Enough water sources for Holy Week Mt. Apo trek- Digos LGU

DAVAO CITY, Mar 24 (PIA) Environment and Tourism officials of Digos City, Davao del Sur assured mountain climbers that there are enough water sources en route Mt. Apo via Barangay Kapatagan.

Edgardo Elera, tourism officer of Digos City said based on the assessment survey conducted from March 16 to 20 on the Kapatagan trail, water sources can be found in Sitio Upper Sabuag, Baroring River, Camp Gudi-gudi and even in the main camp on the peak of Mt. Apo.

He said that the grass on the peak has gradually turned from green to brown due to the climate change.

“That is why we are regulating the climb because of the problem of possible forest fire.  But we have enough water sources as far as last week’s assessment,” Elera said.

He said climbers are also encourage to bring their own water and to refill their containers if necessary.

Elera also revealed that all tourism offices in Davao del Sur and North Cotabato in a meeting conducted February 26 by the Protected Areas Management Board agreed a resolution, approving an increase of P1,500 for the climbing fee and another P1,500 for the exit fee during peak season only, Holy Week in particular.

“An exit fee of P1,500 is charged only if a climber goes out of the mountain via another trail,” he said.

Elera said that on regular season, climbing and exit fees are charged at P1,000 per climber.

He said pending publication of the resolution, the new rate will take effect in May, 2015.

“So climber now can still avail of the old rate based on the status quo even during Holy Week, with North Cotabato side charging P1,000 as exit fee,” Elera said.  

He said the local government unit of Digos City charges currently climbing fees at P720 for local climbers, P1,080 for foreigners and P432 for students, with an exit fee of P288.

Elera said using the same trail back and forth does not require exit fee any longer.

“As of now, Digos City has regulated the entry of 400 climbers during this year’s climbing season,” he said.

Eduardo Ragasa, operations superintendent of the Mt. Apo National Park of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said climbers will be oriented properly before trekking Mt. Apo through the trained guides and the porters.

He assured that the tour guides and porters have been trained about environmental management and protection.

Ragasa underscored that with the El Nino phenomenon, forest fire is a threat to Mt. Apo.

Currently, there are six trails going to Mt. Apo via Sta. Cruz, Digos City and Bansalan in Davao del Sur and Makilala, Kidapawan City and Magpet in North Cotabato.

Davao City trail via Barangay Tamugan has been closed indefinitely since the trail has to pass Mt. Talomo which is a recharge zone of the aquifer, the city’s water source.  (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)