Professional Documents
Culture Documents
INTRODUCTION
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has set forth rights and obligations of states and
provides the international basis upon which to pursue the protection and sustainable development of the marine
and coastal environment and its resources. Coastal states are obligated to undertake measures to maintain
biodiversity and productivity of marine species and habitats under their jurisdiction. Coastal states are also
encouraged to improve their capacity to collect, analyze, assess, and use information for the sustainable use of
resources, including environmental impacts of activities affecting the coastal and marine areas. (FAO 1992)
The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, Republic Act 8550, makes achieving food security the overriding
consideration in the utilization, management, development, conservation, and protection of fishery resources.
The policy is flexible in order to respond to the changes in trends of fish consumption, trade, and supply and
demand in domestic and international markets. RA 8550 ensures the conservation, protection, and sustainable
management of the countrys fishery and aquatic resources.
Specifically, the Philippine government has mandated the protection, conservation, and sustainable development
of the natural resources of the Province of Palawan through the Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP), Republic
Act 7611. The SEP, a comprehensive framework for the development of Palawan, serves the LGUs and other
concerned agencies as a guide in the formulation and implementation of plans, programs, and projects affecting
the environment of the province. In order to effectively manage the area, the main strategy of the SEP is the
establishment of ECAN, or the Environmentally Critical Areas Network. ECAN is a graded system of protection
and development zoning, which includes tribal lands, forests, mines, agricultural areas, settlement areas, small
islands, mangrove areas, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. The SEP promotes and encourages the involvement of
all sectors of society and maximizes people participation in natural resource management, conservation,
protection, and socio-economic development.
Three bays surround the Puerto Princesa City: Puerto Princesa Bay, Honda Bay, and Ulugan Bay. Such
enclosed bodies of water are economically and ecologically important because young stages of many species
are nurtured in their lagoons and estuaries. It is equally significant to emphasize their critical littoral habitats
including mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, which compose the wider nearshore ecological
system of the bay. Additionally, because of their geological location and topographical characteristics, Puerto
Princesa and Honda Bay both play significant roles as components of a larger marine ecosystem: the Sulu Sea.
These bays do not only provide a critical source of livelihood to a large portion of the human population of Puerto
Princesa, but also greatly support its tourism industry.
However, influx of migrants, higher demands for fishery products, illegal fishing practices and intensified resource
and land use competition continue to pose serious threats to the sustainability and long-term protection of the
bays coastal resources. Because of their central locations, Puerto Princesa and Honda Bay have been
especially subjected to increasing resource use conflicts. Thus, the natural resources of these bays have a great
potential to be endangered by the impacts of urbanization and industrialization of the city. The history of coastal
occupancy and coastal development around the globe shows the pattern of coastal resource depletion and loss
of biodiversity.
Presently, the fisherfolk composed of fishermen, fish processors, fish vendors, fish traders and gleaners
comprised the 2.59% of the population of the City wherein majority of them reside in the three major bays of the
City. Its density is 11.46 fishers per kilometer. The fish catch data of the City in three consecutive years obtained
in the coastal barangays of the City are 3,875.39 MT (2008), 2,863.08 MT (2009), 3,802,313.6 MT (2010) and
2426.71 MT (2011). These figures shows a relatively high fish catch with an irregular catch volume between the
said years and in declining trend. However, studies conducted in 2000-2001 (Lachica-Alio, et al., 2001) in two
major bays of the City such as Honda and Puerto Princesa Bays showed that these areas experienced heavy
fishing pressure and overexploitation and the annual demersal catch exceeded its estimated potential yield. This
further exacerbated by the condition of the major coastal ecosystem. Excellent coral reef conditions cannot be
found. Some surveys conducted further showed that some coral reef areas had a declining coral cover due to
natural causes such as storms and bleaching due to increase in sea surface temperature and anthropogenic
activities such as destructive fishing practices. Some reef areas are also affected with siltation from upland
areas. The present coral reef condition of Puerto Princesa City can be improved if cyanide fishing, siltation and
other destructive fishing practices will be eliminated or reduced. Deforested mangrove areas can be rehabilitated
completely through continuous mangrove reforestation and strict law enforcement. But it should be noted that
only the deforested areas should be rehabilitated. In many areas, it is a common practice to plant mangroves
over the seagrass beds which resulted to the destruction of seagrass ecosystem or the low survival rate of
mangrove seedlings. In some areas, using push nets in gleaning to obtain shell that will used in making tourist
souvenirs scour the seagrass beds. This practice and siltation resulted in decline of seagrass communities. This
can be minimized or eliminated through changes in method of collection of shell fish and strict law enforcement.
