'Tapok Tunob sa Langob' held
COMPOSTELA VALLEY - Building friendship. Gaining knowledge and going into an adventure. A three-day fun-filled learning activities summarized the "7th Tapok, Tunob sa Langob" experience for the 148 participants recently at Gen. Manuel T. Yan, Sr. Eco-Military Camp, Tuboran, Mawab, Compostela Valley.
With the theme, “Caving in Changing Climate,” the activity aims to promote a safe and secured image of the eco-tourism industry of Comval. Also, to strengthen the joint campaign of the provincial government, local government unit of Mawab, Armed Forces of the Philippines and Department of Environment and Natural Resources to raise awareness about caves and their ecosystem and pertinent laws.
Upon arrival, the participants were welcomed by the AFP marching band and held a short program, thereafter. They were grouped into five different teams – Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta and Echo.
Series of lectures were conducted in the afternoon and in the evening, the teams competed in various activities such as solo and duet singing contest and presentation of group cheers. During the “Sugat Himamat sa mga Cavers with 10ID Marching Band”.
The second day started with a military exercise and by 8:30 a.m, the AFP conducted a Capability Demonstration, giving the audience a glimpse of their squad tactics and formation and K9 capability. The groups then presented their own version of fancy drill.
On the last day, the participants joined the military in their Zumba dancing session, followed by a tree-planting activity. Finally, the much awaited part is the caving experience, itself.
Sixty-eight brave souls went inside the cave to take on the spelunking challenge and explore the beauty of Mahayahay Cave A, which is located within the 100-hectare area military camp.
When asked to share her experience, first time caver, Mary Grace Mantilla, described it as unforgettable and one of a kind.
“Kani ang nakanindot ani kay natural siya ba. Unya, di ko katoo nga naa diay ingon ani sa Comval nga undiscovered pa sa uban tao. So sa akoa, pwede nako ni siya i-share sa lain tao nga musulod sila sa cave.”
Aside from his witty performance during the “Sugat, Himamat sa mga Cavers” that earned him the nickname “Lingin”, Axl Cris Balazon, was also thrilled in discovering cave dwellers. Like Mantilla, he was also a first time caver.
“Lingaw kaayo sa sugod unya sa tunga-tunga kay lisod na kaayo. Sa pagsulod namo okay, ug sa dihang pagtan-aw nako sa taas, daghan na kaayog mga kabog. Daghan kaayog mga nanglupad ug nagbitay,” he said.
In her closing remarks, Provincial Cave Coordinator Prescilla Decena shared that they are planning to invite organizations and individuals outside Comval in the future. Sheldane Mahinay/ID Comval