detailed cave assessment report name of cave : patag

Patag Cave Assessment Report

DETAILED CAVE ASSESSMENT REPORT

Name of Cave : Patag Cave Region : Caraga (R-XIII) Province : Surigao del Norte Municipality : Burgos Barangay : Poblacion 1 Length of the Cave : 407.3 meters Date of Assessment : August 3, 2016 Date Prepared : August, 2016 I. General Information

A. Evolution of Cave

One of the wonders of the natural world are caves, which are usually hidden

among mountains and inside them are awesome cathedrals of stone and

considered as unique, natural, and non-renewable resources with important

scientific, economic, educational, cultural, historical, and aesthetic values.

Caraga Region is among the places in the Philippines where limestone deposits

are very rich with diverse natural resources and distinct characterization of flora

and fauna. Based on the actual cave assessment conducted by the DENR

PENRO SDN together with the personnel from the Regional Office, it revealed

that the cave has a unique features that the municipality can be proud of.

Just like other caves in the Philippines, Patag Cave which is situated in the

Municipality of Burgos was originated and formed through the creation of

limestone which gradually dissolved with the interaction of rainwater and

groundwater thus creating a hole forming tunnel, large caverns and other

irregular passages. Frequently, water charged with mineral seeps into the cave

and evaporates leaving stalactite deposits that hang from the roof and

stalagmite deposits that grew from the floor. As stalactite grows downward and

stalagmite grows upward they may eventually join to form a column. Such

formation is nature’s action that forms the caves.

B. Geographical Location and Description

b.1. Coordinates

Patag Cave is situated at coordinates 10º00’29.52’’ N and 126º04’02.64’’ E and

at elevation of 210 feet above sea level. Patag Cave is part of Barangay

Poblacion 1 in the Municipality of Burgos, Province of Surigao del Norte. The

cave is called “patag cave” since it is near from the place where they called

“patag” – a visayan/local term of plane topography.


b.2. Physiography

The area is classified under second type climate which has no dry season with a

very pronounced maximum rainfall from November to January where typhoon

occurs frequently with an average of five every years. The average rainfall is

31.5mm in the rainy days. Soil type is predominantly clay followed by loam and

has sticky soil texture especially during rainy season. There are coconut trees,

and other tree species and some agricultural crops were observed in the area.

C. Land Status

Patag Cave is within the area issued with present Certificate of Land Ownership

Agreement (CLOA) of Mr. Alfonso Nogaliza et. al with title No. 483 containing an

area of 2.2002 hectares.

D. Accessibility

From the municipal proper, the Patag area can be accessed via Barangay

Poblacion 2 route (farm to market road) using a motorcycle or any means of

transportation, which can take about 10-15 minutes travel time. This route is

cannot be easily accessed by motorcycle or any vehicle during rainy season

because it will get muddy and the road is not concrete with some steep portion

of it. Another option is via municipal proper to Barangay San Mateo route which

can take a travel time of about 20-30 minutes by a motorcycle or four-wheel

vehicles. From Patag area, the cave can only be accessed by walking/hiking

from rice field to coconut plantation area up to the hill where the cave is situated

that can take about 10-15 minutes travel time. The Patag Cave is about 1.9

kilometers from the Municipal Office of Burgos.

E. Existing Land-Use Pattern in the Area Adjacent to the Cave

The present land use pattern adjacent to the cave is dominated by coconuts,

and there are minimal stands of fast growing species and agricultural crops. The

adjoining areas are within the alienable and disposable land (A & D)

Table 1. Existing land-use pattern of Barangay Poblacion 1

Listing by Type

Area (ha)

1. Reforestation Area -

2. Reservation -

3. Logging -

4. Grazing Land -

5. Settlements -


6. Mineral Extraction -

7. Others (gov’t property & agriculture) -

F. Demographic Information

As to the Community Based Monitoring System of 2012 census, the barangay

has a total population of 899 individuals with 202 number of households (Table

2).

Table 2. Demographic information of Barangay Poblacion 1

Name of Barangay

Number of Household

Barangay Population

Major Source of Livelihood

Poblacion 1

202

899

Farming, Fishing, Employment

and Carpentry

G. Current Uses/Human Activities

Patag Cave is a potential site for ecotourism and other recreational services.

Accordingly, there were many tourists visiting the cave with the frequency of 1-2

number of visits per week especially during dry/summer season. There are also

local tour guides who assist the tourists (local and foreign visitors) during caving.

Recently, the cave is also a source of water for irrigation to farmers nearby.

H. Physical Features

h.1. Cave Map

Patag Cave has a total length from the entrance to the exit point of 407.3

meters. The entrance opening measures about 1 meter high and 2 meters wide

while the exit measures about 3 meters high and 5 meters wide. Cave direction

(from entrance to exit including sub-chambers) and its specific location is shown

in the map (see Figure 1 and Figure 2).


