Trash prompts closure of Mountain Province trail

BAGUIO CITY — Trash left by tourists along the hiking route linking Mount Amuyao in Mountain Province and the rice terraces in Ifugao province has prompted a town to close this popular trail starting May 1.

Mayor Genesis Changilan of Barlig town in Mountain Province has ordered the trail’s closure due to garbage abandoned at the summit of Mount Amuyao apparently by trekkers from Batad rice terraces at Banaue town in Ifugao.

Hunting ground

According to environmental guidelines, trekkers who climb Mount Amuyao must bring down their trash to Barangay Macalana, the designated jump-off point and exit in Barlig. The town collects environmental fees from trekkers.

Mount Amuyao has been described as a traditional hunting ground for Barlig residents that has become a popular trekking destination, especially Hunters’ Cave.

At the summit, trekkers have a good view of the provinces of Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Cagayan and Isabela.

Changilan said the temporary shutdown of the trail would allow Mt. Amuyao to regenerate. The town government introduced the new Barlig-Mt. Amuyao-Kadaclan trail as an alternative route for trekkers that would “showcase several tourist destinations in Barlig.” —Karlston Lapniten