The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-11) has officially announced the annual off-season closure of Mt. Apo Natural Park (MANP) from June 1 to August 31. During this period, trekking and camping activities are prohibited on all trails. This measure, first implemented in 2022 under MANP-PAMB Resolution No. 06, aims to allow mountain ecosystems to recover and give wildlife a break from human disturbance.
This seasonal closure highlights the aesthetic, cultural, ecological, and economic significance of Mt. Apo, while also supporting ongoing efforts for its UNESCO Global Geopark bid. Earlier this year, the DENR-11 temporarily halted all trekking activity in March due to the El Niño-induced dry spell affecting camping sites.
At 2,954 meters, Mt. Apo is the highest peak in the Philippines and a vital biodiversity hotspot located at the border of Davao del Sur and North Cotabato.