NEW ATTRACTION  One of the rock formations in the Capisaan Cave System in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
NEW ATTRACTION
One of the rock formations in the Capisaan Cave System in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

NUEVA VIZCAYA: The Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources chaired by Sen. Francis Escudero has approved proposals that seek to declare the Capisaan Cave System in Kasibu town here as an ecotourism zone.

Escudero said the proposal was “provisionally approved” pending submission of the revised version of the measure filed by Rep. Carlos Padilla of the lone district of Nueva Vizcaya.

Earlier, Padilla filed House Bill (HB) 4127 declaring the 4.2-kilometer Capisaan Cave System in the mineral-rich Municipality of Kasibu here as an ecotourism destination.

Padilla said HB 4127 also calls for the creation of the Capisaan Cave System Council, which will ensure the conservation and protection of the cave’s immediate environment.

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According to Escudero, the measure was part of the 26 proposed legislation that were heard at the hearing of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources on August 18.

Capisaan Cave is located some 700 to 900 meters above sea level. It is said to be a geological and spelunking paradise because of its breathtaking rock formations. It is considered the fifth longest cave system in the country.

Part of the multi-chambered cave network are the Lion and Alayan Caves, measuring 4.2 kilometers in length.

It was in 2001 when the province hosted the 1st National Caving Congress in Barangay Capissaan where the cave system was earlier discovered and gained national recognition.

Gov. Ruth Padilla said rules and regulations have been put in place for tourists longing to visit and trek inside the cave system to protect its natural formations from indiscriminate human activities.

“Our tourism office have also created programs for local villagers who were also tapped as cave guides thus providing employment and livelihood opportunities among resodents in the area,” Padilla said.

To get to Capissaan Cave, tourists may travel by land. From Manila, it will take about five to seven hours to reach Bambang or Solano towns in Nueva Vizcaya via Victory Liner, Florida Bus, Dalin and other Cagayan Valley bound buses.

From these towns, tourist can take the passenger jeeps and public utility vehicles to Kasibu town. It takes about two hours drive to reach Capissaan by private vehicles.