LUCENA CITY, Philippines — With the onset of the Lenten season, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued a firm reminder that Mt. Banahaw and the adjacent Mt. San Cristobal remain off-limits to religious pilgrims, mountaineers, and tourists.
The announcement was made on February 21, 2026, as authorities move to enforce protection for the “Mts. Banahaw–San Cristobal Protected Landscape,” which straddles the provinces of Quezon and Laguna.
Key Details of the Closure:
- Off-Limit Zones: The inner sanctuaries and peaks remain closed to the public. Strict enforcement is being implemented in the popular pilgrimage villages of Kinabuhayan and Sta. Lucia in Dolores, Quezon.
- Purpose: The closure, which originally began in 2004, is intended to allow the mountain to recover from decades of environmental degradation caused by heavy foot traffic. Prior to the shutdown, more than 500,000 visitors would climb the mountain during Holy Week alone.
- Legal Warnings: DENR forest ranger Magtanggol Barrion warned that violators face prosecution under Republic Act No. 9847, which designates these mountains as protected areas. Penalties for trespassing in “strict protection zones” can include:
- Imprisonment: Six months to six years.
- Fines: ₱500,000 to ₱5,000,000.
- Enforcement: Forest rangers, along with local police and volunteers, are patrolling established trails and monitoring known entry points to prevent “intruders” from reaching the restricted summits.
Limited Access to “Cultural Zones”
While the peaks are closed, certain areas at the base of the mountain remain accessible as designated “cultural and recreational areas.” These spots allow for traditional rituals, camping, and nature-tripping, provided visitors follow strict garbage disposal and peace and order regulations.