Davao City seeks DENR approval for trail in Tagurano

DAVAO City Councilor Temujin “Tek” Ocampo said the city government is seeking approval from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to construct a trail in the highlands of Barangay Tagurano, following the recent visit of Councilor Bernie Al-ag to the area.

Ocampo, chairman of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, said they are waiting for the DENR to approve the route so that Dabawenyos and other tourists can enjoy the area. He noted that the application must undergo a strict and rigorous process, during which it may take a long time for the application to be approved.

“Until this application is approved by the DENR, the trekking location in Tagurano will remain closed and the business establishments will cease their unlawful activities,” he said during his privilege speech on Tuesday morning, October 22, 2024, at the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

He said as legislators, they must set an example for the people of Davao City by adhering to the laws.

In addition, Councilor Diosdado Mahipus Jr. note that lawmakers, as the author of the Ordinance Governing Recreational Activities within the Watershed Areas of Davao City, must send the right message to the public. He asserted that the cease and desist order must be followed and respected.

“Bawal talaga tayo na magpunta doon na wala tayong approved a path and then the city government wanted to approve a path but that particular area kasi is part of the protected area, it is already at the foot of Mount Apo (it is prohibited to go there especially when we don’t have an approved path, and the city government wants to approve a path, but that particular area is part of the protected area, it is already at the foot of Mount Apo),” he said.

Meanwhile, Councilor Bernie Al-ag noted that the documents only mentioned the closure of the branches, and not that the path should not be walked. He said Barangay Tagurano passed a resolution requesting the Davao city government to regulate hiking activities in the area.

Al-ag said he visited the area despite warnings from the Bantay Bukid and the Purok leader because he was invited there. He noted that five months after the closure, many residents had lost their livelihoods, and he wanted to check on people.

“Five months is a very long time to have no income, and five months is a very long time for Dabawenyos not to enjoy the hiking trail in the area,” he said.

He then urged lawmakers to expedite the resolution of the situation in the Tagurano highlands and challenged Ocampo to visit the area so they could craft policies that would benefit the community. He stated that they would obtain permits from the DENR to access the area.

Reason for closure

Ocampo said Barangay Captain Danilo Camarillo of Tagurano revealed during one of the commission hearings earlier this year that there had been several cases of encroachment on the area, especially at Battlefield and other trekking locations. The captain also inquired whether he had the authority to deny hikers access to the area to protect the environment.

The councilor explained that the Tagurano highlands are a watershed and thus fall under the Watershed Conservation Areas of Davao City, the new Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), the Mount Apo National Park-Protected Area Management Office (MANP-PAMO), and the area is part of the Protected Area Management Board and the National Integrated Protected Areas System. Camarillo then cited these designations to justify denying hikers and walkers access to the area.

The councilor noted that under City Ordinance Number 0675-21, Series 2021, Section 5 old and new draw sites in environmentally critical areas must receive prior approval from the Watershed Management Council.

Section 5 of the ordinance specifies that the Barangay Captain of the area shall develop methods for implementing measures to establish a safety outpost and provide information on the regulations under the ordinance prior to any recreational activity.

Closed by the DENR

The DENR has imposed cease and desist orders on eight establishments in the area, alleging that the increased number of people passing through the area has caused environmental damage and that the area should be closed to the public.

The eight branches that were closed include Seven Eleven, Angel’s View, Land of Peace, Lantaw Dabaw, Campo Rastam Battlefield, Capitol and Walaway.

Barangay Tagurano passed Resolution Number 17, Series of 2024, adopting the DENR cease-and-desist order. The barangay stressed the need for rehabilitation, citing unauthorized entries.

Ocampo said walkers and trekkers were tolerated by the barangay before the closure; However, due to the influx of people and garbage in the area, along with invasion plans on the highlands, the barangay captain expressed his concerns, leading to the closure.

He claimed that the establishments should not have been located in the area in the first place as it is a protected area. He said the barangay could provide other areas where entrepreneurs can continue their livelihoods.

However, Al-ag argued that there is a legal remedy for companies to stay there. He stated that business owners can obtain approval from the PAMB and DENR. R.G.P