Cebu City’s Spartan Trail closed for rehab

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has ordered the closure of the Spartan Trail inside the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL) after reports of vandalism and other environmental violations.

In its advisory, the DENR and the CCPL Protected Area Management Office announced: “The Spartan Trail, located within the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL), is hereby closed to the public until further notice.”

The closure is meant to facilitate verification and investigation of reported violations and allow rehabilitation activities to proceed.

The advisory said that “Entry, hiking, trekking, and other activities within the closed trail are strictly prohibited, except for duly authorized official, enforcement, monitoring, rehabilitation, or other legitimate activities.” Only personnel tasked with protecting and restoring the site may enter.

“Any person found violating this closure shall be dealt with accordingly pursuant to Republic Act No. 9486, Republic Act No. 11038, and other applicable laws, rules, and regulations,” DENR-CCPL warned.

Republic Act No. 9486, passed in 2007, created the Central Cebu Protected Landscape by consolidating five major reserves --Buhisan Watershed Forest Reserve, Mananga Watershed Forest Reserve, Sudlon National Park, Central Cebu National Park, and Kotkot-Lusaran Watershed Forest Reserve.

It declared these areas protected, recognizing their role as Metro Cebu’s primary watershed and as habitats for endemic species.

The law also set penalties for destructive activities such as illegal logging, construction, and land alteration within the CCPL.

Meanwhile, Republic Act No. 11038, enacted in 2018, expanded the National Integrated Protected Areas System. It strengthened the protection of declared protected landscapes like CCPL by imposing heavier fines and longer prison terms for violators. Under this law, penalties can reach up to ?500,000 and imprisonment of up to six years for vandalism, illegal tree cutting, and construction of unauthorized structures inside protected zones.

The Spartan Trail has become one of Cebu City’s most popular trekking and biking routes, known for its rugged terrain, scenic ridges, and panoramic views of Metro Cebu and the surrounding mountains.

It connects several upland barangays and is frequented by hikers, trail runners, and outdoor enthusiasts, especially during organized events such as the Cebu City Trail Fest. However, its popularity has also exposed it to heavy foot traffic, unsanctioned activities, and environmental damage.

Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera, chairman of the Committee on Environment, said he will convene an executive session to discuss rehabilitation measures for the Spartan Trail.

During the Cebu City Trail Fest earlier this year, runners and trekkers were deputized as guardians of the CCPL to help monitor and protect the area.

Reports from mountain enthusiasts have pointed to vandalism, illegal tree cutting, earth-moving, and construction of permanent structures.

The CCPL spans more than 29,000 hectares across Cebu City, Talisay City, Toledo City, Danao City, and several municipalities, serving as the region’s most critical watershed and biodiversity refuge.

Within Cebu City, the CCPL covers upland barangays including Adlaon, Agsungot, Babag, Bonbon, Buhisan, Guba, Lusaran, Mabini, Pamutan, Paril, Pung-ol-Sibugay, Sapangdaku, Sinsin, Sirao, Sudlon I, Sudlon II, Tabunan, Tagbao, and Taptap.

Meanwhile, Mayor Nestor Archival joined the 4th City Mining Regulatory Board Cebu City Meeting with DENR/MGB-7 and CCENRO to address concerns on mining, earth-moving, and extraction activities in Cebu City.

The meeting tackled proposed commercial river extraction, mineral trading requirements, and updates on field investigations involving alleged illegal mining activities.

Archival stressed the importance of enforcement.

“Importante nga mapalig-on ang monitoring ug enforcement sa mga kalihokan nga mahimong makaapekto sa atong environment,” Archival said.

Along with this, Archival said they are strengthening coordination and monitoring in line with these concerns.

“We are strengthening coordination among the concerned agencies, following up on Cease and Desist Orders, and supporting field and nighttime monitoring to ensure that activities are properly regulated and violations are acted upon,” he added. — (FREEMAN)