KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) - Lake Holon, one of the most visited eco-adventure destinations in South Cotabato and Soccsksargen Region, is closed to visitors for its yearly rest and restoration beginning this week.

Rodel Hilado, tourism officer of the Municipality of Tboli confirmed in a radio interview the seventh temporary closure of Lake Holon to both local and international tourists. 

This yearly "rest period" will allow "Lake Holon to breathe and return to its natural state." 

Like in the past six years, Hilado said, several activities have been lined up while entry to the tourism spot is restricted. 

"Primary among these is the rehabilitation of Lake Holon, particularly, the camp site, the trails," he said.  

"Secondly, this is also a time when our partner institutions such as universities and colleges and government agencies, like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, will conduct biodiversity research and development studies in the area. 

In a previous interview with Philippine Information Agency, Hilado noted that because of a research activity, a trail leading to the camp site  was diverted to protect the habitat of an ant specie that is endemic to the area. 

"This is also a time to conduct community development activities and  trainings for workers in Lake Holon including tour guides, habal-habal drivers, and other frontline service providers," he said, which he added, is in accordance with our focus to promote Lake Holon as a community-based tourism enterprise.

Lake Holon will be re-opened on March 5, as one of the major events of LGU Tboli's Seslong Festival. 

Lake Holon is the caldera lake of Mt. Melibingoy, which is listed as an active volcano. The spot is a favorite destination for those seeking retreat or adventure trekking. 

Lake Holon was recognized as the cleanest inland body of water in the Philippines in 2003 and 2004. It is also listed among the world's Top 100 Sustainable Destinations in 2016 and 2017. (DED-PIA XII)