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L-R PNP XI’s Regional Director PBGEN Filmore B. Escobal DENR XI RED Bagani Fidel Evasco Davao del Sur PENR Officer Pablito M. Ofrecia

Members of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) for Mt. Apo Natural Park (MANP) Davao del Sur gathered anew for a Sub-PAMB meeting last March 31, 2021 at DENR XI- MANP’s Tinikaran Hall, So. Baras, Brgy. Kapatagan, Digos, Davao del Sur.

Through the presiding officer, RED Bagani Fidel A. Evasco, several concerns and issues were discussed and were given enlightenment. This include review of revenue generation mechanism, determination of allowable/non-allowable activities within Multiple-Use Zone (MUZ), review of trekking policy, solid waste management and installation of signages.

PNP XI’s Regional Director PBGEN Filmore B. Escobal also joined the meeting to share updates on the recently signed PNP-DENR understanding which stipulates that both parties agree to revitalize forest protection and forest law enforcement in Mt. Apo. Accordingly, the PNP team has started planting some 400 seedlings of different tree species in the area.

Meanwhile, MANP-Protected Area Superintendent Joel Pardillo also presented the innovations and physical improvements that are currently being done in the office following its recent reactivation. This include paving and concreting of roads leading to the office through the help of the Dept. of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Bunkhouses are also being constructed for the accommodation of MANP’s Park Protection Officers (PPOs) and guests.

Several resolutions were also passed and are yet to be adopted including the regular rehabilitation period of Mt. Apo through a yearly 3-month-closure or “offset season” particularly during the months of June-August. Apart from the fact that these months may trigger hazard to the climbers due to rainy season, this is also to give “alone time” to the fauna species for their breeding or mating period.