Matanao Cave exploration by Faridah and Trecelyn

Led by local guides from Matanao, Davao del Sur; LOGSAC’s Faridah Lumpapac and Trecelyn Cabaluna enjoyed a different trip last holy week by exploring Matanao’s caves and tunnels on April 5-7, 2012.

Being first time cavers, the duo had a good time delving into Matanao’s natural cave formations. According to Faridah, they had to go through some slight mountain trekking before reaching the cave’s porch at sitio Talambato, Barangay Asbang. Inside the cave was a mammoth structure of stalactites and stalagmites. There was also a river portion of the cave where they had to dip into so that they could reach the other side of the cave.

Matanao has already been noted because of the presence of many caves. In fact, there were mountaineers before suggesting to declare this town as the caving capital of Davao del Sur. However, due to minimal interest to ecotourism, it was not materialize.

Matanao is a remote town situated southwest of Davao del Sur. It is bounded by the City of Digos, and the Municipalities of Magsaysay, Bansalan and Hagonoy.