Balincaguin Conservancy Grotto

Thank you for your responses for the 2nd Cacupangan Cave Cleanup Campaign (CCCC); we have received confirmed participation from the all organizations invited. They have pledged the participants and contributions as follows:

Organization (pax) – additional contributions

LGU-Mabini (10 pax) – logistics of transportation and lunch
CENRO-Alaminos (10 pax) – tarpaulin banner
Sual Power Station-Mountaineering Club (10 pax)
Rotary Club of Urdaneta East

BC will provide guides and manpower like we did in the 1st CCCC. Last year we picked up litter and cleaned the graffiti from two (2) identified hotspots using two (2) teams from the Hundred Islands Rotary Club-Alaminos City.

Mechanics of the 2nd CCCC

With the additional participants this year, we will be deploying three (3) teams:

Team1 – clean & snorkel in swim areas; return overland.

Team2 – clean up to Stinky Room; return through swim area and overland.

Team3 – (non-swimmers) clean up to Logged Room; return by backtracking.

These teams may be adjusted depending on the abilities of the participants.

Cacupangan Cave is a wet cave and it is rainy season so the water levels are at their maximum. Even with normal rains the drainage is very good so the levels are constant but we may need to adjust entry into the cave during heavy rains.

Please take note that there are two (2) swim areas with depth as much as four (4) meters. We are requesting each organization needs to identify their non-swimmers so they can be assigned to Team3 (waters up to the chest only) and divers for Team1. Normally, our guides will assist non-swimmers through the swim area but we feel it’s best if the guides’ energy is used for the cleanup.

Schedule of events

• 7:00 a.m. – Assembly & orientation at Mabini Plaza
• 7:30 a.m. – Transport to resort area
• 8:00 a.m. – Team1 enters cave
• 8:15 a.m. – Team2 enters cave
• 8:30 a.m. – Team3 enters cave
• 12:00 nn  – All teams begin return trip back to resort area
• 1:00 p.m. – Lunch
• 2:00 p.m. – Recording data, debriefing and going home!

Things to bring

Required items:

• Individual light source (battery-powered flashlight or headlamps)
• Buckets & tabo
• Cleaning implements (plastic brushes, scouring pads, toothbrushes, etc)
• Litter bags (w/handles like large CSI bags, mesh market bags or union bags for snorkeling team)
• Elbow grease

Recommend items:

• Individual drinking water
• Quick energy snacks
• Quick drying shirt & pants or shorts
• Mask, snorkel & underwater lights (Team1)
• Footwear & gloves suitable for water
• Towel & change of clothing

Most of all bring your sense of adventure and consciousness for the environment!

Other concerns of your organization can be sent to info[at]balincaguinconservancy.org…

Thank you for your commitment and cya underground!

Rawen E. Balmaña
President
Balincaguin Conservancy