SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) -- The province of Antique recently kicked off this year’s iteration of the Cave Month celebration, the first and only of its kind in the Philippines.

The Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) led the launching of Cave Month 2024 with a program at the Evelio B. Javier (EBJ) Freedom Park in this capital town, followed by the unveiling of tarpaulins on the façade of the New Provincial Capitol.

In her message, Environment and Natural Resources Officer Ma. Vivian T. Marfil said that the yearly Cave Month celebration is mandated by Provincial Ordinance No. 2021-256, declaring April as Cave Month in Antique.

Antiqueños about the value and importance of caves in the environment and intensify efforts to uphold the integrity of caves and their resources.

Marfil stressed that caves must be protected and preserved since they hold biological, historical, and archaeological significance, apart from being an important water reservoir and bearing eco-tourism potential seen to contribute largely to the local economy when effectively implemented.

Gov. Rhodora Cadiao conveyed her support for the advocacy of the Cave Month celebration.

“Let us all protect and preserve caves in our province, bangud dya naga-serbe nga habitat sa nari-sari nga species nga naga-istar rugya. By this, we can create a balanced ecosystem for diverse organisms.”

(Let us all protect and preserve caves in our province because they serve as habitats for different species. By this, we can create a balanced ecosystem for diverse organisms.)

As part of the celebration, an exhibit featuring mapped caves in the province and the different species that thrive in such environments was set up by ENRO at the University of Antique (UA) Main Campus in Sibalom town to engage the youth in the aspirations of Cave Month.

To cap the celebration, an ecological tour at the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park will be held on April 30 to provide participating individuals with firsthand experience and appreciation of caves and their environment. (AGP/BPS/PIA Antique)