MATANAO, Davao del Sur — The First Davao del Sur Cave Congress will be held from September 5 to 7 at the Provincial Tourism Building in Sitio Talambato, Barangay Asbang.
Clover Jean Caballero-Sabornido, tourism and information officer of Matanao, said they had invited enthusiasts, cave experts, and stakeholders from across the region to explore the caves.
She said the local household community in Sitio Talambato is willing to accommodate participants of the cave congress in their homes.
“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,” Caballero-Sabornido said.
She said they encouraged those interested in the caves, from scientists and conservationists to adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts, to register for this event.
Caballero-Sabornido said the caving congress has no registration fee, but they must shell out a caving fee of 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.
Caballero-Sabornido said there will be a site registration from September 1 to 4, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and September 5, from 7 a.m. to 8 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 a 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),” Caballero-Sabornido said.
She said that since the event has no registration fee, the participants are expected to spend for their meals and accommodations.
Caballero-Sabornido said this event is spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), 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-Davao Region and all local stakeholders. PIA DAVAO