DAVAO CITY, March 10 (PNA) — The government through the Department of Tourism (DOT) is developing more access routes leading to tourism sites to further boost the industry especially in the Davao Region.
This was disclosed by DOT 11 regional director Roberto Alabado, who said this priority direction is in cooperation with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
One of these priority projects is providing access to the nearest point towards Mt. Apo, which has been declared as protected site and national park.
Alabado said Mt. Apo’s nearest point can be accessed from the foot of the mountain in Kapatagan, Digos City of the province of Davao del Sur.
“It is always our consideration to protect Mt. Apo, which is considered sacred by the indigenous people,” he said. One of the long-time measures observed to protect Mt. Apo is collaborating with agencies in ensuring the carrying capacity of the mountain is observed.
While Mt. Apo is a come-on site for tourists and other visitors, he said climbing the mountain is regulated.
Also concerned local government units have set up rules and guides that must be followed by every climber.
Meanwhile, Alabado said Mt. Apo has earned its name as the site for International Mount Apo Boulder Face Challenge. Now in its 10th year, the competition is slated on April 25-26, 2015.
About 40 of the country’s toughest racers will gather for the most extreme adventure in the Philippines. It is the longest race in the Philippines in terms of distance. This year’s total distance is 120 kilometers of biking, 53.5 kilometers of trekking up to the top of Mt. Apo, 5 kilometers of water tubing and 13.7 kilometers of road running.
Sta. Cruz town Councilor Fernando C. Ugdoracion said the event is not only about the extreme challenge because the participants will take part in a clean-up drive at Mt. Apo, an event that goes with the competition everytime the boulder face challenge is held.
Part of the advocacy of the International Mount Apo Boulder Face Challenge is to cultivate man’s love for nature, create global awareness for environmental protection, and make Davao the destination of choice for eco-adventure tourism in Asia and the world. (PNA)