Romblon State University Research Journal ISSN: 2619-7529 (Online) | ISSN: 2350-8183 (Print) Volume 5 (1), 18-22, 2023 Cultural Significance of Mt. Mayon Natural Park: Albay’s Icon of Natural Heritage Edgardo L. Besmonte ABSTRACT Mt. Mayon Natural Park (MMNP), commonly known as Mayon Volcano, is one of the most celebrated natural heritages in the Province of Albay. It is a classic stratovolcano that rises 2,462 m (8, 189 ft) above sea level. This paper discussed the inherent cultural significance of MMNP by utilizing the cultural mapping approach of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to map significant natural resources. The informants’ articulation of the significant values of the volcano is a manifestation that the site is a significant natural property in the city. However, a lot of significant data are missing to fully provide holistic and comprehensive articulation of the significance of the volcano. From this context, this paper recommends the inclusion of MMNP in the targets for the next cultural mapping exercise of Tabaco City. Moreover, an update on the diversity and distribution assessment of flora and fauna may be considered to provide the Local Government Unit of Tabaco City with the current status of biological status of the volcano as baseline data for future efforts in the conservation and protection of the site. Keywords: Cultural mapping, cultural significance, Mt. Mayon Natural Park, natural heritage INTRODUCTION Natural heritage is geological and physiological formations that constitute a habitat of endangered species of flora and fauna (World Heritage Center, 2005). Its physical and biological characteristics demonstrate the importance of science, conservation, and natural beauty (Australian Heritage Commission, 2002). National Park, game refuges, wildlife, bird and fish sanctuary, nature and mangrove reserves, watersheds, wilderness areas, protected areas, and natural and historical landmarks are considered natural properties of cultural significance under the National Integrated Protected Area System (RA 10066) for possessing outstanding values of national scientific significance. One of the most celebrated natural heritages in the Province of Albay is Mt Mayon Natural Park or Mayon Volcano. It is a classic stratovolcano that rises to 2,462 m above sea level. It is an active volcano that is recognized for its diverse natural resources (Buot, 2009). Mayon Volcano was declared a game refuge under Presidential Proclamation No. 3915, a forest reserve under Presidential Proclamation No. 341, a National Park under Presidential Proclamation No. 292, and a Natural Park by virtue of NIPAS Act of 1992. On June 22, 2018, Mayon Natural Park was renamed Mt. Mayon Natural Park under Republic Act No. 11038. Conversely, a cultural property is considered significant if it contributes to an understanding of the cultural or natural history, exhibits rare aspects of the cultural or natural environments and demonstrates aesthetic characteristics of the local area. The cultural significance which comprises aesthetic, historical, social, and scientific value, helps in determining the value of places that helps in understanding the past, enriching the present which will be of value to future generations (ICOMOS, 1999). Further, the assessment and statement of the cultural significance of a heritage item clarifies why the item is essential should be part of heritage management. The cultural significance is attributed to the cultural property by the community members because the cultural significance of a cultural property makes a heritage item profoundly valuable (Borrinaga, et al., 2019). On the other hand, the historical significance refers to the contribution of the cultural property to an understanding of a historical event. Moreover, social significance is categorized into social, socioeconomic, socio-political, and spiritual. Particularly, a cultural elbesmonte@bicol-u.edu.ph Bicol University, Legazpi City Received 16 November 2022; Revised 2 February 2023; Accepted 12 April 2023