SunStar
Photo by Lymarc Roble
February 17, 2021
THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Davao Region is pushing for stricter trekking rules in Mount Apo after its monitoring team observed trash, vandalism, and "traces of drug substances" in the mountain.
In a statement, DENR-Davao said the monitoring and assessment team, led by Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel Evasco, along with some officials and protected area conservationists, went on trekking during the long weekend "to personally observe and assess the condition of the mountain."
"The goal is to assess the trail conditions and campsite situation in order to determine and strengthen preservation and conservation mechanisms for Mount Apo, which was hailed as an Asean Heritage Site in 2011," DENR-Davao said, adding that it is considering putting up facilities for a more convenient trekking experience.