Amazing virgin cave system found in Samar

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has predicted that the recent discovery of French cave hunters of a virgin cave system in Samar would boost the region’s eco-tourism program as well as generate more jobs for the people living in the area.

DENR Secretary Heherson T. Alvarez said there are raised expectations that the find would actually match or even surpass the beauty and grandeur of the world-renowed St. Paul’s subterranean underground river and cave system in Palawan, which has been an ecotourism staple.

“This discovery is a most promising study in Samar where the largest limestone area in the Philippines is found. I am very optimistic that it could usher in new developments and promote environmental awareness in the area,” Alvarez said.

He added that like the Palawan system, this virgin cave system in Samar would attract thousands of tourists and provide revenue for the local government.

The French team, headed by Jean Paul Sounier, began its second phase exploration on the Suribao Cave System particularly the Can-Yawa (Devil’s River) Cave in Borongan, Eastern Samar last March 21 until April 26. The team first explored the area in February 2000.

The expedition aims to study the connection of two limestone plateau rivers to the Calbiga River and explore resurgence on the lower part of the Suribao River, Alvarez said.

The French team found out that the Calbiga River has a “huge yet undiscovered underground system,” which covers more than 50 kilometers.

The environment chief said the DENR would continue to protect and preserve the whole area as mandated by the National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act.

“The Can-Yawa Cave as well as the other caves surrounding it offers a magnificent site to behold. It has been the policy of the present administration to protect such resources that show the wealth of our country’s natural resources,” said Alvarez.