Figure 1. Map showing the Patag Cave of Burgos, Surigao del Nore

Figure 2. Map showing Patag Cave Specific Location at Burgos, Surigao del Norte


h.2. Status of the Cave

Since some of the local communities including local and foreign visitors are

entering the cave, the Patag Cave is no longer pristine/virgin but still intact. As

mentioned earlier, the cave area is a source of irrigation to farmers nearby or in

the low land particularly in Patag area since the cave has an underground river

system. According to the farmers, the river system of the cave can irrigate rice

fields of about 4-5 hectares during dry season and 8-10 hectares during wet or

rainy season. At present, seven (7) farmers in the Patag area had benefited from

it. There were no distinct cave formations and minerals inside the cave except

for some giant stalagmites, stalactites and columns in the main chamber. There

were no vandalisms and signs of floor excavation, however there were some

plastic leftovers observed in the area.

h.2.1. ( ) Pristine Cave (virgin or newly discover cave)

h.2.2. (√) Intact (State what probable factors could have worked for their

protection?)

[√] difficult access

[√] within the protected area

[√] inside private property

h.2.3. ( ) Vandalized (state extent, location of vandalism, describe vandalism)

h.2.4. (√) Exploited (state cause and extend of exploitation)

h.2.5. (√) Claimant

h.2.6. ( ) Others (specify)

II. Natural Features

a. Vegetative Cover

a.1. Flora Outside the Cave

Table 3. Flora Found Outside Patag Cave

Local Common

Name Scientific

Name Uses

Importance/ Value

TREES

Rattan

Wakatan Wakatan Pouteria velutina

Construction Economic

Sangay

Pagi-pagi

Labaw

Hambabayod - Lumber/furniture Economic

Balete

Banay-banay Banay-banay Radermachera

pinnata

Cabinet and furniture, sculpture

and carving Economic


Anislag

PALMAE

Lubi Coconut Cocos nucifera Oil, lumber, broom,

etc. Economic

SHRUBS

Saging Banana Musa sp. Food/wrapper/fiber Economic

Wild Gabi

Ban-ban Donax

canniformis

Used for basket weaving, making fish traps, and hats, and

for sewing nipa shingles.

Economic

Hagimit

HERBS

Kawayan Bamboo Bambusa sp. House materials, food, ornamental

Economic

Tree fern

Giant fern Giant Fern Angiopteris

evecta

Hand, Fibrous trunk used as orchid

media, trunks carved into vases and

statues.

Common fern Fern Cyathea sp. - Economic

VINES

Bagon Imperata cylindrical

Furniture/Decoration Economic

OTHERS

Moss

a.2. Flora Inside the Cave

Only one species of flora was recorded inside the cave with only two (2)

count, one species spotted at the middle portion of the main chamber of the

cave and the other one was recorded near the exit point of the main chamber.

Table 4. Flora FOund Inside Patag Cave

Local Common

Name Scientific

Name Uses Importance/Value

Gabi-gabi

Taro

Colocasia esculenta

Used as ornamental

plant economic


b. Fauna

b.1. Fauna Outside the Cave

Table 5. Fauna Found Outside Patag Cave

Local/Common Name

Scientific Name

Conservation Status

Distribution Remarks

Resident Endemic Migratory

BIRDS

Alimokon/ Small-Billed Brown Dove

Phapitreron leucotis

Common

/ -

- heard

Sunbird Nectarinia jugularis

Common / - - Seen

Large Billed Crew

Common / Seen

Philippine Coucal

- / heard

Chesnut Munia -

heard

Rufous Hornbill -

/ heard

INSECTS

Mosquito - Common - - - Seen

Bees - Common - - - Seen

Ants - Common - - - Seen

Flies - Common - - - Seen

Butterflies - Common - - - Seen

Dragonflies - Common - - - Seen

b.2. Fauna Inside the Cave

Table 6. Fauna Inside Patag Cave

Organism Local Name

Common Name

Scientific Name No.

(app.)

Cave Zone Threaten

ed Species

Conservation Status

Remarks Twilight

Dark

Insect Bat

kwaknit Horseshoe

bat Hipposideros

sp.

Abundant

/ / - Least

concern reside

nt

Reptile Hag-om Pit Viper 3 / / - Least

concern migran

t

Fish Eel one / - common

Others Lawa-lawa

Spider Few - / - common reside

nt

Crickets Few / / - common Reside

nt

Tail Less Whip

Few / - common Reside

nt


c. Geology

The cave is generally made up of limestone which is soluble in water. The

cave is formed by the gradual but constant interaction of limestone and water

for a considerable period of time. The dissolving action of water creates

cavities within the mass of limestone that into time develops in chambers and

tunnels.

c.1. Speleothem Found Inside the Cave

Table 7. Geological features of Patag Cave

Speleothems

Approximate Number

Zone Remarks Twilight Dark

Dripstone and Flowstone Forms (gravity controlled)

Stalactites Abundant / / At the main

chamber and sub-chambers

Stalagmites Few / / At the main

chamber and sub-chambers

Draperies Few / At the main

chamber

Flowstone Sheets Few / At the main

chamber

Columns Few - / At the main

chamber

Others - - - -

Erratic Forms (crystal growth controlled

Shields - - - -

Helictites - - - -

Botryoidal forms (popcorns, grape, etc.)

