By CESAR JOLITO III
The Northern Negros Natural Park (NNNP) has reopened Tinagong Dagat to the public for a limited period, granting trekkers access to the site from January 22 to February 15, ahead of its scheduled temporary closure for environmental assessment and policy review.
The Protected Area Management Office of NNNP announced that applications for mountaineering permits are now being accepted at its satellite office located inside the Department of Environment and Natural Resources compound in Bacolod City’s Barangay 39.
The permitting process is open to both individual hikers and organized trekking groups.
Starting February 16, Tinagong Dagat — also known as Danao — will be closed to all visitors to allow authorities to conduct comprehensive ecological monitoring and environmental impact assessments.
The closure will also provide park managers with the opportunity to review and improve existing trekking guidelines to ensure the long-term sustainability and protection of the area.
NNNP Protected Area Superintendent Ma. Gina Consolacion Gerangaya said the temporary closure is a proactive step to preserve the site amid increasing interest from both local and foreign visitors.
“Tinagong Dagat is a precious ecological gem for Negros Occidental, and it is essential that our management practices keep pace with the growing number of trekkers. The reopening date will be announced once the assessments and policy enhancements are completed,” Gerangaya said.
Tinagong Dagat is situated on the slopes of Mount Mandalagan in Silay City, and is a unique natural formation created by an ancient volcanic crater.
The site is known for its seasonal transformation: during the dry months from December to May, the basin dries up into expansive grassy plains suitable for trekking and camping, while during the rainy season from June to December, it fills with water, forming a serene crater lake.
The attraction is part of the Northern Negros Natural Park, a protected area covering 70,826.16 hectares and spanning 11 local government units in Negros Occidental.
These include the cities of Talisay, Silay, Victorias, Cadiz, Sagay, and San Carlos, as well as the municipalities of E.B. Magalona, Toboso, Calatrava, Salvador Benedicto, and Murcia.
To minimize environmental impact, park authorities require all visitors to pass through designated access routes only.
Approved entry points are located in Barangay Patag in Silay City, Sitio Campuestohan in Talisay City, and Barangay Canlandog in Murcia.
Permit fees are set at P300 for Filipino citizens and P500 for foreign nationals.
A certified local guide is mandatory, with one guide assigned for every five climbers at a daily rate of P750.
Group size is limited to a maximum of 15 trekkers, with a weekly cap of 30 visitors.
Authorities urged prospective visitors to plan ahead and secure their permits early, as slots are limited and demand is expected to be high ahead of the temporary February closure./CJ, WDJ