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Mahagnao Volcano
Mahagnao Volcano
Mahagnao Volcano
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Mahagnao Volcano also known as part of (Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park) is a dormant stratovolcano located in the Barangay Mahagnao part of the municipality of Burauen province of Leyte, Philippines. It is also bounded by the municipalities of La Paz and MacArthur.[2] The area is mostly composed of wetland forests and also the birth of many rivers and streams flowing on many part of Burauen and on its neighboring towns.

Key Information

Because of numerous streams, rivers and similar kind bodies of water, Burauen has been known with its nicked name as the Spring Capital of Leyte. Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park is about 65 kilometers south of Tacloban City and 18 kilometers away from the town center of Burauen.

Physical Features

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The summit of the volcano is a steep-walled heavily forested crater that opens to the south with a peak elevation of 860 metres (2,820 ft). Located on the volcano flanks are fumaroles and mudpots.

On the southern flank of the volcano, two crater lakes are located, Lakes Danao and Malagsom. Hot Springs are located on the southern shore of Lake Danao (not to be confused with the other Lake Danao which is located near Ormoc City and part of Lake Danao Natural Park). Lake Malagsom is a crater lake with green acidic water.

Rocks primarily found on the volcano are andesite.

Eruptions

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An eruption was reported to have occurred in 1895. It is a preatic eruption [3]

Listings

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The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) classifies Mahagnao as Inactive volcano. Although the volcano has been inactive, it is classified as potentially active due to the active thermal features of the mountain.[1]

Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park

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Mahagnao Volcano is the focal point of the Mahagnao Volcano National Park created on August 27, 1937 with Proclamation No. 184 with an area encompassing 635 hectares (1,570 acres).[4][5] Under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the park was renamed to Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park with Proclamation No. 1157 on February 3, 1998.[6][5]

The 341-hectare Mahagnao Volcano and Natural Park, an ecotourism site which re-opened in June, 2022 is a new campsite with different natural attractions - a lake, falls, multi-colored mud, old-growth forest, with melastoma pods and a lagoon. Calor Hot Spring at the volcano's southern foot is heated by an active thermal feature. The Burauen LGU offers 2 tour packages -- the Tanguile and Bulkan trails which end at Malagsum Lake, which features the Philippine long-tailed macaque, green, acidic water and a sanctuary for about 2,000 wild ducks of varied species.[7][8]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Mahagnao Volcano

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from Grokipedia
Mahagnao Volcano is a potentially active andesitic stratovolcano located in Barangay Mahagnao, within the municipality of Burauen in Leyte province, central Philippines, rising to an elevation of 860 meters above sea level. Also known as Kasiboi or Casiboi, it features a forested landscape with a steep-walled summit crater open to the south, containing the acidic, green-colored Malagsom Lake, and is adjacent to the freshwater Danao Lake, which has hot springs along its southern shore. The volcano forms the core of the Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park, a protected area proclaimed as a national park in 1937 and further designated as a protected landscape in 2018, renowned for its biodiversity, including virgin forests, waterfalls, multi-colored mud springs, and a lagoon that supports around 2,000 wild ducks in Malagsom Lake. No confirmed historical eruptions are recorded for Mahagnao, with only an uncertain report from that has been discredited, and its typical eruption style, if active, would be . Currently classified as potentially active by PHIVOLCS with normal activity levels, the volcano shows no signs of impending eruption as of 2025. The natural park has emerged as a key eco-tourism site, offering trails like the Tanguile Trail for forest immersion and the Bulkan Trail to the 's summit, along with camping facilities and guided tours that highlight its geological and ecological features.

