UNESCO-Philippine National Commission

🚨 APPLICATION CALL CLOSED 🚨

​The call for official Philippine candidates for the upcoming 2027 UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) Membership is officially closed!

​The UNESCO-Philippine National Commission (UNACOM) has received numerous application packages from aspiring creative cities across the country.

​As we conclude National Heritage Month, UNACOM views this growing number of candidates as a powerful testament to the public's recognition of creativity and artists. They are essential drivers of sustainable local growth and overall national development, further strengthened by international cooperation.

​Thank you to all the cities that stepped up!

Stay tuned as we begin the evaluation process. 🇵🇭✨

​

Today, 26 May 2026, marks the 75th Founding Anniversary of the UNESCO-Philippine National Commission!

For 75 years, UNACOM has served as the Philippines’ bridge to the ideals and programmes of UNESCO in advancing international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication, and information.

Since its establishment in 1951, UNACOM has worked alongside government agencies, communities, educators, scientists, artists, young people, and advocates.

As we celebrate this milestone, UNACOM reaffirms its commitment to championing shared heritage, international cooperation, and a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.

Happy 75th Founding Anniversary, UNACOM! 🇵🇭

As part of continuing efforts to strengthen conservation awareness and public engagement, the UNESCO-Philippine National Commission (UNACOM) participated in the Apo Reef Natural Park (ARNP) Biodiversity Camp 2026, held in the Province of Occidental Mindoro from May 21 to 24.

Organized by the Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. (MBCFI), the immersive four-day activity brought together youth, biodiversity advocates, volunteers, and partners for an immersive field experience, where participants engaged in citizen science activities, marine and coastal appreciation, and learning sessions.

One of the Philippines’ most important marine protected areas, ARNP was submitted for Preliminary Assessment as a World Heritage site in 2025. It is also located within the Aspiring Biosphere Reserve of Sablayan.

𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐨, 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑, 𝐁𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲.

The world recognized our island not only for its breathtaking landscapes, but for the stories written in our rocks, rivers, caves, seas, culture, and people. Today, we proudly celebrate the anniversary of the designation of the 𝐁𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐥 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐎 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬’ 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐔𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐎 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤.

This recognition is more than a title. It is a responsibility entrusted to every Boholano.

A Geopark is not only about protecting nature. It is about protecting identity, culture, heritage, and the future. It reminds us that every hill, coastline, mangrove, reef, cave, and community holds a story worth preserving for the next generation. Through sustainable tourism, environmental stewardship, local livelihood, education, and community participation, the Geopark creates opportunities that benefit both people and planet.

As one Bohol, we can embrace this designation by becoming guardians of our environment, supporting local products and communities, preserving our traditions, practicing responsible tourism, and teaching the youth the value of our natural and cultural heritage. The future of the Geopark does not rest on institutions alone, it lives in the collective actions of every Boholano.

To our communities, partners, advocates, youth, tourism stakeholders, local government units, fisherfolk, farmers, educators, and every proud Boholano — thank you for being part of this journey.

Together, let us continue protecting the treasures of Bohol Island, not only for today, but for the future generations who will inherit this extraordinary home.

Happy Anniversary, Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark!
Padayon ta sa pag-amuma sa atong kinaiyahan ug mga kabilin.



Provincial Government of Bohol Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office Boholtourismph Erico Aris Aumentado Office of the Provincial Agriculturist - Bohol Bohol Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office Center for Culture and Arts Development - Bohol Provincial Information & Media Office National Museum of the Philippines - Bohol

Discover the latest UNESCO publications in this month’s UNESCO Reads! 📚🌍

This new edition brings together a curated selection of recent publications exploring key global priorities, from and digital transformation to , scientific cooperation and .

👉 Subscribe to explore the full collection and stay informed: https://mailchi.mp/unesco.org/unesco-reads-january-3377057

What if history could be experienced as a journey across deserts, seas and ancient cities that once connected the world?

In this new episode of , we explore Let’s Retrace the Silk Roads, a pop-up book co-published by UNESCO and STEP BY STEP International Publishing, designed for young readers aged six and above.

With bustling bazaars and maritime routes, the Silk Roads carried ideas, knowledge and cultures across continents. Their story reminds us how diversity enriches societies, dialogue connects people and cultural exchange helps build a more inclusive world.

👉 Discover the episode: https://www.unesco.org/en/laboratory-ideas/podcasts/unesco-reads S&S International Publishing