kept in secure storage not susceptible to unauthorized borrowing or theft.

Official Climbs

1. Official climbs are climbs in the calendar of activities of the organization as approved by the Board of Trustees or climbs which are approved by the executive committee upon the request of the team leader of a climb not included on the calendar of activities.
2. An official climb is one with a minimum of 5 full members participating. The minimum ratio of members to trainees in a climb is one member to five trainees. The minimum ratio of members to guest is one member to one guest.
3. A qualified team leader, who is assigned by the executive committee, shall head the climb.
4. All participants, as much as possible, must sign waiver forms specific to and before each climb. The original waiver form signed during application for membership may be sufficient.
5. The team leader of any unscheduled (not calendared) climb must inform the executive committee particularly the president of the organization about the said climb at least one week before, if it is a major climb, two days before, if it is a minor climb. The itinerary and list of participants must be submitted to the secretary at least 2 days before the actual climb for record purposes.
6. Arrival of the climbers in Manila or completion of the climb must immediately be reported by the team leader to the secretary or any member of the Executive Committee.
7. Climbs in an area where peace and order problems may prevail shall be cleared with the military authorities in the area.
8. Upon conclusion of each climb, the team leader must fill up the climb log-book, or submit a climb report detailing actual itinerary, incident or highlights of the climb, expenses incurred, contact persons, and any information which may be useful for future references.

Kinds of Official Climbs

Official Climbs are generally classified as orientation climbs, training climbs, fun climbs, exploration or survey climbs, induction climbs and special purpose climbs.

1. Orientation climbs are open to all members (regular, honorary or probationary) and initiates, trainees, prospective applicants and guests.
2. Training climbs are open to trainees, resource speakers, and Training Committee members only. Regular members can join upon approval or invitation of the Training Committee only. Executive Committee members may join as observers.
3. Fun climbs are open to all, including guests.
4. Induction climbs are open to regular members and may also be open to guests at the declaration of the Executive Committee.
5. Exploration and survey climbs are open only to qualified regular members and guests. Qualification is determined by the expedition leader and the Executive Committee.
6. Special climbs depend on the decision of the Board and the Executive Committee.

Pre-climb Meetings

1. Pre-climbs are intended for discussions of the itinerary, briefing on peculiarities of the venue, locality, terrain, etc., and for grouping of participants into teams.
2. Pre-climb meetings shall be scheduled not later than a week preceding the climb for major climbs or expeditions; or not later than 3 days before the climb for an initiation, fun climbs and minor climbs.
3. Attendance in the pre-climb meeting is mandatory for all participants including guest where they are allowed. Members may be excused at the option of the team leader upon due notice to him by the affected member.
4. The assigned team leader shall preside over the meeting.

Post-Climb Meetings

1. Post climb meetings are public in nature. These are open to all members, including those who did not participate in the climb. This shall be held in a venue that is generally accessible to all and the schedule of which shall be made public knowledge.
2. Attendance is mandatory only for trainees during training climbs.
3. The meeting shall take up the following:

4. The team leader shall preside over the meeting.

Orientation Climb

1. An orientation climb is meant to give aspiring applicants a view of what mountaineering is all about.
2. An orientation climb is a minor climb, an overnight climb in a place not very far from Manila. The uphill trek shall be for a minimum of two hours.
3. The preferred maximum number of initiates per climb is twenty (20). Climb may be split to avoid high impact on the climb venue.
4. The objective of an orientation climb is to give prospective applicants a view of what mountaineering is all about and help them decide if they would really like to become a mountaineer.
5. Orientation climbs are open all except upon decision of the executive committee, climb officers or the majority of the participants due to reasons such as security.
6. All are required to attend the pre-climb meeting.

Training Climb

1. Training climbs are climbs included in the training curriculum of MMS membership aspirants as part of their training and are only open to trainees, training committee, invited resource speakers, executive committee and regular members with the approval of the Training Committee.
2. Venue for training climbs are determined by the training committee upon the approval of the executive committee. It usually includes minor and major climbs.
3. The preferred maximum number of initiates per climb is twenty (20). Climb may be split to avoid high impact on the climb venue.
4. Observance of ethics and policies are strictly observed.

