MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has earmarked P1.25 million for a project to improve the trail leading to the peak of Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak.
The project would support the eco-tourism program in Barangay Sibulan, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, one of the trails used in ascending Mt. Apo.
The DENR allocation involves two projects – a tourist information center and wash-up area for mountain climbers and six steel signages to be installed along the trail of Sibulan to Mt. Apo.
The projects were a follow through of what the DENR had started in 2013 as it also provided livelihood support to the Sibulan Porters Community in the form of climbing materials for rent worth P120,000.
All these projects have been completed and properly turned over to the community.
Aside from generating alternative livelihood for the host community as envisioned by DENR and the local government of Sta. Cruz, the projects will also be a platform towards the protection of Mt. Apo Natural Park by empowering the community to take charge in ensuring that all policies relative to ecotourism will be implemented.