MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – To strengthen efforts in conserving, protecting, and managing caves and cave resources, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region X, the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Manolo Fortich and Sumilao, Bukidnon, and the Mount Palaopao and Upper Mangima-Upper Kulaman Ancestral Domain (MPUMATRIC) have partnered to formulate the Sumalsag Cave Management Plan

In a press release, the DENR said the partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on March 4, 2026, in Puntod, Cagayan de Oro City.

Signatories included DENR Region X Regional Executive Director Henry A. Adornado, Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño of Manolo Fortich, Mayor Venice Marie P. Villo of Sumilao, and Datu Amay Iwag Elfranco L. Linsahay of MPUMATRIC.

Witnesses included PENR Officer Thomas L. Cardente II of Bukidnon; CENR Officer Merlita L. Tabamo of Manolo Fortich; Municipal Environment and Natural Resources (MENR) Officer Sharon G. Tacbobo of Manolo Fortich; and MENR Officer Ann Marie C. Lato of Sumilao, Bukidnon.

“Sumalsag Cave is not just a natural wonder but also a shared responsibility of the two LGUs and local communities. This MOA reminds us of our commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Mayor Villo.

Mayor Quiño expressed his full support for the management plan, while Datu Linsahay welcomed the involvement of Indigenous Peoples in protecting the cave.

RED Adornado said, “This MOA is a testament that we share the same direction in conserving this natural resource. Your inputs will help integrate all aspects, including tourism, into the management plan.”

Under the MOA, the parties will share human, technical, material, and financial resources, designate personnel to the Technical Working Group, and convene as needed to plan, review, and validate progress.

Sumalsag Cave, located in Sitio Kilabong, Barangay Vista Villa, Sumilao, and Sitio Diamante, Barangay Dalirig, Manolo Fortich, measures 1,850 meters in length and is classified as Class II (regulated ecotourism) under Regional Cave Committee Resolution No. 2, Series of 2015.

The MOA is in line with Republic Act No. 9072, or the National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act (Cave Act of 2001), with DENR as the lead agency coordinating with the Department of Tourism, National Museum, National Historical Commission, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the concerned LGUs. (melbmadera)