A cave located within Metro Manila was recently featured by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) and the Philippine Information Agency–NCR, highlighting efforts to raise awareness on urban natural heritage and biodiversity conservation.
The feature described Apugan Cave as “a rare geological treasure in one of the most densely populated urban areas in the Philippines.”
“The Apugan Cave, nestled within Quezon City’s La Mesa Watershed Reservation area, is the only known natural cave system in the region,” it added.
Apugan Cave is located inside the La Mesa Watershed Reservation in Quezon City. The limestone formation was discovered in 2016 and measures approximately 100 meters.
It is classified as a Class II cave under DENR Memorandum Circular No. 2021-05, indicating that it contains sensitive geological and biological features and is subject to strict protection measures. Access is limited to guided educational or scientific visits and is not open to casual tourism.
Meanwhile, on May 27, the DENR-NCR and the PIA-NCR conducted an activity focused on environmental awareness and urban natural heritage through a cave tour and orientation.
The group explored Apugan Cave in an activity led by the Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Section (PAMBCS) of the Conservation and Development Division (CDD). Participants were able to observe parts of the cave and gain a better understanding of its role as a habitat for various wildlife species that continue to exist within Metro Manila’s urban landscape.
Their visit to Apugan Cave also highlighted that caves are not only geological formations but also fragile natural systems vulnerable to human disturbance, pollution and ongoing urban expansion.
The feature on the cave then emphasized the importance of cave ecosystems as sensitive natural systems that contribute to ecological balance, biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability in urban areas.
“Sa pamamagitan ng environmental education at experiential learning, layunin ng DENR-NCR na mas mapalawak ang kamalayan ng publiko hinggil sa kahalagahan ng biodiversity conservation at responsableng pangangalaga sa mga natitirang natural ecosystems sa lungsod,” DENR-NCR wrote.
“Mahalaga rin ang pakikipagtulungan sa mga information at media partners tulad ng PIA-NCR upang mas mapalakas ang pagpapalaganap ng impormasyon hinggil sa environmental protection at sustainable environmental management,” it said.
“Sa gitna ng modernisasyon at urban development, nananatiling mahalaga ang pagpapanatili ng mga lugar tulad ng Apugan Cave, mga tahimik ngunit mahalagang paalala na may mga bahagi pa rin ng kalikasan sa Metro Manila,” the agency concluded.
—With John Marwin Elao
