BALBALAN, Kalinga (PIA) - - There’s a new tourist destination in this town worth experiencing.

The local government unit opened last September 27 the   Magangab cave in Sitio Bagwang, Barangay Tawang, this municipality   to the public and tourists.

It was also officially opened with a mass offering, performance of traditional rituals, ceremonial cutting of ribbon and signing by Mayor Almar Malannag of Executive Order No. 25 declaring the marvelous cave as a tourist destination in the presence of guests, the community, public officials and other visitors.
 

The EO accordingly provides among others guidelines on the entry of visitors, the imposition of fees and penalties against violators for the exploration of the cave either for scientific and educational purposes, for recreational and/or tourism activities.

Department of Tourism-Cordillera Regional Director Jovita A. Ganongan and Department of Environment and Natural Resources-CAR Regional Director Ralph C. Recto concurred the opening of the cave for tourism activities.

Governor James Edduba assured the provincial government’s full support to the development of the local tourism industry seeing it as an opportunity to recover from the economic losses the two-year COVID 10 pandemic has inflicted on the local economy. However, he cautioned communities who are host to this marvel of nature to remain vigilant against corruption of values and evils of its commercialization.

 
The Office of the Congressman also has significant contribution on the discovery and promotion of Balbalan caves through the opening of roads which now gives easy access for tourists. The road near the Magangab cave was opened during the incumbency of Congressman Allen Jesse Mangaoang when he was mayor of Balbalan in 2001-2011.

 
Municipal Tourism Officer Regine Faye Munda Cruz said that since there is no signal in the area, tourists are advised to go directly to the barangay halls of Tawang and Balbalasang as designated tourism information centers. (JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga)