• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The municipal government of Binalbagan in Negros Occidental issued a statement that “no registration, no entry” remains in effect at the Hermit mountain, a popular upland tourist destination in the town, contrary to reports that it was already lifted.
Mayor Alejandro Mirasol recently issued Executive Order No. 5, series of 2023, that limits to 300 the number of visitors at a given time, allowed entry to the Hermit mountain areas in Brgy. Bi-ao, Binalbagan.
Mirasol had also expressed his dismay on the trash left behind by visitors and tourists in the area, as he also clarified that the municipal government has not authorized anybody to collect entrance fees.
All tourists, leisure visitors, and visits for any other purposes of Hermit and Trese in Sitio Bulwang, Barangay Biao must register at least a day before the travel, at the Municipal Tourism Office, the advisory from the local government unit (LGU) said.
It added that the online registration, which is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday, is free.
The advisory also states the prohibition of motorcycles using open pipes, or modified mufflers. Motorcycle drivers are also not allowed to bring children to Mt. Hermit.
Brgy. Bi-ao in Binalbagan town used to be a hotbed of insurgency in the 1980s and early 1990s.
After roads going to the site were recently improved, it has become a popular destination for hikers, motorcycle riders, and families, for its scenic views and cool mountain winds, which is claimed to be similar to Baguio City.*
