All trails leading to Mt. Talinis within the territorial jurisdiction of Valencia will be temporarily closed beginning November 1, 2026, following the issuance of Executive Order No. 45, Series of 2026.

Mayor Edgar Z. Teves Jr. signed the order on October 26, citing the need to allow the mountain’s ecosystem to recover from the effects of increasing climbing activity and years of human impact.

The Philippine National Police will implement the closure in coordination with the Municipal Tourism Office.

The executive order does not specify a reopening date. Hikers and tour organizers are advised to coordinate with the Valencia Tourism Office for updates before planning their climbs.

Mt. Talinis, also known as Cuernos de Negros, is a popular hiking destination in Negros Oriental.

Source: Local news reports on the Valencia municipal trail closure.

PAGASA has warned of rain showers and thunderstorms across parts of the Visayas, with potential hazards including flash floods and landslides. Its October 17 regional forecast calls for partly cloudy to cloudy skies with rain showers or thunderstorms, while specific thunderstorm advisories warn of moderate to heavy rainfall, lightning, and strong winds in affected areas.

For outdoor enthusiasts in Cebu and neighboring provinces, these conditions are a reminder to exercise caution when visiting waterfalls, rivers, mountain trails, and other natural attractions. Heavy rainfall can cause water levels to rise quickly and increase the risk of landslides, particularly in steep or mountainous terrain.

Safety reminder: Check the latest PAGASA weather bulletins and local disaster risk reduction advisories before heading outdoors. Avoid crossing swollen rivers and streams, and postpone trips to waterfalls or other flood-prone areas when heavy rain threatens.

Source: PAGASA — Visayas Regional Forecast

South Korean running influencer Yoo Ji-won reportedly died after collapsing near the finish line of the 2026 Seoul Race half-marathon on October 11. The cause of her death has not been officially confirmed in the reports cited.

The incident also highlights safety considerations for Philippine trail-running events, where steep terrain, humid conditions, and remote mountain routes can complicate emergency response.

For race organizers and participants, medical preparedness, reliable emergency communication, and clear evacuation procedures remain essential parts of endurance-event safety.

Source: SBS News; PHILTRA.

The Tawid Lake Balanan Trail Run 2026 is scheduled for November 28–29 at Lake Balanan Resorts in Siaton, Negros Oriental. Organized by Happy Feet Events and Columbia Trail Masters, the event features four race categories: 5 km, 10 km, 25 km, and 50 km.

Beyond trail running, the event supports a community initiative to provide a boat for pupils and teachers of Managubsob Elementary School who depend on crossing Lake Balanan for transportation.

Registration runs until October 31, 2026, with fees ranging from ₱1,350 to ₱3,500 depending on the race category.

Registration: https://planout.io/event/tawid-lake-balanan-trail-run-2026

The Maco de Oro Trail Ultra (MOTU) 2026 has reopened registration, introducing a new 75-kilometer category for runners pursuing Asia Trail Master Grandmaster Quest points.

Scheduled for December 12–13, 2026, at Maco Municipal Ground in Davao de Oro, the event features four race distances: 75K, 50K, 25K, and 15K, with registration fees ranging from ₱1,600 to ₱4,200. The race is affiliated with Asia Trail Master, PhilTRA, UTMB Index, and the ITRA National League 2026.

The organizers have announced limited slots for the reopened registration. Interested runners can check the official registration page for details.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) officially declared the end of the southwest monsoon, locally known as Habagat, on October 5, marking the end of the rainy season in the western sections of Luzon and the Visayas. The declaration followed a gradual shift in weather patterns, weakening southwest monsoon winds, and a decrease in associated rainfall.

The end of Habagat does not mean that rain will immediately stop across Cebu. Localized thunderstorms, other weather systems, and tropical cyclones can still bring rainfall. The country is also expected to transition toward the northeast monsoon, or Amihan, which PAGASA will declare when conditions warrant.

For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts in Cebu, the seasonal change may bring opportunities to explore mountain trails, waterfalls, and other natural destinations. However, trail conditions can vary depending on recent rainfall. Slippery paths, muddy slopes, and strong water currents may remain hazards even after several days of fair weather. Outdoor visitors are encouraged to check official forecasts and assess local conditions before traveling to remote areas.

Four members of a family, including two young children, were buried in a landslide at Sitio Kandsrong Riverside, Barangay Pulangbato, Cebu City, on October 9, 2026. Continuous rainfall and unstable ground hampered rescue operations, according to reports.

The incident highlights the dangers of landslides in communities located near slopes, especially during periods of prolonged rain. Saturated soil can become unstable, increasing the risk of sudden slope failures that threaten lives and property.

The incident also serves as a reminder for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to exercise caution when visiting Cebu’s mountains and trails during rainy weather. Avoid steep slopes and landslide-prone areas, monitor official weather advisories, and postpone outdoor activities when conditions become hazardous.

Source: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/4-family-members-buried-in-cebu-city-landslide

PAGASA is warning of thunderstorms and periods of heavy rain across Cebu, with the weather conditions capable of triggering flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.

The advisories cover several parts of Cebu as thunderstorms continue to develop across the province. Heavy rainfall may cause sudden rises in water levels, particularly in rivers and streams in mountainous areas.

For hikers and outdoor visitors, the conditions could affect trails, waterfalls and mountain access roads. River crossings may become hazardous, while saturated slopes can become more susceptible to landslides and falling debris.

Outdoor trips may therefore require extra caution, particularly on routes that pass through steep terrain, streams or areas with a history of flooding and landslides.

PAGASA advises the public to monitor the latest weather updates as conditions can change quickly during periods of thunderstorms.

Source: Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)

Trail runners will head to Alegria, Cebu on November 28–29, 2026, for the M4M Ultra Trail Alegria 2026, a two-day trail running event organized by Bakyard.

The event features four race categories: 50K, 30K, 15K, and 8K, with courses taking runners through the mountainous landscape around Mt. Lanaya and surrounding communities.

The longest course covers more than 55 kilometers with approximately 1,900 meters of elevation gain, while the 15K and 8K routes offer shorter options through the same rugged South Cebu landscape.

The event is part of the Miles for Minds initiative, with the organizers highlighting mental-health advocacy through the race.

More than 30 government agencies and partner organizations planted 775 trees and bamboo across two hectares in Barangay Sunog, Balamban, as part of a forest restoration effort in Mt. Manunggal.

The planting area is within the Central Cebu Protected Landscape, a protected area that contains important forest ecosystems and watersheds in Cebu. The species planted included indigenous forest trees, fruit trees and bamboo.

According to DENR Region 7, the activity aims to restore forest cover, support biodiversity and strengthen the ecological functions of the protected landscape.

For hikers, forest restoration in Mt. Manunggal can help protect the natural environment surrounding the trails. Healthy forests provide habitat for wildlife, help regulate water flow and support the streams and other water sources found in Cebu’s mountain areas.

Hikers visiting Mt. Manunggal and other parts of the Central Cebu Protected Landscape should stay on established trails, avoid damaging young trees and vegetation, and leave natural areas undisturbed as restoration efforts continue.

Source: DENR Region 7
Published: September 30, 2026