BREATHTAKING view of Batangas and Cavite provinces atop Pico de Loro in Maragondon, one of Cavite’s favorite hiking sites. JULIUS SANTOS/CONTRIBUTOR
Outdoor enthusiasts may again visit Mt. Pico de Loro in the provinces of Cavite and Batangas as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) opens the mountain following its six-year rehabilitation. Located within the Mounts Palay-Palay/Mataas-na-Gulod Protected Landscape, the mountain straddles the towns of Ternate and Maragondon in Cavite and the town of Nasugbu in Batangas. The protected area is known for its three main peaks, which also served as tourist attractions in the park, namely: Palay-palay, Mataas-na-Gulod and Pico de Loro. In October 2016, the area was closed to the public due to volumes of trash left by visitors; growing number of vendors along the trail, campsite and summit; unregulated number of hikers; soil erosion; and the overall degradation of the mountain. The DENR requires visitors to register online. Only 90 people will be allowed to climb the mountain daily, from Wednesday to Saturday. —DELFIN T. MALLARI JR.