Mt. Mayon has good shot as UNESCO Heritage site

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.

Lagman thanked the DoT and assured Frasco of his support for PEP, particularly its promotion of the Bicol Region as a tourist destination.

"Parading the call to experience Bicol, a tapestry of history, tradition, and arts, this program embodies the essence of what makes a region exceptional. Albay, with its enchanting landscape, rich cultural heritage, and untapped potential, plays a pivotal role in the national tourism industry," Lagman said.

"The majesty of Mayon is exceeded only by the love and the work of the people of Albay. And while the fury of Mayon may show itself occasionally, this is surely tempered by the compassion, the beauty, and the incomparably excellent hospitality that the people of Albay have shown us thus far," Frasco said in reply.

Adrenaline rush day

On the tour's second day, participants got an adrenaline rush riding on ATVs over the rough terrain around the foot of Mayon.

The itinerary included a visit to Casa Simeon in Bacacay, the historic Daraga Church and the Cagsawa Ruins Park, and another feast at Sumilang Lake hosted by Albay Representative Joey Salceda.

The third day showcased the famous Misibis Bay Resort located on Cagraray Island in Bacacay, followed by a swift tour of Bambusetum Park in Ligao City, the home of 15 distinct bamboo species, and a visit to Albay's version of the famous online game Farmville, the Farmplate Daraga.

With PEP, Frasco maintained, "We hope that through the program, the collaboration between the national and local governments can lead to the development of more tourist destinations."

She stressed that the benefits of tourism projects must trickle down to the poor through more jobs and businesses.

"And what I can assure you is that the hard work, the commitment, the love that we have seen you, governor, and all your officials put into welcoming our PEP delegation will be matched by DoT's commitment to support the province of Albay, to honor the majestic glory of Mayon, and to push forward a vision for the province, which is ensuring that the culture, heritage, and arts of Albay will be known worldwide," Frasco said.