Danica Camille Comia | B Sport Science | CWTS 1 and 2 [Civic Welfare Training Service]
Posted on July 31, 2025
When people think of or hear about Metro Manila, they often picture crowded streets, busy roads, and numerous buildings and establishments. Who would have thought that there is a cave inside Metro Manila? We literally have no idea there’s a hidden cave in the city with its own natural beauty and ecological importance. My perspective on urban biodiversity changed because of my experience in Apugan Cave.
Apugan Cave is located at La Mesa Watershed Reservation, Quezon City. It was a 30-40 min drive from UP Diliman going to Novaliches, Quezon City. The area was strictly guarded starting from the entrance of the village; for us to go straight to the location, we had to be accompanied by the staff and officers of DENR. We had a stopover and had a quick breakfast before heading to the trail going to the entrance of the cave.
Once we arrived at the entrance of the cave, I was in awe because, as I said, who would’ve thought that there is a cave hidden in a city? When we were heading inside, the temperature became cooler, and only a small amount of light could be seen from the entrance. As we moved deeper, we saw different rock formations, limestone, insects like spiders, and of course, bats. I was moved by how different the quiet and peaceful atmosphere inside the cave was from the busy surroundings outside. We were reminded to keep quiet inside the cave so we wouldn’t disturb the bats. As we toured inside the cave, we also discovered a sinkhole and a different entrance of the cave. Our tour guide really explained well about the cave and its hazards. While enjoying the tour, we had to keep in mind that caves are fragile ecosystems that deserve to be protected.
Exploring the Apugan Cave gave me more than just memories; it taught me that it is much more than just geological formations. It was also a habitat for other animals that lived in the dark and supported local biodiversity, even within the urban environment. The experience deepened my appreciation for nature and highlighted the importance of conservation. It serves as a reminder that protecting ecosystems like Apugan Cave through ethical behavior and environmental awareness contributes to the preservation of these amazing ecosystems for coming generations.
Danica Camille Comia is a student-athlete from the UP Women’s Badminton Varsity Team.