Valencia Mayor Edgar “Junjun” Teves has issued a stern warning against open-fire cooking practices on Mt. Talinis following a recent incident that has drawn widespread criticism from environmental advocates and local mountaineers across Negros Oriental.
The warning comes after photographs circulated on social media showing a group of campers allegedly using firewood for cooking during their ascent to the 1,700-meter peak, raising serious concerns about forest fire risks during the ongoing dry season.
During a meeting with locals involved in the open-fire cooking incident, Mayor Teves emphasized that the municipal government is taking decisive action to protect the area’s critical forest cover and water supply infrastructure.
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Watershed Protection Takes Priority
“Our watershed is the lifeblood of Valencia and neighboring towns. We cannot allow careless cooking that could spark a forest fire and damage our watershed,” Teves stated during the April 10, 2026 meeting.
Mt. Talinis serves as the primary water source for Valencia and surrounding communities, making its protection essential for regional water security. The mountain’s protected status requires strict adherence to environmental protocols, particularly during the dry months when vegetation becomes increasingly susceptible to fire damage.
According to the Facebook page Mt. Talinis – Our Home, Our Life, which first shared the controversial images, the group consisted of several campers and local visitors from Bong-bong, Valencia. The hikers reportedly passed through Camp Look-out via the Maiti Trail en route to Mt. Talinis Peak.
Stricter Enforcement of Climbing Regulations
To reinforce protection measures, Valencia continues to enforce its comprehensive “No Permit, No Guide, No Climb” policy on Mt. Talinis. This policy requires all hikers and visitors to obtain proper permits from the Municipal Tourism Office before beginning their ascent.
During the permit process, climbers receive mandatory briefings on fire prevention protocols and environmental regulations from accredited guides. These sessions cover proper waste disposal, camping etiquette, and specific restrictions on cooking methods within the protected area.
The accredited guide system serves as the first line of defense against environmental violations, with guides responsible for monitoring compliance throughout the climbing experience.
Growing Concerns Over Trail Monitoring
The recent incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about the Maiti Trail, which has reportedly become increasingly popular among local hikers. Environmental advocates note that the trail’s frequent use by residents from nearby barangays requires enhanced monitoring and regulation.
Mt. Talinis – Our Home, Our Life reminded the outdoor community about the strict no slash-and-burn policy within the Mt. Talinis Protected Area, emphasizing that these regulations apply to all forms of open-fire activity, including cooking and campfires.
The Facebook group’s post generated significant discussion among local mountaineers and environmental advocates, with many calling for stronger enforcement of existing regulations.
Formal Complaint Expected
According to information shared on social media platforms, a formal complaint is expected to be submitted to the Valencia Tourism Office regarding the recent incident. Officials plan to initiate dialogue with the individuals involved to address the violations and prevent similar occurrences.
The complaint process will likely result in enhanced scrutiny of permit applications and potentially stricter penalties for future violations of environmental protocols.
Mayor Teves indicated that violators will face appropriate sanctions, though specific penalties have not yet been disclosed. The mayor has called on accredited guides to increase their vigilance in monitoring trail activities and reporting potential violations.
Multi-Municipal Coordination Required
Environmental stakeholders have urged the local government units of Valencia, Bacong, and Dauin to strengthen coordination in monitoring and regulating access points to Mt. Talinis. The mountain’s ecosystem spans multiple municipal jurisdictions, requiring collaborative enforcement efforts.
The three municipalities share responsibility for different access points and trail systems leading to Mt. Talinis, making unified environmental policies essential for effective protection of the watershed area.
Officials from the participating municipalities are expected to meet in the coming weeks to discuss enhanced monitoring protocols and standardized enforcement procedures across all Mt. Talinis access points.
Dry Season Fire Prevention Measures
The timing of the incident has raised particular concern among environmental officials, as the Philippines typically experiences its driest conditions between March and May. During this period, forest fires can spread rapidly through dried vegetation, potentially causing irreversible damage to watershed areas.
Valencia’s tourism office has increased its emphasis on fire prevention education during permit briefings, providing specific guidance on alternative cooking methods that do not require open flames or burning wood materials.
The municipal government has also coordinated with local fire protection services to ensure rapid response capabilities in case of emergency situations on Mt. Talinis.
Environmental advocates continue to stress the importance of preserving Mt. Talinis not only for its natural beauty but for its critical role in supporting water security for thousands of residents across multiple municipalities in Negros Oriental.
Photo credit: Valencia Neg Or Tourism
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