THE Department of Environment Natural Resources (DENR)-Davao Region said Thursday, February 2, the trails leading to Mt. Apo are still close for trekking.
DENR Chief for Public Information Jayvee Jude Agas told SunStar Davao that all trails leading to the mountain are still closed under the en banc Resolution 1 Series of 2016, thus, reminding those who are planning to conduct mountaineering or related activities not to continue with their plans this summer.
On March 26, 2016 , 115 hectares of grasslands in Mt. Apo was razed in a fire believed to have been started by trekkers who left a fire unattended.
The fire started near the peak of Mt. Apo and quickly spread down to Lake Venado, Kidapawan City and the Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur side of the mountain.
Pursuant to Section 2 of Republic Act 9237 or the Mt. Apo Protected Area Act of 2003, it is the policy of the state to ensure the protection and conservation of Mt. Apo considering its aesthetic, culture, and ecological importance and its unique biodiversity.
The Mt. Apo, the country's highest peak, has been attracting local and foreign tourists hungry for adventure and the summer season is their favorite schedule, especially the Holy Week.
Agas said to date, the rehabilitation and developmental plans of the mountain is underway wherein P4.8 million was allocated and 25 new forest protection officers were deployed to ensure that a similar fire will not happen again.