DAVAO CITY – The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Mount Apo Natural Park (MANP) has extended the temporary closure of the country's highest peak until the end of April as a precautionary measure due to the risk of wildfires amid the prolonged dry spell.

In an announcement posted on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Davao Facebook page, the PAMB decided to extend the temporary closure of all trails and access points to Mount Apo for trekking and camping activities.

A CLIMBER goes up the summit of Mount Apo. (Photo courtesy of Ryan Ang)

Mount Apo is accessible through 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.

"This measure is in response to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, which has led to a prolonged dry spell and increased the risk of wildfires, threatening the park's diverse ecosystems and the safety of visitors," it added.

The DENR initially announced the 10-day closure of Mount Apo on March 20.

READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/20/mount-apo-closed-for-10-days-due-to-dry-spell

The initial announcement of 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 nationwide.

"We kindly request that all trekkers and mountaineers who have planned excursions during the closure period to contact their respective organizers to reschedule their climbs. The PAMB appreciates your understanding and cooperation in this matter,” the DENR said.

Concerned groups and individuals see the closure of Mount Apo as a proactive measure amid the grass fires in different parts of the region due to high temperatures.

On March 16, a grassfire razed 73 hectares of mountainous areas in Barangay Gambudes, Arakan, North Cotabato.  

Four days later, another grassfire hit a barangay in Magpet, one of the towns on the foothills of Mount Apo.

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.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)  recently warned that the peak of the dry season may be felt in April or May as higher actual air temperature will prevail.

"The board will remain vigilant, continuously monitoring the situation, and will provide timely updates regarding the reopening of the park. We appeal to the public's sense of responsibility to join us in this preventive measure to preserve the natural beauty and integrity of Mount Apo," the DENR added.