Caraga State University and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) formally signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to support the protection, conservation, and sustainable management of caves and cave resources in Caraga. The ceremony was held on March 9, 2026, at the DENR Learning Center in Ambago, Butuan City.
The university is part of the technical and research partner, along with the Agusan del Sur College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) and Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU). The HEIs will conduct scientific research and technical assessments of all identified caves in the region and produce outputs to support conservation and management plans.
This academy-to-agency partnership is part of the Departments of Geology and Environmental Science’s extension activities, highlighting cave geohazard equipment and assistance. The departments’ expertise, research capacity, and field experience were key factors in the DENR’s selection of HEIs to collaborate with.
The partnership is also a valuable initiative, as the Caraga region is a host to some of the largest cave systems in Mindanao. Its diverse limestone geology, karst landscape, and long Pacific coastline produce naturally extensive cave systems and pristine coastal environments.
Assistant Professor Mr. Nichole Anthony Pacle and Dr. Marlon V. Elvira represented the university in lieu of its executives at the ceremonial signing. DENR Regional Executive Director, Ms. Maritess M. Ocampo, was also present, together with Atty. Redemptor A. Oja, the agency’s OIC and Chief for Technical Services.
The partnership shall run for five years.
Photos provided by the Department of Geology