With 49% of the population of Puerto Princesa City living along Puerto Bay, a very high ratio of fishers per
kilometer (109/km) is to be expected. A relatively high baywide yield (4027 tons/year) is also seen. However,
some municipal fishers are being forced to fish outside the bay and the fish catch is dangerously close to
exceeding its maximum sustainable yield. A decline in seagrass communities is also observed. Coral reefs in
excellent conditions cannot be found. This down trend has been attributed to destructive fishing methods, everincreasing fishing efforts, encroachment of transient and commercial fishers in municipal waters, pollution, and
siltation. The current fair conditions of coral cover in Puerto Princesa Bay has a chance to improve only if the
threats to the reefs, including cyanide fishing, dynamite fishing, siltation, and other destructive activities are
reduced. Deforested mangrove areas can likewise be rehabilitated through reforestation efforts.
The implementation of integrated coastal resource management approach to effectively manage the coastal
resources including the upland areas provide opportunities to rehabilitate degraded areas and protect the pristine
areas was started a few years ago. Under this integrated approach, land and water use upstream was made
compatible with coastal land and water use downstream, with a view to control land based pollution and siltation
that impact the nearshore fish habitats.
With the general aim of enhancing the socioeconomic welfare of the coastal communities and to sustain their
natural resources, the coastal resource management initiatives of various agencies and entities and the
rehabilitation of the coastal ecosystems and habitats should be integrated into a plan that would serve as a
general guide to the implementation of the citywide management activities in Puerto Princesa City coastal areas.
With the above premises, information, issues and other relevant data were gathered from various stakeholders,
including the community, and use in the formulation of the coastal resources management plan in order to allow
a holistic view of the problems and issues cutting across the coastal areas of the City. This coastal resources
management plan could also serve as the basis for the estimation and solicitation of funds from the local
government or financial institutions. Furthermore, the implementation guidelines in the operationalization of
ECAN for the coastal/marine component in Palawan provides that after the approval of the ECAN map for the
coastal/marine areas by PCSDS (Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staffs), the LGU through its
ECAN Board and with the assistance of PCSDS, shall prepare a comprehensive local management plan for the
coastal/marine zone.
This Integrated Coastal Resources Management Plan of the City is formulated through the participation of the
various stakeholders from 48 coastal barangays of the City which shared the information needed to better
understand the issues and formulate the strategies for the sustainability and better management of the coastal
resources that for the benefit of the Citys constituents..
Section II:
SITE DESCRIPTION
Puerto Princesa City lies at the mid-section of Palawan Province, approximately 306 nautical miles from Manila.
It is bounded on the North by the Municipality of San Vicente and Roxas, on the South by the Municipality of
Aborlan, on the West by the South China Sea and on the East by the Sulu Sea. It has a total land area of
253,982 hectares, with 35 urban barangays and 31 rural barangays, total of 66 barangays. Eighteen of these
barangays comprising 40.6% of the citys total land area and 27.7% of the city population are found along Honda
Bay.
A chain of tall mountain ranges runs through the entire length of Puerto Princesa City, dividing it into two district
areas the east and the west coasts. The eastern side is characterized by thin strand lines bordered by the
swamplands, followed by a series of wide, flat plains to hilly terrain. The west coast is characterized by craggy
foothills and rugged mountains close to the sea (Socioeconomic and Physical Profile of PPC, 2007). Puerto
Princesa City and Palawan in general has a uniform temperature throughout the year with average monthly
temperatures ranging from 27.0C to 28.6C. Generally, the warmest months are March, April and May while the
coolest months are November, December, January and February.
Three major groups of soils are found in the City: (a) beach sands (b) soils on the lowlands which are generally
alluvial and have poor internal drainage as a result of the flat or level topography; and (c) upland soils, with
extensive drainage as a result of the rolling topography. (Garcia et al., 1995).
The coastline of the City is 100 kilometers and its city water is 327,586 hectares. This stretch of coastal area is
lined with mangroves and adjacent are the seagrass beds. Situated in the coral triangle region Puerto Princesa
City is one of the richest in terms of coral reef areas in. Its beautiful and scenic beaches and clear waters are one
of the major tourist attractions and source of income of the City.
Cochlodinium polykrikoides in west coast. After the bloom last 2005 in the west coast, no bloom of Cochlodinium
polikrikoides was recorded up to 2011 while presence of Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum in water and
in shellmeat was detected on years 2007 to 2010 specifically during on-set of rainy season. In 2011, Pyrodinium
was not detected in both water and shellmeat samples.
