• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The trails leading to Mt. Talinis in Valencia, Negros Oriental will be temporarily closed to hikers and other visitors starting Nov. 1 to give the mountain’s fragile ecosystem time to recover from years of human activity.
Valencia Mayor Edgar Teves Jr. ordered the closure through Executive Order No. 45, citing the need to provide the mountain with a period of undisturbed recovery amid the increasing number of outdoor activities in the area.
Also known as Cuernos de Negros, Mt. Talinis has become a popular destination for hikers, trekkers and nature enthusiasts. However, authorities said the growing volume of visitors and continued human presence have placed increasing pressure on the mountain’s natural environment.
In his executive order, Teves said the temporary restriction is intended to provide Mt. Talinis with a “reasonable amount of undisturbed season” to allow its ecosystem to recover and eventually maximize the mountain’s benefits to the community, particularly the people of Valencia.
The closure reflects the municipality’s effort to balance tourism and environmental protection, recognizing that the long-term value of Mt. Talinis depends on preserving its natural resources for future generations.
The Philippine National Police will lead the enforcement of the closure in coordination with the Municipal Tourism Office.
All trails leading to Mt. Talinis within Valencia’s territorial jurisdiction will be covered by the temporary restriction.
The executive order did not specify when the trails will reopen.
Hikers, trekkers, tour organizers and other visitors are advised to coordinate with the Municipal Tourism Office for updates and further announcements regarding the closure and eventual reopening of the trails. | GPB
