The Department of Tourism (DOT) Bicol will create a committee that will be working and helping Albay province with regard to its bid to make Mayon Volcano a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site.

In an interview on Tuesday, DOT-Bicol Regional Director Herbie Aguas said, “We will talk with the different local government units (LGUs) and government agencies concerned to know what DOT can help with… We don’t want duplications.”

He said they would work together to achieve the objective.

“We will sit with them on this matter since our very own secretary has committed the full house support,” Aguas added.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco affirmed the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) commitment to take an active role in the bid to include Mayon Volcano in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“The DOT expresses its full and unequivocal support for Mayon Volcano’s bid to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage sites as it is completely deserving of such reaction,” Frasco said in an interview on Monday evening during a dinner hosted by Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda at Sumlang Lake in Camalig town.

She said the DOT is pleased to endorse the move for the declaration in favor of Mayon since local government units in Albay province have already facilitated the application.

Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman, in a video message on Monday night during the Governor’s Night, requested Frasco for a renewed campaign for Mayon Volcano to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The previous attempt on the bid in 2015 put Mt. Mayon in the “tentative list”.

“The hard work, commitment, the love we have seen put into welcoming our delegation of the Philippine Experience Program (PEP) will be matched by our commitment to support the province of Albay to honor the majestic glory of Mayon and to push forward your vision for the province. That is to ensure that the culture, heritage and arts of this absolutely beautiful province of Albay can be reintroduced to the world,” Frasco said.

She said the Bicol region, particularly Albay and Sorsogon, is ready for tourism.

“Nakita po natin yan, may airport ang gaganda ng kanilang daan, may connectivity po tayo. Ang sarap ng pagkain, ang ganda ng tourist destination and pinaka importante po yung mga tao po dito, they are such loving kind, generous and hospitable people (We have seen that by having an airport and improving roads, we have connectivity. The food is delicious, the tourist destination is beautiful and the most important thing is the people here, they are such loving, kind, generous and hospitable people,” she said. (PNA)