The mangrove forest of Puerto Princesa City is 5,737.41 hectares (SPOT5 ECAN Zoning Project, 2006). This
figure is possibly increasing due to annual celebration of Love Affair with Nature wherein mangrove planting is
one of the highlights. There are twenty-six (26) of mangroves recorded in Puerto Princesa City such as
Rhizophora apiculata, R. mucronata, R. stylosa, Sonneratia alba, S. caseolaris, S. ovata, Aviccenia marina, A.
officinalis, Ceriops tagal, Bruguiera cylindrica, B. gymnorrhiza, B. sexangula, B. parviflora, Xylocarpus granatum,
X. molluccensis, X. rhumpii, Osbornia octodonta, Camptostemon philippinense, Scyphiphora hydrophyllaceae,
Aegiceras floridum, Lumnitzera racemosa, L. littorea, Pemphis acidula, Excoecaria agallocha, Heritiera littoralis
and Nypa fruticans. The largest natural stand of mangrove forest in Puerto Princesa is located in the barangays
of Babuyan, Bacungan, Bahile, Buenavista, Cabayugan, Inagawan Sub, Irawan, Iwahig, Kamuning, Luzviminda,
Macarascas, Manalo, Mangingisda, sta. Cruz, Sicsican, Sta. Lucia and Tagburos. With regards to the mangrove
reforestation, as of 2010 the annual planting event had already planted 129.5 hectares with 62,400 seedlings
and 8,000 propagules in five (5) barangays namely San Jose, San Manuel, Maruyugon, Mangingisda and
Babuyan.
On the other hand, a total 1,716.36 hectares of seagrass can be found in Puerto Princesa City wherein 835.99
hectares is considered dense seagrass meadows while 880.37 is considered sparse meadow (SPOT5 ECAN
Zoning Project, 2006) . Large extent of dense seagrass meadows are found in the areas of Barangays Binduyan,
Luzviminda, San Jose, San Manuel, San Miguel, San Pedro, Sta. Lucia and Tagburos. A total of eight species
was recorded during the 2006 survey of SEMP-NP such as Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii, Halophila
ovalis, Cymodocea rotundata, C. serrulata, Halodule universis, H. pinifolia and Syringodium isoetifolium. These
areas of seagrass beds are important habitat for dugong, green sea turtle and other commercially valuable
species such as rabbit fishes, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, sea horses, crabs and other shellfishes. As to the
seaweeds which is in close association of seagrass and contributed almost 30% of the vegetative cover, a total
of two hundred nine (209) species belonging to twenty-three (23) was recorded by SEMP-NP and distributed
within the eastern and western coast of Puerto Princesa City. The commonly encountered seaweeds species
were the Sargassum spp., Padina spp. and Halimeda spp.
The coral reef of Puerto Princesa is estimated to have an area of 3,074.87 hectares (SPOT5 ECAN Zoning
Project, 2006).The survey of Alio et al., 2001ab yielded three hundred fifty-eight (358) species of scleractinian
corals. This figure is very high and represents more than 75% of the total number of coral species worldwide.
Most of the coral reef of Puerto Princesa is in fair condition and only 2.5% of the area surveyed by SEMP-NP
(2006) had a coral cover above 50%. Moreover, the survey further revealed that most of the coral reef areas in
western seaboard of Puerto Princesa were covered with brown seaweed Sargassum spp. Honda Bay still holds
relatively high percentage of corals compared with other areas in Puerto Princesa. Presently, there are sixteen
(16) fish and marine sanctuaries established in Puerto Princesa City wherein majority of these areas are coral
reef. These marine and fish sanctuaries represents the 7.49% of the 327,586 coastal area of the City. The table
below showed the list of the marine and fish sanctuaries of the City:
Table 1. Established Marine and Fish Sanctuaries in Puerto Princesa City.
No.
