Two cave systems in EV declared protection areas

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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

TWO natural cave systems in the region have been placed under protection from treasure hunters, polluters and vandals, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

DENR-Eastern Visayas Executive Director Manolito Ragub said the Langun-Gobingob Caves in Calbiga and Sohoton Caves in Basey are classified for immediate conservation whose natural wealth and resources are placed under the protection and management of the government.

Langun-Gobingob and Sohoton Caves are classified by the DENR as Class II.

“Both have hazardous conditions and contain sensitive geological, archaeological, cultural, historical, and biological values or high quality ecosystems,” Ragub said.

Such caves are open to experienced spelunkers or caving enthusiasts and guided visits, although some portions may be closed seasonally or permanently for conservation purposes.

Ragub added the Langun-Gobingob and Sohoton Caves shall be under the administrative jurisdiction of the DENR in coordination with the Department of Tourism, National Museum of the Philippines, National Historical Institute, local government units of Calbiga and Basey, stakeholders from the academe, non-government organizations, and other government agencies.

However, the DENR may opt to delegate the management of the caves to the local government units concerned or other interested parties consistent with the public-private partnership policy of the government.

The Langun-Gobingob Caves cover some 2,968 hectares and is said to be the largest karst in the country and one of the largest in Southeast Asia. The cave system is composed of 12 caves that boast giant columns of stalactites and stalagmites, unique rock formations, underground water course, and springs.

On the other hand, Sohoton Caves cover an approximate area of 840 hectares. Fascinating geological features abound in the area such as cathedral-like caves, hugs, limestone boulders, rock holes, weathered rock formations, and underground rivers.

“A management plan is being prepared for each cave to consider all ecotourism, scientific, educational, and economic activities as well as monitoring and reclassification in the area,” Ragub said.

Classification of caves shall be a continuing process until such time that all caves in the region are classified and included in the country’s list of protected caves.

Since 2011, DENR-8 has already assessed four caves as part of its development and protection program.

These include the Gahoy Cave in Guiuan, Eastern Samar; R.M. Tan Cave in Neuva Sociedad, Ormoc City; Candonicot Cave in Bantigue, Isabel, Leyte; and Cathedral Cave in Bontoc village, Hindang, Leyte.

There are about 112 more caves in Eastern Visayas that need to be classified by the DENR-8 cave committee.

The Philippines has about 1,500 caves in the country, 38 percent of which are in Luzon, 37 percent in Mindanao and 25 percent in Visayas. (Leyte Samar Daily Express)

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