The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has officially canceled the controversial Mayon Volcano Heritage Aesthetic Lighting project following a surge of opposition from various sectors, including the Diocese of Legazpi, environmental advocates, and outraged netizens.

The project, which had an approved budget of ₱500 million, aimed to install aesthetic lighting around the slopes of Mayon Volcano to boost tourism. However, it was met with overwhelming criticism, with many calling it an unnecessary, environmentally harmful, and tone-deaf use of public funds.

'Let Mayon be'

Among the strongest voices against the project was the Diocese of Legazpi, which released a firm statement titled “Let Mayon Be.” The clergy called the project “misguided” and argued that Mayon’s natural beauty should not be altered with artificial lights.

“Mayon does not need to be lighted up. She needs to be left alone,” the statement read, warning that the lighting could disrupt local wildlife and disrespect the sacredness of the site. The clergy also pointed out that Albay has more urgent needs, such as better roads and reliable electricity in rural areas.

Environmentalists also decried the plan, emphasizing that Mayon is an ecological zone home to unique species that could be disturbed by the artificial lighting.

Public frustration spilled over onto social media, where thousands of Filipinos slammed the project as wasteful and out of touch with real community needs. One viral comment, translated from a mix of English and Filipino, captured the sentiments of many:

"Mayon is an environmental area where specific species live. It is a place in nature that these species call home. Do not disturb it, do not interfere because they are living in peace. Light up the rural areas where the roads are as dark as the minds of those who came up with this idea."

Project canceled

In response to the opposition, TIEZA announced the cancellation of the project, citing the need to ensure “full stakeholder acceptability.” The decision aligns with Section 41(c.i.) of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 9184, which allows project termination if economic and physical conditions make it no longer feasible.

As a result, TIEZA also scrapped the bid evaluation for Amigo Entertainment Technologies, Inc. joint venture with BF Corporation, the lone bidder for the project.