In a significant move to protect the Verde Island Passage, known globally as the epicenter of marine biodiversity, Batangas Province has inaugurated the Verde Island Passage Marine Biodiversity Center (VIP-MBC). The opening ceremony, held on December 7, 2024, at the Montemaria International Pilgrimage and Conference Center, was attended by key figures including Governor Hermilando Mandanas and Tourism Undersecretary Shahlimar Tamano. During the event, Governor Mandanas presented a traditional balisong, symbolizing the province’s commitment to the conservation of the VIP.
The VIP-MBC, strategically located near the world’s tallest statue of the Virgin Mary, aims to enhance the protection, promotion, and preservation of the Verde Island Passage. Governor Mandanas stressed the importance of the center in promoting eco-tourism and educating the public about the global significance of the VIP, which faces threats from unsustainable practices and climate change.
The new center will house an exhibition area with interactive displays, an electronic library, and a memory hall designed for hosting events and workshops. These facilities are intended to engage visitors and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the marine biodiversity that the Verde Island Passage represents.