‘Zero Basura’ in Mt. Apo summer climb launched

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – As the climbing season on Mt. Apo, the country’s highest mountain, officially started yesterday, the tourism office of Kidapawan City warned climbers against littering.

The city tourism and investment promotion center said trekkers who will leave garbage on the mountain will be fined P2,000 as provided under a 2006 mountaineering ordinance.

The city government launched yesterday the “Zero Basura” campaign for the annual “Manaka ta Bay” event, which will last until April 7. The influx of climbers is expected from today to Sunday.

All climbers are asked to register the supplies they will bring up to Mt. Apo, and to bring down their garbage.

Mt. Apo has become a dump, with garbage, mostly plastic bottles, empty liquor bottles and even discarded shoes, slippers and clothing left by mountaineers, officials said.

Tons of garbage have been removed from the peak, Lake Venado and along the Kidapawan trail through the cleanup project of the different stakeholders in the area.

Kidapawan City Mayor Rodolfo Gantuangco advised climbers from Davao area entry points not to use Kidapawan as an exit point.

”I have coordinated with the tourism offices of Bansalan, Digos City and Sta. Cruz about this because the carrying capacity of our trail will be greatly affected, he said.

“We will strictly enforce a P500 exit fee to discourage would-be violators,” Gantuangco added.

He also assured visitors that guides, porters, transportation groups, hotels and restaurants have prepared for the summer climb.