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Parts of Mt. Banahaw remain closed for tourists


MANILA, Philippines -- Some areas in Mount Banahaw remain “off limits” to visitors, including pilgrims, for another three years as these remain highly susceptible to various geological hazards.

According to Reynulfo Juan, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 4A Calabarzon OIC regional executive director, team of experts who recently conducted a study in Mount Banahaw to assess its biophysical and socio-cultural characteristics declared that trekking, camping and other outdoor activities in the “Holy Mountain” is dangerous because of the possibility of flash floods, landslide and mudslides.

Mount Banahaw was supposed to be opened to pilgrims, adventurous mountaineers, simple trekkers or mere kibitzers’ last January 29, after the lapse of an earlier resolution banning entry into some parts of the protected area.

Juan, concurrently the chairman of the Protected Areas and Management Board (PAMB) of the Mounts Banahaw and San Cristobal Protected Landscape (MBSCPL), said the PAMB passed Resolution 02-2012 on February 16, extending the ban of all activities for another three years.

Dr. Lope A. Calanog, head of the team for the DENR Ecosystem Research and Development Bureau which conducted the “carrying capacity and biodiversity study” with special focus on the vicinity of Barangay Kinabuhayan in Dolores revealed that Kinabuhayan is highly susceptible to landslide, erosion and flash flood.

The ban aims to limit human activity in the mountain. Over the years that it has been declared “off limits” to visitors, the overall condition of Mount Banahaw has shown remarkable improvements.

The team said Mount Banahaw needs more time for it to recuperate and completely recover from the stress it experienced for a long time.

“Off limits” areas start in Kinabuhayan toward the approach to Kristalino Falls to Dungaw, to Tatlong Tangke and back to Kinabuhayan on the Dolores side, Puesto Pagbuga in Barangay Bugon and Bagong Ilaya in Barangay Concepcion Pinagbakuran and Concepcion Banahaw on the Sariaya-side.

Calanog’s team also recommended a formulation and effective implementation of a “visitor management scheme” which would impose a regulated or “direct limit” of visitors at one time and restriction in specific areas such as use of the bathing, camping and worship areas.

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