TACLOBAN CITY — For the first time in more than 20 years, the Philippines has added a new site to its roster of national geological monuments, with the iconic Biri Rock Formations in Northern Samar securing the coveted distinction—a major boost to the province’s campaign for UNESCO Global Geopark recognition.
The formal declaration was received on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, by Northern Samar Representative Edwin Ongchuan (1st district), Governor Harris Ongchuan, and Biri Mayor Antonio de los Reyes Jr. during a ceremony held months after the province launched its Global Geopark campaign on June 4.
According to Jhon Allen Berbon, head of the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (PEDIPO), supervising geologist Kevin Garas of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) led the presentation of scientific findings that served as the basis for the declaration. Garas emphasized the site’s exceptional research value, uniqueness, and remarkable natural beauty, describing the rock formations as a preserved record of Northern Samar’s geological history.
The National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS), under the supervision of the MGB, issued the official declaration. Research led by Dr. Allan Gil Fernando of the University of the Philippines–NIGS revealed that the Biri Rocks are composed of tilted marine sedimentary sequences of conglomerates, sandstones, siltstones, and shales formed 15 to 20 million years ago.
Sculpted by tectonic uplift and constant wave erosion, the massive formations created the iconic seven-islet landscape known today. One of the defining features identified by the NCGS is the presence of phonolite and analcime clasts embedded within the sandstone layers—an extremely rare geological occurrence in the Philippines that offers deeper insight into the magmatic evolution of alkaline rocks in the region.
The new recognition places Biri among the country’s elite geological sites such as the Montalban Gorge in Rizal, Taal Volcano in Batangas, the Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes, the Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, the St. Paul Limestone Formation in Puerto Princesa, and the Chocolate Hills in Bohol.
A permanent geological marker will be installed at the Magasang Rock Formation—Biri’s most photographed islet—to illustrate the scientific evolution and significance of the formations.
The province views the NGM status as an important step toward full accreditation as a UNESCO Global Geopark, a long-term endeavor that began during the administration of then-Governor Edwin Ongchuan.
“We fully commit to helping the Provincial Government towards full UNESCO Global Geopark accreditation,” Rep. Ongchuan said during the ceremony, as he urged communities and institutions to embrace sustainable, heritage-based, and inclusive development.
Local leaders believe that a successful geopark certification would elevate responsible tourism, protect natural landscapes, generate livelihood opportunities, and strengthen environmental education across Northern Samar.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
