BOHOL Island UNESCO Global Geopark completes its revalidation, marking another step in the province’s stewardship of its geological heritage, communities, and natural and cultural resources.
The completed revalidation was featured in the August 14, 2026, episode of The Capitol Reports, held at the Ceremonial Hall of the Provincial Capitol, which focused on the province’s response to the recommendations issued during the geopark’s designation in 2023 and the initiatives undertaken to strengthen its programs.
Leading the discussion were Bohol Provincial Tourism Office Head Joanne Pinat; Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Head Dr. Anthony Damalerio; and Department of Education–Schools Division of Bohol Education Program Supervisor and Division Geopark Focal Person Dr. Jupiter Maboloc.
Pinat said the province has responded to the six recommendations through various programs and initiatives covering boundary definition and mapping, geopark visibility and identity, management structure and inclusivity, international networking and cooperation, education and program coordination, and employment and education development.
She highlighted the importance of partnerships among government agencies, communities, schools, and the private sector in addressing the recommendations.
Among the initiatives presented was the 4GEON Club, which currently involves 22 schools, composed of 11 elementary and 11 secondary schools within identified geosites.
Maboloc said the initiative integrates geoscience and the objectives of the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark into classroom learning through modules and activities, helping students develop greater appreciation for and responsibility toward geological landscapes.
Meanwhile, Damalerio emphasized the role of disaster risk reduction and management in the geopark’s continued development, particularly in ensuring the safety of communities and tourists.
He said the PDRRMO continues to review emergency response protocols and strengthen programs addressing climate change, disaster resilience, and community preparedness.
Damalerio added that the province must remain prepared as tourism activity increases, ensuring that response teams and communities are capable of addressing emergencies in geopark sites.
Pinat also discussed the importance of strengthening geopark visibility through additional markers and road signage, as well as conducting further research on the value of geosites and enhancing safety and hazard assessments.
She likewise encouraged the hospitality sector to adopt sustainable practices, including solar energy, proper waste management, and responsible water management.
For Pinat, the UNESCO Global Geopark designation is more than a source of pride for Boholanos, describing it as a framework for conservation, education, sustainable tourism, livelihood, and community development.
“We should walk our talk,” Pinat stressed.
She further emphasized that Bohol must continue demonstrating the values of the designation through concrete and consistent action.
She noted that the geopark’s success depends on collective responsibility, from protecting geoheritage and cultural identity to raising environmental awareness and promoting sustainable tourism.
Pinat further shared that the evaluators were impressed by the partnerships established among communities and the business sector, highlighting collaboration as one of the province’s strengths.
The discussion also emphasized that geopark stewardship extends beyond individual sites, encompassing communities, culture, livelihoods, education, disaster resilience, and sustainable development.
Maboloc called on Boholanos, particularly the youth, to continue supporting efforts to conserve and protect the province’s natural and geological heritage.
Damalerio likewise commended the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), under the leadership of Governor Aris Aumentado, and partner agencies for their continued efforts in advancing the geopark mission and strengthening disaster resilience across communities.
Pinat underscored that protecting Bohol’s environment and people is not the responsibility of one office alone but a shared and lifelong commitment among Boholanos.
These initiatives support the Capitol’s Strategic Governance Roadmap by advancing environmental protection and sustainability, tourism development, disaster resilience, education and youth empowerment, and culture and heritage preservation in the province. (PIMO/MFM)
