DAVAO CITY — With the tribal dance highlighting the culture of the indigenous peoples in Davao del Sur, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) XI allowed the opening of Mahilak Falls in Sitio Manikan, Brgy. Goma, Digos City, on Wednesday September 1, 2021.
The opening of the falls to tourists was not easy, as the DENR needs to conduct series of consultations with concerned agencies and communities to ensure that the environment is protected and on condition that tourists observe the health protocol given the threat brought about by the pandemic.
Mahilak Falls is one of the several falls and water sources in Mt. Apo Natural Park. Given its location, regulations and enforcement of policies shall still be under the DENR’s Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) in collaboration with our LGU partners and tribal leaders
Evasco, on his message, says that the waters surrounding Mt. Apo are connected. Adding that aside from waterfalls, Mt. Apo is a watershed of several river systems and has aquifers that transmit water to well and springs.
Despite being an eco-tourism destination, the falls is one of the sources of water, a thing that calls for joint conservation efforts from the agencies, local government units and the public.
“Though open for public, health protocols in accordance to the guidelines set by IATF shall still be imposed including the limited number of guests and tourists allowed per day,” the DENR XI in a press statement emphasized.
It added, “Mt. Apo’s unified trekking policies shall also be applied in Mahilak Falls including restrictions on littering, vandalism and mutilation of rocks and trees and illegal collection of flora and fauna among others. No permit, no entry shall still be imposed. Guests shall seek permit at the PAMO and must undergo an orientation thereat.”
DENR-XI Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel A. Evasco personally graced the ceremony alongside Digos City Vice Mayor Atty. Johari Baña, Brgy. Goma Capt. Leo S. Presillas, Sr., City Tribal Chieftain Datu Celso B. Salaysay, Bai Jerlina Owok, tribal chieftain of the Bagobo Tagabawa Tribe in Binaton, Digos City, DENR-XI Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer in Davao del Sur Pablito M. Ofrecia and Protected Area Superintendent Joel Pardillo.
Brgy. Goma where Mahilak Falls is located is under Mt. Apo’s Multiple-Use Zone (MUZ) which allows settlement, traditional and/or sustainable land-use.For bookings and inquiries, please reach the PAMO through 0948-971-6329 and look for Ms. Dolly.-with DENR PR