- - - -

Anthodites - - - -

Oulophodites (gyspsum flowers) - - - -

Moonmilk - - - -

Others - - - -

Sub-Aqueous Forms

Rimstone Dams (gour pools) Few / At the main

chamber

Concretions of Various Kind (including cave pearl)

- - - -

Pool Deposits Few - / At the main

chamber

Crystal Lining - - - -

Others - - - -


c.2. Mineral Deposits Inside the Cave

There were no distinctive and minerals inside the cave, only some flowstones

at the cave walls of the main chamber.

Table 8. Common Mineral Deposits Inside Patag Cave

Common Mineral Found Inside the Cave

Aragonite -

Calcite /

Dolomite -

Huntite -

Hydromagnesite -

Magnasite -

Others -

c.3. Geological Features

There were no cracks or faults observed inside the cave, only rock fall and

unstable flooring were noticed.

Table 9. Geological Features Inside Patag Cave

Geological Features Inside the Cave Location

Faults -

Joints -

Cracks -

Fossils (paleontological features) -

Others -

d. Hydrology

d.1. Hydrological Features Inside the Cave

There is a natural flowing body of water in the cave which is accumulated from

rain and dissipates on the cave floor.

Table 10. Hydrological Features Outside the Cave

Features Number Perennial Intermittent Natural Manmade Remarks

Ponds - - - - - None

Rivers One - - / -

At the main

chamber of the cave


Falls - - - / - None

Sumps - - - - - None

Others - - - - - None

d.2. Hydrological Features Outside the Cave

The river inside the cave is flowing from the exit portion down to the entrance

point of the cave and forming a creek in the lowland that becomes a water

source for farmers in their rice field.

Table 11. Hydrological Features Outside Patag Cave

Features Number Perennial Intermittent Natural Manmade Remarks

Ponds - - - - - None

Rivers One - - / - Near

Falls - - - - - None

Sumps - - - - - None

Others - - - - - None

Creek One - - / - Near at the cave entrance

e. Cave Hazards

Cave entrance is slightly tight or crawl way of about eight (8) meters from

entrance to the inside chamber that has wide space enough to accommodate

walking. It has a swiftly running water in opposite direction when entering the

cave. The main and sub chamber has no distinct formation except of

stalactites, stalagmites and small tubes. There were also rock fall and unstable

flooring observed in the main chamber. Some portions have fresh guano that

made the ambience smelly/bad smell. The cave is not that easy to access

during rainy season.

The Patag Cave is potential for any scientific research purposes to generate

information as data base or for exposures to enthusiasts, researchers and

students. It may have species endemic and unique in the area. The cave is

quite complex and it offers good picture of a cave ecosystem.

Table 12 Cave Hazards Identified Inside Patag Cave

Cave Hazards Location Inside the

Cave Remarks

Bad air (from guano , poor air circulation, low supply of oxygen)

-

Only few guano deposits were observed, only in some portion of the main chamber


Presence of swiftly running underground river system

At the main chamber

There are some portion in the main chamber where water flow slowly and water running swiftly in most of the main chamber

Deep swamps or pools - There is no deep swamp or pool found in the cave

Flooding indication - -

Vertical pitches/entrance - -

Tight crawlways/squeezes At the main chamber (Station 0-2, 19-27, and 33-37)

There are some portion of the main chamber of the cave that are tight crawl ways

Presence of rock fall At the main chamber near and in the exit point (station 37-41)

Presence of rock fall observed particularly near and in the exit point of the cave

Presence of breakdown At the exit point or portal of the cave

Presence of breakdown had noticed near or in the exit point of the cave

Deep mud -

There was no deep mud in the cave, however there are potion of the cave where the water is very turbid/muddy which is crawl way in point/station 33-36

Unstable flooring Observed in some portion of the main chamber (Station 8-9, and 28-32)

This portion (left portion of the main chamber – higher portion) is quite muddy with small rock deposits. Passing in the water ways (right portion of the main chamber – lower portion) is safer rather than going up in the left portion of the chamber.

f. Anthropological Features

Barangay Poblacion 1 has a mixture of population but dominated by

Surigaonon. Generally, the dialect used in the area is Surigaonon and some

are bisaya/cebuano. Other dialect spoken is English since there are foreign

people who are now living in the area. The Barangay has elementary school,

day care center, Barangay hall, covered court and church. Major livelihood

activities of the community in the area are fishing and farming.


g. Archeological Features

There were no artifacts, human bones or remains with archeological significance observed inside the cave.

