DETAILED CAVE ASSESSMENT REPORT
Name of Cave
Region
Province
Municipality
Barangay
Length of the Cave
Date of Assessment
Date Prepared
: Patag Cave
: Caraga (R-XIII)
: Surigao del Norte
: Burgos
: Poblacion 1
: 407.3 meters
: August 3, 2016
: 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.
Patag Cave Assessment Report
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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
1. Reforestation Area
2. Reservation
3. Logging
4. Grazing Land
5. Settlements
Patag Cave Assessment Report
Area (ha)
Page 2
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
Poblacion 1
202
899
Major Source of Livelihood
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).
Patag Cave Assessment Report
Page 3
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
Patag Cave Assessment Report
Page 4
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
Common
Scientific
Local
Name
Name
Uses
Importance/
Value
Pouteria
velutina
Construction
Economic
-
Lumber/furniture
Economic
Radermachera
pinnata
Cabinet and
furniture, sculpture
and carving
Economic
TREES
Rattan
Wakatan
Wakatan
Sangay
Pagi-pagi
Labaw
Hambabayod
Balete
Banay-banay
Banay-banay
Patag Cave Assessment Report
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Anislag
PALMAE
Lubi
Coconut
Oil, lumber, broom,
etc.
Economic
Musa sp.
Food/wrapper/fiber
Economic
Donax
canniformis
Used for basket
weaving, making fish
traps, and hats, and
for sewing nipa
shingles.
Economic
House materials,
food, ornamental
Economic
Cocos nucifera
SHRUBS
Saging
Wild Gabi
Banana
Ban-ban
Hagimit
HERBS
Kawayan
Bamboo
Bambusa sp.
Tree fern
Giant fern
Common fern
Giant Fern
Angiopteris
evecta
Fern
Cyathea sp.
Hand, Fibrous trunk
used as orchid
media, trunks carved
into vases and
statues.
-
Economic
Furniture/Decoration
Economic
VINES
Imperata
cylindrical
Bagon
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
Common
Scientific
Local
Name
Name
Gabi-gabi
Taro
Patag Cave Assessment Report
Colocasia
esculenta
Uses
Importance/Value
Used as
ornamental
plant
economic
Page 6
b. Fauna
b.1. Fauna Outside the Cave
Table 5. Fauna Found Outside Patag Cave
Local/Common
Name
Scientific
Name
Conservation
Status
Resident
Distribution
Endemic
Migratory
Remarks
BIRDS
Alimokon/
Small-Billed
Brown Dove
Phapitreron
leucotis
Nectarinia
jugularis
Sunbird
Large Billed
Crew
Philippine
Coucal
-
/
Common
-
heard
-
Seen
Common
/
Common
/
Seen
/
heard
-
-
-
Chesnut Munia
heard
-
Rufous Hornbill
/
heard
INSECTS
Mosquito
Bees
Ants
Flies
Butterflies
Dragonflies
-
Common
Common
Common
Common
Common
Common
-
-
-
Seen
Seen
Seen
Seen
Seen
Seen
b.2. Fauna Inside the Cave
Table 6. Fauna Inside Patag Cave
Cave Zone
Twi Dark
ligh
t
Threaten
ed
Species
Conservati
on Status
Remarks
/
-
Least
concern
reside
nt
/
-
migran
t
/
-
Least
concern
common
-
/
-
common
/
/
-
common
/
-
common
Local
Name
Common
Name
Scientific Name
No.
(app.)
Insect
Bat
kwaknit
Horseshoe
bat
Hipposideros
sp.
