ARAKAN, Cotabato — The Atao Cave in Sitio Kitaotao, Barangay Lanao, Kuran, Arakan, Cotabato, underwent a three-day assessment from Friday, November 3, until yesterday, November 5.
The assessment was led by the Sarangani Bay Area Outdoor Club, a group of experts in cave management planning, in collaboration with the Provincial Governor’s Office – Public Affairs Assistance Tourism and Sports Development Division, and the local government unit of Arakan.
The objective of this assessment is to protect the cave, along with the various species inhabiting Atao Cave, to preserve its natural beauty, possibly turning it into one of the tourist destinations in Arakan.
The group also conducted an information and education campaign for village officials and members of the Erumanen Menuvu tribe residing in the area, aiming to raise awareness about the proper conservation of the natural environment.
Atao Cave has a length of approximately 100 meters, surrounded by picturesque landscapes that have the potential to be developed as a tourist attraction.
The development of the tourism and agriculture industries is one of the priorities of the Cotabato Provincial Government to further boost the province’s economy.
