Benedict Maravilla

The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has terminated the procurement of the 500 million peso-worth Mayon Volcano Heritage Aesthetic Lighting following public backlash, as well as the statement of the Albay Provincial Government urging to halt the project.


In a statement released on March 25, TIEZA stated that they have cancelled the project due to ‘some issues from concerned stakeholders and government agencies, and the need to obtain full stakeholder acceptability’.

TIEZA also cited that the cancellation was in accordance to the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) No, 9184, otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act where the Head of the Procuring Entity (HOPE) may decide to reject bids if ‘significant changes’ occurred during the project development that would make it infeasible to push through.

On March 24, Acting Governor Glenda Ong Bongao of the Province of Albay issued a statement addressed to TIEZA calling for the discontinuance of the Mayon lighting project, emphasizing the recent recognition of Albay as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the volcano’s nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage.

“The Albay Biosphere Reserve is subject to periodic evaluation by UNESCO in 2026 and is at risk of being delisted as a Biosphere Reserve should the lighting project push through as it is not aligned with the existing management plans for the site,” the statement read.

“The artificial lighting of Mayon Volcano is glaringly contradictory to its celebrated natural beauty, which has served as inspiration for countless works of art that are a significant part of Filipino national heritage and identity,” Bongao added.

Bongao also underscored that the project would threaten to desacralize Mayon volcano that has been central to the old-aged traditions of Albayanos.

“It is not in line with the natural and cultural values that Albayanos traditionally associate with Mayon Volcano,” Bongao stated.

Albay residents and some netizens have also flooded social media platforms and expressed their concern towards the Mayon ‘aesthetic’ lighting, saying that the budget allocated for the project should have been used for other ‘useful’ purposes.

Bicol resident Jessica Noelle Wong who posted her sentiments on Facebook which garnered more than 12,000 reactions, said that the expenditures for the project would not be sustainable given the maintenance it would take amid power crisis.

“...Shouldn't we be using that money in ways that actually benefit Albay and its people?...We need investments that bring sustained growth and opportunities for the everyday Albayanos. Projects that have a real impact, not just quick fixes,” she said.

The Diocese of Legazpi also denoted opposition to the said project through a statement released on March 25, stressing that it disrespects the sacredness of the volcano’s creation, threatens the environment and the wildlife, and insults people’s priorities.

"Mayon is already one of the most magnificent expressions of God’s creation—not because of what we add to her, but because of what she already is. To impose artificial light upon her is not to honor her, but to disturb what has been naturally, silently, and majestically proclaimed for generations," the statement read.

The project was already on its second phase, conducting consultations and biddings to kickstart its development.