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
Name of Sanctuary
Tapul Reef
Corong-Corong
Reef
Manyukos Reef
Rawis Reef
Nagpawikan Reef
Pambato Reef
Lacson Reef
Chicken Island
Location
Salvacion
Bagong Bayan
Ordinance
Ordinance No. 507
Ordinance No. 447
60.09
Ulugan Bay
Buenavista
San Manuel
Langogan
Sta. Lourdes
Tanabag
Bacungan
December 9, 2003
September 1, 2009
May 4, 2009
August 27, 2008
April 16, 2007
February 26, 2007
40
43.45
40
11.79
70
157
Honda Bay
West Coast
Date Established
Area
(has)
Bay
Honda Bay
West Coast
42.0
8
7
6
5
Tabang Cove
Nagbandera Reef
Dawawow Reef
Santos Reef
St. Paul Bay
Puntod Ilis
Sabang Reef
Parunpunon Reef
Binunsalian and
Turtle Bay
Honda Bay
St. Paul Bay
Honda Bay
Binunsalian and
Turtle Bays
Sta. Cruz
San Rafael
Maruyugon
Cabayugan,
Marufinas, New
Panggangan
Babuyan
48
Binduyan
40
Manalo
September 4, 2000
74
Mangingisda &
Luzviminda
16,185
174
98
29.4
36
7454
24,560.73
The population of Puerto Princesa is projected to be 225,955 for year 2012 and with an increase of 7.34% from
the previous year (2007) which is quiet higher than the national average. The population density is 88.96 persons
per one square kilometer while the average member of household is five. The population on year 2007 indicated
101 males for every 100 females sex ratio (PPCity Comprehensive Devt. Plan 2011-2013).
The level of literacy level in Puerto Princesa is quiet high with 98%. In elementary level, there are more boys that
are enrolled compared to girls but in high school girls outnumbered the number of boys in school. This is possibly
because boys tend to go to work with their parents especially in rural areas. As to child nutrition which includes
all children below the age of 6 years indicates that one of every nine children weighed less than the normal
weight of the child. For the public safety, the City has Bureau of Fire Protection which has five fire trucks. As of
2009, the ratio of population to the number of fire truck is 1:45,266 which is way below of the national standard of
1:20,000. Likewise the ratio of the number of police to population is 1:1,300 which is also below that of national
standard of 1:750.
On the other hand, the water supply in the urban area is mainly provided by the Puerto Princesa City Water
District while the rural areas has deep wells and open wells although some rural barangays have their own water
systems from their watershed areas. The City has three hospitals namely Ospital ng Palawan, Palawan Adventist
Hospitals and MMG-Cooperative Hospitals. Eight satellite hospitals are also found in the rural areas of the City.
As to transportation services, there are several airline and shipping line companies that connects Puerto
Princesa to Manila, Cebu and Ilo-Ilo. There are also several bus companies, jeepneys and shuttle van that
provides transportation from the city to the other municipalities of the province. The mode of public transportation
within the urban areas is provided by tricycle and multicabs. The communication is provided by PLDT, SMART
Communications, Globe Telecom and Sun Cellular Company while the Philippine Postal Authority is also
operational within the City.
The economy of Puerto Princesa mainly depends on agriculture, tourism and trade and commerce with tourism
as fast becoming a strong economic base. As to agriculture, the potential agricultural land of the City is
50,716.49 hectares of which 10,534.77 hectares are considered as cultivated land (City Agriculture Office, 2009).
The major crops of Puerto Princesa include rice, corn, coconut, banana, cassava, mango, vegetables, coffee,
cacao and other fruit trees. The rice production of the city which includes irrigated, rainfed and upland totaled to
15,945.68 MT. This figure may increase thru the development of irrigation system that will allow more areas to be
planted with rice and adaption of good agricultural practices of the farmers. The livestock and poultry of the City
is composed of carabao, cattle, ho/swine, goat and chicken. Meat production in 2009 was estimated at 3,750.29
MT wherein pork contributed to 56.5% followed by chicken at 31.14%, beef with 11.97%, goat with 0.39% and
carabeef with 0.01%. with regards to the fish production of the City, the fish production of the City in three
consecutive years obtained in the coastal barangays of the City are 3,875.39 MT (2008), 2,863.08 MT (2009),
3,802,313.6 MT (2010) and 2426.71 MT (2011). Bulk of this production is from the municipal capture fisheries.
The recently conducted fishpond inventory revealed a total area of 498.60 hectares wherein 222.86 hectares are
developed and operational while the remaining areas are underdeveloped and non-operational. Its production on
year 2011 is 234.69 MT of which the main cultured species are bangus, shrimp and mud crab.
As mentioned above, the tourism industry of Puerto Princesa is a fast growing industry. The tourist arrival in 2009
recorded City Tourism Office is 268,942. This figure is likely to be doubled or tripled on the coming years due to
the inclusion of Puerto Princesa City Subterranean River to the New Seven wonders of Nature and development
of many areas for tourism purpose. The frequently visited places are the coastal and island beaches and the
corals reefs and mountains of the City. Majority of the tourists are domestic which comprised 90% of the tourist
arrivals while the remaining 10% are foreign from America, Korea, China, Canada, Japan, Germany, Britain,
France and Italy. It was estimated that each tourist spends an average of Php 4,600.00 per day. Therefore the
income generated in 2009 is estimated at Php 3,711.40 billion.
