DAVAO CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Davao has announced the temporary closure of Mount Apo, the country's highest peak, from March 20 to 30 due to prolonged dry spell affecting the trekking and camping sites within the Mount Apo Natural Park (MANP).
TREKKERS near the peak of Mount Apo. (Photo courtesy of Ryan Ang)
In a statement posted on its Facebook page, DENR-Davao announced that the temporary suspension of all trekking activities was based on the MANP-Protected Area Management Board Executive Committee Resolution No. 1, Series of 2024, enacted on March 19.
“In light of the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, which has led to a prolonged dry spell affecting the trekking and camping sites within Mount Apo Natural Park (MANP), we must prioritize the safety of our environment and visitors,” it added.
The temporary closure order came a few days before the start of the Holy Week, the most popular climbing period that draws hundreds of excursionists coming from different parts of the country.
DENR-Davao stated that the precautionary measure is essential to mitigate the risk of bushfires and ensure the well-being of the park's diverse ecosystems.
“The decision to resume activities will be carefully considered based on the assessments and recommendations provided by the MANP Protected Area Management Office of Regions 11 and Region 12.”
DENR-Davao advised trekkers, who have made reservations during the affected dates, to coordinate with their organizers and reschedule their trekking activities.
“We deeply appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we navigate this environmental challenge. Together, let's continue our collective efforts to safeguard and cherish the natural beauty of Mount Apo Natural Park,” it said.
A day before the temporary closure of Mount Apo, North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou "Lala" Taliño-Mendoza ordered authorities to strictly monitor the trekking activities in the mountain amid the threat of grassfires due to extreme heat from El Nino.
Mendoza issued the statement following the grassfire that razed mountainous areas in Barangay Gambudes in Arakan, North Cotabato over the weekend.
Reports from the local government showed that the fire razed at least 73 hectares of grasslands.
Amid the temporary closure of Mount Apo, the governor said on Wednesday, March 20, that the provincial government is still intensifying its monitoring in all mountainous areas due to the threat of grassfires.
The monitoring also includes not just the identified hiking destinations but also other vulnerable areas.
Mount Apo is accessible through the entry points in Kidapawan City and the towns of Magpet and Makilala in North Cotabato. It is also accessible through the trails in Bansalan, Digos City and Santa Cruz in Davao de Sur.
In March 2016, the country’s highest peak was hit by a grassfire that lasted for over a week and reportedly affected over 100 hectares of forest cover. The incident led to a year-long closure of Mount Apo to trekkers.