Mt. Apo, the national park, temporarily closes. -Photo: Joey Recimilla
DAVAO CITY (May 30) — The country’s highest peak, Mount Apo, will be temporarily closed to trekkers from June to August 2025 to allow the mountain and its delicate ecosystem to rest, recover, and renew.
This annual conservation closure, now a regular practice among Mt. Apo’s managing authorities, has become a critical component of preserving the mountain’s rich biodiversity. It coincides with the breeding season for local wildlife, scarce and sensitive species like the Philippine eagle, which makes the mountain its home.
The Mt. Apo Natural Park – Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) announced that all trekking activities—including summit climbs and camping- will be suspended for three months. Trekking is expected to resume by September, provided weather and ecological conditions remain stable.
“This annual break is not just about closing trails, it’s about letting nature heal,” said a DENR-PAMB representative. “We allow the forest to breathe, wildlife to roam freely without human disruption, and the trails to regenerate.”
Why the Closure Matters
Standing at 2,954 meters above sea level, Mt. Apo spans the provinces of Davao del Sur and North Cotabato, drawing thousands of hikers each year. While the tourism boom has brought economic benefits to local communities, it has also raised challenges related to environmental degradation, littering, trail erosion, and habitat disturbance.
According to conservationists, the break is crucial for endemic species such as the Mindanao pygmy fruit bat, the forest monitor lizard, and the tarsier, many of which are sensitive to noise and human intrusion during their nesting and mating seasons.
Mt. Apo has faced environmental pressures over the years, from forest fires to encroaching development. In 2016, the mountain was closed for several months following a massive fire that affected hectares of its forest cover. That incident sparked greater calls for regulated access and sustainable tourism policies.
Since then, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in collaboration with local governments, tribal leaders, and civil society groups, has implemented stronger visitor caps, mandatory guide systems, and eco-orientation programs.
“The mountain is sacred not only to our biodiversity but to the indigenous peoples who have long lived in its shadow,” said one tribal leader from Kidapawan City. “This break honors both nature and culture.”
Trekking applications will resume in early September 2025, and visitors are advised to book through authorized tourism offices in Davao City, Digos, Kidapawan, or Magpet.
Officials also urge hikers to practice Leave No Trace principles, travel with accredited guides, and respect the protocols in place to ensure the continued protection of the mountain.
Mt. Apo: A National Treasure Worth Protecting
More than just a hiking destination, Mt. Apo is a UNESCO-protected World Heritage site and a protected landscape and seascape under Philippine law. It is home to over 270 bird species, cloud forests, sulfur vents, and centuries-old mossy trees—all part of what makes it a living monument of natural heritage.
So while the trails go quiet for a few months, the mountain thrives in silence, preparing to welcome the next wave of adventurers, advocates, and stewards.
Plan. Travel responsibly. And let the mountain rest.