1. Are there artifacts on the present floor area of the cave, rock shelter or

overhang? Yes ___ X No

1.1 What are the artifacts present? X stone tools (flaked) X pottery (earthenware) X stone tools (flaked) X pottery (earthenware w/

design) X shell tools X metal implements X trade ware ceramics X wooden coffins

1.2 What are the Eco facts presents?

X human bones X shells (land) X animal bones X shells (freshwater) X wood X shells (marine)

2. Are there artworks on the floor?

X charcoal drawings X hematite paintings

X engraved artwork

h. Threats/Problems

Table 13. Threats and problems observed in Patag Cave

Problems Current Potential

Deforestation Alteration of vegetation Affect the evolution of the cave as well as the cave dependent wildlife

Agriculture - -

Urbanization and industry - -

Tourism and Recreation

Adequate caving equipment for safe descent and ascend is a must for safe entry. Uncontrolled entry in the cave disturbed the bats

Use for inexperienced cavers Disappearance of bats inside the cave

Chemical Waste - -

Water Exploitation (dams, groundwater pumping inundation)

-

-

Others (Birds and birds’ - -


nest collection and guano extraction)

i. Potential Uses of the Cave

Table 14. Potential Uses Observed Within Patag Cave

Potential Uses of the Cave

(pls. check) Remarks

Scientific Research

The cave is favorable for any research activities concerning the cave ecosystem and other related studies.

Tourism and Recreation

The said cave is favorable for ecotourism purposes because of its exciting and inviting characteristics that visitor can’t afford to ignore. However, proper management and protection of the cave is a must for sustainability and healthy environment.

Others (specify) Guano extraction and birds nest utilization

Secure permit from proper authority.

j. Findings

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS:

The cave is accessible by any kind of transportation vehicles. Some portions

of the cave have hazardous conditions and difficult to access like very tight

crawl ways, with swiftly running water, presence of rock fall and unstable

flooring.

Issues and Concerns

Lack of caving equipment/gadgets

Solid waste management – There are some plastic leftovers observed

inside the cave

Broken stalactites in tight crawl ways portion of the cave because of

uncontrolled entry of visitors – the said difficult tight crawl ways should be

closed to conserve some important features of the cave


RECOMMENDATIONS:

Based on the above cited findings and in accordance to DMC 2007-04, Procedure

in Cave Classification, we the undersigned hereby recommend that the Patag

Cave of Barangay Poblacion 1, Burgos, in the province of Surigao del Norte be

classified as Class II Cave considering that there are portions which have

hazardous conditions and contain sensitive geological, archaeological, cultural,

historical, and biological values or high quality ecosystem. It may be necessary to

close sections of this cave seasonally or permanently. It is open to experienced

cavers or guided educational tours/visitors.

It is recommended further that the concern DENR-Field Office together with the Local Government Unit will conduct an intensive information drive to the people of Barangay Poblacion 1 on all cave related laws and policies, importance of cave and wildlife conservation to enhance their awareness and to solicit their support in the proper management of the cave and cave resources in their area. Along with this activity, the deputation of Cave/Wildlife Enforcement Officer is very essential in the protection of the caves and cave resources in order to have responsible individuals who will conduct regular patrolling and monitoring. Apart from these, the imposition of Municipal and Barangay Ordinances regarding cave conservation, protection and management will also be institutionalized primarily to minimize if not stop, the incidences of destroying the integrity of the caves in the locality. If possible, instead of plastic wrappers, food should be wrapped with biodegradable materials such as banana leaves to avoid solid wastes pollution.

Moreover, a formulation of comprehensive management plan through participatory

approach that will enhance the involvement and participation of the communities

in the cave management and protection. Since the cave is within private land, a

Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DENR-LGU-Private land owners

shall be forged using the template MOA provided under DENR-PAWB Technical

Bulletin No. 2013-05.


Cave Speleothems in Patag Cave

PHOTODOCUMENTATION

Stalagmites

Stalactites

Draperies Rimstone Dam/Gour Pool


Fauna inside Patag Cave

Flora Inside Patag Cave

Columns Flowstones

Insect Bat Black Pit Viper

Cave Spider Cricket

Gabi-gabi


Cave Hazards

Deep Water

Tight Passages

Tight Crawl Ways


Threats

Vertical Passages

Unstable flooring/ground Rock fall

Plastic Leftovers


Others

Patag Area Cave Portal – Entrance Point

Swiftly Running Water Underground Water Way

Guano Deposits


Cave Portal – Exit Point

Cave Assessment Team

detailed cave assessment report name of cave : patag

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