Location and Geography

Coordinates and Regional Setting

Mahagnao Volcano is situated at coordinates 10.8805°N, 124.8651°E, with a summit elevation of 860 meters above sea level. Administratively, the volcano lies within Barangay Mahagnao in the Municipality of Burauen, Leyte Province, Eastern Visayas Region (Region VIII), Philippines, and shares boundaries with the adjacent municipalities of La Paz and MacArthur. The surrounding Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park extends into La Paz municipality. Geologically, it forms part of the in central Island, associated with the tectonically active Philippine Mobile Belt, where along the drives volcanic activity across the region. The volcano is approximately 65 kilometers south of Tacloban City and 70 kilometers northeast of Ormoc City, positioning it within a of forested uplands and rural communities. Access to the volcano and the surrounding Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park is primarily by road from Tacloban City, involving a 45-60 kilometer drive via the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway through and , taking about 1.5 to 2 hours by bus or private vehicle; the nearest airport is in Tacloban. Entry to the park can be made from via Barangay San Esteban or from MacArthur via Barangay Palale, with roads generally paved but featuring winding sections through hilly terrain.

Topographical Features

Mahagnao Volcano is a dormant rising to a of 860 meters (2,820 ft) above . Its overall shape features a classic conical form typical of stratovolcanoes, capped by a steep-walled, heavily forested that opens to the . The volcano's surrounding terrain consists of densely forested slopes that descend gradually from the to adjacent lowlands, creating an undulating interspersed with rivers and valleys. On the flanks, multi-colored mud pools add distinctive topographical variation, formed by hydrothermal activity that colors the soil in vibrant hues. Fumaroles in these areas indicate ongoing subsurface . Mahagnao Volcano integrates seamlessly with the 341-hectare Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park, where its varied topography supports exploration of the physical landforms within a protected setting.

Geological Characteristics

Rock Composition and Formation

Mahagnao Volcano is composed primarily of , a typical of calc-alkaline associated with zones. The volcano formed as part of the system, resulting from the westward of the Philippine Sea Plate beneath the Sunda Plate along the . This tectonic interaction generates in the mantle wedge, producing the andesitic magmas that built the edifice over time. Geological mapping indicates that Mahagnao is a volcano with activity. Mahagnao lies within a complex tectonic setting influenced by the left-lateral strike-slip Philippine Fault, which traverses central and intersects the . This fault zone accommodates oblique convergence and may have facilitated ascent through structural weaknesses, contributing to the volcano's formation and seismic activity. The interplay of subduction-driven and fault-related underscores the volcano's evolution as a in this active environment.

Volcanic Structures and Thermal Features

Mahagnao Volcano features a prominent summit crater characterized by steep walls and dense , forming a southern-open depression that houses the primary volcanic vent. This reflects the stratovolcanic morphology typical of andesitic edifices in the , contributing to its overall stability. On the southern flank, notable volcanic landforms include two lakes: Malagsom, an acidic with a distinctive hue, and Danao, a freshwater lake situated at approximately meters with an irregular shoreline. Hot springs emerge along the southern shore of Lake Danao, indicative of subsurface . These features are complemented by fumaroles that emit and volcanic gases, as well as boiling mud pots scattered across the flanks, signaling persistent low-level thermal activity. The thermal manifestations extend to solfatara fields on the flanks, where fumarolic emissions and associated hydrothermal systems demonstrate ongoing geothermal processes without recent eruptive activity. Sulfur deposits are commonly observed around these vents, underscoring the acidic nature of the hydrothermal environment, particularly evident in the low of Malagsom Lake and surrounding mud pots.

