Tourism stakeholders have locked arms in the effort to put Mayon Volcano on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Heritage Sites list.

"Magayon," which means beautiful in Bicolano, describes the volcano with the perfect cone and the region itself and is the battle cry of the crusade to put Mayon on the UNESCO list. The country's application will be submitted in February 2024.

Once on the list, Mayon will be endorsed and touted by UNESCO as a "must-see destination.''

The application to UNESCO is being prepared by representatives from the Philippine National Commission for UNESCO, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Bicol University and provincial department heads.

During the third leg of the Philippine Experience Program, or PEP, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the Department of Tourism's campaign to include Mayon on the UNESCO list was in full throttle.

The Bicol Region was chosen by PEP, which achieves the department's aspiration to reintroduce the Philippines to the world, based not only on the strength of its natural assets but also on the inner strength of the Filipino people.

Another batch of delegates, consisting of local executives of Cebu, tour operators, and media members, among others, got to explore and appreciate Mayon Volcano, the region's gem.

The delegates participated in the kick-off of the month-long celebration of the Kasanggayahan Festival of the province of Sorsogon with Governor Jose Edwin Hamor.

A sumptuous lunch featuring the fresh catch of the province's fisherfolk provided a gastronomic delight for PEP participants.

The first tour stop was Bulusan Volcano Natural Park, where Bulusan Lake, dubbed the Switzerland of the Orient, is located, captivating group members with the tranquil scene.

A grand welcome dinner for Frasco and the group prepared by Albay Governor Greco Lagman featured the region's famed laing, pinangat, and pili tart, among other delicacies.