Five more caves classified

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 has assessed and classified another five caves in Central Visayas in 2012 adding to the 17 caves that were classified in 2011.

 The five caves are Bukilat Cave in San Francisco, Camotes Island, Cebu; Dos Andanas Cave in Cantipla, Tabunan, Cebu City; Katikyo Cave, in Bagacay Tambo Mabini, Bohol; Nangka Cave in San Isidro, Trinidad, Bohol; and Cantabon Cave, Cantabon, Siquijor.

The caves in Cebu and Siquijor were classified as Class 2, with areas or portions which have hazardous conditions and contain sensitive geological, archeological, cultural, historical and biological values or high quality ecosystem.

“It may be necessary to close sections of these caves seasonally or permanently. It is open to experienced cavers or guided educational tours or visits,” the report read.

The caves in Bohol were identified as Class 3, “generally safe to inexperienced visitors with no known threatened species and archeological, geological, natural history, cultural and historical values, the caves may also be utilized for economic purposes such as guano extraction and edible birds collection.”

DENR-7 regional executive director Isabelo R. Montejo said cave assessment and classification serves a very important role in identifying strategies to protect, conserve and manage the resources within and around them.

Cave assessment and classification is in line with the Republic Act No. 9072 otherwise known as the “National Caves and Caves Resources Management and Protection Act.”

Under this Act, DENR is tasked to formulate, develop and implement a national program for the management, protection and conservation of caves and cave resources with agencies such as the National Museum, National Historical Institute, Department of Tourism, and local government units concerned.

Data from the Protected Area, Wildlife, Coastal Zone and Management Services showed that 352 caves have been recorded, discovered and mapped since the start of the implementation of the Caves Management and Conservation Program in 1994 in Central Visayas.   (FREEMAN)