The municipal government of Piddig in Ilocos Norte has temporarily closed Mount Lammin to visitors to prevent grassfires, starting on Monday, January 13.
Piddig town Mayor Georgina Guillen announced on social media that the closure aims to protect Mount Lammin’s natural resources, wildlife, and the local community.
The mountain, known for its cool climate and the largest coffee plantation in the Ilocos Region, attracts many visitors.
The municipality has taken proactive steps to mitigate grassfire risks, including monitoring visitor access, setting up checkpoints, and deploying local officials to safeguard the area.
Officials placed checkpoints in Barangay 22 (Boyboy Junction), along the Piddig-Carasi-Solsona highway, and in Barangay 18 Estancia near Sitio Utoy and Guisit.
Since authorities built a concrete road leading to the coffee plantation as part of a national convergence program, more young adventurers have visited Mount Lammin for its scenic views and camping spots.
However, concerns over fire safety and the Bureau of Fire Protection’s (BFP) limited capacity to manage forest fires prompted officials to take immediate action.
“This step not only prevents fires but also preserves cleanliness,” said Evangeline Barba, a netizen who expressed support for the temporary closure.
The municipal government continues to coordinate with the BFP, Philippine National Police (PNP), and community stakeholders to ensure Mount Lammin’s safety and preservation during the closure.
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a blog on Medium.