Briefer - Majectic Mayon [rev].docx

Briefer: MAJESTIC MAYON Albay is a province rich in culture, beauty, and natural wonders. Among the provinces in the Bicol region, Albay is more popular because of its centerpiece, the majestic Mayon Volcano, considered as the world's most perfectly formed volcano for its symmetry. The astonishing beauty of Mayon Volcano is seen in several areas in the region such as in the provinces of Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and Sorsogon. The view sets another angle of this natural wonder from the outside mainland Albay. Through the years, tourism in Albay has increased in leaps and bounds, reinforced by the fact that it is home to the Bicol International Airport as well as being the only province in Bicol to have two international seaports. As of 2017, Albay already has 154 establishments, which include luxurious resorts and a world-class convention center, to accommodate the high influx of foreign and domestic tourists. The Provincial Government of Albay has worked for hand in hand with the private sector, to develop more infrastructure projects and establish more tourism hubs in the province. Lastly, the showpiece of Albay province is Mayon Volcano which is the Philippines' most active volcano and the most popular tourist destination in the Bicol Region. The constant flurry of eruptions by this imposing mountain has added to the mystique of Albay. This 2018, Albay has gained up to Php 5 million in tourism revenue within two weeks alone, despite Mayon’s recent unrest. Having been shortlisted in the World Heritage Sites of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is official proof of international recognition of Mayon’s exquisiteness, in addition to the praises and admiration by people worldwide. Besides this, Albay province itself, which surrounds Mount Mayon, has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its 462 species of flora and fauna. To support the growing tourism and economy of Bicol, several proponents had the initiative to earnestly put forward the Majestic Mayon Project. This is an infrastructure development wherein circumferential spotlights will be positioned strategically around Mount Mayon to light up and accentuate the magnificent slopes of the mountain even after sundown. The Majestic Mayon Project is the first ever undertaking in the Philippines to light up an entire mountain and a natural park, for the splendor of its perfect cone to be witnessed and appreciated even at night. For the first time, Mount Mayon would be seen in a different perspective and its natural beauty in nighttime would be captured by both locals and tourists.

It is envisaged that this unique development will further boost tourism in the Bicol region, especially in Albay province, and will help propel the establishment of Albay as one of the top destinations for travelers from around the world. The upsurge in tourism will benefit all Albayanos as there will be a generation of jobs and immense growth of the local economy from multi-billion pesos worth of revenue from lodging, travel, and entertainment services, as well as from sales of food and souvenir products. In summation, the Majestic Mayon Project as an infrastructure development will be a boon to Albay province as a business and eco-tourism hub and will enable the Bicol region to be a key player in the Philippine economy.