The trade and commerce of the City serves as the key point of business transaction within the island of Palawan.
Included in this industry that generates employment are the commercial establishments, construction firm,
furniture and cottage industry, food processing/bakeshops/purified water and metal craft/boat industry.
On the other hand, different agencies, government and non-government organizations that cater different
services are as follows:
A.
who are physically and mentally handicapped shall be cared for and protected or rehabilitated. The
projects/activities of this office include: (a) child and youth welfare program (i.e., day-care and peer
group service, child care and placement, community-based services for street children delinquent
youths); (b) family welfare program (i.e., responsible parenthood service, marriage and family
counseling, skills development and job placement and livelihood assistance); (c) community organizing;
(d) women welfare program (i.e., maternal and child care program, self-enhancement service, social
communication skills and counseling); (e) disabled persons welfare (i.e. disability prevention services,
assistance for physical restoration, practical skills development, substitute family care and livelihood
assistance); and (f) emergency assistance program (i.e. disaster relief, emergency shelter assistance,
and emergency supplemental feeding).
4. Office of the City Veterinarian
This department provides veterinary extension service, meat inspection, hygiene and
sanitation. It supervises and controls all matters pertaining to the inspection of animals intended to be
slaughtered and sold for public consumption in any public or private slaughterhouse and poultry
dressing plant.
Plans and programs are developed and implemented by this office to increase the number and
improve the quality of livestock, poultry and other domestic animals used for work or human
consumption. Among its regular activities are: (a) Ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections of all
animals to be slaughtered; (b) post abattoir and post inspection in markets, cold storage and other
establishments that sell or keep meat and its by-products, (c) issuance of licenses to meat handlers,
vendors and processors, hide dealers, poultry dressers and butchers; (d) examines and checks poultry
and livestock diseases in the barangays to determine if there are cases of spreading disease; (e)
vaccination; (f) veterinary extension service and training programs to meat vendors, butchers and
animal raisers; and (g) impounding of stray dogs and cats.
5. Office of the City Agriculturist
The City Agriculturist is responsible for the supervision and coordination of agricultural
extension activities. Agricultural techniques and methods particularly crop protection technologies
needed by rural families are identified and appropriate training programs and extension services are
implemented. Farmers associations or cooperatives, rural womens and youth clubs are organized and
the department supervises farmers classes. Information on agriculture and specific subject matters
such as crop production, animal science, fishery and soil conservation are disseminated to farming and
fishing families.
Agricultural development programs of the city are formulated in consultation with farmer
leaders and other officials.
6. City Environmental and Natural Resources Office
The City ENRO implements community-based forestry projects, namely: (a) Integrated Social
Forestry Project; (b) reforestation projects; (c) Forest Land Management Agreement; and (d)
Community Forestry Projects. It is also mandated to manage communal forest areas and small
watershed areas, which are sources of local water supply and enforcement of forest laws.
Tree parks and other tourist attractions shall be established and maintained in areas identified
and delineated by DENR except those covered by the IPAS. The Rehabilitation on Conservation
Hotspots (RICH) and the Conservation of Rare and Endangered Species (CARE) activities in areas
designated by DENR will also be implemented.
This office enforces pollution control and environmental protection laws, rules and regulations.
Solid waste disposal and other environmental management system and services related to general
hygiene and sanitation (i.e., sewage and household waste disposal) are likewise among the concerns of
the City ENRO.
The issuance of permits for guano collection and extraction of sand, gravel and quarry
resources rests with this department. It also conducts cadastral and lot surveys, as well as isolated and
special surveys provided that DENR issues the survey authority and verifies the survey returns and
issues the patents and undertakes other post survey activities.
The Office of the Liga ng mga Barangay is implementing this Program. It was designed to
strengthen the information flow to the barangays with regard to the local and national development
efforts and issues thereby encouraging their active participation in these endeavors. The program also
provides training on local governance, livelihood enhancement projects, education, financial, medical
and material aid and services to barangay officials. It is hoped that the program will eventually develop
the officers and members of the Liga into dynamic community leaders.
Through the provision of income generating projects, the program aims to contribute in
alleviating the economic status of the members. Additionally, deserving students will be provided with
financial support.
7. Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council
As provided for in Executive Order 240, the BFARMC was created in each barangay
composed of the two representatives each from the Sangguniang Barangay (preferably the
chairpersons of the committees on agriculture and fisheries), accredited NGOs and the private sector,
chairman of the Sangguniang Kabataan, eight representatives of the fisherfolk (preferably the president
of the fishermens cooperative or association) and the representative of the womens sector.
The BFARMC is tasked to prepare and recommend the fisheries and aquatic resources
management policies and formulate plans. It shall also formulate rules and regulations regarding the
issuance of licenses for the appropriate use of fisheries and aquatic resources and to ensure that
resource use limits and controls are imposed. These guidelines or recommendation may include the
evaluation of all projects and applications from their area of coverage, which shall serve as the basis in
the evaluation of the environmental impact of a project.
C. National Government Agencies
1. Department of Agrarian Reform
The major responsibility of DAR is the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform
Program. It is mandated to: (a) acquire, determine the value of, subdivide into family-size forms or
organize into collective or cooperative farms and develop private agricultural lands for distribution to
qualified tillers, actual occupants, and displaced urban poor; (b) administer and dispose all cultivable
portions of the public domain declared as alienable and disposable for agricultural purposes transferred
to it by the DENR; (c) acquire, by purchase or grant, real estate properties suited for agriculture that
have been foreclosed by the national government; (d) undertake land consolidation, land reclamation,
land forming, and conservation in areas subject to agrarian reform; (e) facilitate the compensation of
landowners covered by agrarian reform; (f) issue emancipation patents to farmers and farm workers
who have been given lands under the agrarian reform program as may be provided for by law; (g)
provide free legal services to agrarian reform beneficiaries and resolve agrarian conflicts and land
tenure problems; (h) develop and implement alternative land tenure systems such as cooperative
farming and agro-industrial estates, among others; (i) undertake land use management and land
development studies and projects in agrarian reform areas; (j) approve or disapprove the conversion,
restructuring or readjustment of agricultural lands into non-agricultural uses; (k) monitor and evaluate
the progress of agrarian reform implementation; and (l) assist the Office of the Solicitor General in
providing evidence for the reversion proceedings to be filed with respect to lands of the public domain,
occupied by private individuals and their tenants or farmworkers, which are subject to land reform and
real rights, connected therewith which have been acquired in violation of the Constitution or the public
land laws or through corrupt practices.
2. Department of Environment and Natural Resources
The DENR is responsible for the conservation, management, development and proper use of
the countrys environment and natural resources, specifically forest and grazing lands, mineral
resources, including those in reservation and watershed areas, and lands of public domain, as well as,
the licensing and regulation of all natural resources. It promulgates rules and regulations in accordance
with law governing the exploration, development, conservation, extraction, disposition, use and such
other related commercial activities.
At the provincial level, the DENR operates through the Provincial Environment and Natural
Resources Office (PENRO) and under this office are the Community Environment and Natural
Resources Offices (CENROs) which cover up to four municipalities.
The DENR has had a bamboo reforestation project located at the slope of Tanabag River and is
developing the Magarwak Watershed in Honda Bay. DENR is also having maintenance and developing
projects in Irawan River/Watershed.
3. Philippine Coconut Authority
The mandate of PCA is to promote the integrated development and growth of the coconut
industry to ensure that the coconut farmers become direct participants in and beneficiaries of such
growth. It envisions that growth and equity will be achieved through the existence of organized
productive and self-reliant rural communities involved in viable coconut farming, processing and
marketing with the dynamic complementation among sectors of the industry. Because of the growing
demand for the expansion of coconut areas in the province especially the northern municipalities;
replanting is a major thrust of PCA. Technology transfer of the concept of model farms under the
project, Maunlad na Niyugan Tugon sa Kahirapan will be implemented.
4. National Irrigation Administration
NIA is responsible for the construction, repair or improvement of communal irrigation projects.
Field engineering, investigation, survey and other data gathering for all proposed projects are
conducted.
The engineering section of NIA is tasked to design the specification, survey proposed projects
and prepare the feasibility study and prepare the plans. It also implements the actual construction of
projects.
Institutional development is also a mandate of NIA. Irrigators associations are organized and
training and similar programs are conducted to water users and farmer leaders to enhance their
participation in project implementation and develop their capability in managing irrigation systems. NIA
likewise collects payments for the amortization of communal and pump irrigation systems.
Technical assistance in the operation and maintenance of the system is also provided to the
irrigators association and the water users.
