Hikers get ready; Mt. Pulag reopens one of its major trails

Kabayan, Benguet – Following its closure on February 23 due to a forest fire, the Akiki Trail, one of the major trails leading to the highest peak in Luzon, reopened on Thursday, March 7.

The resumption of trekking activities on the trail was announced on March 9 by the Mount Pulag Protected Landscape Area Management Office.

According to the office, the decision was made after an assessment by park management rangers, partners, and guides, who found that potential risks had been addressed.

However, the management emphasized that decisions to close the park will still be made when necessary.

Meanwhile, as monitoring of the El Niño phenomenon continues, visitors to the park are urged to take necessary precautions.

To recall, the closure was initiated by the management due to a forest fire that occurred at Lower Eddet in Kabayan, Benguet.

The trail, according to the office, has been impacted by the smoke from the forest fire.

Apart from the Akiki Trail, four major trails that visitors can trek to the summit include the Ambangeg and Tawangan trails from Benguet, and the Ambaguio trail from Nueva Vizcaya.

The Ambangeg Trail is reputed to be the simplest and safest route to the peak for novices.