QuestionsQuestions (DENR MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2007-04)
It is issued pursuant to Republic Act No. 9072 (National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act of 2001) and Sections 10, 12, and 13 of its Implementing Rules and Regulations (DENR DAO 2003-29).
It applies to all caves within public domain and private lands, including caves found within protected areas, for the guidance of concerned parties.
(1) Identification of caves (location, description) via maps and field reconnaissance; (2) Assessment of bio-physical, socio-economic, and cultural status; (3) Recommendation of classification by the cave assessment team; (4) Review by the Regional Cave Management Committee or PAMB (for protected areas); and (5) Approval by the Regional Executive Director.
The cave assessment team conducts the cave assessment and makes a recommendation on classification. It is created in each CENRO by the Regional Executive Director.
The team must include disciplines such as biology, geology, socio-economics, and other relevant fields of expertise, and must include representatives from other concerned sectors.
Class I caves have delicate and fragile geological formations, threatened species, significant geological and paleontological values, and extremely hazardous conditions.
Allowable activities are limited to mapping, photography, educational and scientific purposes.
Class II caves have areas or portions with hazardous conditions and contain significant sensitive geological, archaeological, cultural, historical, and biological values or high-quality ecosystems.
It states that it may be necessary to close sections of these caves seasonally and/or permanently.
They are open to experienced cavers or through guided educational tours/visits.
Class III caves are generally safe to inexperienced visitors and have no known threatened species, archaeological, geological, natural history, cultural, or historical values.
They may be utilized for economic purposes such as guano extraction and edible nest collection.
All Regions must submit to the Protected Area/Regional cave management authorities (PAWB as stated in the circular) their list of classified caves.
PAWB consolidates the regional lists and prepares a consolidated list. DENR then publishes the consolidated list of classified caves annually.
Caves with existing utilization permits (e.g., guano and edible bird’s nest, except water rights permits), ecotourism, and research and development activities may be temporarily suspended, canceled, or terminated when a cave is recommended for temporary closure, after consultation with LGUs and concerned parties.
The circular requires consultation with local government units (LGUs) and concerned parties.
All circulars and memoranda inconsistent with DENR Memorandum Circular No. 2007-04 are revoked or amended accordingly.
It takes effect immediately.