Antique: The province of Antique is home to around 50 caves, some of which hold the potential to become significant tourist destinations due to their rich biodiversity and historical importance. Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) Ruth Martinez highlighted that a community discussion on the significance of these caves is set to be a focal point of the provincial culminating activity for Cave Month, hosted by the municipality of San Remigio.
According to Philippines News Agency, the town of San Remigio is notable for hosting the Igbaclag and Panalsalan caves, each possessing unique characteristics. Ruth Martinez noted in an interview that Igbaclag cave is unique within the province, as it is home to two varieties of the Rafflesia flower, the world's largest flower, thriving due to the area's rich biodiversity. Specifically, the species Rafflesia speciosa and Rafflesia lobata can be found there. Meanwhile, Panalsalan Cave is a habitat for Balinsasayaw birds and other endemic plants. Despite its 13 chambers, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has yet to classify Panalsalan Cave for potential tourism.
Martinez also shared insights gathered from local folklore, indicating that the caves provided refuge to residents during the Spanish and Japanese occupations. Additionally, in the municipality of Valderrama, caves in the barangays San Agustin and Busog serve as destinations for "babaylans" and "sirhuanos" during Holy Week, where they make offerings for their ancestors. Elpidio Canja, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative in the municipality, emphasized the importance of maintaining silence within the caves to respect ancestral spirits, and tourists are advised against using camera flashes.
Provincial Board Member Pio Jessielito Sumande Sr., who authored the ordinance celebrating Cave Month in Antique, remarked on the historical significance of the Sal-ing cave, where artifacts believed to be from the Ming or Tang dynasty were excavated. He suggested that these findings indicate the presence of people seeking shelter in the caves even before the Spanish and Japanese eras. Sumande stressed the importance of protecting and preserving these caves due to their biodiversity and historical treasures. He further proposed that Antique could be considered the Cave Capital of Western Visayas due to the sheer number of caves within the province.
