BY RIC V. OBEDENCIO

The decision of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to delete the nominations of world-renowned centuries-old monuments in Bohol from the list of World Heritage Sites may deal a big blow for Bohol tourism unless provincial officials would spring into action and make an appeal with the UN body to reconsider its scathing move.  With UNESCO's endorsement, thousands of tourists flock to these national heritage sites in Bohol every year, but the latest development, the removal may scuttle tourism influx here. UNESCO is known as the "intellectual" agency of the United Nations. “At a time when the world is looking for new ways to build peace and sustainable development, people must rely on the power of intelligence to innovate, expand their horizons and sustain the hope of a new humanism. UNESCO exists to bring this creative intelligence to life; for it is in the minds of men and women that the defenses of peace and the conditions for sustainable development must be built,” according to the body's charter.

Reports published last week in national dailies said that UNESCO has delisted the centuries-old churches in Loboc and Baclayon towns, which are now in ruins after the magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck the province last year.  Also removed from the list of nominees in UNESCO's world heritage sites is Panglao island due to “pollution and man-made interventions.” Included in the delisting under the natural category are the Taal Volcano, Batangas province and Mt. Apo in Davao del Sur due to the same reasons. Retained UNESCO's list includes churches of Boljoon, Cebu; Maragondon, Cavite; Lazi, Siquijor; Tumauini, Isabela; and San Sebastian, Manila.

 The world heritage sites already declared by UNESCO include Vigan in 1992; Baroque churches in 1993; Tubbataha Reefs National Park in Palawan, 1993; Rice Terraces, Cordillera, 1995; Puerto Princesa Subterranean Rive National Park, 2009; and Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, 2014.  UNESCO has updated its list as a first step to the world heritage site during a recent gathering of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM) “Moving Forward: World Heritage and Biosphere Nomination Workshop” held in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Reacting to the report, Panglao Mayor Nila Montero said in a radio interview that the removal is a “wake-up call.” A source said the removal is “unfair” for Bohol since the sites continue to exist although these are now lying in ruins.  For his part, Gov. Edgar Chatto said in a media interview that he still has to verify the report as he was caught by surprise.

 Mayor Montero said that there's still a lot to do for her town to improve its environmental conservation efforts. She added that raising awareness and educating the people on environmental preservation and protection are her priority now.  Panglao island, including Dauis town, is noted for its subtle environmental infractions, particularly the issue on the 20-meter salvage zone, by beach resorts mostly owned and operated by private entities.  In his text message, Baclayon Mayor Alvin Uy told this writer that they (officials) still have to discuss the issue tomorrow since they have not received the official report from UNESCO.  The UNESCO, however, has retained Chocolate Hills Natural Monument under the natural category, the reports said. The good news is that Chocolate Hills is the country's natural wonder and one of the top sites that should be visited when one is in the Philippines, the The Huffington Post said in its latest edition.

Included in the same sites are the  “the world's most perfectly formed volcano Mount Mayon in Bicol, 2,000-year-old rice terraces in Banaue and the pristine beaches in El Nido, Palawan with its "magnificent limestone formations and crazy-colorful coral reefs." Balicasag island, off Panglao island, was also cited as a reason why the country is the best tropical destination, Huffington said. It mentioned some diving spots such as “Malapascua Island, with four different shipwrecks to explore, the uncrowded and incredible reefs and diving sites Apo island.”   “Nathan Allen, world traveler and creator of the travel blog I Dreamed of This, described Philippine beaches and mountain regions as "nothing short of spectacular" and "still has an element of rugged adventure that is missing from other more touristy destinations," The Huffington said.