CEBU, Philippines - To ensure sustainability and protection against exploitation, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 has approved management plans for four caves in the region.
The regional environment agency through the Protected Area Wildlife Coastal Zone Management Services recently approved the management plans for the caves in Cebu and Negros Oriental provinces.
DENR-7 Executive Director Isabelo R. Montejo signed the approval of the cave management plans for Budoy Cave, Kulabyawan Cave in Argao, Cebu, White Cave in Minglanilla, Cebu and Crystal Cave in Negros Oriental. The plans are set to be implemented soon as possible.
“Cave management plan is a very essential tool that can help the DENR and local government units concerned in the protection and conservation of our caves as mandated under Republic Act 9072 otherwise known as the National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act,” said Montejo in a statement.
As mandated by law, the DENR is tasked to formulate, develop and implement a national program for the management, protection and conservation of caves and cave resources, with the cave coordinating agencies like the National Museum, National Historical Institute, the Department of Tourism and Local Government Units concerned.
Caves are considered natural and non-renewable resources with important scientific, economic, educational, cultural, historical, and aesthetic values. They are also home to specialized mineral formations with unique and diverse flora and fauna.
“In line with the DENR’s priority program, more caves in region is set to be explored responsively, assessed and classified in terms of its diversity, significance and vulnerability for better understanding on how to properly and effectively protect, conserve and preserve these natural resources that we have with the help and partnership with our local government units,” Montejo added. (FREEMAN)