The Protected Area Management Board recently approved a new set of rules for those wanting to climb Mount Apo on the island of Mindanao.
The committee set to protect the regions of Mount Apo have been pushed to bring stricter guidelines for those coming to the area to climb.
The mountain has been one of the most visited trekking destinations since the early 1970s. In recent years the unrestricted trekking and climbing of the mountain has taken a toll on the Mindanao treasure, in fact last year on a clean up drive over two-and-a-half tons of garbage was removed from the mountain.
The new rules will take effect immediately and will including two clean up sessions per year as well as sustainable rehabilitation measures for the landmark’s protected areas. The list of new policies will also include rules on trekking, guide and porter fees, as well as responsibility guides, booking of trekkers, camp sites and trail management, solid waste management, a list of prohibited items and a list of penalties for rule breakers.