One of our organization advocacy is the preservation of klaja Cave in Conel, General Santos City. Ever since i enter the cave back in 1995, i was struck by the treasure hunting activity in the area (not just klaja cave) but the whole Klaja Park Area.
People believe that retreating Japanese forces during WWII buried a fortune of treasure in the area that since the 50's until the today, treasure hunting still exists. They keep on digging holes in the area (caves included) thus vandalizing and destroying its beauty and inhabitants.....and just last year, they are close to 80 mtrs from the Malakong Wall (limestone cliff where we do top rooping / climbing activity)
I've done many awareness project in the area to include summer camp, eco camp which includes outdoor trainings and race, bringing with me people from the outdoor community, media and government agencies. Still they keep on coming back...some with big financiers..and dig...dig..Anyway, thats the sad thing going on to the area, and we on the outdoor community, ever thou in some point we're disappointed but still we continue fighting for its conservation.
Thanks!!!
The entrance of Klaja Cave with Metal railing used to dried up the subterranean river for them to dig more on the cave
(I was fortunate to enter the cave again (my last is in 1998) in 2005 when i befriended the hunter's caretaker of the cave.
Inside the cave in 2005...on my last visit in the cave in 2006, they now install electrical lights inside
Malakong Wall
Dalas Gorge
Noplo Hills over viewing General Santos City
Japanese Bunker
Amsicong Waterfalls (2 waterfalls ranging from 2 to 10 mtrs)
Topo Map of the Area
Salkak Ridge
Local farmers with his horse
Fongol Cave; a destuctive cave due to guano harvesting
The indeginous way of cooking rice using bamboo
View seen from Salkak Ridge
Salkak Cave