DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Kidapawan City government in North Cotabato is set to temporarily close the trail to Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak, to prevent forest fire due to the worsening drought in the area and the expected onslaught of El Niño.
Aside from Kidapawan City, the peak of Mt. Apo can also be reached by passing through trails in the towns of Bansalan and Sta. Cruz, and Barangay Kapatagan in the capital town of Digos City, all in Davao del Sur.
At least 3,000 climbers trekked to Mt. Apo during the recent Holy Week break.
Kidapawan City tourism officer Joey Recimilla said they have been receiving reports of decreasing water level in the rivers of Matingao and Marbel on the way up to Mt. Apo.
The Matingao and Marbel Rivers are two of the longest rivers that can be found along the Kidapawan trail.
The city government wants to avoid a repeat of the forest fires that took place on Mt. Apo in 1993 and 1997.
Garbage is another problem that plagues Mt. Apo. Climbers are usually asked to promise not to leave any garbage while trekking to the summit.