Mayon Volcano isn’t asking for a makeover, but some politicians seem determined to give it one. The world-famous volcano, which has long loomed over Albay as both a breathtaking wonder and an unpredictable force of nature, now faces a different kind of danger, one driven not by its own eruptions, but by human interference.
In 2019, the Ako Bicol Party-list proposed a 500-million-peso project to illuminate the 2,463-meter-high Mount Mayon. Their justification? That lighting up the volcano would “spark” economic activities, drawing in private investors and turning Mayon into a more visible landmark — because, apparently, its perfect cone and legendary presence aren’t enough. If Mayon isn’t “visible enough,” maybe the problem isn’t the volcano but the people looking at it.
What this proposal actually sparked was outrage. Even in a nation deeply divided by politics — especially with the now-disunited Marcos-Duterte “Uniteam” — many Albayanos found themselves united in disbelief. On Sunday, March 23, my social media feed exploded with Mayon-related memes mocking the plan, a reaction that seemed to be reignited by talk of a public consultation. Later that day, a public hearing on the project took place in Sto. Domingo, Albay, as confirmed by local news sources. The fact that such an absurd idea was even entertained highlights the stark disconnect between government priorities and the needs of the public.
At this public hearing, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority discussed the feasibility of the proposed “Mayon Volcano Lighting Project,” which is estimated to cost 1.3 billion pesos. A local news website reported that the source of funding was not explicitly disclosed during the hearing. Attendees raised several concerns, including the project’s possible impact on Albay’s bid for Mayon Volcano’s inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Additionally, there were complaints about the transparency of the consultation process, as the meeting had not been widely disseminated or formally coordinated. This lack of outreach may have limited the participation of those most directly affected by the project.
This is Manila Bay’s dolomite fiasco all over again — pointless aesthetic projects that serve as distractions rather than solutions. The provincial government of Albay does not need to force Mayon into the spotlight to drive economic growth. Mayon is Albay, and Albay is Mayon. Its grandeur is already a global attraction. Does it really need spotlights to command attention? Some of the world’s most famous natural landmarks — Mount Fuji, the Grand Canyon — thrive without artificial enhancements. Tourists don’t flock to them because they are lit up; they visit because their beauty is untamed and their significance is preserved. Treating Mayon as a theme park attraction rather than a living, breathing monument to nature’s power only cheapens its legacy.
More than a waste of money, this exposes a government out of touch with reality. Scientists and environmentalists have long warned that installing spotlights around Mayon could disrupt the delicate balance of its ecosystem. Nocturnal wildlife, which relies on the natural darkness of the volcano’s surroundings, would be thrown into disarray, potentially leading to long-term ecological damage. Light pollution could alter animal behavior, disrupt breeding patterns, and even affect the livelihood of those who depend on the area’s biodiversity.
The irony is painful. While politicians want to waste millions lighting up a volcano, Albay itself struggles with persistent power outages. Businesses and households alike are held back by unreliable electricity, an issue that actually stifles economic growth. If the government is serious about attracting investors, fixing the province’s power grid would do far more than a spectacle of spotlights. A stable energy supply means a thriving local economy, not just a briefly illuminated volcano.
There’s also a more urgent need: disaster preparedness. Mayon is an active volcano, and history has shown how deadly its eruptions can be. Instead of funding vanity projects, why not invest in better evacuation centers, more efficient warning systems, and long-term resettlement plans for those living in high-risk areas? The communities around Mayon need lasting security, not a fleeting glow.
And let’s not forget, Mayon doesn’t need a light show; it is the light show. When it erupts, the sky blazes in a way no spotlight could ever rival. Its fiery display is both terrifying and awe-inspiring, a reminder of nature’s raw power. Instead of wasting resources on artificial glows, the government should focus on lighting up homes, not a volcano that can do so on its own. — WALPHS.com
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Lava cascades from Mayon's crater — BBC |