The Diocese of Tagbilaran has expressed its gratitude to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for citing Bohol as the first ever Global Geopark in the Philippines.
Tagbilaran Bishop Alberto Uy said the citation is a result of the efforts and initiatives of stakeholders in the province led by local government officials to preserve and protect the natural resources as well as the scenic spots in Bohol.
“The key to its designation lies in its bottom-up all-of-Bohol approach to sustainable development to preserve Bohol’s geological heritage of international significance. This designation provides us Boholanos with a heightened sense of pride of place and fortifies our connectivity with our “yutà kong minahal” (the land I love), as our Bohol Hymn we relish to sing evokes. Indeed, all of Bohol’s heritage – natural and cultural – are encapsulated in it,” said Bishop Uy over Radio Veritas.
The Church leader acknowledges that the recognition comes with a huge responsibility.
“This international recognition comes with heavy-duty responsibilities, for we are called to resolutely commit to reduce our carbon footprints, lessen the effects of climate change, trim down risks spawned by natural and human-made hazards thereby sustaining our island-province’s resources,” the bishop said.
Bishop Uy continues to support and promote programs such as forest cultivation, the promotion of the use of renewable energy, sea grass cultivation farming, and the setting up of earthquake-resilient and storm-resistant structures to serve as evacuation centers in times of calamities.
“Above all, the conservation and proper valorization of Bohol’s natural and cultural heritage and the safeguarding of our intangible heritage demand our highest attention,” the prelate stressed.
According to UNESCO, the province of Bohol is rich in natural resources including caves, sinkholes, and natural formations such as the famous Chocolate Hills. It is also home to the Danajon Double Barrier Reef, which is the only one in Southeast Asia and one of six documented double barrier reefs in the world with over 6, 000 years of coral growth.
“For the Diocese of Tagbilaran, its interest is bound to a keen appreciation of our link to our planet, our common home, which we shape and cultivate and has, in turn, shaped and will continue to shape our community,” the bishop said.
UNESCO has listed 195 geoparks in 48 countries.
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