September 8, 2026 l Manila Bulletin
It is not a certainty, but stakeholders of the Bohol Island Geopark remain hopeful that a “Green Card” renewal in 2027 will extend Bohol’s landmark distinction as the only designated UNESCO Geopark in the Philippines for another four years. A “Red Card: means termination of the status, while a “Yellow Card” represents a two-year probationary suspension, giving the grantee time to comply with UNESCO’s recommendations for preserving its heritage and geopark sites.
Recently, a three-day UNESCO Global Immersion activity was launched in Bohol to offer the international body a hands-on look at the province’s commitment to retaining this status—a distinction that grants Bohol legitimate bragging rights over all other provinces and cities in the country.
The event culminated with a luncheon and program at the Capitol’s Ceremonial Hall dubbed “Pagpatunhay”—a conscious call for the community to come together and preserve its UNESCO blessing. Two UNESCO evaluators, Japanese representative Nire Kagaya (Deputy Secretary General of the Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark Council) and Korean representative Sungak Ju (Geopark Team member of the Cheongsong UNESCO Global County Office), spent three days visiting Bohol’s geosites and engaging with local communities, LGUs, and indigenous peoples. Their report will be evaluated by the UNESCO Executive Council in Paris, France, this November for a final vote.
Kagaya noted the “wonderful teamwork and the participation of many people” across the geosites they visited. He was particularly impressed by local schoolchildren actively learning and absorbing the heritage and culture of their birthplace. He was also captivated by the province’s natural beauty, the National Museum-Bohol, its ecologically vital mangroves, and its protected tarsiers. Meanwhile, Ms. Ju, a first-time visitor, shared a memorable assessment, stating that what she will cherish most is the Boholano people and their rich cultural identity.
Governor’s responds
Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado, a firm believer in the collective consciousness of Boholanos toward sustainable development, previously noted that just as important as “remembering our past is our ability to carry on our traditions in our everyday lives.” He emphasized that “stewardship is not a destination, but a continuing commitment for sustainable development,” which in turn strengthens responsible community care.
Tour and immersion
The UNESCO delegation undertook an extensive tour across the province. They visited the ancestral domain of the indigenous Eskaya Community in Taytay, Duero, and the geological site of Lamanok Island, where they met with the Badiang fisherfolk. At Can-umantad Falls in Candijay, they engaged with 4Gen club members from Tambongan National High School, one of the province’s 22 recognized Geoschools.
Other key destinations on the itinerary included the Alicia Panoramic Park, the Chocolate Hills, the Loon-Maribojoc Uplifted Marine Terrace, and the biological haven of the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary. The evaluators also examined traditional Asin Tibuok sea-salt making in Alburquerque as an intangible cultural site, along with the historic Loboc River and Loboc Church. At every destination, local government officials and community guides were well represented to show their support.
Messafe of support
In a message of support, PENRO-Bohol OIC Wilson Henson shared the timeless truth that “what is valuable is not what we own, but what we protect.” He stressed that the UNESCO visit was designed to assess “our commitment to stewardship as well as the unity of all sectors of the people.”
Henson also noted that, taking inspiration from Bohol’s trailblazing achievements, Mt. Apo and Samar Island have both reportedly expressed interest in applying for UNESCO Geopark status. (Note: Mt. Apo is located in Mindanao, while Palawan is a separate region).
Do these incoming applicants see something priceless in this status that Boholanos sometimes take for granted, even as the current caretakers of a UNESCO island geosite?
***The views expressed herein are his own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of his office as well as FINEX. For comments, email bingo8dejaresco@gmail.com. Photo is from Pinterest.