16/08/2026
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Straight from Europe and East Asia, evaluators from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) β Dr. Guy Martin Martini of France and Mr. Chenggong Zhang of China β arrived in Davao City to conduct a field validation mission for Mt. Apo, which aspires to be recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
The vision of Mt. Apo as one of the worldβs geoparks was sparked by its globally rare tectonic setting, which underpins the parkβs active volcanic-hydrothermal systems. In 2022, DENR XI and XII, the regions where the Mt. Apo Geopark straddles, initiated preparations for the bid. Since then, numerous activities have been undertaken to meet UNESCOβs standards and requirements.
As part of the mission, the Partners in Stewardship: Mt. Apo Geopark Stakeholdersβ Dialogue was held earlier today, August 15, 2026. The event gathered members of the Mt. Apo Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), regional and national officials from DENR XI and XII, and distinguished guests from local communities, various agencies, civil society organizations and academic institutions.
DENR XI Regional Executive Director Atty. Ma. Mercedes V. Dumagan emphasized Mt. Apoβs extraordinary landscape in her message:
βMt. Apo possesses geological, biological, and cultural values that deserve not only national recognition but also a place among the worldβs most outstanding territories where conservation, education, and sustainable development work hand in hand,β she said.
DENR Assistant Secretary and Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) Director Atty. Felix Alicer also delivered a message of support on behalf of Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna, stressing that beyond recognition, the agency is committed to strengthening geoconservation by protecting the geological processes and landscapes that define Mt. Apo.
The Department of Tourism XI, represented by RD Tanya Rabat-Tan, and the Davao City Local Government Unit likewise expressed their full support for the vision.
RED Dumagan extended her gratitude to partner agencies and institutions, including the National Commission of the Philippines for UNESCO, the National Committee on Geological Sciences, local government units, the Philippine National Museum through its Deputy Director, Protected Area Management Board, Indigenous Cultural Communities, academic institutions, development partners, and local communities.
UNESCO evaluator Dr. Martini remarked that even before the actual field mission begins, he already felt the meaning and significance of Mt. Apo. Mr. Zhang likewise expressed appreciation, particularly for the indigenous community that showcased their culture through rituals and dances.
βWe are excited to meet your locals, to learn with them, understand them, and to have a fantastic and successful mission,β Mr. Zhang said.
In the coming days, the distinguished evaluators, together with stakeholders, guests from across the country, and the DENR XI and XII teams, will carry out the field validation mission for Mt. Apoβs UNESCO Global Geopark bid.
Ctto: DENR Davao Region
