The provincial government has put the preservation of Batangas’ natural wonders at the center of its 442nd Foundation Day celebration on Friday.

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 (VIP), which is a center of marine biodiversity.

This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Batangas: Melting Pot of Rich Diversity, Gateway to Prosperity.”

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

He pointed out that the UN declared the coral triangle, where the VIP is located, as the source of up to 30 percent of the world’s food.

The provincial government, he added, has already petitioned to elevate the VIP and Taal to World Heritage site status.

Lindsay Barrientos, Philippine National Commission for UNESCO deputy executive director, said the formal request shows the sincere desire of provincial leaders to better protect their resources.

“Our gathering is symbolic of our acceptance of the greater responsibility of appreciating the grace given to us to see our environment,” she said in her speech.

Barrientos revealed that her office is targeting to have the two sites included in the tentative list of nominees before February 2024.

The submission of documents, she added, is very crucial because the next opportunity to submit the pertinent papers would not happen for another decade.

“This is a crucial step for its onward nomination and recognition as the world’s irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration,” Barrientos said.

UNESCO requires that sites must be of outstanding universal value and meet at least one of 10 selection criteria before it could be included on the World Heritage List.

Meanwhile, the provincial government also paid tribute to its outstanding citizens during the celebration.

Mandanas said the momentous event is an opportunity to value the efforts of its citizens who played crucial roles in empowering the identity of Batangueños over the years.

“We look at building the spirit of a Batangueño who is noble and brave,” Mandanas said.

The “Dangal ng Batangan” Awards include the Artist Award for the artist who has promoted the identity of a Batangueño and has brought honor to the province.

For this category, the awardees included Peter Caringal for Dance, Edwin Barrion for Architecture, Loriel Castillo for Visual Arts, and Lionel Guico for Music.

Other individuals who contributed to the growth and development of the province were recognized in the public service category.

The distinction was given to Lt. Lilian Magsino (ret.) for Military, Alfred Buenafe for Medicine, Bureau of Corrections chief and former Armed Forces chief Gregorio Catapang Jr. for Military, and former Manila archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales as Eminent Person. (PNA)