NVizcaya gears to host 2011 national caving congress

by Ben Moses Ebreo

Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya (July 1) — Provincial officials here are in the process of doing preparations for the hosting of the national caving congress slated next year.

Marichelle Costales supervising tourism officer said coordinations with concerned agencies and private organizations are on the way for the conduct of the 11th national caving congress which was agreed during the 10th National Caving Congress in Kapalong, Davao del Norte in April 16 to 20, 2010.

The congress was attended by the representatives from the provincial tourism office and members of the Sang-at Salug Outdoor Club (SSOC) and officials of the Philippine Speleological Society.

“This will be our second hosting of the national caving congress because we also hosted the first national caving congress in 2001,” Costales said.

She said the hosting of the national caving congress will also be assisted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

In 2001, the national caving congress was held in this province, particularly in barangay Capissaan where the Lion-Alayan multicave system was earlier discovered and gained national attraction and recognition.

The Lion-Alayan cave system is the fifth longest cave system in the country and ranked among of the best, considered a geologist?s paradise due to its varying rare calcite formations and unique stalagmite and stalactite formations.

Within its four kilometer length is a subterranean river that doubles as a passageway to the best part of this multi-chambered cave. Part of the cave network are the Lion and Alayan Caves, measuring 4.2 kilometers.

The Lion-Alayan cave system can be reached through an all terrain vehicle from Solano town or from Bambang town in Nueva Vizcaya. It takes 4 to 5 hours to reach barangay Capissaan in Kasibu town, also the place of the known Vizcaya oranges produced in Malabing Valley.

Tourism officials said the hosting of the province for the national caving congress next year will also boost tourism in Nueva Vizcaya as it will gather and attract national and international caving enthusiasts aside from the expected regular foreign and local tourists who are expected to marvel on the unique multi-cave system. (PIA NVizcaya)