Thirteen spelunkers from Sagada, Mt. Province assisted by ten local tour guides from this municipality recently explored and evaluated the Panaggawan Caves located at Barangay Bolog here for the purpose of evaluating it for tourist and adventure destination.
The cave exploration was led by George Dapliyan, president of the Sagada Environmental Guides Association (Sega), in effort to help Kiangan develop its tourism industry potentials as it has numerous man-made and natural scenic sites and wonders.
Sagada is known for its cool climate and caves, foremost of which is the popular Balangabang Cave, a major tourist destination.
The group came up with findings and recommendations for the information and guidance of the Kiangan Tourism Council as basis for any project or endeavor relative to it.
On the trail for trekking, the group found out that some portions of the foot trail have been eroded and have unstable soil hence the installation of railings on most part of the trail and bedding in of rocks/stones in slippery and unstable parts is necessary since the area is wet most of the year.
Simple signboards are also needed to guide visitors to the cave area.
For camping or accommodation, the group advised that the grassland surrounding the small cottages should be maintained so campers may put up their tents around since it is also an ideal setting for bonfire and that water supply, pit latrine, sheds and benches are needed around the campsite.
For the flora and fauna, they discovered that there are skin-irritating and poisonous species of plants and fruits found in the forest like the poison ivy so guides should advise guests about these and that a forest catalogue should be given to the guides on the indigenous species along the trail.
Generally, the caves are ideal for a two-day adventure spending overnight in the campsite and the labyrinth could be done during the first day and the Bat Cave could be explored in the second day.
The group also strongly recommends that trainings should be conducted on tour guiding, environmental awareness, first aid and cave geology to the tour guides. (Dan B. Codamon)
Source: Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on December 28, 2011.
