BATANGAS — The local government of Cuenca, Batangas, has announced that Mount Maculot will remain closed to pilgrims, tourists, hikers, and mountaineers during the Holy Week. 

According to the Cuenca Tourism Office, they are still taking steps and coordinating with a group of consultants to study when it can be reopened to the public. 

Kapamilya Snaps: 10 actresses who bravely conquered mountains

Since 2020, a local executive order has been issued prohibiting all activities on the mountain due to the COVID pandemic. It has not been reopened since. 

The closure has also allowed for the natural rehabilitation of the mountain. 

Mount Maculot, with its summit towering 957 meters above sea level, has been a popular destination for hikers, mountain climbers, and devotees of the Virgin Mary for decades. 

One of its attractions is a grotto located in the middle of a steep slope, which attracts many pilgrims during Lent. 

According to the local government, they are taking the issue of reopening the mountain very seriously and want to do it in the most careful and thorough manner.

It added they are considering all factors, benefits, negative impacts, public opinion, and scientific data to ensure the proper balance between environmental impact, safety, and the economic benefits of reopening the mountain.