pagat cave 2010 hannah malaca

Pagat cave is a well-known hiking spot for both locals and tourist. I was given the opportunity to do this hike for my Guam history class as an assignment. This landmark may soon be closed down due to the soon to come military build up that is coming to Guam. This was my first time to Pagat cave and really didnt think that Guam really wouldnt lose so much if this place were to be closed down. But, going on this hike made me think otherwise. Not only would Guam be losing land in the process of the military buildup, but we will also be slowly losing our culture and heritage. The area around Pagat cave is home to numerous ancient Chamorro artifacts, some have yet to be discovered. As I walked the area, I was overwhelmed with a feeling that my children may never be able to see and appreciate those before us on Guam. At the same time I had this feeling of content to be able to say that I have walked the paths of my people in ancient times, I got to touch what they made, and I got to see what they saw on a day to day basis. It was a nice reminder of what beauty our island truly holds minus the concrete jungle we know today. Also walking the terrain, it made me think of how much strength the ancient Chamorros had to hike down to the caves for their water supply. Im guessing it wouldnt be as easy without proper footwear. In all seriousness, I am glad to have taken part in this assignment or else I would probably be stuck in the same mindset of ignoring what the buildup is doing to Guam. We are Guahan.

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Nonprofits & Activism

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• pagat
• cave