The Northern Samar provincial government is vying for the UNESCO Global Geopark designation for its Biri Rock Formation, located in the island town of Biri, due to their "unique geological treasures."
Key officials first assessed the rock formations in Biri for their distinguished status in May, the provincial government stated.
The team evaluated the site's potential for sustainable tourism, education, and community involvement in addition to its geological significance.
DENR’s backing
Given that this well-known site in Northern Samar province has been designated a protected area, DENR Eastern Visayas regional executive director Lormelyn Claudio stated in a briefing that the possible proclamation is an additional measure of protection and recognition.
“Biri is already a protected area. The declaration as a geopark is also for the protection of its limestone walls,” Claudio said.
Under Republic Act No. 11038, also known as the Expanded National Integrated Protected Places System Act of 2018, the Biri Rock Formation is one of the protected places in Eastern Visayas and a component of the Biri Larosa Protected Landscape and Seascape.
According to UNESCO, Global Geoparks are “single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education, and sustainable development."
Biri’s geological significance
Based on a 2010 geological assessment conducted by the University of the Philippine National Institute of Geological Sciences, the seven rock formations on Biri Island have been assigned international geological significance, as stated by the province administration.
The most striking formations are Magasang, Magsapad, and Bel-at, which seem to function as a barrier, protecting the island from the enormous waves of the Philippine Sea and San Bernardino Strait.
After Bohol Island, Biri Island would be the nation's second UNESCO Global Geopark.
The site is accessible from the port of Lavezares town via an hour-long speedboat voyage, and it is situated in the island village of Biri.
