LEGAZPI CITY —ALBAY 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda has reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the international recognition of Mayon Volcano, following concerns over potential projects that could impact the province’s ecological status.
In a statement, Salceda highlighted his role in securing Albay’s designation as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve during his tenure as governor. “Under my governorship, Albay became a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, one of only three in the Philippines at that point. I also initiated the process of making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site,” he said.
Salceda also underscored his efforts in establishing the Albay Biosphere Office under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to ensure the province’s environmental protection efforts were institutionalized.
“As the one who led the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve declaration for Mayon, my position remains consistent: protect that status and keep our UNESCO World Heritage Site application alive. Any project must take that into the highest account,” he added.
Salceda’s statement comes amid growing discussions over development proposals in the area surrounding the iconic volcano, which is considered both a natural wonder and a critical ecological zone.
