N. Samar’s iconic Biri Rocks named as national monument

THE picturesque Biri Rock formations of Northern Samar have been officially declared the newest National Geological Monument in the Philippines by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–National Committee on Geological Sciences (DENR-NCGS).

Dr. Ivan Anthony Henares, secretary general of the Unesco National Commission of the Philippines (Unacom), said the recognition “will not only instill a deep sense of pride among local communities, but also open new avenues for inclusive economic growth, all while safeguarding our geological resources.”

“This honor recognizes not only the island’s extraordinary beauty but also its geological significance. With this national recognition, there is no doubt that the province of Northern Samar harbors many other geologically significant sites awaiting recognition,” said Henares during the recently concluded ceremony at the Provincial Capitol.

Biri Rocks, consisting of seven islets (Magasang, Magsapad, Macadlao, Puhunan, Bel-at, Caranas, and Inanahawan), stretches along the northeastern coast of Biri Island.

“This launching marks a beginning—one that commits us to protect the Biri Rocks and other geo-sites, to honor our past, and to pursue global recognition not for the sake of prestige, but to ensure that our land, our people, and our stories thrive,” added Provincial Administrator Efren Sabong, speaking on behalf of Governor Edwin Ongchuan.

Meanwhile, NCGS Senior Geologist Dr. Kevin Garas said the geological characteristics, scientific importance, and the rocks’ unique formations were some of the reasons for the designation of Biri Rocks as one of the National Geological Monuments.

“Supported by geological studies from experts in the field, the site is recognized as a natural treasure worthy of national distinction for its tilted marine sedimentary sequences of conglomerates, sandstones, siltstones, and shales formed around 15 to 20 million years ago, the rocks sculpted by tectonic and wave processes forming these picturesque seven islets which comprise the Biri Rocks,” the provincial government said in a statement.

“A unique feature of the Biri Rocks is the occurrence of phonolite (volcanic rock that forms from alkali-rich and silica-poor magma) and analcime clasts in conglomerate sandstone strata, which unravels the magmatic history of alkaline rocks in Northern Samar,” it added.

With its Biri Rocks, Northern Samar is now the seventh location in the country with a geological attraction of national recognition, following the Montalban Gorge (Rodriguez, Rizal), Taal Volcano (Batangas), Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes (Ilocos Norte), Hundred Islands (Alaminos, Pangasinan), St. Paul Limestone Formation (Puerto Princesa), and Chocolate Hills (Bohol).

 As this developed, Northern Samar has also pushed for the recognition of Biri Rocks as a Unesco Global Park.

“As Northern Samar moves forward on this journey, Unacom reaffirms its commitment to providing continued support and guidance toward achieving this Unesco designation. May this milestone mark the beginning of a sustained and collective pursuit of national and global recognitions for the Philippines’ geological wonders,” Henares said. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)