The Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mindanao situated in the town of San Isidro in the Province of Davao Oriental, was among the 50 destinations in the country chosen by the Department of Foreign Affairs to host the nationwide ASEAN LANDMARK LIGHTING CEREMONY.
With its theme “Under One Light, We Are One ASEAN”, this landmark lighting project is considered as one of the highlights of the Philippines’ chairmanship of the ASEAN 2017 coinciding its Golden Anniversary.
Being an ASEAN Heritage Park, Mount Hamiguitan World Heritage Park is a perfect venue for this occasion. In Davao Region, aside from Davao Oriental, the City of Davao also hosted this historic Landmark Lighting event.
The Lighting of the ASEAN Lanterns was led by Governor Nelson Dayanghirang and other Provincial Government Officials. Mayors from the different Municipalities of Davao Oriental were also present. Mayor Tina Uy of San Isidro expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the ASEAN Organizers for choosing Mount Hamiguitan World Heritage as part of this momentous event.
Governor Dayanghirang in his speech also thanked the ASEAN for giving the Province the opportunity to showcase at a larger stage the Province’s crown jewel which is the first and the only mountain range in the Philippines inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. He also emphasized the importance of the preservation not only of the natural heritage but also the cultural heritage for the next generation.
Aside from Davao Oriental, other LGUs in country participated in this event – from the historic site in Laoag city, Ilocos Norte to the Cordilleras; from Metro Manila to battle of Legaspi Monument in Albay Province; from Plaza Independencia-Fort San Pedro, Cebu City; to Balangiga in Eastern Samar.
