N. Samar’s Biri rock site now a ‘nat’l geo monument’

AWESOME WORK OF NATURE The stunning rock formations in Biri town, Northern Samar, shown here in July 2024, is officially recognized as a national geological monument by the National Committee on Geological Sciences, paving the way for the local government’s bid for recognition by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as a global geopark. —PHOTO COURTESY OF RENE CASTINO

TACLOBAN CITY—The province of Northern Samar has officially launched its bid to have the iconic Biri rock formations declared as a Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) global geopark, following the site’s recognition as a national geological monument by a Philippine agency on June 4.

The launch, held at the capitol in the capital town of Catarman also on June 4, brought together experts in geology, heritage and tourism.

Ivan Anthony Henares, secretary general of the Unesco National Commission of the Philippines, assured the provincial government of its full support, saying that if successful, Biri would become the second Unesco global geopark in the country after Bohol’s recognition in 2023.

The declaration of the Biri rock formations as a geological monument by the National Committee on Geological Sciences (NCGC), an entity under the Office of the President, proved that the province and the rest of Eastern Visayas “harbors many other geologicall sites” that await recognition and a “testament to the region’s geological richness and heritage,” said Henares.

The formations, located in the island town of Biri, were formed 15 to 20 million years ago during the Miocene era as a result of tectonic activity, ocean waves and coastal erosion.

It was also cited for its scientific and educational value as it serves as a natural laboratory for geologists and students studying rock layers or stratigraphy, ancient marine environments, and coastal landforms, and for its being a “rare” geological wonder in Southeast Asia.

Having a Unesco global geopark status would help protect Biri’s natural heritage, promote science education and boost sustainable tourism.

Aside from Northern Samar, Negros Island and Mt. Apo in Mindanao are also seeking Unesco global geopark recognition.

At present, there are 289 Unesco-declared geoparks in the world, with China having the most with 49 sites.

Northern Samar Gov. Edwin Ongchuan hailed the declaration as a tribute to the province’s natural and cultural richness. “This milestone reflects what Northern Samar offers, not just in geology, but in history, culture, food, archaeology and even astronomy,” he said during the launch.

Also present were Kevin Garas of the NCGC and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau; Allan Gil Fernando of the University of the Philippines (UP) Institute of Geological Sciences; and professor Ian Christopher Alfonso of the UP history department.