Kidapawan City- The Kidapawan – Magpet – Makilala Eco Tourism Triangle recently lifted the closure of the KMM Trails leading to Mt. Apo .

In a resolution passed by the KMM, the Mt. Apo trails in their areas of responsibility will be opened for climbing effective May 1, 2010 after the more than 72,000 hectare Natural Park was closed for the public in the onset of the El Niño Phenomenon.

City Mayor Rodolfo Gantunagco was one of the signatories of the said Resolution. Also affixing their signatures were Magpet Mayor Efren Piñol Sr, and Makilala Mayor Onofre Respicio.

The Mt. Apo KMM trails were closed temporarily starting on March 23, 2010 after the KMM unanimously decided to protect the Park form possible forest fires that may be brought about by the dry spell. It was noted that forest fires can crate more damage as compared to conventional fires since these can burn more areas of the said park.

Under the Resolution, the KMM decided to open the said park for climbers now that the rains start to come earlier and has substantially lessened the dryness of the park grounds. With the opening of the trails, the KMM believes in the responsible promotion of eco-tourism that respects local culture and appreciation of natural landscapes without compromising the need to preserve and protect the environment.

Promotion of such responsible eco-tourism activity in Mt. Apo strengthening deeper public awareness of the importance  of the environment to the lives of the people which is ultimately redound to increased public support and accountability towards sustainable preservation, protection and development Mt. Apo Natural park, as stated in the said resolution.

However, the KMM also agreed upon the following conditions in opening the said park. These are: (a) selective and controlled climbing activity shall be observed pending the final evaluation of the over-all conditions of the KMM trails and converging areas of Mt. Apo, (b) organized climbing activity using the KMM trails is temporarily suspended until further notice, and (c) pre-climb orientation on forest fire protection, proper garbage disposal, climbers safety precautions and other environmental protection measures should be maintained, strengthened and strictly enforced to all incoming KMM trail-users.

The KMM likewise will hold talks with LGU’s of Digos and Bansalan in the neighboring Province of Davao del Sur for the strict implementation of the provisions of the said Resoultion since these LGU’s have climbing trails leading to Mt. Apo . The KMM needs the cooperation of the said LGU’s for the coordinated efforts in protecting the said Natural Park .

In relation to the said opening of KMM trails, the City Government of Kidapawan is planning to assemble a team to conduct an evaluation and clean up drive at Mt. Apo to assessed its conditions.

CREDIT: Kidapawan City HomePage, www.kidapawancity.gov.ph