Mt. Apo closed to trekkers until August 31

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak, is off limits to trekkers from June 1 to Aug. 31.

In an advisory issued on Saturday, the Davao del Sur Tourism Development and Culture Promotions office said the closure would pave the way for the “annual rehabilitation” of Mt. Apo.

“Let’s give our beloved peak the time it needs to flourish. Thank you for your understanding and commitment to conservation,” it said.

Trekkers were not allowed in Mt. Apo National Park from March 20 to April 30 in response to the El Niño phenomenon, which has led to a prolonged dry spell and increased the risk of wildfires.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources initially announced the closure of the park from March 20 to 30 to mitigate the risk of bushfires.

A forested area in Magpet, North Cotabato at the foot of Mt. Apo was razed by fire in March. Nearby Arakan town was also hit by grass fires.