Mt. Apo reopens for trekkers, with stricter rules imposed

In an announcement made by Mayor Joseph Evangelista of Kidapawan City, Mt. Apo will be reopened again for hikers starting April 12, following the issue when Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) decided to keep the mountain off-limits during the campfire incident last year.

Stricter set of Camping Management Rules shall be imposed this Summer Climb season, as per Department of Natural Resources (DENR)-PAMB in a recent meeting held. According to PAMB committee on eco-tourism chairman Joey Recimilla, DENR-PAMB “decided to open the terrain togive way for more economic opportunities among the residents dwelling in the area,” Sun Star reports.

According to Recimilla, the permit fee is now P2,000 and P2,500 for standard and peak season inclusive of a refresher course. There is also an additional exit fees of P1,000 to P1,500. Trekkers must only visit the peak and leave before nighttime, as there will be permanent monitoring teams to ensure that the rules are implemented. Smoking, bringing liquors, and sleeping at the peak at night are strictly not allowed.

Only 50 trekkers per entry point are allowed to trek, and violators shall P2,000 for any violations. Entry points to the mountain are Davao City, Sta. Cruz, Digos City, Kidapawan City, Makilala, and Magpet. Climbing period should be at least 2 to 3 days only and all are required to bring their own trash bags to be collected by PAMB at the exit points.

The Mt. Apo Summer Climb starts on April 12, 2017 and ends in May.

Also read: https://primer.com.ph/travel/2016/03/31/mt-apo-the-philippines-highest-peak/

Source: Sun Star, Mayor Joseph Evangelista on Facebook

Image grabbed from Bro. Jeffrey Pioquinto, SJ via Wikimedia Commons