ZAMBOANGA. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed last week to formalize a partnership for the protection and management of Caguindangan Cave I in Raba village, Godod, Zamboanga del Norte, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Partnership Details
The DENR-Zamboanga Peninsula reported that the MOA brought together the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) of Liloy, the municipal government of Godod, barangay officials, and the land claimant. The agreement aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of the cave while positioning it as a potential ecotourism destination for the municipality.
Key Provisions
Prior to the signing, Merlou Rebuyas, Chief of the Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Unit, presented the key provisions of the agreement. The presentation clarified the roles of each party in ensuring effective protection, conservation, and management of the cave.
Shared Responsibility
Cenro-Liloy Officer-in-Charge Maribel Acama emphasized the importance of shared responsibility in protecting natural resources, particularly Caguindangan Cave I. Cidur Julsadjiri, OIC assistant regional director for technical services, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to sustain conservation gains and unlock the ecotourism potential of the local community.
Commitment from Stakeholders
All stakeholders expressed their commitment through brief messages, affirming their support for the long-term protection of Caguindangan Cave. Representatives from the DENR, municipal government of Godod, Raba village, the land claimant, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, and the Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Environment signed the MOA. The partnership is seen as a significant step toward safeguarding the site and promoting sustainable tourism in the area.
