The Corregidor Island in Cavite was added to the tentative list of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage sites.
The delegation of the Philippines UNESCO submitted the Corregidor in February 2024 due to its rich history.
According to the submission, Corregidor Island and Historic Fortifications of Manila Bay is one of the “outstanding examples of building and technological advancements in military fortifications.”
“The island was witness to the last years of the modern empires of Spain, Japan, and the United States in the Far East. The island became a battle cry and a symbol of hope during the early days of World War II, and it was consecrated as hallowed grounds for the fallen soldiers, making it a major shrine for Filipinos, Americans, and Japanese war veterans today“ the Permanent Delegation of the Philippines to UNESCO wrote.
To be included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the place must have an “outstanding value to humanity.”
World Heritage Sites are also protected with legal protection by UNESCO.
The permanent delegation of the country where the site is located must pass a document known as a Tentative List to prove its significance.
It will then be evaluated by the International Council on Monuments and Sites and the World Conservation Union.
The two international bodies will then recommend the nominated sites to the World Heritage Committee.
Once a year, the World Heritage Committee will meet to review the recommendations and determine the properties to be added to the World Heritage List.
Aside from Corregidor, the sugar cultural landscape of Negros and Panay, the historic towns and landscape of Taal volcano and its caldera lake, the colonial urban plan and fortifications of the Walled City of Manila, the Agusan Marsh wildlife sanctuary, the Kitanglad and Kalatungan Mountain Ranges: Sacred Sites of Bukidnon, the Samar Island natural park, the extension of the Cordillera rice terraces and the extension of the Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary-Pujada Bay were also submitted by the Philippine Delegation to UNESCO.
