Closure of Mt. Apo Natural Park extended due to El Niño

The temporary closure of Mt. Apo Natural Park (MANP) has been extended for one month.

All trails and access points to the park for trekking and camping activities are closed until April 30, 2024.

The temporarily closure was supposed to last for 10 days, from March 20 to March 30, 2024, but the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of MANP has decided to extend it as “a measure in response to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, which has led to a prolonged dry spell and increased the risk of wildfires, threatening the park’s diverse ecosystems and the safety of visitors.”

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Davao (DENR-11) said earlier that the decision to extend the closure or resume activities will be based on the assessment and recommendations of the MANP-Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) of Region 11 and Region 12.

“The PAMB is dedicated to safeguarding the rich biodiversity of Mt. Apo and ensuring the well-being of all visitors. As such, we consider this temporary closure essential for the protection of the park and its inhabitants,” DENR-11 said.

Trekkers and mountaineers who have made reservations and planned excursions during the closure period may reach out to their respective local organizers to reschedule their climbs.

“The board will remain vigilant, continuously monitoring the situation, and will provide timely updates regarding the reopening of the park. We appeal to the public’s sense of responsibility to join us in this preventive measure to preserve the natural beauty and integrity of Mt. Apo,” DENR-11 said. —GMA Regional TV