BATANGAS CITY — The bid to secure UNESCO recognition for the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape has gained the unanimous support of its Protected Area Management Board as Batangas pushes for stronger conservation and sustainable management of the area.
At its Sept. 30 meeting in Balete, Batangas, the PAMB-TVPL passed a resolution supporting the nomination for submission to DENR CALABARZON for appropriate approval and signature by Regional Executive Director Henry Adornado.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Joel Montealto called on members to support resolutions related to the nomination, saying the administration of Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto seeks to advance recognition of the protected landscape as a site of global heritage significance.
UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Secretary General Ivan Anthony Henares said the province has already submitted its application.
Henares discussed the evaluation process, with initial feedback from UNESCO expected on Nov. 13, 2026.
According to Henares, UNESCO designation could strengthen protection and conservation measures, improve management and increase national and international recognition of the protected landscape.
The board’s meeting also demonstrated the management issues accompanying the heritage bid.
Members tackled fisheries and law enforcement concerns in Taal Lake, including excess, illegal, unauthorized, abandoned and disused fish cages.
PAMB Resolution No. 37 calls on the provincial government to reestablish the Law Enforcement Committee or Task Force Taal Lake to oversee the removal of excess, illegal and unauthorized fish cages and other structures within aquaculture zones.
Protected Area Superintendent Joseph Pusancho said the PAMB remains awaiting the provincial government’s response to the request.
The board separately approved a resolution calling on law enforcement agencies to strengthen enforcement of environmental laws, including the removal of abandoned and disused fish cages.
Several projects proposed by local government units within the TVPL and resolutions needed for their implementation were also approved.| BNN Integrated News
