By Bhaby De Castro
BATANGAS CITY, Philippines — Members of the Protected Area Management Board–Taal Volcano Protected Landscape (PAMB-TVPL) expressed full support for the nomination of the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL) as a UNESCO Heritage Site during a meeting held on September 30 in Balete, Batangas.
During the meeting, Provincial Administrator Atty. Joel Montealto urged all PAMB members to support the passage of resolutions related to the TVPL’s nomination. He said the provincial government, under the leadership of Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto, aims to advance the recognition of the TVPL as a site of global heritage significance.
UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM) Secretary General Ivan Anthony Henares explained that the province has already submitted its application for the nomination.
He also discussed the UNESCO evaluation process and the importance of such recognition in strengthening the continued protection and sustainable management of the protected landscape. UNESCO is expected to issue initial feedback on November 13, 2026.
According to Henares, designation as a UNESCO Heritage Site would provide stronger protection and conservation measures, more appropriate management, and greater recognition of the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape’s significance at the national and international levels.
In support of the nomination, the PAMB-TVPL unanimously passed a resolution to be submitted to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) CALABARZON for appropriate approval and signature by Regional Executive Director Henry Adornado.
The board also approved several projects proposed by local government units within the TVPL and the necessary resolutions for their implementation.
Meanwhile, the meeting also tackled law enforcement and fisheries concerns in Taal Lake. These included PAMB Resolution No. 37, which calls on the Batangas 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 the lake’s aquaculture zones.
Protected Area Superintendent Joseph Pusancho said the PAMB is still awaiting the provincial government’s response to the request.
The board also passed another resolution urging law enforcement agencies to strengthen the enforcement of environmental laws, including the removal of abandoned and disused fish cages in the lake.
Through these measures, concerned agencies and the provincial government continue to advance the protection and conservation of the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape as efforts are pursued to have it recognized as one of the world’s important heritage sites. (MPDC-PIA Batangas)
