The newly-discovered cave at Sitio Sta. Cruz, Barangay Dansolihon, Cagayan de Oro City, is believed to be between 10,000 and 100,000 years old, as caves typically reach traversable sizes within that timeframe (Palmer, 2001). This information was shared by Congressman Rufus Rodriguez, citing an initial assessment by DENR-10. The assessment revealed that the cave has one main portal, with an estimated height of 4.77 meters and a width of 2.37 meters, along with three other potential openings located within the timberlands of Barangay Dansolihon.
According to DENR-10, the cave is tentatively classified as either Class I or Class II due to the presence of cracks and defacement, indicating its high-risk geological formations and conditions.
The cave features various formations, including stalactites, draperies, columns, flowstone, stalagmites, straws, and helictites. Additionally, the surrounding vegetation—comprising banana plants, hagonoy, cogon grass, and other flora species—contributes to the cave’s conservation.
Cong. Rufus Rodriguez had earlier requested DENR-10 Regional Executive Director Henry Adornado to implement measures to safeguard and preserve the cave.
According to RED Adornado, ongoing road construction in the area has been suspended while DENR-10 coordinates with DPWH-10 for ways forward that will ensure that the integrity of the cave is not affected.
Cong. Rufus previously filed bills seeking to declare several caves in Cagayan de Oro as eco-tourism sites. Said bills are now pending Senate approval. These caves include Macahambus Cave in Brgy. Lumbia, Kweba de Oro in Brgy. Lumbia, Mambuaya Cave in Brgy. Mambuaya, and Langag Cave in Brgy. Dansolihon.
photos by DENR-10
By the way, based on info shared by Cong. Rufus on his Facebook page, it was agreed upon by both Brgy. Dansolihon and Brgy. Mambuaya that the subject cave is in fact situated in Brgy. Mambuaya, Cagayan de Oro City.
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