Trekking activities at the Mt. Apo Natural Park (MANP) have resumed a month after it was closed temporarily due to El Niño.

According to the local government of Kidapawan City, the Mt. Apo Natural Park Protected Areas Management Board (MANP-PAMB) has already allowed hiking and trekking activities.

However, the Kidapawan City Tourism Office has issued guidelines and regulations to prevent grass fire and other incidents.

Trekkers who will journey through the Mandangan Trail in Kidapawan City must observe and strictly follow the guidelines.

Based on the guidelines, a designated cooking area shall be identified in the base camp that is safe from any fire incidents and away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass, and leaves; only guides and porters must do the cooking preparation in the meantime; never leave cooking areas unattended; and use a small stove or cook set for cooking in remote areas.

Glass bottles are strictly not allowed. Bags of guides, porters, and trekkers will be checked for any glass bottles while meticulous inspection of garbage items upon entry and exit must be fully adhered.

Trekkers will also undergo orientation with strong emphasis on fire, landslide, earthquake, and flash flood occurrence.

The guidelines also state that in the absence of rain within seven days, the Kidapawan City Tourism Office will suspend all climbing and trekking activities including advance bookings, pending evaluation and decision of the MANP-PAMB.

The MANP was closed temporarily last March 20 to April 30, 2024, to protect the environment and prioritize the safety of visitors as El Niño continues to affect the trekking and camping sites within the MANP.