Fun Climb

1. Official climbs other than orientation climb, training climb, induction climb, special purpose climbs and expedition climbs are called fun climbs.
2. Fun climbs are open to all members.
3. Fun climbs are also open to guest as long as they are within the policies governing guests climbers as discussed on a separate section on the said matter.

Induction Climb

1. An induction climb involves at least two overnight stays and generally involves climb upward of 5,000 feet (major climb) and is more difficult than any of the training climbs. (Cross-country treks may be classified as induction climbs depending on the extent and difficulty of the itinerary).
2. Application for induction as a mountaineer must comply with all of the following :

• Attended the pre-climb meeting for the induction climb one intends to join.
• Join the climb from scheduled official start to officially declared completion. he/she must complete the climb on own power, carrying own gear and share the load as may be required.
• Attend the scheduled post-climb meeting.
• Must be an Active Regular Member

Exploration Climbs

1. Are climbs involving unfamiliar location or mountains not yet open to mountaineers.
2. It may also be familiar location but with the intention of exploring new sections or creating new trails.
3. Explo ration climbs may or may not be opened to guests depending on the consensus of the regular members with approval from the executive committee.

Special Purpose Climbs

1. Special climbs includes but not limited to clean-up climbs, tree planting projects, medical missions, etc. It may be minor or major climb.

Climb Composition

1. All official climb shall have the following composition :

• Team Leader
• Lead man (trailblazer, lead packers)
• Sweeper (trail enders)
• Firs- aiders
• Scribe
• Social Master (Optional)

2. The team leader, which is designated by the Executive Committee through the recommendation of the body or by voluntary action, shall assign the other climb officers and shall make the assignments known to all the climb participants.

Team Leader

1. The team leader is the final authority during the climb, and all participants are expected to support and comply with his decisions. Any negative evaluation of his conduct of the climb should be brought out during the post-climb meeting. However, the team leader is expected to consult with the participants before making major decisions that affect the itinerary or conduct of the climb.
2. The team leader is the personification of the organization executive during a climb. He is expected to exercise good judgement at all times taking into consideration the organization policies, considerations of safety, comfort and fun, with safety being the uppermost consideration at all times.
3. Only MMS members who have undergone BMC and/or training for team leaders and whose judgement, skills and leadership are trusted by the Training Committee and Executive Committee, shall be appointed as such for any official climbs.
4. The team leader assigned for any climb preferably must have had prior climb experience on the same route unless it is an expedition climb, or when a local guide is available. In any event general familiarity with the route is required.
5. Duties of the team leader :

• Consult with those with more recent familiarity with the terrain/locality particularly as to : security situation, trail conditions, campsite limitations and travel restrictions.
• Conduct a survey of the route when possible or when advisable.
• Prepare the climb itinerary.
• Conduct physical diagnostics.

• Objective of the climb based on its nature (initiation, fun, training, induction or expedition)
• General information, historical significance, folklore, etc. on the location of the climb.
• Itinerary and highlights of the climb.
• Route and route conditions, trail hazards.
• Water sources and water situations.
• Main and alternative campsites.
• General weather conditions.
• Local weather conditions or peculiarities.
• Cultural peculiarities of the locale (beliefs, taboos, etc.)
• Contact persons in the locality/ Manila.
• Special medical requirements (anti-malarial tablets, mosquito repellents, anti-limatiks, etc.)
• Site social service provisions.
• Purchase opportunities in the locale.
• Special equipment checklist and assignments (for overall group equipment such as ropes, harness, etc.)
• Transportation arrangements.
• Costing and budget recommendations.
• Review of ethics, policies and BMC when necessary.
• Assignments of groupings and climb officers. (it is important to always remind all the participants of the functions, responsibilities and authorities of these key climb officers)
• Review of the itinerary. (It is best to distribute copies of the itinerary to all participants. If copies are unavailable, remind them to properly copy the itinerary as presented)