Abu
nda
nt
/
Reptile
Hag-om
Pit Viper
3
/
Eel
one
Spider
Few
Crickets
Few
Tail Less
Whip
Few
Organism
Fish
Others
Lawalawa
Patag Cave Assessment Report
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reside
nt
Reside
nt
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
Approximate
Speleothems
Number
Dripstone and Flowstone
Forms (gravity controlled)
Zone
Twilight
Dark
Remarks
Abundant
/
/
Stalagmites
Few
/
/
Draperies
Few
/
Flowstone Sheets
Few
/
Columns
Few
-
/
-
-
-
At the main
chamber and
sub-chambers
At the main
chamber and
sub-chambers
At the main
chamber
At the main
chamber
At the main
chamber
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
/
At the main
chamber
-
Stalactites
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
Concretions of Various Kind
(including cave pearl)
-
-
-
Pool Deposits
Few
-
/
Crystal Lining
Others
-
-
-
Patag Cave Assessment Report
At the main
chamber
Page 8
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
Faults
Joints
Cracks
Fossils (paleontological features)
Others
Location
-
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
Ponds
-
Rivers
One
Patag Cave Assessment Report
-
-
/
Manmade
-
-
Remarks
None
At the
main
chamber
of the
cave
Page 9
Falls
Sumps
Others
-
-
-
/
-
-
None
None
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
Ponds
/
Rivers
One
Falls
Sumps
Others
Creek
One
-
-
/
Manmade
-
Remarks
None
Near
None
None
None
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
Location Inside the
Cave Hazards
Cave
Bad air (from guano , poor
air circulation, low supply of
oxygen)
Patag Cave Assessment Report
-
Remarks
Only few guano deposits
were observed, only in
some portion of the main
chamber
Page 10
Presence of swiftly running
underground river system
At the main chamber
Deep swamps or pools
-
Flooding indication
Vertical pitches/entrance
-
Tight crawlways/squeezes
At the main chamber
(Station 0-2, 19-27, and
33-37)
Presence of rock fall
At the main chamber near
and in the exit point
(station 37-41)
Presence of breakdown
At the exit point or portal
of the cave
Deep mud
Unstable flooring
-
Observed in some portion
of the main chamber
(Station 8-9, and 28-32)
There are some portion in
the main chamber where
water flow slowly and
water running swiftly in
most of the main chamber
There is no deep swamp
or pool found in the cave
There are some portion of
the main chamber of the
cave that are tight crawl
ways
Presence of rock fall
observed particularly near
and in the exit point of the
cave
Presence of breakdown
had noticed near or in the
exit point of the cave
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
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.
Patag Cave Assessment Report
Page 11
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 stone tools (flaked)
X shell tools
X trade ware ceramics
X pottery (earthenware)
X pottery (earthenware
design)
X metal implements
X wooden coffins
w/
1.2 What are the Eco facts presents?
X human bones
X animal bones
X wood
X shells (land)
X shells (freshwater)
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
Affect the evolution of the
Deforestation
Alteration of vegetation
cave as well as the cave
dependent wildlife
Agriculture
Urbanization and industry
Adequate caving
Use for inexperienced
equipment for safe
cavers
descent and ascend is a
Tourism and Recreation
must for safe entry.
Chemical Waste
Water Exploitation (dams,
groundwater pumping
inundation)
Others (Birds and birds’
Patag Cave Assessment Report
Uncontrolled entry in the
cave disturbed the bats
-
Disappearance of bats
inside the cave
-
-
-
-
Page 12
nest collection and guano
extraction)
i. Potential Uses of the Cave
Table 14. Potential Uses Observed Within Patag Cave
Potential Uses of the
(pls. check)
Cave
Scientific Research

Tourism and Recreation

Others (specify) Guano
extraction and birds nest
utilization
Remarks
The cave is favorable for
any research activities
concerning the cave
ecosystem and other
related studies.
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.
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
Patag Cave Assessment Report
Page 13
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.
Patag Cave Assessment Report
Page 14
PHOTODOCUMENTATION
Cave Speleothems in Patag Cave
Stalagmites
Stalactites
Draperies
Patag Cave Assessment Report
Rimstone Dam/Gour Pool
Page 15
Columns
Flowstones
Fauna inside Patag Cave
Insect Bat
Black Pit Viper
Cave Spider
Cricket
Flora Inside Patag Cave
Gabi-gabi
Patag Cave Assessment Report
Page 16
Cave Hazards
Deep Water
Tight Passages
Tight Crawl Ways
Patag Cave Assessment Report
Page 17
Vertical Passages
Unstable flooring/ground
Rock fall
Threats
Plastic Leftovers
Patag Cave Assessment Report
Page 18
Others
Patag Area
Cave Portal – Entrance Point
Underground Water Way
Swiftly Running Water
Guano Deposits
Patag Cave Assessment Report
Page 19
Cave Portal – Exit Point
Cave Assessment Team
Patag Cave Assessment Report
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