13th PSS National Cave Congress (2013)

The 13th Philippine Speleological Society National Cave Congress was held in Tagum City and New Corella, Davao del Norte last April 8-12, 2013.  My boss was invited to present in behalf of the DOT.  Originally, I was just supposed to assist him on his scheduled presentation.  Luckily he allowed me (with the help of Ms Leni) to finish the whole congress so I can also learn about caving and take part in the caving workshops. :)

L-R: Attendees from DOT - Sir Denden from DOT Reg.11,
Ms. Leni from DOT-OPRD, me, Brent from DOT Reg.8

Over 230 participants from the non-government and non-profit organizations, LGUs and PSS member caving associations and caving enthusiasts attended the 13th National Cave Congress in Davao del Norte.



Highlights 

The National Cave Congress plenary and workshops aims to explore different approaches in developing quality cave management plans, conduct a workshop to create a template for developing quality cave management plans and conduct an exercise to develop a simulated quality cave management plan using the agreed template. The expected output comprise a simple but effective template for developing quality cave management plans and a quality cave management plan for the target cave which will be given to the LGU as reference for their cave development plan.

Day 1 - April 8, 2013

The Cave Congress, held at the Provincial Cooperative Union Function Hall in Tagum City, Davao del Norte opened with a brief program and press conference.  

The Plenary Session followed in the afternoon.  With this year’s theme, “Planning for sustainability”, the resource speakers from the different government agencies, non-government organizations and the academe shared their expertise to the attendees.  Their presentations are as follows:

• Carlos M.  Libosada, Jr.
Asst. Professor/Director, Research and Extension – UP-AIT
University of the Philippines Diliman 
Cave Management

• Dir. Theresa Mundita S. Lim
Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau
DENR
DENR’s Approach to Planning and Sustainable Development of Caves

• Dr. Arvin C. Diesmos
National Museum
Limestone Karst Formations: Importance to Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation of Philippine Amphibians and Reptiles

Speleo Davao President Dorina Ararao presenting Sir Warner
a token and certificate of appreciation

• Mr. Warner Andrada
Chief, Office of Product Research and Development
Department of Tourism
DOT’s Approach to Planning and Sustainable Development

Alessa assisting Mr. Andrada in his presentation (clicker ang peg)

PPSNP PA Superintendent James Albert Mendoza during his presentation 

• Mr. James Albert A. Mendoza
Protected Area Superintendent
Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park
Puerto Princesa Underground River History and Tourism Initiatives


The speakers entertained queries and comments after their presentations. certificates of appreciation and tokens were awarded to the speakers.  

Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario giving a speech

Day 1 concluded at 7:00PM and the Provincial Governor Rodolfo del Rosario hosted a Welcome Reception with live entertainment for the guests and participants.  Originally set-up outside, they had to move the performances and activities inside the hall because of the rain.


Day 2 – April 9, 2013

The 2nd Day of the Congress started at 8:00AM.  The following cases and presentations were discussed:

Dr. Dave Waldien and Dr. Nina Ingle presenting on Bat Conservation

• Dr. Dave Waldien
Bat Conservation International
Cavers – Champions of Philippine Cave Bats!


• Dr. Neil Aldrin D. Mallari
Fauna and Flora International 
Cementing Biodiversity

Ms Norma Monfort of Monfort Bat Sanctuary, "Bat Mama" 

• Ms. Norma Monfort 
Proprietor, Monfort Bat Sanctuary
Monfort Cave: History and Development Initiatives


• Atty. Alton Durban
Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau 
Caves within Private Lands

PSS President Jason Garrido

• Mr. Jason Garrido
PSS President
Caves and Tourism

One of the participants asking a question

In between the presentations, the attendees were given opportunity to convey any questions, comments or clarifications. Awarding of certificates and photo-taking sessions with the presenters took place.

Workshop on Cave Management Planning which is facilitated by the PSS followed.

Day 3 - April 10, 2013

The Congress continued at New Corella Central Elem. School

The congress continues with practical application, skills enhancement and simultaneous on-site trainings for beginner, intermediate (single rope technique, surveying, mapping, rigging, anchoring etc) and cave management planning. The participants transferred from Tagum City to New Corella, Davao del Norte.

Basic Caving Workshop

Intermediate Caving Workshop

In the afternoon, participants with intermediate skills were ferried to Barangay Del Monte were the caves are located.  

Dr. Dave Walden with Mickey :)

An exciting ride at the back of a dump truck :)
Front L-R: Dr. Nina, Brent; Back L-R: Alessa, Ms. Leni, Sir

The wooden chair gave up on us so we ended up sitting on the floor.

Arriving at Brgy. Del Monte

The participants (except for the Beginners group) were divided into several groups entering the Borja Cave by batch.  

Cave Management Group with the Barangay Council

Cave Management Group (plus me)

The Cave Management group composed to technical experts from the DENR, LGU and other agencies or organizations were divided into several sub-groups.  They conducted surveys and collected information within the Barangay.  A focused group discussion was also conducted.  The data gathered were used as basis for recommendation and cave management plan for New Corella.

Vehicle drop-off. About 5-10 minute trek to reach the cave opening

L-R: Ms. Leni and Alessa

Borja Cave. A vertical drop. Definitely not entering through this one!lol

Where we were supposed to enter.

Unfortunately, the bats were already agitated. We didn't want to disturb them further so the group opted not to go in anymore. Too bad for me. We were scheduled to leave the following morning so I wont be able to enter the other caves. Next time though. :)

We took photos instead :)

Ms. Leni and Alessa with the DavNor PDRRC Team

Ms. Leni and Alessa with the DavNor PDRRC Team and Brgy. Councilor

We trekked back to the jump off.

Another group photo with DENR, LGU, etc

We hitched a ride with the DavNor PDRRC truck :)

Night time:

The LGU prepared a special feast and entertainment for the congress participants.  Teachers and students prepared songs and dances. I even ended up dancing onstage during "Ryzza's Cha-cha- Dance".lol 

Teachers and students of New Corella Central Elem School

Great performance by the Next Generation Band. These kids made it to the semi-finals of PGT

Dr. Nina Ingle was given an honorary membership to PSS

Day 4 - April 11, 2013

The trainings continued in New Corella Central Elementary School (NCCES). After series of exercises and meetings, the Intermediate and Cave Management group proceeded back to Barangay Del Monte to inspect Paradise Cave. Further discussions were made after the inspection.  Draft outputs will be presented the following day.

Ms. Leni and I proceeded to Davao City.  To save money, we stayed at the DENR Staff House which is like a dorm type accommodation.  We shared the room with other DENR-Bicol reps who attended the congress.  

Day 5 – April 12, 2013

Ms. Pajarillo and Ms Lopez left Davao at 9:10AM and arrived in Manila at 11:00AM.

More photos here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.490290131026440.1073741831.100001363718600&type=3


Sidetrip >> Davao del Norte - Tagum City and New Corella

Side trip >> Davao City