BATANGAS CITY — The provincial government here has put the preservation of Batangas' natural wonders at the center of its 442nd Foundation Day celebration recently.

Governor Hermilando Mandanas said during the ceremonies at the capitol that his administration is committed to protecting and promoting the province's natural and cultural sites, especially the Verde Island Passage which is a center of marine biodiversity.

In his speech, the governor said his office is pushing for the inclusion of the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape and the VIP in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site Distinction.