BAGUIO CITY — The management of Mt. Pulag, in an advisory, announced it is temporarily closing two campsites for rehabilitation and clean-up.

This comes after staff of the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) observed that Campsites 1 and 2 are littered with garbage, probably left by hikers and trekkers. "Due to this, Campsites 1 & 2 will be temporarily closed to allow for rehabilitation and to instill discipline among visitors," the advisory stated.

According to Mt. Pulag Protected Landscape (MPPL) Protected Area Superintendent Emerita B. Albas, they will impose penalties on campers found to have left their trash at the site. She said the reopening of the campsites will be announced once they are deemed suitable for use again.

The management is requiring campers to carry out their trash and use reusable water containers to prevent littering and minimize environmental impacts.

"We urge all visitors to practice Leave No Trace principles and help preserve the natural beauty of Mt. Pulag," the advisory stated.

Mt. Pulag National Park is the highest peak in Luzon and the second highest mountain in the Philippines, with an elevation of 2,922 meters above sea level. Mt. Pulag was proclaimed a National Park by virtue of Pres. Proclamation No. 75 on 20 February 1987, covering an area of 11,550 hectares. It was established to protect and preserve the natural features of the area, such as its outstanding vegetation and wildlife. It belongs to the Cordillera Biogeographic Zone in Northern Luzon. Mt. Pulag is a National Integrated Protected Areas Program (NIPAP) site.