Eruption History

Prehistoric and Geological Activity

Mahagnao Volcano, an andesitic in central , , is part of the and exhibits geological evidence of prehistoric activity through volcanic deposits, including alternating layers of pyroclastic materials and lava flows. These deposits reflect episodic construction over the period within the eastern Philippine linked to along the . Radiometric dating of volcanic rocks in the broader region indicates ages ranging from approximately 2.5 million years ago in the late to 0.4 million years ago in the middle Pleistocene, though specific dating for Mahagnao itself is not available. The volcano's activity patterns during this prehistoric period likely involved intermittent effusive phases, characterized by andesitic lava flows that built the steep-walled summit crater, interspersed with explosive events producing pyroclastic deposits. This behavior aligns with typical dynamics of andesitic stratovolcanoes in the Philippine arc, where composition and regional favor moderate-scale eruptions rather than cataclysmic events. Stratigraphic records from the region show no evidence of major Plinian eruptions at Mahagnao, with deposits indicating localized explosive activity confined to Vulcanian or Strombolian styles that did not generate widespread fallouts. Regional seismic activity, driven by the nearby Philippine Fault, has influenced flank instability in the Leyte volcanic region. Volcanic ash layers in have contributed to soil enrichment, enhancing fertility through nutrient inputs like and in the humid tropical environment.

Historical Eruptions and Current Status

The historical record of eruptions at Mahagnao Volcano is sparse and largely unconfirmed. The only reported historical event is a possible explosion in 1895, which allegedly produced steam and ash emissions from the volcano's crater lakes; however, this occurrence is discredited due to a lack of corroborating details or reliable eyewitness accounts. Subsequent reviews by Philippine volcanological authorities, including the Commission on Volcanology, have questioned its validity, noting no other documented impacts or observations from that period. No confirmed eruptions are recorded between 1800 and 1895. Local accounts suggest potential minor activity in the 1860s, possibly involving fumarolic increases or small steam vents, but these reports remain unverified and unsupported by geological evidence or official logs. As of the latest assessments, Mahagnao Volcano is classified as potentially active by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), with low hazard potential despite ongoing thermal features indicating residual geothermal activity. Monitoring efforts, though limited compared to more active Philippine volcanoes, include seismic networks that have detected only baseline minor tremors with no signs of volcanic unrest as of 2023. PHIVOLCS maintains vigilance through regional stations, such as in nearby . As of November 2025, no indications of impending eruption have been reported.

Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park

Establishment and Management

Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park was initially established as Mahagnao on August 27, 1937, through Proclamation No. 184, which designated approximately 635 hectares of land in the municipalities of and , , for preservation of its scenic and natural features under the administration of the Bureau of Forestry. On February 3, 1998, it was renamed Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park and formally declared a under Proclamation No. 1157, maintaining the original boundaries while subjecting it to the National Integrated Protected Areas (NIPAS) framework for enhanced conservation. Subsequent surveys adjusted the core zone to 341 hectares to focus protection efforts more precisely on the volcanic and ecological core. The park is administered by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 8 through its Superintendent's Office and the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), which oversees policy implementation, resource allocation, and stakeholder coordination in line with Republic Act No. 7586 (NIPAS Act of 1992). Community involvement is integral to operations, with local residents organized into people's organizations such as the Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park Association, serving as guides, site maintainers, and beneficiaries of revenues to promote sustainable local livelihoods. In 2018, the park was reaffirmed as a protected area under Republic Act No. 11038, the Expanded NIPAS Act, classifying it as a under IUCN Management Category II () to prioritize conservation and sustainable use within its 340.82-hectare extent. It was temporarily closed during the , limiting access for over two years, before reopening on June 22, 2022, as the final in to resume operations, with strict health protocols enforced. By 2024, DENR-led initiatives included updated waste management protocols and community-driven sustainability activities, such as planning events under the theme "Be Part of the Plan," to address environmental pressures from increasing visitation. Operations emphasize with visitor capacity capped at 150 per day to mitigate overuse and protect habitats, requiring pre-registration via official channels. Entrance fees stand at PHP 30 for adults and PHP 15 for students as of 2024, with reduced or waived rates for seniors, persons with disabilities, and children under 7; cottage rentals are available at PHP 600 to support day-use facilities while generating funds for maintenance.

Attractions and Infrastructure

Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park offers a variety of natural attractions that draw visitors seeking immersive experiences in its volcanic landscape. Key sites include Lake Danao, the park's largest body of water spanning 16 hectares and suitable for and , providing serene paddling opportunities amid surrounding forests. Nearby, Malagsom Lake, a with acidic green waters, serves as a prime spot for , hosting around 2,000 wild ducks and attracting enthusiasts to observe species like the and wandering whistling duck. Calor Hot Spring, located on the southern flank, features warm sulfur-rich waters ideal for soaking and relaxation, complemented by multi-colored mud pools that showcase volcanic thermal activity. Mahagnao Falls, also known as Guin-aniban Falls, offers scenic river fording and swimming spots along the Marabong River trail. The park supports diverse outdoor activities centered on its forested terrain. A prominent 10.5-mile trail, known as the Bulkan Trail, leads to the through dense woods, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the twin lakes and occasional sightings of Philippine monkeys. For a gentler experience, the Tanguile provides a path for forest bathing, or , involving leisurely walks and rests over two hours to foster relaxation amid ancient trees. has gained popularity since early 2024, with sites accommodating 5-10 groups weekly, primarily on weekends, and options for rentals at PHP300 including blankets or PHP200 for personal tents. Additional pursuits include river tubing along park streams and guided on the lakes, emphasizing eco-friendly engagement with the environment. Infrastructure within the prioritizes visitor comfort while maintaining . Cottages and rest areas are available near freshwater resorts and the DENR eco-lodge, offering shaded spots for picnics and overnight stays, alongside viewpoints overlooking the lakes and falls. Eco-friendly facilities, such as ecological toilets and showers at the eco-lodge, support low-impact . Guided tours are mandatory for safety on trails and areas, with packages typically including local guides, meals like native buffets, and access fees, ensuring structured visits to sensitive sites like the hot springs and mud pools. Visitor numbers have increased following the park's reopening in June 2022, after a two-year closure, with a daily capacity capped at 150 to manage crowds. By , reports highlight growing interest in and , contributing to the park's emergence as an eco-tourism hub, though access remains best during the from to May for optimal trail conditions.

Ecology and Conservation

Biodiversity and Habitats

Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park features a range of distinct habitats shaped by its volcanic origins and , including virgin dipterocarp forests, wetlands surrounding the three lakes—freshwater Lake Mahagnao, acidic Lake Malagsum, and Lake Matigbao—riparian zones near geothermal hot springs along the southern shore of Lake Mahagnao, and multi-colored mud springs. The elevation gradient from 417 to 620 meters fosters diverse microclimates, transitioning from moist lowland forests to higher-elevation that supports varied ecological niches. These habitats, encompassing approximately 341 hectares, provide essential services such as water regulation and . The park's flora is dominated by dipterocarp species in the surrounding forests, with Tanguile (Shorea polysperma) forming key components of the canopy along trails like the Tanguile Trail. Wetlands around Lake Mahagnao, the largest at 16 hectares, host 96 recorded species, including aquatic and semi-aquatic adapted to the lake's conditions. Local communities utilize some for traditional purposes, though detailed ethnobotanical surveys remain limited. Faunal diversity is particularly notable among birds, with 57 species documented across the park and 28 identified specifically around Lake Mahagnao. Lake Malagsum, an acidic , serves as a critical refuge for thousands of wild ducks, including migratory and resident populations of wandering whistling ducks (Dendrocygna arcuata), Philippine ducks (Anas luzonica), and mallards (Anas platyrhynchos); as of 2024, the duck population has been observed to be rising. Amphibians and thrive in the moist forest and wetlands, while the absence of large mammals highlights the park's focus on smaller, specialized ; caves within the park potentially support bat populations. The park lies within the , a region encompassing where forests harbor over 1,000 plant , approximately 53% of which are endemic to the . This rate reflects the area's role in conserving unique evolutionary lineages, with the park's intact habitats protecting amid broader regional threats to .

