3 unexplored Bontoc caves groomed as eco-tourism sites

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Three unexplored caves in Barangay Dalican here are being groomed as new ecotourism destinations.

Municipal Tourism Officer Caren Guinayen said that the community and officials of Barangay Dalican are now working together for the possible opening of the caves – Ararasi Cave, Baey Chalit Cave and Lalabbay Cave to local and foreign tourists, which will likewise open up job opportunities.

Site evaluation Guinayen said that due to the sensitivity of such sites, the municipal government requested the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Central Office to conduct an evaluation of the sites and identify the next course of action.

An ocular inspection was conducted by the Bontoc municipal government thru its Municipal Tourism Office in partnership with the Conservation and Development Division (CCD) of the DENR-Cordillera Administrative Region (DENR- CAR) and a member of the Gaia Exploration Club last April 25.

Engr. Rexton Afidchao of the DENR-CAR, after the initial assessment said that the Ararasi Cave and Baey Chalit Cave are potential ecotourism destinations.

Safety first Guinayen, however, emphasized that the caves are not yet open to the public for safety purposes.

“The caves are not yet open to the public to enter and explore. We solicit the cooperation of every one to avoid untoward incident. This is also for their own safety,” she said.

Lester Valle, a member of the Gaia Exploration Club who went with the group that assessed the sites, said that proper preparation is needed before the caves are opened to the public.

The Gaia Exploration Club is a registered organization whose members are trained spelunkers based in Luzon.

He said that the management, operation, and safety measures should be in place first to safeguard visitors.

Other attractions Guinayen shared that there are other tourist attractions in Barangay Dalican which tourists may visit and enjoy.

When visiting Dalican, one can enjoy a view of the Dalican sunrise, Dalican sea of clouds and the Guinaang Rice Terraces.

In addition, visitors can enjoy walking along the rice paddies and going up the summit of the mountain to visit Dalican Lake.

Economic boost Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey vowed to support effortsd to open the caves to tourism.

He stated that the possible opening of the caves as eco-tourism sites will boost the economic activity in the municipality, particulalry in the host barangay.

He added that 123 million has been earmatrled for the improvement of the Balitian-Dalican Road.