The two officials discussed co-management of the environment and natural resources in the province. Their first meeting focused on the sustainable ecotourism development of the unexplored Capisaan Cave in Kasibu and the Lower Magat Ecotourism Park in Diadi.

 

The 4.2-kilometer Capisaan Cave is the 5th longest cave system in the Philippines.

 

Gov. Padilla also informed the regional environment chief on the projects initiated by the provincial government. He said he will always consult the Department through Director Bambalan on any development project the province will initiate and assured her that it should be mutually acceptable before implementation.

 

On her part, Director Bambalan thanked the provincial government for its support in the protection and management of the natural resources of Nueva Vizcaya.

 

"The DENR is the lead agency in the management and protection of caves and cave resources per Republic Act 9072 but we need the support of the local government units having territorial jurisdiction of these natural resources," RED Bambalan said.

Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Marcos Dacanay, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Edgar Martin, Sanggunian Panlalawigan Member Patricio Dumlao Jr., and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Officers joined the meeting.#