Catbalogan City, Philippines: How Scientific Cave Mapping is Revolutionizing Sustainable Ecotourism in Samar

The hidden depths of Catbalogan City, Samar province’s vibrant capital, are currently being revealed through a meticulous combination of science and sustainability. Long regarded as a gateway to the rugged beauty of Eastern Visayas, the city is now establishing itself as a pioneer in subterranean resource management. A comprehensive cave surveying and mapping training session was recently held from February 16 to 19, 2026, marking a significant step forward in the region’s quest to become a premier ecotourism destination. The Catbalogan City Tourism, Culture, Arts, and Information Office spearheaded this initiative to ensure that the city’s natural wonders are not only promoted but also preserved for future generations.

The groundwork for this training was laid during a reconnaissance mission in July 2025, which confirmed 24 distinct caves in the barangays of San Andres, Totoring, Lobo, and Cagutian. These sites, which were previously known only to locals and occasional adventurers, are now being integrated into a formal framework of environmental stewardship. The shift to a science-based approach reflects a growing recognition that tourism must be balanced with the protection of fragile ecosystems. By transforming local volunteers and government employees into skilled mappers, the city fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for these irreplaceable natural resources.

Empowering Communities through Technical Mastery

The four-day training programme was designed to bridge the gap between raw exploration and professional speleological standards. Participants were immersed in a rigorous curriculum that spanned theoretical foundations, hands-on fieldwork, and modern digital data processing. Much of the practical application was focused on the karst landscapes of Barangay Cagutian, where digital maps were created using specialized instruments. These tools allow for a high degree of accuracy in documenting the complex geometry of underground chambers.

By prioritizing community capacity building, the initiative ensures that the knowledge required to manage these sites remains within the local population. Nineteen individuals participated in the programme, representing a diverse cross-section of stakeholders. This included dedicated community guides, representatives from the Samar Mountaineering and Outdoor Club, and officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)–CENRO Catbalogan. This collaborative environment reflects the multi-sectoral effort required to manage natural resources effectively. When local guides are trained in the technicalities of cave mapping, they are better equipped to advocate for the conservation of their own backyards while providing a more enriched, safer experience for visitors.

Science as the Bedrock of Infrastructure and Planning

The data gathered during these surveying sessions is expected to serve as more than just a promotional tool; it is intended to function as a vital blueprint for urban and rural development. It has been noted by city tourism officials that these subterranean maps will directly influence land use and infrastructure planning. For instance, by identifying the exact location of underground voids, the construction of heavy roads over fragile chambers can be avoided. Such preventative measures are crucial for protecting the structural integrity of the caves and ensuring that vital underground water sources remain uncontaminated.

Furthermore, the mapping results will assist in identifying prime locations for reforestation and tree-planting initiatives. Because the hydrology of a cave is intimately linked to the vegetation on the surface, understanding the subterranean layout allows for more strategic environmental interventions. This holistic view of the landscape—where the surface and the subsurface are treated as a single, interconnected system—is a hallmark of modern, science-based resource management. It is through this level of detail that the city aims to prevent the “over-tourism” and environmental degradation that have plagued other cave systems globally.

Classifying the Unknown: Aligning with National Standards

One of the most critical aspects of the training was the emphasis on formal cave classification. Under the guidelines established by Republic Act No. 9072, otherwise known as the National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act, caves in the Philippines are categorized based on their ecological sensitivity and safety. Many of the newly discovered sites in Catbalogan remain unclassified, a status that this training seeks to rectify. Expert guidance was provided by representatives from the Sarangani Bay Area Outdoor Club and the Philippine Speleological Society to ensure that local assessments are aligned with these national benchmarks.

The importance of this classification cannot be overstated. For a site to be opened for general tourism, it typically needs to be designated as a “Class 3” cave—meaning it is relatively safe for inexperienced visitors and does not house critically endangered species or fragile geological formations. Conversely, “Class 1” caves are strictly reserved for scientific study and mapping due to their delicate nature. By establishing these baselines, the city can determine exactly which caves are ready for public adventure and which must be kept under lock and key for the sake of biodiversity. This careful vetting process ensures that the “spelunking capital” of the Philippines lives up to its name without sacrificing its soul.

A Vision for Regulated and Sustainable Adventure

As the city grows, new regulations are being proposed to control the flow of visitors. It is expected that all tourists will soon be required to coordinate their visits with both the city tourism office and the relevant barangay officials before entering any cave site. This system of checks and balances is intended to manage “visitor carrying capacity”, ensuring that underground environments are not overburdened with high foot traffic. It also ensures that each explorer is accompanied by a certified guide who is familiar with the site’s specific hazards and ecological requirements.

The shift in attitudes among local officials and environmentalists is palpable. For many, tourism is no longer defined solely by historical landmarks or heritage sites; it has come to encompass the raw, untamed power of the natural world. In Catbalogan, mapping a single cave is viewed as opening the door to new economic opportunities, as long as the door is protected by science and sustainability. As digital maps are finalised and classification reports are filed, the city invites visitors not only to see its caves but also to witness a new model of responsible travel in Samar.

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