• In case of any pre-departure change in itinerary or plans, the team leader shall immediately notify all participants via the most convenient means.
• At the pre-departure assembly point the team leader shall ensure that all present have actually complied with all mandatory requirements that apply to them and shall require compliance with the specifics not yet complied with. The team leader has the authority to refuse participation of any individual on any of the following grounds :

• Initiates :

1. Refusal or failure to submit a completed waiver form prior to the departure. In the case of a guest climber, the form must be counter signed by the sponsor who must also be a climb participant.

• The team leader must prepare a climb manifest before departure which shall be the basis for periodic head counts and allocation of common expenses. If at all possible, a copy of the manifest should be left with a contact person at the point of departure for reference in the unlikely event that a rescue becomes necessary.
  

  Climb Proper

• Just prior to the start of the trek and at every major rest stop require a head count from the team leaders and check on the general physical situation of all participants.
• As needed, consult with the other climb officers or participants any need to modify the itinerary due to weather, injury, unforeseen trail hazards, etc, and after consultation make the decision and notify the leadman and sweepers accordingly.
• Control the overall pacing of the climb so as not to unduly delay the trek but without sacrificing safety of any participant.
• Check that proper trail signs are installed at critical places like forks and trail splits.
• At the camp site, ensure that camp protocol and proper practices are observed as well as compliance with organization ethics, rules and regulations.
• Observe the conduct and comfort of participants.
• Observe and monitor performance of climb officers.
• Ensure that the camp site are left clean before taking off.
• Establish/maintain contact with local community leaders and dwellers along the trail but more particularly at or near campsites. Take time to acquaint self with needs of the community/ies particularly areas where organization could assist in the future. Never commit any assistance the completion of which cannot be assured or which requires prior board approval.

                    Emergency Situation

• In case of any situation requiring extreme deviation from the climb schedule, the team leader shall, in so far as practicable, consult with the participants. In any event, the team leader must make the final decision taking overall and individual safety into consideration.
• In case of incapacitating injury to any member of the party, the team leader must automatically and categorically call of the climb. Steps must be taken to protect and care for the victim/s. If a provisional camp is established to stabilize the victim, a team of at least 2 experienced climbers must be sent ahead to alert the base camp and contact rescue authorities as well as the contact person in Manila. The team leader may allow other members of the party to proceed down while ensuring that experienced and strong climbers are left to attend to the injured member/s until a rescue party reaches them. At all times, the team leader must maintain composure and keep all members calm but alert.
• In case of prolonged lack of contact with the tail-enders, the team leader must make the decision on whether or not to send a search party to backtrack and assist the tail- enders as needed. In this case, strong and experienced climbers must be sent while the main body set up a temporary holding camp as needed. The leadman should be notified to either hold their position or rejoin the main body.

                     Immediate Post-climb

• As far as may be practicable, the team leader should see to it that participants reach their homes safely. The teamleader should see to it that Manila base is notified immediately as to successful completion of the expedition. As soon as possible, he/she shall complete the entries into the organization logbook at the Manila base.

• As soon as possible, preferably within a week after the completion of the climb, the team leader shall take up the following:

1. Review and assessment of the climb: general conduct, trail, pointers for subsequent climbs, etc.
1. Comments, admonitions, congratulations regarding conduct of individual participants.
1. Slide showing, picture showing if available.

• The team leader shall prepare a separate assessment report concerning the trainee/ inductee who participated in the climb. Particular emphasis should be made regarding those with attitude and/or physical problems which could cause or lead to difficulties later on or which require particular attention from the officers. In preparing the report, the team leader shall solicit comments from the senior members of the party. The report shall be submitted to the executive committee to serve as one of the bases for the subsequent evaluation of the acceptability of the trainee/ inductee.

