ECOTOURISM destination, Lake Holon, will be temporarily closed to trekkers and visitors starting Jan. 3, 2026, until March, DENR Soccsksargen announced Monday.
The announcement came on the heels of the Municipal Executive Order No. 63 issued by Tboli, South Cotabato, recommending the “Temporary Closure of Lake Holon to Local and International Visitors.”
“The closure, which is practiced annually, is an essential conservation measure aimed at protecting the lake’s biodiversity, preserving water quality, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Lake Holon as a natural and cultural heritage site,” it said.
“Limiting human activity during this period helps maintain the ecological balance of the area and supports responsible ecotourism practices,” it added.
Lake Holon is within the Allah Valley Protected Landscape, and is governed by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB).
DENR Soccsksargen added that LGU T’boli is currently in the process of its application for a Special Use Agreement in Protected Area (SAPA).
The agency said the closure is within the bounds of national environmental laws and sustainable protected area management principles, including the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) framework.
Councilor Kirk Tuan, municipal committee chairman on Tourism, announced the closure will give way for ecosystem recovery, environmental protection, and restoration of the lake to its natural state.
“The purpose of this closure is to provide the ecosystem of Lake Holon sufficient time to ‘breathe,” regenerate, and recover from the effects of continuous human activity, thereby ensuring its long-term sustainability and preservation for-future generations,” Tuan said.
The lake is targeted to reopen before the commencement of the Seslong Festival in March 2026.
“Your cooperation and understanding are highly appreciated as we work together to protect and preserve Lake Holon, the Crown Jewel of the South,” Tuan stressed.
