Mount Apo is a large solfataric, potentially-active stratovolcano in the island of Mindanao, Philippines. With an altitude of 2,954 metres (9,692 ft), it is the highest mountain in the country and is located between Davao City and Davao del Sur province in Region XI and Cotabato province in Region XII. The peak overlooks Davao City 40 kilometres (25 mi) to the northeast, Digos City 25 kilometres (16 mi) to the southeast, and Kidapawan City 20 kilometres (12 mi) to the west.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) submitted Mount Apo on December 12, 2009 for inclusion in the UNESCO world heritage list. The mountain is considered by DENR as the center of endemism in Mindanao. It has one of the highest land-based biological diversity in terms of flora and fauna per unit area. It has three distinct forest formations, from lowland tropical rainforest, to mid-mountain forests, and finally to high mountain forests.

"The Mt. Apo which is the highest peak in the Philippines is home to the world famous Monkey Eating Eagle or the Philippine eagle. If we build such a stairway, their habitat will be affected & their extinction will be sooner than expected."

"Ang mga bundok ay di para sa lahat ng klase ng turista. Pag nagka hagdan na jan halos lahat pupunta jan, mg pi picnic, ung mga walang alam sa ano dapat gawin. Dadami ang basura mabubulabog ang mga hayop...National Park nga dapat protected lalo, dapat nga I LIMIT ang umaakyat ng APO ng di matulad sa Mt. Pulag. "

"Leave the mountain alone. Do not ruin its majestic beauty and disturb its habitats by senseless and invasive structures.Only a few tourist actually want to climb its summit. "