Leadman

• The assigned leadman should not be team leaders themselves. Exceptions can be made in cases of small groups (12 or less) which are not likely to get separated, climb of short duration or absence of qualified members.
• They must have prior experience on the particular trail unless accompanied by local guides.
• The leadman should be selected among the stronger, healthier, experienced and patient members of the party. For a large climbing party or a long duration climb, more than one should be assigned.
• The leadman has the duty to put in place the proper trail markers for the guidance of the following groups. When in doubt, or when the possibility of doubt exists, the trail must be marked in such a manner that no confusion could arise in its interpretation.
• The leadman must stop and wait for re-assembly at designated major rest stops, and they must remain within whistle-hearing distance of the next group at all times.
• Leadman should not deviate from the planned route without waiting for the team leader’s decision.
• The leadman shall implement the pacing as instructed by the Team Leader.

Sweepers

• The assigned sweepers should not be team leaders themselves. Exceptions may be made in cases of small parties (12 or less) which are not likely to get separated; climbs of short duration; or absence of qualified members.
• They must have prior experience on the particular trail unless accompanied by a local guide.
• They must be self-contained as completely as practicable.
• The sweepers must be selected from among the stronger, healthier, experienced and patient members of the party. For a large climbing party or a long duration climb, more than two must be assigned.
• The sweepers must remain at the tail-ends of the climbing party at all times, must be ready to assist lagging climber/s who may need assistance, and must maintain the pace and control the rest stops of the lagging participants taking into consideration their physical situations, safety needs, and the climb schedule.
• In case of incapacitating injury or illness, or danger brought about by unexpected weather, darkness or natural occurrence, the sweeper may decide to set-up a temporary camp at his direction. Other members of the group who is/are capable of going on must be sent ahead to notify the team leader of the actions taken so that the latter may make the necessary decisions. Again, safety is the first aspect to consider.
• One of the sweepers must be assigned to remove trail markers put up by the lead group.

First Aiders

Qualifications, duties, responsibilities and authorities:

• Expedition first-aiders should preferably be chosen from among those who have had proper training under the auspices of the Philippine National Red Cross, or have had professional medical training. In this connection, the organization shall endeavour to maintain a pool of trained members.
• At least one should be assigned per climb. For large parties, ore than one should be designated. If more than one is assigned they should be distributed over more than one team. At least one first aider should be included in the first aider group. If there is only one first aider, he.she should be assigned to the sweeper group.
• In the event of an injury, the first aider shall have the responsibility for applying the necessary aid, prescribing medication, and recommending corrective action or assistance. If necessary to deviate from the itinerary, he shall make his recommendation known to the team leader for the lather’s decision. In the presence of a designated first-aider, no other member shall intervene with the treatment of a victim unless he/she is requested by the first aider to assist.

Scribe

• Recording of climb details
• Collection of fees

Social Master

• Master of ceremonies during socials.

Guest Climbers

1. The executive committee shall determine and announce beforehand whether a climb is open to guest or not.
2. Only regular members may invite guests. A member may invite only one (1) guest. Specifically, the following are not allowed to sponsor guests :

• Attend pre-climb meeting
• Submit a signed waiver form counter signed by the sponsor
• Submit a medical certificate in proper form
• Pay the required fee if any

Climb Ethics

1. The use of military or para-military gear in any official climb is prohibited. It is recommended that such gear not be used even for non-official and personal climbs in the interest of safety of all climb participants.
2. All climb participants are expected to respect the rights and privacy of the members of the expedition, and to assist those in need of help. Each is required to faithfully observe the environmental ethics promulgated by the organization.

Wilderness Ethics

Prepare well

• Know about your route and the area
• Take adequate food
• Bring clothing that will keep you dry & comfortable
• Know the basics of first aid, navigation and minimum impact camping
• Know what to do in case of overheating, hypothermia or landslide danger

Local practices

• Know the local practices in the area
• Respect local customs and traditions
• Respect other people’s desire for privacy and solitude.
• Unnecessary disturbances (noise and horseplay) should be avoided.

Trekking into the wilderness

• Avoid widening the trail.
• Stay off the shoulder and walk in the middle of the trail instead.
• Suppress the desire to shortcut switchbacks. Cutting switchbacks tramples vegetation and leads to erosion.
• Use established trail when possible.
• On rest breaks, select a hardened area to absorb your impact.
• Select footwear appropriate for comfort, safety and the terrain. Heavy lug-soled boots have an adverse impact on fragile terrain. Use light footwear in camp.

Camping

• Select a level campsite with adequate water runoff and use a plastic sheet under your tent to stay dry without ditching.
• Locate your site at least 100 feet away from natural water sources.
• Generally, select a shelter site that has already been used, to eliminate further expansion of the camp.
• Whenever possible, position your tent so it blends with the environment.
• Careful selection of campsite helps preserve the atmosphere of solitude even in popular areas.
• Choose your site thoughtfully and use it lightly, leaving it in as natural state as possible.

Garbage

• Carry out all of your non-biodegradable garbage.
• Bury only biodegradable trash.
• Pick up litter as you encounter it.
• Burning of non-paper trash should be minimized since complete cremation is difficult.
• Remember litter attracts more litter.

Sanitation

• Use established latrines if these are provided.
• Use a cat hole if there are no established latrines.
• Proceed with a trowel inn hand to an area at least 100 feet away from water sources trail and camp. After carefully removing the surface duff, dig a hole several inches into the dirt. Replace the dirt and duff.

Washing yourself

• Even biodegradable soap is a stress on the environment, so do as much of your cleanup without soap.
• Try a soapless bath or clothes-wash, for all but the most persistent dirt.
• When using soap, even biodegradable soap, wash yourself, your hair and your clothing at least 100 meters away from water.
• Pour soapy water into highly absorbent ground.
• Brush your teeth well away from water sources.

Washing dishes

• Tray a soapless cleanup
• For health reasons, wash dishes with hot water when possible.
• Wash at least 100 meters away from natural water sources.

Amendments of the By-Laws

These by-laws, or any provision thereof, may be ammended or repealed by a majority vote of the members and by a majority vote of the Trustees at any special meeting duly held for the purpose.

SEC Regisration

Republic of the Philippines

Securities & Exchange Commission

WHEREAS, Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws duly signed and acknowledged for the organization of the

METROPOLITAN MOUNTAINEERING SOCIETY, INC.

Metropolitan Mountaineering Society Inc.

FIRST: That the name of the association shall be :

METROPOLITAN MOUNTAINEERING SOCIETY INC.

SECOND: That the purpose or purposes for which the corporation is incorporated are :

"To create, establish, provide for a private institutional entity and/or medium which will initiate, promote, sponsor, assist, support and/or conduct projects and programs geared towards the development and promotion of the various geophysical exploration concerns, especially those connected with the field of mountaineering, as well as related to environmental protection concerns. This will be carried out by engaging in activities, projects and programs."

THIRD: That the principal office of the association is located in the City/Municipality of Quezon City, Philippines.

FOURTH : That the term for which the said association is to exist is Fifty (50) years from and after the date of incorporation.

FIFTH : That the names, nationalities and residences of the incorporators of the association are as follows:

Name	Nationality	Residence
Dennis P. Sacro	Filipino	20-E 2nd Camarilla St. Murphy Q.C.
Eduardo Ocampo	Filipino	1834 R. Tankian, Salud St.,  Pasay City
Richard Kahulugan	Filipino	Marbella Condominium, Pasay City
Ann Margaret De Leon	Filipino	20-E 2nd Camarilla St., Murphy Q.C.
Romulo Henson III	Filipino	291 Rizal Avenue, Taytay Rizal
Jeric Yaya	Filipino	2172 Tramo St., Pasay City
Liborio Amio Jr.	Filipino	12 Lempira St., Meralco Vill., Taytay Rizal
Nicholas Joy Avila	Filipino	55 Maningning St., Sikatuna Village
Victor Ocampo	Filipino	65 Dona Juana Rodriguez St., QC