Mt. Apo is moving closer to international recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark, with a validation mission set for August 2026. If successful, the designation could be granted in 2027, making it the second Global Geopark in the Philippines after Bohol Island. Standing at 2,954 meters, Mt. Apo is the country’s highest peak and a vital biodiversity sanctuary, home to the critically endangered Philippine Eagle and numerous endemic species.
The mountain has long been a symbol of ecological and cultural pride. It was first proposed for World Heritage status in 2009 but was removed from the tentative list in 2015 due to threats like illegal logging and poaching. Renewed efforts began in 2021, led by the DENR and supported by local governments, to meet UNESCO’s requirements. Recognition as a Global Geopark would not only highlight Mt. Apo’s geological wonders—its boulder face, sulfur vents, lakes, and crater—but also strengthen conservation, education, and sustainable tourism initiatives.
For advocates, the bid is about more than prestige. It is about securing Mt. Apo’s legacy for future generations, ensuring that climbers, researchers, and local communities inherit a mountain as vibrant and resilient as it is today. The upcoming UNESCO evaluation will be a decisive step in placing Mt. Apo among the world’s most treasured landscapes.