Torres was among the 30 people who attended the public consultation for the proposed Kalabera Cave development project at Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School on Friday night.
He said the project consultant, Herman B. Cabrera & Associates, and government agencies involved in the project should seek permission from the taotaomona.
The taotaomona are spirits of ancient inhabitants believed to haunt the mountains and wild places of the Mariana islands.
Torres, R-Saipan, said prayers should also be offered to seek permission from the taotaomona in the next public consultation.
Herman B. Cabrera assured Torres that “we give respect to the taotaomona every time we go to the cave.”
“The main goal of the project is to protect, restore and preserve Kalabera Cave,” he added.
During the discussions, the project proponents noted the graffiti inside the cave which could ruin ancient pictographs or images.
But Cabrera said appropriate measures are being implemented to prevent vandalism in the cave.
Torres suggested that a fence be erected to guard the entrance to the cave.
According to Cabrera, about 90 percent of the environmental assessment and programmatic evaluation of the proposed Kalabera Cave development project has been completed.
But, he added, comments from the public are also “important and will become a matter of public record.”
All relevant comments regarding the project may be sent to Herman B. Cabrera & Associates, P.O. Box 501421, Saipan MP 96950.
You may also call 234-1778, fax 235-1778 or e-mail [email protected].
