Mt. Apo trail in Kidapawan opens in April

Heads up, trekkers! You can again add Mt. Apo to your hiking checklist!

The Mt. Apo trail in Kidapawan will be open to hikers starting April 12.

The local government of Kidapawan announced on Friday that the that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Protected Area Management Board (DENR-PAMB) has approved its request to open the trails of Mt. Apo.

Camping Management Rules will be strictly observed.

Mount Apo can be accessed through Kapatagan in Digos City; New Israel in Makilala; Balutakay in Bansalan; Agco in Kidapawan; Bongolanon in Magpet; and Baruring in St. Cruz.

It towers over the main southern island of Mindanao, at 3,142 meters above sea level, and is home to forest reserves and the breeding ground for the Philippines' national bird, the endangered monkey-eating eagle.

The indefinite closure of  Mt. Apo trails for trekking and climbing was ordered due to the Mt. Apo forest fire incident last March 26, 2016.

The fire incident lasted for 28 days damaging a total of 115 hectare area of grassland and brushland. —Anna Felicia Bajo/NB, GMA News