Mount Apo their ascent. Tourism in the region was threatened due to a massive haze engulfing the slopes of the mountain. The mountain later recovered after the government and local stakeholders initiated a holistic recovery plan for the entire national park. The mountain is home to over 272 bird species, 111 of which are endemic to the area. It is also home to one of the world's largest eagles, the critically endangered Philippine eagle, which is the country’s national bird. Lakes – There are four major lakes in Mt. Apo . Popular of these are Lake Agco, used to be called "The
Mount Apo is said to be named after a nobleman named Apong, who was killed while mediating the battle between two suitors of his daughter Saribu. Apo is various local languages mean "grandfather", "master", "grandson", and "wise elder". On May 9, 1936, Mount Apo was declared a national park with "Proclamation No. 59" by President Manuel L. Quezon, followed by "Proclamation No. 35" of May 8, 1966, then "Proclamation No. 882" of September 24, 1996. On February 3, 2004, the approval of "Republic Act No. 9237" established Mount Apo as a protected area under the category of "natural park" with an area