By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Nueva Vizcaya is set to transform its World War II battlefields and historic landmarks into a heritage tourism circuit as the provincial government moves to establish “Liberation Trails” that will preserve the province’s wartime legacy while creating new economic opportunities for local communities. The initiative took shape following a meeting between Governor Jose V. Gambito, Provincial Tourism Officer Marichelle O. Costales and Erwin Tiongson, a Solano native based in the United States who serves as director of the Global Human Development Program at Georgetown University. The proposed Liberation Trails will feature guided tours of significant historical and World War II sites across the province, targeting travelers with an interest in Philippine history, military heritage, and cultural tourism. Tiongson first presented the proposal to the Provincial Tourism and Culture Office during one of his “balikbayan” visits to Nueva Vizcaya. He also facilitated the provincial government’s engagement with leading Filipino historians, including Dr. Ricardo Jose, professor emeritus at the University of the Philippines Diliman and one of the country’s foremost authorities on World War II in the Philippines and Asia. Jose underscored Nueva Vizcaya’s strategic importance during the Second World War, describing the province as one of the country’s most significant battlefield areas. According to Costales, the planned tourism circuit will highlight key wartime sites, including Balete Pass in the municipality of Santa Fe and Kirang Pass in Aritao. Kirang Pass is home to a Japanese war shrine, commonly known as the Kirang Pass Monument, which was built in 1978 by Japan’s Rokusankai Society. These and other historically significant sites will be documented and incorporated into the heritage trail. Gambito welcomed the initiative, saying scholarly research will help the provincial government strengthen heritage conservation while promoting responsible tourism. “Historical data can guide us in preserving these places while developing tourism that benefits local communities,” the governor said. The proposal is expected to gain further momentum during the upcoming Nueva Vizcaya Historical Congress, which is co-organized by the provincial government and the Nueva Vizcaya Historical Society. Jose is scheduled todeliver the keynote address at the event. Beyond heritage preservation, the Liberation Trails project is also envisioned to generate livelihood and business opportunities for residents through community-based tourism initiatives. As part of the effort, Tiongson introduced local historian Desiree Benipayo, who organizes historical tours, to the Provincial Tourism Office. Benipayo, together with other local historians, has expressed willingness to work with the provincial government in developing memorial and heritage tours for the growing special-interest tourism market. Also present during the meeting were Board Member Eunice Galima Gambol, chair of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Tourism; former Provincial Administrator Virgilio A. Tiongson; and officials of the Nueva Vizcaya Chamber of Commerce led by Magtanggol Maniquis. Once established, Gambito said, the Liberation Trails are expected to connect major historical sites across Nueva Vizcaya’s municipalities, strengthen the preservation of the province’s wartime heritage, and position Nueva Vizcaya as a premier destination for World War II and heritage tourism in the Philippines.

By Marlon Atun   LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has maintained Mayon Volcano at Alert Level 3, as recent decreases in volcanic activity are insufficient for a downgrade. Dr. Paul Karson Alanis, senior science research specialist of Phivolcs, said that despite observing a downward trend over the past two weeks, most monitored parameters still meet Alert Level 3 conditions. “As of July 29, the volcano is still effectively at ‘Day 0’ in terms of meeting the requirement for a sustained decline,” Alanis explained, referring to the agency’s protocol requiring at least two consecutive weeks of consistent decrease in key parameters before lowering the alert level. Phivolcs noted that earlier increases in seismic activity—particularly volcano-tectonic earthquakes recorded in Sto. Domingo and Bacacay, Albay—contributed to heightened unrest, including episodes of strombolian activity, lava fountaining, intensified rockfalls, and elevated sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions. At its peak, SO₂ emissions reached approximately 13,128 tonnes per day, the highest recorded in the past 26 years. In recent days, however, volcanic activity has shown signs of easing, including reduced seismicity and the absence of the rumbling sounds previously heard within several kilometers of the crater. Alanis clarified that these sounds were associated with strombolian eruptions—named after Italy’s Stromboli Volcano—which produce cannon-like bursts, as well as increased rockfall events. Despite these improvements, Phivolcs emphasized that alert level downgrading is not automatic. The agency continues to implement a “stand-down” procedure, which carefully evaluates multiple parameters such as sulfur dioxide emissions, ground deformation, volcanic earthquakes, rockfall events, pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), plume activity, lava fountaining, and ongoing lava effusion. “While we are seeing a declining trend, it is not yet sufficient to justify lowering the alert level,” Alanis said. Since the onset of the current eruption, Mayon has produced an estimated 88 million cubic meters of volcanic materials, including lava, ash, gases, and pyroclastic flows. These deposits remain on the upper slopes and pose significant hazards, particularly within the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ). Phivolcs warned that these materials are unstable and highly erodible. Even without active eruptions, they may collapse and generate PDCs and ash clouds. Additionally, loose and still-hot volcanic debris may trigger dangerous lahars during heavy rainfall, threatening communities along river channels. As of July 29, Phivolcs recorded four volcanic earthquakes, 10 rockfall events, two PDCs, and sulfur dioxide emissions of 1,318 tonnes per day. Authorities continue to urge the public to strictly avoid entry into the 6-km PDZ and to remain vigilant against secondary hazards such as ashfall and lahars as Mayon remains under Alert Level 3. (PIA Bicol)