Sto. Domingo, Albay— The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), represented by project consultants from Solar Surveying Corporation, held a public hearing on March 23, 2025, at the Sto. Domingo Covered Court to discuss the feasibility study of the proposed Mayon Volcano Lighting Project.
Estimated to cost PHP 1.3 billion, the project aims to enhance the visibility of Mayon Volcano at night using modern lighting technology.
During the hearing, the consultants provided an overview of the feasibility study, covering the technical, economic, financial, and social aspects. They highlighted potential business opportunities and the expected benefits for tourism in Albay.
Although the source of funding was not explicitly explained during the hearing, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) website states that the project—officially listed as the “Mayon Volcano Heritage Aesthetic Lighting”—has been allocated PHP 500 million under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA), with an additional PHP 750 million earmarked for its second phase in 2025.
The hearing was attended by a limited number of participants, including representatives from the Regional Development Council (RDC), the Provincial Government of Albay, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)–PENRO Albay, and the Sto. Domingo tourism office.
Several concerns were raised, particularly regarding the potential environmental impact of the project and its possible effect on Albay’s bid for Mayon Volcano’s inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
Attendees also expressed dissatisfaction with the transparency of the consultation process, noting that the meeting had not been widely disseminated or formally coordinated, which may have limited the participation of those most affected by the project.
The hearing concluded with the consultants taking note of the attendees’ concerns and reiterating that the project is still under review and subject to approval. The proposed lighting project is planned to cover 17 barangays across four municipalities in Albay: Camalig, Daraga, Legazpi, and Sto. Domingo.I Helen Grace Balean
