“Haan tayo kuma map-mapan idiay ta haan tayo kayat iti disgrasiya”: Balbalan Tourism reminds ‘Maaya-ayas Cave’ is not yet open to public

Balbalan, Kalinga – While the classification of the Maaya-ayas Cave in Barangay Mabaca is still pending, Municipal Tourism Officer Regine Faye Munda Cruz is urging the public to refrain from entering the site, emphasizing that it is not yet open for tourism activities.

The cave, considered one of Balbalan's hidden natural attractions, was recently inspected by the Regional Cave Assessment Team to determine whether it should be classified for preservation and protection or opened for tourism and recreational activities.

However, while authorities await the results of the assessment, Munda Cruz stressed that the cave remains off-limits to visitors.

“Maipakaammo nga ti Maaya-ayas Cave idiay Mabaca ket haan nga open nga pasyaren ken i-explore dagiti turista. Iti naangay nga activity ket diyay assessment na pay laeng, maysa nga proseso sakbay nga mai-open iti kweba para ti turista,” she said.

The tourism officer cited safety concerns as one of the primary reasons for restricting access to the cave. According to her, the trail leading to the site is difficult and slippery, while navigating the cave itself requires proper safety equipment and ropes.

“Awan kuma ap-apan idiay nga disso ta haan tayo kayat nga adda ti disgrasya nga mapasamak ta narigat ken nagalis diay dalan nga apan ken delikado idiay uneg na nu awan dagiti safety gears and ropes nga mausar,” she appealed.

Munda Cruz also reminded the public to help protect the cave's water source, noting that the water inside serves as a source of supply for the communities of Mabaca and Gawaan.

“Haan tayo met lang kuma basta basta apan idiay tapno haan nga marugitan diay danum idiay uneg nga isu iti paggapwan ti danum ti communities idiay barangays Mabaca and Gawaan,” she added.

As of this writing, Balbalan has five classified caves, two of which are open to the public—Magangab Cave and Maanus Cave, both located in Barangay Tawang.

Local tourism officials continue to remind residents and visitors to wait for the official classification and opening of Maaya-ayas Cave before attempting to visit the site.