DAVAO CITY – The Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS) has been reopened to trekkers and mountaineers for the first time since it was closed at the start of Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020.

The Department of Tourism (DOT)-Davao director Tanya Rabat-Tan said the reopening of Mount Hamiguitan would boost efforts to promote the region as “top-of-mind destination for culture, adventure and nature.”

Mount Hamiguitan is expected to attract not only mountaineers but also naturalists and environmentalists from all over the country, she added.

Mt. Hamiguitan was inscribed as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) world heritage site on June 23, 2014 and declared as Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Heritage Park on October 21, 2014.

Following the approval of Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) of the MHRWS announced that bookings have been reopened since April 11 to trekkers and mountaineers who wish to scale up Mount Hamiguitan.

Based on the simplified guidelines for trekking, mountaineering, and other activities in MHRWS, the allowed number of trekkers in every trekking duration of three days on campsites excluding the eco-guides and porters has been reduced from 30 to 15.

It said in a statement that it would accept organized bookings only from its accredited climb organizer, JM Boundless Adventure Tour Assistance Services, which is operated by John Meryl G. Jayno.

It added that individuals may also organize their own group climbs after review of requirements and verification of trekkers.

“We are delighted with the announcement of the Protected Area Management Board of Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary with regards to the reopening of Mt Hamuigitan in Davao Oriental,” Rabat-Tan said.

The official reminded the trekkers to preserve Mount Hamiguitan, urging the visitors to practice responsible mountain climbing by adhering to “all Leave No Trace principles.”

“With such honor, we are also obligated with the formidable task of protecting this treasured wildlife sanctuary, touted to have one of the richest biodiversity in the country,” she said.

She added that trekkers must ensure that they follow the necessary safety measures.

“This will not only minimize our impact in Hamiguitan's lush forest but also ensure safety in our journey. With simple tasks, such as sticking to a single trail, respecting local flora and fauna, and taking your trash back, we can help preserve this area of natural beauty for many years to come,” she added.

The Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, declared a protected area under RA 9303, measures 16,923 hectares covering San Isidro Municipality, Governor Generoso, and Mati City.

Recorded species on Mt. Hamiguitan are 963 species of flora and 440 species of fauna, 341 of which are endemic to the Philippines.

The plants include 729 angiosperms, 27 conifers, 164 ferns and allies, 17 mosses, 13 liverworts, and 13 lichens while the known fauna include 15 species of non-flying mammals, 11 species of flying mammals, 108 species of birds, 33 species of reptiles, 18 species of frogs, 142 species of butterflies, 31 species of dragonflies and damselflies, 46 species of spiders, four species of earthworms, 15 species of nematodes, and 17 species of freshwater fish.