53 C. Luzon caves identified as potential eco-tourism sites
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has identified 53 caves as potential ecotourism sites in Central Luzon.
Twenty seven are located in Bulacan, 10 in Nueva Ecija, 8 in Zambales, 6 in Aurora and 2 in Tarlac.
Included in the list are Santol cave in San Miguel, Bulacan and Sagrada Familia cave in Sta. Cruz, Zambales.
DENR-Central Luzon Regional Director Paquito Moreno Jr. said the caves are critical part of the ecosystem which is rich in biological, historical and geological resources.
“Central Luzon is rich in caves. This natural ecosystem is one of the wonders of nature and part of our natural heritage. It is usually hidden in the mountains and exhibit awesome rock formations of stalactites and stalagmites,” he said.
Moreno added that caves must be protected and sustainably managed as it contains valuable natural resources which can provide numerous educational, historical, cultural, economic, scientific and aesthetic values and benefits.
Moreno, however, did not mention anything about existing caves in Bataan as testified by local folks who have explored the area.
Moreno classified eight caves in Aurora and Bulacan have been classified as either Class 1 or Class 2 and are now being managed by local government units.
The cvlassified caves in Aurora are Sinag, Tikbalang and Layanglayang caves which are all located in San Luis.
Classified caves for Bulacan, on the other hand include Puning cave in Dona Remedios Trinidad; Bayukbok, Pebbles and Madlum caves in San Miguel and Pinagrealan cave in Norzagaray.
Class 1 caves are those with delicate and fragile geological formations, threatened species, archeological and paleontological values, and extremely hazardous.
Only mapping, photography, educational and scientific studies are allowed.
Class 2 caves have areas or portions which have sections with hazardous conditions and contain sensitive geological, biological, archeological, cultural, historical, and biological values or high-quality ecosystem.