Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex:

A Potential Ecotourism Destination in Laguna.

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Tourism is a complex industry made up of many different businesses, the common theme

being that they provide products and services to tourists. One of which is Ecotourism that is

defined as: a nature-based tourism that is ecologically sustainable and based on relatively

undisturbed natural areas, is non-damaging and non-degrading, contributes directly to the

continued protection and management of protected areas, and is subject to an adequate and

appropriate management regime.

In the Philippines, tourism offers diverse activities and destinations for tourists with

various inclinations. The competitive advantages of the country are its ambiance and natural

attractions that are excellent for rest, recreation, and adventure. Its tropical climate is perfect for

outdoor recreational activitie. Being an archipelago, the coastline of the country is spiced up with

thousands of natural coves and beaches that offer tourists great satisfaction and relaxation.

Having limitless natural areas, ecotourism in the country can provide numerous benefits not only

to the local people but also in the conservation of the protected environmental ares. One of the

beautiful places in the Philippines that represent different ecotourism activities and destinations

for tourist is found in the lovely province of Laguna.

Laguna, has its comforting breeze and inspiring sceneries that set the perfect ambience

for an exhilarating welcome to the numerous tourist destinations of the Province. Laguna
provides both adventure and refreshing ingredients and spectacular setting for wellness, learning

and exploration. Tourist and investor can choose from a wide array of leisure and countless

activities, striking a harmonious balance between an active lifestyle and healthy living.

Everything you would love to enjoy in life is in Laguna the old churches, heritage and culture,

festivals, the friendly Lagunenos to tell you the story and show you around, mountains like Mt.

Makiling, waterfalls of Pagsanjan, hot springs located in Calamba and Los Banos, lakes in San

Pablo, most especially rivers and caves found in Cavinti.

Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex is located in Barangay Paowin, Cavinti,

Laguna which was opened to public last March 30, 2013. Travel time from Santa Cruz to

Cavinti Municipal Office was approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour. From Cavinti Municipal

Office to Brgy. Paowin was approximately 15mins away. Cavinti Underground River and Caves

Complex is one of the newly discovered destinations in Laguna proved that summer and holidays

is definitely more fun in the Philippines. Aside from being the newest summer destination in

Laguna, it also offers great activities like trekking and spelunking to unleash the adventurers in

you. It also has features like impressive rock formations, waterfalls and a so-called fountain of

youth that will give an amazing feeling. The Local Government Unit of Cavinti Tourism Office

provides personnel that will assist tourist. They will also discuss the precautionary measures

before entering the cave for the safety of climbers.

The study will focus on the assessment on problems of the Cavinti Underground River

and Caves Complex to be a potential eco-tourist destination in Laguna. Respectively, this will

evaluate the weaknesses of the place in terms of amenities, accommodation, accessibility, safety,

and services; identify the existing measures used by the Local Government of Cavinti Laguna in

maintaining the features of the site; and the possible recommendations of the researcher and its
respondents that concerns the protection and beautification of Cavinti Underground River and

Caves Complex.

The researchers will assess the problems of Cavinti Underground River and Caves

Complex to be a potential eco-tourist destination because it is the best place for adventurers and

explorers, it also has the possibility of comparison between Puerto Princesa Subterranean

Underground River and be one of the finest Ecotourism site in the country. The place is located

in the province of Laguna which made it accessible to the researcher since theyre just residing

within the region. Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex is rich in natural resources as

well as natural attractions that offer activities and scenic views for adventurous tourist. With

appropriate evaluation of the place in terms of its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and

threats encountered, this locale can be widely known as new summer destination and be one of

the best Ecotourism all over the country or globally.

Statement of the Problem

This study will attempt to assess the problems of the Cavinti Underground River and

Caves Complex to be a potential Ecotourism Destination in Laguna.

Specifically, the study aims to answer the subsequent questions:

 1. What are the problems and weaknesses of Cavinti Underground River and Caves

Complex as observed by the researchers and respondents in terms of:

amenities

accommodation

accessibility

safety, and

services?

2. What are existing measures used by the Local Government of Cavinti Laguna in

maintaining the features of the Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex?

3. What are the possible recommendations of the researcher and respondents that concerns

the protection and beautification of Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex?

Objectives of the Study

The study seeks to assess the problems of Cavinti Underground River and Caves

Complex to be a potential Ecotourism Destination in Laguna. Thus, the objectives of the study

would be the following:

 1. to investigate the problems and weaknesses of Cavinti Underground River and Caves

Complex as observed by the researchers and respondents in terms of:

amenities

accommodation

accessibility

safety, and

services

2. to determine existing measures used by the Local Government of Cavinti Laguna in

maintaining the features of the Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex?

3. to assess the possible recommendations of the researcher, Municipal personnel and

residents that concerns the protection and beautification of Cavinti Underground River

and Caves Complex.

Significance of the Study

Our country is looking to the development of the tourism industry, thus this study is very

significant for the following:

1. Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex. Through the assessment of problems

on the Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex to become an Ecotoutist

destination in Laguna, the site will probably have the opportunity to further improve its

features and services to cater to its adventurous travelers.

2. The Municipality of Cavinti and its residents. The locale of the study may benefit from

the additional credit in terms of increase in tourist arrivals and the chance of being well

known. It can also create more job opportunities for the local residents like putting up a

souvenir shop and food stalls for pasalubong just near the site.

3. The Department of Tourism. Through the assessment of problems on the Cavinti

Underground River and Caves Complex to become an Ecotoutist destination in Laguna,

the government, especially the Department of Tourism will assist to the required standard

operating procedures regarding the possible improvement of the site and the marketing

and promotions of the Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex.

4. The Future Travelers. This study will provide information to the future travelers about

the best features of the site and the adventure coming from the activities that will enhance

their interest to visit such a pleasing and delightful location like the Cavinti Underground

River and Caves Complex.

5. The researchers. This study will fulfill their interest about the assessment of the

problems of the Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex to become an Ecotourist

destination to provide possible suggestions on how to improve the place in terms of

amenities, accommodation, accessibility, safety, and services. This study also provided

them useful information related to their course, particularly those issues concerning

further enhancement and promoting a specific ecotourist destination.

6. Tourism Students. This study will provide necessary information to the tourism students

about evaluating the existing strengths and weaknesses encountered and possible

suggestions to improved the scenic views and features of the Cavinti Underground River

and Caves Complex.

7. The Future Researchers. This study will be used as a reference material for the future

researchers who will conduct related study. This study will also provide them with

knowledge related to their course.