Apo

Apo is a name used for several places in the Philippines and, in uppercase form, for various acronyms. Notable geographic uses include Mount Apo, Apo Island, and Apo Reef Natural Park. The term is also encountered as an acronym in other contexts.

Mount Apo is the highest peak in the Philippines, with an elevation of about 2,954 meters above sea level. It is a stratovolcano on the island of Mindanao, near Davao City and the town of Kidapawan. Mount Apo lies within Mount Apo National Park, a protected area established to conserve the region’s biodiversity. The mountain is a prominent destination for hikers and is associated with various endemic species, including the Philippine eagle.

Apo Island is a small volcanic island off the coast of Dauin, Negros Oriental. It hosts a community-managed marine sanctuary and coral reef system that supports a diverse marine life, including sea turtles. Apo Island is a well-known site for snorkeling and scuba diving and has been cited as a model of community-based reef management.

Apo Reef Natural Park is located in the Sablayan area of Occidental Mindoro. The reef system is one of the largest in the world and is recognized as a protected area. It is a major destination for divers, attracting visitors who explore its extensive coral habitats and marine biodiversity.

In other uses, APO (or apo in various contexts) is an acronym for Army Post Office, a designation used in mail routing to military personnel. The term apo is also used as a biochemistry prefix (apo-) meaning the protein portion lacking its prosthetic group, as in apoprotein or apoenzyme.