By XENIA RIBAYA
ABS-CBN Baguio
SAGADA, MT. PROVINCE — Hundreds of local and foreign tourists flock Sagada to experience a 30-minute walk to the breathtaking sceneries of Lumiang Cave, a popular tourist destination known for its numerous piled hanging coffins made from old pinewood.
But to protect the culture of Sagada, the Sagada Tourist Environment Association (STEA) is set to be be stricter in monitoring the tourists in Lumiang Cave.
STEA President Edward Dalay said they are becoming more vigilant because some tourists become irresponsible and this has led to the desecration of one of Sagada’s most enticing traditional caves.
Tourists will no longer be allowed to come near and touch the coffins where Mt. Province’s old ancestors are buried.
"Tourists are now required to register and they must be accompanied by tourism officers so they can be easily traced," said Dalay.
Due to this, STEA plans to add more manpower to their present ten tourist guides.
The tourist areas of Sagada in Mt. Province generates at least 10,000 local and foreign tourists a year.
The hanging coffins remain to be a mystery among travelers.
As a tradition and a living representation of Sagada’s culture, the rightful preservation of the hanging coffins in Lumiang Cave should be implemented, added Dalay.
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