Tourism stakeholders, local officials and government
agencies have established a “fire line” in Mt. Apo to stop the spread of the
grass fire which now affected more or less 100 hectares in Davao del Sur side
since Saturday (March 26).
Based from initial reports, Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) XI Park Operation Superintendent Edward Ragaza said
the fire started of still undetermined cause at 1:00 p.m. Saturday near the
peak then spread towards downhill. He was also concerned that the ember blown
away by strong wind at the peak could also spark another fire and affect more
areas.
In coordination with LGUs, IP communities and the
Eco-Tourism Council, Ragaza said they are now establishing fire line to prevent
the fire from spreading to other areas. He said Mt. Apo is already off limits
to trekkers from all access routes.
He also allayed fears of the 200 trekkers, who went to Mt.
Apo through the Kapatagan trail for the Holy Week, saying, “150 of them are
already moving home and 50 are out of the danger zone but are also heading from
Camp 1 Paradise to Baras Station in Poblacion Kapatagan.”
According to Ragaza, they are now ongoing efforts to
suppress the fire and more people from the fire volunteers, tourism and
environment stakeholders, local government units are doing everything to
control the fire. He said DENR will send more of their Community Environment
and Natural Resources Officers to assist.
“We are doing everything,” Ragaza said. He said the Energy
Development Corporation (EDC) which operates the Mt. Apo Geothermal Plant is
also helping to prevent the spread the damage.
Mt. Apo can be accessed through the following trails:
Kapatagan in Digos City; New Israel in Makilala; Balutakay in Bansalan; Agco in
Kidapawan; Bongolanon in Magpet; and Baruring in St. Cruz.
"For now climbers won't be allowed at Mt. Apo on all
fronts kay delikado pa (it is still dangerous)," Ragaza said. (PNA)
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