THE Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro) conducted a two-day Caving 101 Orientation on Single Rope Technique in the province.
The orientation, which was held at Libuton Cave Complex in Manukan town from March 23 to 24, has brought together representatives coming from the four Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (Cenros) of Zamboanga del Norte, as well as some Penro Technical Staff, local cave experts and stakeholders, bringing a total of 50 participants.
Almario Kaabay Jr., Supervising Ecosystem Management Specialist of Zamboanga del Norte-Penro, said the participants were able to dredge up skills and garnered knowledge on the appropriate way and importance of Single Rope Technique in Caving during the two-day activity.
Marc Mentens, Zamboanga Peninsula Cavers Association president, discussed the full range of functions by all Single Rope Technique equipment, as well as the correct configuration and any potential risks before and while performing the said technique.
The Cenro representatives and the local cave experts immediately tried the technique by making use of the steel fabricated column with pedestal of Libuton Elementary School outdoor stage and with the close guidance of the resource speaker.
"Our mission is to pass on the knowledge and train the present generation of spelunkers to be fully equipped with the necessary skills especially in Single Rope Technique as it is very useful in Caving," Kaabay said.
The two-day activity was anchored on the theme "Continuing Professionalization of ZaNorte (Zamboanga del Norte) Spelunkers Amidst Pandemic."
Kaabay said the DENR is committed to support and provide pieces of training to its spelunkers and constituents in order to develop a set of skillful personnel in the future. (SunStar Zamboanga)