5. Western Philippines University
WPU conducted a various researches in different coastal areas of Puerto Princesa that serve
as baseline data for resource management of the City. Their recommendations are forwarded to certain
institution for appropriate actions. Moreover, students from this university conduct their thesis and
eventually provide relevant data for better management of the resources.
6. Palawan State University
PSU is one of the academic institutions that do research in socioeconomic of different areas.
They further contribute in the mitigation of climate change through the conduct of vulnerability
assessments. The results are provided to concerned agencies for better policy making.
E.
Non-Government Organizations
1. Environmental Legal Assistance Center
ELAC provides legal assistance and counseling in defense of environmental rights including
legal representation. It pursues advocacy and outreach efforts and lobby for responsive environmental
laws and policies. Training and seminars on environmental laws, ecological awareness, leadership, and
environmental monitoring and resource assessment are conducted. It holds consultation meetings on
environmental issues. Linkages with allied organizations and personalities locally and internationally are
forged to carry out its mandate. ELAC also strongly advocates the empowerment of fishers and farmers
for environmental management activities.
2. Haribon-Palawan Foundation
management. Community empowerment especially the fishing sector is also included in this law
through the creation of FARMC in every coastal barangay to legally represent the fishing sector in a
wider scope.
National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS Act) or RA 7586
In response to the increasing population, rapid industrial development with advance technologies and
resource exploitation, the Congress enacted the RA 7586 on 1992. This recognizes the importance of
the biologically unique and diverse areas to human existence, specifically the present and future
generations, and national interest. With this the government was given the opportunity to segregate or
set aside areas with significant contribution to the survival of all organisms to maintain the ecosystem,
species and genetic diversity which in return significant to the survival of mankind. This law provides the
benchmark for the conservation, protection and management of the areas which has unique and
important characteristics that is significant to national interest and considered as natural heritage.
Creation of PAMB (Protected Areas Management Board) was further stipulated on this act as a
governing body of all established protected areas in the country.
Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan or RA 7611
Recognizing the unique biological and geological features of Palawan, its significant contribution to the
national economy and being dubbed as the Last Frontier the Strategic Environmental Plan for
Palawan Act, a unique law intended for Palawan, was enacted on 1992. This is to effectively protect
and conserve the forests, watershed areas, maintain biological diversity, protection of indigenous
communities including their culture, maintenance of maximum sustainable yield, protection of rare and
threatened species and their habitat and provision of areas for ecological research, education, training
and for tourists and recreation.
This law paves way to the creation of Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, the implementing
body of RA 7611. Likewise, Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN) was also created and
serves as main tool or strategy for the implementation of SEP Law.
As a result, the entire province of Palawan including the City of Puerto Princesa was divided using
different classification such as core zone, buffer zone and multiple use zones. Each zone have
designated activities and serves as basis for its development.
Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) or RA 8345
Enacted in 1998, RA 8345 focuses on food security, poverty alleviation and social equity, income
enhancement for farmers and fisherfolk, global competitiveness and sustainability. Development of
agriculture which includes fisheries is one of the priorities of this law. Its significance in coastal
resources management is the boosting of fisheries production through the use of modern technologies
and providing additional livelihood opportunities to the stakeholders. This will be of great help in
reducing the reliance to wild stock and therefore help in the conservation.
Moreover, Strategic Agricultural and Fisheries Development Zones (SAFDZs) was conceptualized
under this law to set aside areas for agriculture and agro-industrial development. The zones will serve
as centers for development in the agriculture and fisheries sectors which fosters environmentally and
socio-cultural sound development. The AFMA further stipulates where applicable, the SAFZ should be
incorporated in the zoning or land use development plan of every cities and municipalities.
Executive Order 533
This Executive Order was issued and signed on June 6, 2006 by Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo which
adopts the Integrated Costal Management as a National strategy to ensure Sustainable Development of
the Countrys Coastal and Marine environment and Resources and Establishing Supporting
Mechanisms for its Implementation. This executive order recognizes the vitality of the coastal and
marine resources to the economic growth of the country and therefore, needs to be managed for its
sustainability.
Integrated coastal management is recognized as an effective tool in sustainable development of our
coastal and marine resources to achieve food security, sustainable livelihood, poverty alleviation and
reduction of vulnerability to natural hazards, while preserving ecological integrity. Furthermore, the ICM
scope and coverage of implementation includes all coastal and marine areas, addressing the interlinkages among associated watersheds, estuaries and wetlands, and coastal seas, by all relevant
national and local agencies.