Protection Efforts and Challenges

Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park (MVNP) is designated as a under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) pursuant to Republic Act No. 7586, with management strategies emphasizing biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. The 2018-2022 management plan, developed through stakeholder consultations including local government units and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), prioritized community-based protection initiatives to combat threats like habitat degradation and enhance ecological functions such as watershed protection; similar priorities continue to guide efforts as of 2025. Key efforts include habitat restoration programs, with DENR targeting approximately 100 hectares within the park and surrounding protected areas for using indigenous species like white lauan and tanguile to rehabilitate denuded zones. Challenges persist despite these measures, including and , which threaten the park's forested ecosystems and , as identified in the management plan. The park's reopening to tourists in June 2022, following restrictions, has increased visitor numbers and recreational pressures on trails and lakes, potentially exacerbating and waste issues without adequate infrastructure. Climate change impacts, such as variable , may indirectly affect lake levels and water quality, though site-specific data remains limited. Local communities play a vital role in conservation, with the Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park Ecotourism Association (MVNPEA)—comprising residents from , —managing community-based activities like guided treks and to generate sustainable livelihoods while promoting . These efforts align with national guidelines for eco-friendly , emphasizing minimal environmental impact and revenue sharing with locals. Looking ahead, DENR and partners continue baseline biodiversity assessments to inform long-term strategies, with the park's 22.46-hectare supporting expanded protection under the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2024-2040, though specific expansions for 2025-2030 remain in planning stages.

References

  1. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223636
  2. https://www.volcanodiscovery.com/mahagnao.html
  3. https://volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=272070
  4. https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/
  5. https://lawphil.net/executive/proc/proc1998/proc_1157_1998.html
  6. https://peakvisor.com/peak/mt-mahagnao.html
  7. https://mindtrip.ai/attraction/burauen-visayas/mahagnao-volcano/at-9zSEZqSG
  8. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590056020300062
  9. https://burauenleyte.gov.ph/
  10. https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Ormoc/Mahagnao-Volcano
  11. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085198
  12. https://www.leytesamardailynews.com/mahagnao-volcano-natural-park-attracts-more-visitors/
  13. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/tacloban/local-news/leytes-mahagnao-volcano-natural-park-reopens
  14. https://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2022/5116/sir20225116_appendix1_table1.1.xlsx
  15. https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2020JB020052
  16. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265784809_Configuration_of_the_Geothermal_Prospects_in_the_Leyte_Geothermal_Reservation_Philippines_and_Implications_of_a_Volcano-Tectonic_Framework_in_Exploration
  17. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0743954797000020
  18. https://rafhladan.is/bitstream/handle/10802/23381/UNU-GTP-1997-10.pdf?sequence=1
  19. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263026624_Genesis_of_soils_across_a_late_Quaternary_volcanic_landscape_in_the_humid_tropical_island_of_Leyte_Philippines
  20. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/fact-check/no-prediction-three-volcanic-eruptions-leyte-july-1-2023/
  21. https://lawphil.net/executive/proc/proc1937/proc_184_1937.html
  22. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/345758157_Economic_Valuation_of_Protected_Area%27s_Ecosystem_Services_The_Case_of_Mahagnao_Volcano_Natural_Park_MVNP_in
  23. https://pais.bmb.gov.ph/home/info/DENRR800003
  24. https://moderncampground.com/asia/philippines/mahagnao-volcano-natural-park-leytes-emerging-eco-tourism-and-camping-destination/
  25. https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2018/ra_11038_2018.html
  26. https://www.protectedplanet.net/14736
  27. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177366
  28. https://r8.emb.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/PDS-Fr.-Eduardo-Celiz-OAR.pdf
  29. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298462-d2039495-Reviews-Mahagnao_National_Park-Leyte_Island_Visayas.html
  30. https://www.scribd.com/document/455263818/Annex-H-MVNP-Management-Plan-CY-2018-2022-pdf
  31. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225326
  32. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177587
  33. https://www.facebook.com/MahagnaoEcotourism/
  34. https://bmb.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PBSAP_2024-2040.pdf
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