KORONADAL, South Cotabato (PIA) -- Lake Holon, one of South Cotabato’s most visited adventure destinations, will be closed to local and foreign visitors effective Jan. 6, 2024, for its yearly breather.

Tboli Mayor Keo Dayle Tuan issued Municipal Order No. 62 last December, mandating the temporary closure of Lake Holon effective this month.

Citing Section 20 of the Municipal Ordinance No. 133 series of 2016, Tuan noted “tourism site conservation and protective activities, closing off of certain areas of the cave, forest mountain, lakes, and others to visitors at certain times of the year or for several years to allow ecosystems to ‘breathe’ or revert to their natural state."

The annual closure aims to conserve the ecosystem surrounding Lake Holon and enhance the overall experience for visitors and communities, he pointed out.

Lake Holon will be reopened in March, in time for Tboli’s Seslong Festival.

Lake Holon was named the cleanest inland body of water in the entire Philippines in 2003 and 2004 and among the world’s “Top 100 Sustainable Destinations” in 2016 and 2017.

It is the crater lake of Mt. Melebingoy in Tboli town and is situated 1,218.16 meters above sea level. It is also part of the 6,400-hectare Lake Holon Conservation Park.

Lake Holon, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, is a favorite destination for visitors who seek adventure, commune with nature, and escape from the busy urban life. Part of the adventure is a 3- to 5-hour trek, depending on a climber’s ability, under a lush forest cover.

Meanwhile, Tuan explained that during the two months when visitors are not allowed entry to Lake Holon, the municipal government and its partners will implement ecosystem conservation activities and rehabilitation of the site’s facilities.

Also during this time, the LGU will equip tourism frontliners by conducting training and refresher courses for habal-habal drivers, tour guides, porters, and other stakeholders.

“By implementing a closing time, the local authorities aim to minimize the impact of human activities on the delicate ecosystems around Lake Holon. This measure aligns with our commitment to preserving the flora and fauna that make this destination unique,” the local government explained in a post on their Lake Holon Facebook page.

It was further said that preventing the entry of visitors also supports the conservation of the indigenous wildlife in Lake Holon and contributes to maintaining the ecological balance in the area.

“The emphasis on retraining, retooling, and service improvement is integral to the long-term sustainability and success of Lake Holon as a premier tourist destination. By investing in our community and service providers, we not only enrich their capabilities but also contribute to the holistic development of Lake Holon as a world-class destination,” the statement emphasized.

According to Rodel Hilado, municipal tourism officer, Friday, January 5, was the last day they allowed the last set of visitors for this season to enter Lake Holon, just before the closing rites on Saturday.

Tboli was honored as the grand winner for “Best Tourism-Oriented Local Government Unit (Municipal Level) in the 2023 Pearl Awards by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines. (DED - PIA SOCCSKSARGEN)