Area Features, Amenities and Tree Diversity as Bases for Ecotourism in Bengaongao and Paterno Caves at Tublay, Benguet.

Abstract

The study specifically aimed to determine the unique characteristics for ecotourism of Bengaongao and Paterno caves and their vicinities and assess the tree diversity in the area. The study was conducted in Barangay Ambongdolan Proper, Tublay, Benguet, from May to November 2014. Results of the study showed that the most practiced touristic activity in the barangay is picnicking and camping. Moreover, the barangay hall is the best available accommodating facility. In terms of medical assistance, medical clinic is the only available facility together with midwives and traditional healers. In relation to transportation, garage vehicles were mentioned to be the best form of vehicle in visiting the area. Also, beside the river and near the entrance of Bengaongao Cave are the two most available picnicking sites. The faunal species that could be found in the area are monkeys, wild cat (mutit), wild chicken, monitor lizard (banyas), snakes (beklat), owl, deer (ugsa), bats and cloud rats (bowet). The floral species found are tuel, balete, narra, alumit, calantas, pine tree, tekdeg, sayo, wild orchids, ashaan, aporashit and kamiring. In terms of rock formation, there were three famous rock formations identified inside Bengaongao Cave which are the Wishing Well, Giant Broccoli and the Heart of the Cave rock formation. Also, the Paterno Cave, contains mostly religious replicas called St. Joseph, Virgin Mary and the Cross formation. As regards tree diversity, findings showed that Barangay Ambongdolan is moderately diverse with twenty six (26) tree species dominated by mango (27.78%), mahogany (9.37%), peday (9.03%), tuel (8.52%), sawidi (7.26%) and petpetok (5.19%). The Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index registered 2.78 and Simpson’s Index of diversity at 0.91, indicating a generally diverse forest.