Two UNESCO evaluators arrived in Davao City on August 16 to begin the five‑day mission assessing Mt. Apo’s bid to become a Global Geopark. The visit opened with a stakeholders’ dialogue at Apo View Hotel, where local officials, Indigenous leaders, and conservation partners highlighted the mountain’s ecological and cultural importance. Evaluators Dr. Guy Martini and Zhang Chenggong emphasized that their role is not only to assess but also to learn and help share Mt. Apo’s story with the world.
Over the following days, the team will visit geosites across Davao Region and Soccsksargen to examine conservation efforts, education programs, and sustainable tourism practices. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Tourism, local governments, and Indigenous communities are working together to demonstrate that Mt. Apo’s geological heritage is inseparable from its biodiversity and cultural traditions. If approved, Mt. Apo would become the second UNESCO Global Geopark in the Philippines after Bohol, a recognition that would strengthen protection for its volcanic landscapes, wildlife, and Indigenous heritage while bringing pride to Mindanao.