Cave diving in the Philippines is happening in earnest following discovery of Pawod Underwater Cave System in Mactan Island, off the big island of Cebu in the Central Philippines. Pawod was discovered in 2001 by Dr. Alfonso Amores, a cave diver certified in the underwater cave systems of North Central Florida. The discovery opened cave diving for the locals who erstwhile could not afford the expen
sive course in the U.S. Gastardo founded the Filipino Cave Divers (FCD). The non-profit organization is focused primarily in the exploration, survey and subsequent protection of underwater cave systems in the country. FCD members are composed of individuals from different educational backgrounds bound together with the spirit and the passion for explorations. Working with the cave divers are members that include scientist doctors, geologists, a biologist, a photojournalist, underwater videographers and photographers among others. The FCD’s explorations opened the freshwater caves of Casili, Balamban in Cebu Island and Enchanted River Underwater Cave in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur- Mindanao. Several more caves in Mindanao have since been discovered and explored: Bababu Lake (Dinagat Island), Pamutuanan Cave (Lianga, Surigao del Sur) and Campomento Cave (Lanuza, Surigao del Sur), Kantaloi Twin Cenotes of Pilar and the Inner Sanctum of Del Carmen (Siargao Island). Published exploration articles of the FCD can be viewed at www.filipinocavedivers.com
The FCD looks forward to partnering with other intrepid explorers, scientists, non-profit organizations, national agencies, local government units, enacted bodies and environmental committees as we explore, study, document and preserve these equally-important but less-noticed wetland ecosystems---- the underground rivers and underwater caves of the Philippines.
