North Cotabato council approves Mt. Apo trek revised ordinance

KIDAPAWAN CITY - The North Cotabato provincial board has approved proposed revisions of Mt. Apo Mountaineering and Trekking Ordinance of 2015.New provisions have been included in Ordinance No. 15-1032 that will be implemented in areas covered by the Mt.Apo Protected Area Management Bureau (PAMB).
These include hikes in climbing fees, determination and establishment of climbing sites and assignment ofregular park ranger or volunteer to secure the area.Training will be provided to the stakeholders like the transport sector,porters, mountaineering groups andtravel agencies to ensure better services for tourists, both local and international.In every camp site, according to the revised ordinance, potable water supply stations will be established as well as permanentwater waste disposal facilities in everycamp site. The number of climbers will also be regulated on a monthly basis.A proposed Mt. Apo police force has the backing of the local governments ofKidapawan City, Makilala, Magpet sa North Cotabato at Bansalan, Digos and Sta Cruz,Davao del Sur.