MATANAO, Davao del Sur (PIA) — The First Davao del Sur Cave Congress will be held for three days from September 5-7 at the Provincial Tourism Building in sitio Talambato, Barangay Asbang, Matanao town.
Clover Jean Caballero-Sabornido, Tourism and Information Officer of Matanao town, said they have invited enthusiasts, cave experts and stakeholders from across the region to explore the caves.
She said the local household community in Sitio Talambato shows willingness to accomodate caving enthusiasts.
“Our visitors will have a choice of living with the household families or pitching a tent near the provincial tourism building for two and a half days just to get the feeling of living outdoors,” Sabornido said.
She said they encouraged those interested in the caves, from the scientists, conservationists to adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts to register for this event, adding that the caving congress has no registration fee, but they have to shell out a caving fee at P200.
“Per Municipal Ordinance no. 268, series of 2021 of the Municipality of Matanao, the entrance fee for the cave is P200.00 for each caver/spelunker. The local management encourages each participant to visit only one cave as it is the required carrying capacity of the caverns,” she said.
Sabornido said there will be a sight registration from Sept. 1 to 4 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Sept. 5, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
She said participants are expected to wear casual and comfortable attire during the first day and the day of the culmination.
“Please be informed that on Day 1, we will have the simulation, therefore wearing of dress/palda is not encouraged. Day-2 will be allotted for the practicum; thus, participants are then required to wear proper caving attire and basic caving equipment (e.g., rubber shoes with good traction or boots, field pants, helmet, headlamp, additional light source, and extra battery, knee pad, whistle, dry bag, gloves, water-in a tumbler, medicine kit, and extra shoes),” Sabornido said.
She noted that since the event has no registration fee, the participants are expected to spend for their own meals as well as the accommodations.
Sabornido said this event is spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, in cooperation with the Municipal Government of Matanao through the Municipal Tourism Office, Provincial Government of Davao del Sur through the Provincial Tourism Office, Office of Congressman John Tracy Cagas, Department of Tourism Region XI and all local stakeholders. (JSGD-PIA Davao del Sur)
