The Mount Apo Natural Park (MANP) has reached a significant milestone, marking its 22nd year as a legislated protected area. The anniversary, commemorated on February 3, 2026, celebrated the enactment of Republic Act No. 9237, also known as the Mt. Apo Protected Area Act of 2003.
The celebration brought together a diverse coalition of partners committed to preserving the natural heritage of Kidapawan City and the surrounding region. Representatives from the Local Government Units of Makilala and Magpet joined forces with the Energy Development Corporation (EDC), the Manobo Apao Descendants Ancestral Domain of Mt. Apo (MADADMA), and the 512th Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army.
DENR–PENRO Cotabato officials and Protected Area Community-Based Resource Management Agreement (PACBRMA) Holders from the communities of Ilomavis, Balabag, and Perez in Kidapawan City also participated in the event, underscoring the collaborative spirit that has sustained the protected area for over two decades.
Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines at 2,954 meters above sea level, is not only a biodiversity hotspot but also a vital watershed and a source of livelihood for indigenous communities and local farmers in Kidapawan City. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including the critically endangered Philippine eagle.
The 22nd anniversary celebration highlighted the importance of partnership between government agencies, private sector stakeholders, indigenous peoples, and local communities in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the protected area. Activities during the commemoration focused on reaffirming commitments to conservation, sustainable resource management, and community empowerment.
Kidapawan City, nestled at the foot of Mount Apo, continues to play a pivotal role in the stewardship of this national treasure. The city proximity to the natural park makes it a gateway for eco-tourism and environmental education in the Soccsksargen region.