Balincaguin Conservancy Grotto

TACLOBAN CITY - The town of Basey, Samar is poised to host the 2009 National Caving Congress set from May 12 to 16 this year aimed at raising public awareness on cave preservation.

Department of Tourism Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said that around 200 local and foreign cavers are expected to participate the annual event.

“This annual event has been participated in by different caving associations nationwide. For this year, (Tourism) Secretary Ace Durano wants to elevate this congress into something with an international flavor,” Tiopes told Leyte Samar Daily Express.

Speakers from Indonesia and New Zealand are expected to discuss some caving topics to participants. Most of the events will be held in Sohoton and Rawis Caves in Basey, Samar.

The DOT, local government of Basey, Samar and the Philippine Speleological Society joined hands in this activity.

Tiopes expressed hope that the event will help the drive to advocate the importance of protecting caves “It’s our obligation to care for our caves. Its stalactites and stalagmites have to be protected as these take hundreds of years to form.”

“Maybe this event will awaken people who visit caves. Some people don’t appreciate what nature has given us,” the DOT regional chief added.

Sohoton Cave is a very large endogenic cave situated in the eastern portion of the Sohoton natural bridge. It has a high cathedral-like dome with an entrance of parabolic arch.

The town can be reached about 45 minutes away from Tacloban City by land transportation; plus a 2-hour pumpboat ride to the cave. The Natural Park also houses Panhulugan II Cave, a long scar, that cuts into the face of Panhulugan Cliff, a high and deep rock formation; and other smaller caves. (SARWELL Q. MENIANO)

Source: Leyte Samar Daily Express