Sagada residents oppose road-widening project, fear for Sumaguing Cave

Residents of Sagada, Mountain Province, over the weekend expressed opposition to the Dantay-Sagada widening project in the area, saying that this is damaging local tourist destination Sumaguing Cave.

"Basically, any movement on top will threaten what is under, especially with heavy equipment, so gagalaw at gagalaw 'yan," Sagada resident Ezra Aranduque said in a report on GMA's "24 Oras."

According to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the road-widening project is "a continuing attempt to aid in the tourism industry of the scenic and culturally rich Sagada."

"Three road projects are on-going along the said road line to be completed by year end. Construction activities include road widening and construction of concrete pavement, curb and gutter, slope protection and drainages," it said on its website.

Aranduque said, however, that the ongoing construction activities are on the verge of destroying structures located on the opening of the cave. Mud from the construction areas have also been reported to enter the cave during the rainy season.

"Regarding the Sumaguing road, since time immemorial alam nilang nasa taas ng cave 'yan eh, so did the DPWH, did the DOT [Department of Tourism] conduct a proper study that should they want to widen the road, will it not gravely affect the one that they are promoting such as Sumaguing Cave?" he said.

Still, other residents of the area have already given their support for the road-widening project.

Sumaguing Cave's impressive limestone formations have brought tourism revenue to Sagada, but tourists' overcrowding and littering threaten the town's natural and cultural attractions.

GMA News has already reached out to the DPWH for comment, but they were not immediately available for comment. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA News