Mt. Apo trail reopens
Climbers limited to 50 per batch
BANSALAN, Davao del Sur-The Protected Area Management Board (Pamb) granted the reopening of Mt. Apo trail in this town and nearby Kapatagan in Digos City during the Holy Week.
The trails open two years after a grassfire burned some portions of the mountain that led to its indefinite closure.
Mayor Quilin Sarte said they asked Pamb to approve their request because it can help boost the agro-tourism industry in the locality.
An entrance fee of P1,500 will be paid by climbers to the municipal treasurer’s office before they can climb Mt. Apo.
Joseph Gunita, local government’s spokesperson, said that only 50 per batch of climbers will be allowed to go up and they are not entitled to sleep at the peak, only in designated resting stations.
He said the next batch of 50 can climb after the first batch go down from Mt. Apo.
In Digos City, Mayor Joseph Peñas said Pamb also offered them to open Kapatagan Trail so he said they have nothing to do but to follow.
It was also learned that Kidapawan trail was not limited to climbers if they follow the rules and regulations such as no burning or cooking and their garbage must be disposed properly.
Meanwhile, Mayor Sarte said they have decided along with the Municipal Tourism Office to ask PAMB to open the terrain to give way for economic opportunities among the residents dwelling in the area and promote ecotourism.
She said porters living at the foot of Mt. Apo at Sitio Pluto, Barangay Managa, were also organized and were told to help watch climbers not to break the rules.
On top of permit fees, the hikers will pay an additional exit fee to other local government units ranging from P1,000 to P1,500. Orlando B. Dinoy