DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Only 1,000 people will be allowed to go up Mt. Apo during the Holy Week, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The DENR has coordinated with concerned local government officials to control the number of trekkers.
Edgardo Elera, tourism officer of Digos City, said they are regulating the number of trekkers to prevent forest fires.
The peak of Mt. Apo can be reached through the trails passing through Barangay Kapatagan in Digos City, Barangay Balutakay in Bansalan town and Barangay Baruring in Sta. Cruz, all in Davao del Sur; Barangay New Israel in Barangay Agco in Kidapawan City and Barangay Bongolanon in Magpet, both in North Cotabato.
The Mt. Apo Natural Park and Protected Area plans to increase the trekking fee from P1,000 to P3,000 starting in May to limit the number of trekkers and preserve the park.
Meanwhile, Elera said a survey conducted from March 16 to 20 showed that there are adequate water sources on the mountain. He said water sources could be found in Sitio Upper Sabuag, Baroring River, Camp Gudi-gudi and at the peak’s main camp.