Ten of the Philippines’ natural and cultural sites have been added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Tentative List, awaiting official declaration. This marks the first addition of local sites in almost a decade.
The new additions are 3 natural sites, 5 cultural sites, and 2 mixed properties treasures from the Philippines awaiting recognition on the official World Heritage List.
The Philippines currently has six properties inscribed on the official World Heritage Sites since its first entry in 1993. These are:
- Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (declared 2014)
- Historic Town of Vigan (1999)
- Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park (1999)
- Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras (1995)
- Baroque Churches of the Philippines (1993)
- Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (1993)
UNESCO World Heritage sites are landmarks and areas having cultural, historical, or scientific significance and given legal protection by an international convention.
The World Heritage Centre encourages States Parties to submit their Tentative Lists at least one year before nominating any site. Additionally, States Parties are advised to review and update their Tentative Lists every ten years. On February 1 this year, the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (Unacom) submitted the country’s updated Tentative List to the World Heritage Centre, nearly a decade after the last submission.
The 10 Philippine sites added to the UNESCO Tentative List on February 7, 2024, join 15 other Philippine sites on the tentative list, including:
- Mt. Mantalingahan Protected Landscape (Added 20/03/2015)
- Mayon Volcano Natural Park (20/03/2015)
- Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary (20/03/2015)
- The Tabon Cave Complex and all of Lipuun (16/05/2006)
- Butuan Archeological Sites (16/05/2006)
- Baroque Churches of the Philippines – Extension (16/05/2006)
- Chocolate Hills Natural Monument (16/05/2006)
- Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park (16/05/2006)
- Mt. Pulag National Park (16/05/2006)
- Apo Reef Natural Park (16/05/2006)
- El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area (16/05/2006)
- Coron Island Natural Biotic Area (16/05/2006)
- Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park (16/05/2006)
- Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park and outlying areas inclusive of the buffer zone (16/05/2006)
- Batanes Protected landscapes and seascapes (15/08/1993)
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Here are the 10 new Philippines sites on the World Heritage Tentative List:
Natural Sites
- Samar Island Natural Park
The 300,000-hectare Samar Island Natural Park is in the Eastern Visayas Bio-Geographic Zone and the Greater Mindanao Faunal Region. It is a lowland forest reserve home to unique floral and faunal species found only in this area.
The Natural Park includes four areas with diverse species: Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park, Calbiga Caves Protected Landscape, Jicontol Natural Park, and Taft Forest Philippine Eagle Wildlife Sanctuary. These areas attract both locals and tourists, especially during the summer months.
- Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (Extension) – Pujada Bay
Pujada Bay, located next to the Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, is a valuable protected area in Mati City, Davao Oriental. It has white sand beaches, calm waters, and mountain ranges, covering a total land area of over 20,000 ha with rich coral, seagrass, and mangroves. This natural treasure has benefited local and indigenous communities and is a refuge for globally significant species.
- Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest concentration of peatlands in the Philippines, covering 14,000 hectares during the wet season. It provides important ecosystem services to its surrounding habitats and communities. The area is a haven for migratory birds, with over 200 species recorded. It is home to indigenous peoples (Anobo, Mamanwa, and Higaonon tribes) who have adapted their livelihoods and cultural practices to the wetland environment. In 1996, it was declared a wildlife sanctuary and protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of the Philippines to conserve its biodiversity and natural resources.
Cultural Sites
- Colonial Urban Plan and Fortifications of the Walled City of Manila
Intramuros, a 0.67 square kilometer walled city, has endured many historical events for over 300 years. It was once the capital of the Spanish colonial empire and showcased a baroque style that blended Chinese and Filipino influences in its architecture. Today, it is a historical hub, housing important Philippine landmarks like the San Agustin Church, recognized as a world heritage site in 1993.
- Prehistoric Sites of the Cagayan Valley Basin
The Prehistoric Sites of the Cagayan Valley Basin played a central role in the survival and cultural traditions of hominin species for the past 700 thousand years. The Kalinga Archaeological Site, The Callao Cave, and the Lal-lo and Gattaran Shell Midden Sites are considered crucial archaeological sites in the Philippines. The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) has declared these sites National Cultural Treasures and Important Cultural Properties to ensure their preservation and protection.
- Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras (Extension)
For over three decades, the declared World Heritage Site of the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras continued to evolve. An Extension of the site has been added to the tentative list in a bid to expand its recognition into various clusters of Ifugao ethnicity field masterpieces, including Ahin Rice Terraces, Municipality of Tinoc, Municipality of Hingyon, Central Banaue Rice Terraces Cluster, and Ducligan Rice Terraces.
The site is a remarkable representation of a cultural landscape during the pre-colonial Philippines. The rice terraces embody the harmonious integration of physical, socio-cultural, economic, religious, and political elements, making it a unique and breathtaking cultural landscape.
READ MORE: Nat Geo recommends Banaue for globetrotters
- Corregidor Island and Historic Fortifications of Manila Bay
Corregidor Island is a 5.5 square kilometer of land at the entrance of Manila Bay. It was heavily fortified as part of the Harbor Defense of Manila Bay during the United States’ colonial administration in the Philippines fortifying and equipping Corregidor with advanced armory.
Many structures have suffered damage from war and are slowly deteriorating, although the historic lighthouse remains in its original location with some reconstruction. Despite being fought over, the island now symbolizes peace and has been preserved since 1945.
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- The Sugar Cultural Landscape of Negros and Panay Islands
The islands of Panay and Negros played a significant role during the 19th century in the global sugar trade the peak of global sugar demand that did not rely on slavery, which boosted the Philippines’ position. The lasting impact of this legacy is dotted in the historic haciendas and sugar barons spread across the regions that have been preserved and become a tourist attraction today.
Mixed properties
- The Historic Towns and Landscape of Taal Volcano and its Caldera Lake
The Taal volcano is in Batangas, known for colonial influences in infrastructures and urban planning. This place is also known for its iconic products, such as Burda embroidery, Barong, and Kapeng Barako. Aside from the historical volcano, Taal Lake has also been a significant part of the community in terms of fishing. The lake transitioned from salt to freshwater due to the past volcanic eruptions that led to unique species of fish like Tawilis sardines found only in the lake.
- Kitanglad and Kalatungan Mountain Ranges: Sacred Sites of Bukidnon
Mount Kitanglad, the fourth-highest peak in the Philippines spans an area of around 47,270 hectares. This protected area is a crucial habitat for endangered and unique species like the Philippine eagle, Philippine deer, and endemic plant species. The Talaandig people, who have lived in this region for generations, consider these mountains as sacred ancestral lands that are essential to their cultural heritage, spiritual beliefs, and customary rituals.
The Philippines is home to these ten incredible treasures that highlight the country’s fascinating history and stunning beauty. These natural wonders and cultural-historical landmarks are filled with captivating stories that truly deserve worldwide acclaim. They serve as a testament to the nation’s rich culture, commitment to preserving its natural splendor, and the remarkable artistic achievements of its people.
These treasures not only showcase the ecological and biological diversity of the Philippines but also underscore its urban progress throughout the years. It is crucial for the Philippines to persist in safeguarding its heritage and emphasizing the significance of these sites to gain the global recognition they rightfully deserve.
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