Environmental officials have ordered the temporary closure of Lake Holon in South Cotabato province after a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake triggered landslides on the slopes of Mt. Melibengoy.
Maria Elvira V. Lumayag, the officer-in-charge regional executive director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Soccsksargen region, issued the immediate shutdown order Monday. The directive halts all tourism and trekking activities within the area.
“This temporary closure is being implemented to ensure the safety and security of all visitors while the concerned authorities conduct a thorough assessment of the extent of the damage and evaluate potential hazards in the area,” Lumayag said.
The closure will remain in effect until further notice and until environmental and safety inspectors deem the site safe for the public.
Lumayag urged prospective travelers to contact the Protected Area Management Board of the Allah Valley Protected Landscape or the municipal government of T’boli for guidance.
Lake Holon is a crater lake situated inside Mt. Melibengoy, an active volcano also known as Mt. Parker, in the town of T’boli.
Frequently called the “Crown Jewel of the South” by local tourism officials, the lake is famous for its emerald waters and surrounding biodiversity.
