Department of Environment and Natural Resources 11 (DENR 11) Executive Director Ma. Mercedes V. Dumagan confirmed on Tuesday that the trekking site in Barangay Tagurano is within the Mt. Apo Natural Park’s Strict Protected Zone (SPZ).
Appearing at the regular session of the City Council, Atty.Dumagan said that the 18.8-hectare area has no Multiple Use Zone (MUZ) designation spots.
She said all structures documented since 2022 and subsequently issued with Cease-and-Desist Orders (CDO) in May 2024 are considered illegal, including any trekking activities.
Councilor Temujin “Tek” Ocampo, chair of the Committee on the Environment and Natural Resources of the City Council, raised concerns about recent reports of activities and building of structures in the area despite the closure order.
What made it more controversial was when Ocampo received reports about the controversial visit of Councilor Bernie Al-ag in the area. Al-ag said he was in the area to visit the residents who lost livelihood due to the closure of the site.
Ocampo said they are awaiting the approval of DENR for an application that will allow Dabawenyos and tourists who would love to trek the area and enjoy the scenery
He said that approval might take a long time due to a stringent and demanding process.
“Until this application is approved by the DENR, the trekking site in Tagurano shall remain closed and the business establishments will cease their unlawful operation,” Ocampo said.
Dumagan said concerning the plan of the City Government of Davao to explore the possibility of promoting eco-tourism in the said barangay, the proposal will only be possible unless the specific trail intended for ecotourism is reclassified from Strict Protected Zone (SPZ) to Multiple Use Zone (MUZ).
“Any modification of the management zone shall be duly supported by a comprehensive biodiversity assessment, among others, pursuant to the BMB Technical Bulletin No. 2018-01. This is also the direction reached during the Davao City Sub-PAMB’s regular meeting on October 16, 2024. Finally, be informed as well that once reclassification of the proposed trail is approved, areas immediately bordering the identified trails shall remain as SPZ,” Dumagan said.
She explained that the protected area is divided into two management zones: SPZ and the MUZ, which aim to strike a balance between biodiversity conservation and sustainable development which are the twin objectives of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Law.
“Likewise, zoning in protected areas is similar to the zoning ordinance enacted by the City Council. In Mt. Apo, areas designated as SPZ are generally close to any human activity except for scientific research and rituals of indigenous peoples. Meanwhile, areas designated as MUZ are portions where settlement, agriculture, agroforestry, ecotourism, and sustainable livelihood are allowed,” she said.
The Davao City side of Mt. Apo, she said, has more than 90% of the area designated as SPZ, with only a small area identified as MUZ in Brgys. Tamayong and Manuel Guianga. She also said that out of the seven official trails leading to Mt. Apo’s Summit, only the Davao City trail in Brgy. Tamayong traversing the Talomo Mountain Range has been closed indefinitely to trekkers.
Dumagan said the protected areas of the Philippines are a blessing to the Filipino citizenry, and with Davao Region having 11 of them is a bounty and a challenge as well.
“Subscribing to the mandates of our Agency, and all of us, as members of MANP’s Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), it is our inherent responsibility to enforce laws under the NIPAS and yet seek equilibrium in conserving the environment and provide nature-based sustainable solutions to anthropogenic interventions within or adjacent protected area boundaries. This task, gargantuan as it is, cannot be done by DENR alone, but by the citizenry’s aid,” Dumagan said.
Dumagan added that the protection of Mt. Apo Natural Park is a responsibility shared by all Dabawenyos and the Filipino nation as a whole.
“Hence we implore your understanding on matters that are concerning protected areas, especially for your areas which are identified as critical habitats for the iconic Philippine Eagle and a watershed area where most of the city’s clean and potable water is sourced,” she said.
