Valencia to Close Mt. Talinis Trails

VALENCIA, Negros Oriental — The Municipality of Valencia will temporarily close the trails leading to Mt. Talinis starting November 1, 2026, to give the mountain’s ecosystem time to recover from the environmental impact of increasing human activity.

The temporary closure was ordered by Valencia Mayor Edgar Z. Teves Jr. through Executive Order No. 45, Series of 2026, signed on October 26, 2026. The order covers Mt. Talinis trails within the territorial jurisdiction of Valencia, Negros Oriental.

Under the executive order, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is directed to take the lead in implementing the temporary closure in close coordination with the Municipal Tourism Office.

Valencia Cites Environmental Damage and Growing Climber Numbers

According to the order, the number of climbers visiting Mt. Talinis has continued to increase, driven largely by growing interest in outdoor activities.

The municipal government said this growing volume of visitors has contributed to the deterioration of the mountain’s ecosystem, which has already sustained significant damage from years of continued human activity.

The temporary closure is intended to provide Mt. Talinis with a reasonable period of undisturbed recovery, allowing the environment to regenerate and helping maximize the mountain’s long-term benefits for local communities, particularly the residents of Valencia.

Local Government Cites Tourism Ordinance

The executive order also refers to Section 192 of Municipal Ordinance No. 05, Series of 2022, which established the Municipality of Valencia’s Tourism, Heritage, Culture and Arts Code.

The ordinance provides that the municipal government shall regulate entry into Mt. Talinis within its jurisdiction based on the mountain’s carrying capacity.

The order further cites provisions of the Local Government Code, Republic Act No. 7160, concerning the powers and responsibilities of local government units and their duty to promote public welfare, environmental protection, health and safety.

Closure Takes Effect November 1

Executive Order No. 45 states that the temporary closure will take effect on November 1, 2026. However, the document does not specify an end date or a reopening schedule for the affected trails.

Climbers and outdoor enthusiasts planning to visit Mt. Talinis should monitor official announcements from the Municipality of Valencia and its Municipal Tourism Office for further instructions and updates.

The temporary closure highlights the challenge of balancing outdoor tourism with the protection of Negros Oriental’s natural environment. By limiting human activity for a period of time, the municipal government aims to give the mountain’s ecosystem an opportunity to recover from the pressures associated with increased visitation.

Source: Executive Order No. 45, Series of 2026, Office of the Mayor, Municipality of Valencia, Negros Oriental