Melo Villareal
Pinagdaop Cave, a new cave found in Laguna.
Laguna is the getaway destination for day trips near Metro Manila, known for its historical sites, waterfalls, natural hot springs, and caves complex. In addition to the famed Cavinti Caves of Barangay Paowin, Cavinti Laguna, a new cave was discovered by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Barangay Cueva, Sta. Maria, Laguna.
Santa Maria is the northernmost town in Laguna. Bounded by the provinces of Rizal and Quezon from the western portion up to the northern tip down north eastern part, the town has a mountainous terrain.
Preliminary observations by the DENR in CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) show that the cave’s most expansive passage is at 4.39 meters and its narrowest at 0.64 meters. DENR-CALABARZON Regional Executive Director Nilo Tamoria stated that the cave, named Pinagdaop Cave, is the type of cave where its tunnels form between the stacked rocks of a versant and natural phenomena such as earthquakes and landslides.
Located in Presidential Proclamation 1636 in Barangay Cueva in Sta. Maria, Laguna, and at an elevation of 514 meters above sea level, Pinagdaop Cave is categorized as a Class 1 cave, per the recommendation of the DENR.
This means Pinagdaop Cave has delicate and fragile geological formations, the potential presence of endangered wildlife, and extremely hazardous conditions. Pinagdaop Cave can only be used for photography, educational and scientific purposes.
Local residents first reported the cave to the local government unit. Upon entering the cave, authorities are greeted by a colony of bats, various types of insects, and small shrimps freely swimming around a water source.
At this moment, authorities set up wooden steps at the cave’s entrance, concrete was poured on the floor inside it, and candle lighting was placed.
Source: DENR Calabarzon
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