Excerpt from: DENR Memorandum Circular No. 2021 - 13 Dec. 03, 2021 SECTION 2. Caves are classified according to the following categories: Class 1. Cave Classification. Caves with delicate and fragile geological formations, threatened species, archaeological and paleontological values and extremely hazardous conditions. Allowable activities are limited to mapping, photography, educational and scientific purposes and … Continue reading DENR Cave Classification, 2021
Don’t Kill The Goose!
The FCD first explored Lake Carolina last June 20-21, 2019 and was deeply impressed by its natural beauty and its challenging underwater cave system. Unfortunately, this majestic site is allegedly under serious threat. To understand the situation: There are 2 property owners with claims to the use of the Lake Carolina. The property closest to … Continue reading Don’t Kill The Goose!
Permanent Line-Laying Guidelines
Document Objective: To promote consistency and serve as a guide in the installation of system lines by the Filipino Cave Divers. Introduction: As part of a series of articles, this segment outlines the preferred method for the installation of permanent system lines in the underwater cave systems in and around the Philippines. Through its membership … Continue reading Permanent Line-Laying Guidelines
The Magnificent Lake Carolina
The placid looking Lake Carolina of Baganga, Davao Oriental is no mere shallow beauty. Beneath its beguiling, crystal clear surface hides a deep and circuitous underwater cave system. The FCD explored its depths on June 20-21, 2019 with the kind permission & support of the property caretakers, Sir Pablo Pabaonon and Ma’am Wilma Monday. Measuring … Continue reading The Magnificent Lake Carolina
Exploring The Olympic Pool
Rapid Cave Assessment: Olympic Pool of the Bluewater Cave System Baggao, Cagayan Province 18.0207° N, 121.9978° E March 6-10, 2019 The Philippine Speleological Society (PSS) held their 19 th Annual Cave Congress in the Municipality of Baggao, Cagayan Province. Several caving groups such as GAIA Exploration Club, Tayabas Caving and Outdoor Club, Sierra Madre Outdoor … Continue reading Exploring The Olympic Pool
Signs of Trouble in Casili
When the Casili Underwater Cave System (CUCS) was first explored on Aug. 23, 2011 by the late Dr. Alfonso Amores and Bernil Gastardo, they saw a lush, tranquil environment adjacent to a flowing river. Along the banks of the spring and the river, thick foliage and expansive acacia trees gave the visitors a visually appealing … Continue reading Signs of Trouble in Casili
The Pawod Underwater Cave System
The Pawod Underwater Cave System (PUCS) can be found in Barangay Agus, Maribago, Mactan Island, Cebu. The following details were taken from the report made by the FCD for the PCSSD: On May 2016, with support from the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD), the PUCS was surveyed for above ground directionality with a … Continue reading The Pawod Underwater Cave System
The Malaog Cave Underground River
The Municipality of Sampaloc, Quezon Province through the Regional Cave Committee, IV-A requested a preliminary assessment of the Malaog Cave Underground River. This was held from the 1st to the 2nd of August. FCD members, Jackie Genuino and Juan Naval joined the representatives from GAIA, CENRO-Pagbilao, DENR and the Tourism team of the LGU. Overview: … Continue reading The Malaog Cave Underground River
25th NCC Meeting Updates
The 25th National Cave Committee Meeting was held last July 3, 2018 at the National Museum of Natural History. In attendance were FCD Juan Naval and Alex Santos. Here are a few updates on what transpired: There is a push to create a Cave Registry of the country where public and classified caves will be … Continue reading 25th NCC Meeting Updates
Do Not Risk Your Life
Agus, Mactan Nov-22-2017 A disturbing situation at the Pawod Underwater Cave System (PUCS) was encountered today by an FCD officer. As per the report, the officer was aghast to know that the 3 divers (as shown in the photo) were diving the cave in recreational diving configuration; each person was diving with only 1 back-mounted … Continue reading Do Not Risk Your Life
The Casili Survey: A Scientific Report
Editor's Note: This survey was funded by the GIZ- Protected Area Management Enhancement (PAME) Project.
Fellow Cavers, Talk To Us
The Filipino Cave Divers strongly encourages all cave divers/ teams who are planning to visit the cave systems we've explored to communicate with us before and after exploring the area. Doing so will satisfy the following points: 1. We can give advise on the interesting and fragile aspects of the chosen site; 2. We will … Continue reading Fellow Cavers, Talk To Us