THE SIBULAN trail, one of the entry points to Mt. Apo, has been reopened to climbers after more than a year of being closed following the fire that spread near the mountain’s peak in March last year. Julius R. Paner, tourism officer of the municipality of Sta. Cruz, where the trail is located, said the Protected Area Management Board declared the reopening effective June. Mr. Paner said climbers should strictly follow rules such as the prohibition on trash disposal, adding that the designated guide of violators will be blacklisted. The trail’s reopening provides employment to 48 accredited guides and 78 porters. Mr. Paner also said that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has deployed Forest Protection Officers (FPO) who will be joining visiting trekkers. These FPOs are residents of Mt. Apo communities deputized by the DENR. Mr. Paner said the razed portion of the country’s highest mountain, covering about 100 hectares, is now regenerating naturally and remains closed to climbers. Mt. Apo straddles Davao City and the provinces of Davao del Sur and North Cotabato. — Maya M. Padillo
