By PR | 03:17 PM April 12, 2024
Designated as the country’s first United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Global Geopark (UGGp), the provincial government of Bohol remains resolute in its commitment to preserving the rich natural and cultural heritage of Bohol Island.
To raise awareness of Bohol’s status as a designated UGGp, Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado spearheaded the ceremonial turnover and ribbon-cutting of the Bohol UGGp Information and Assistance Center on April 8 at the Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen town.
Among those present were Carmen Mayor Conchita Toribio-Delos Reyes, Jovencia Ganub, Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO) head; Joanne Pinat, in-charge of the Bohol Tourism Office, board member Nathaniel Binlod, lawyer Jojo Cagol, municipal administrator, and Sangguniang Bayan member Victoriano Adlaon.
The information center is equipped with informative brochures, leaflets, a video presentation showcasing the geosites, photographs of various geosites, and narratives detailing the legend and evolution of the Chocolate Hills.
Aumentado passionately encouraged Boholanos to actively engage in and support the protection of Bohol Island’s natural wonders. He stressed the importance of unity in environmental stewardship, particularly in safeguarding monuments and geosites, to ensure the province’s resilience and sustainability.
“This presents a significant challenge for us, particularly in caring for our beloved Chocolate Hills, which spans across six municipalities,” Aumentado said during the ceremonial turnover.
“Let us treasure the natural beauty of our Chocolate Hills, and I sincerely hope we can maintain it for the benefit of future generations,” he added.
For her part, Toribio-Delos Reyes expressed gratitude to the governor for establishing the geopark information center in Carmen.
“This center serves as a valuable resource for tourists, providing them with insights into the various geosites they can explore,” she said.
There is another Geopark booth at the Bohol Provincial Tourism Office which offers tourists and visitors the opportunity to obtain detailed information about the geosites scattered throughout Bohol Island Geopark.
Bohol stands as a premier destination offering a diverse array of attractions, from the iconic Chocolate Hills to pristine white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, cold springs, waterfalls, enchanting caves, verdant forests, historic churches, and more. (PIMO/ML)