City Ordinances
Ordinance No. 57: An Ordinance Regulating the Fishing Industries and/or Fisheries in the City of
Puerto Princesa.
Ordinance No. 57 is known as Basic Fisheries Ordinance of Puerto Princesa City and was enacted on
the 8th of January 1997. This ordinance was formulated to regulate the fishing industries and/or
fisheries within the city in accordance with the existing national laws and policies.
Some of the salient features of Ordinance No. 57 include the zoning of city waters for different uses and
licensing and permitting for utilization of city waters. This was done to ensure the sustainability of the
coastal and marine resources and protection of the rights of marginal fishermen.
Ordinance No. 396: An Ordinance Enacting the Code of Conduct for the Conservation,
Protection and Restoration of the Sources of Life of the City of Puerto Princesa.
Ordinance No. 396 was enacted on October 6, 2008 with the following objectives: a. promote principles
of ecologically sustainable development; b. ensure all reasonable and practicable measures are taken
by the City Government to protect, restore and enhance the quality of the environment; c. prevent,
reduce, minimize and, where practicable, eliminate harm to environment; d. facilitate the adoption and
implementation of environment protection measures agreed on by the national government,
environmental non-government organizations and the City Government for greater uniformity and
effectiveness in environmental protection; e. apply precautionary approach to the assessment of risk of
environmental harm and ensure that all aspects of environmental quality affected by pollution and
waste, including ecosystem sustainability and valued environmental attributes are considered in
decisions relating to the environment; f. require persons, natural or juridical, engaged in pollution
activities to progressively make environmental improvements including reduction of pollution and waste
at source as much improvements become practicable through technological and economic
developments; g. allocate the costs of environmental protection and restoration equitably; h. provide for
monitoring and reporting on environmental quality; i. to provide reporting of the state of the environment
on a periodic basis; and j. promote (a) industry and community education and involvement in decisions
about protection, restoration and enhancement of the environment and (b) disclosure of and public
access to information about significant environment incidents and hazards.
Some of the salient features of this ordinance pertaining to ICM include the designation and protection
of watersheds, protection and rehabilitation of riverbanks, coastal zoning and management,
enforcement of fishery laws and ordinances and implementation of ECAN and solid waste management
policies.
Ordinance No. 267: An Ordinance Banning the Use of Compressors as Breathing apparatus in
All Fishing Activities within the Territorial Waters of the City of Puerto Princesa and Prescribing
Penalties for Violation Thereof.
Ordinance No. 267 was formulated to provide the fishermen of Puerto Princesa City a safe method in
obtaining the fishery resources within city waters. This was enacted on September 28, 2004.
Ordinance No. 110: An Ordinance Regulating the Shipment of Live Fish and/or Lobster Outside
Puerto Princesa City and Providing Penalties for Violation thereof, and for Other Purposes.
Enacted on May 3, 1999, Ordinance No. 110 was purposely created to free the City Waters from the
pernicious effect of cyanide and other obnoxious substances and conserve the citys marine resources
especially the fishes and lobster. The coverage of this ordinance includes the persons or entities
operating within the City of Puerto Princesa who are directly involve in the shipment of live fish.
Through this ordinance only the species of fish stipulated on this ordinance are allowed to be shipped
out from the City upon testing from the Cyanide Detection Test Laboratory yielded negative from
cyanide results.
Ordinance No. 286: An Ordinance declaring the Last Saturday of June of every Year as Pista Y
Ang Cagueban in the City of Puerto Princesa and Appropriating Funds Therefor.
The objective of this ordinance is to inculcate among the residents of the city the need to reforest and
rehabilitate denuded forest resources and the importance of protecting and properly utilizing the same
in order to maintain a wholesome environment and sound ecological balance in the city. It was enacted
on September 26, 2005.
Ordinance No. 287: An Ordinance Declaring February 14 of Every Year as Love Affair with
Nature Day in the City of Puerto Princesa.
Ordinance No. 287, enacted on September 26, 2005, serves as continuing call to ensure the protection
and sustainable use of natural resources. The mangrove planting which is done annually is one of the
major concerns stipulated in this ordinance.
Ordinance No. 157. An Ordinance Declaring the Month of June every Year as Buwan ng
Pagpapahalaga sa Dagat and Providing Funds for the Implementation Thereof.
This ordinance was enacted on October 9, 2009 and aims to institutionalize the Buwan ng
Pagpapahalaga sa Dagat. All barangays through their Sangguniang Barangay shall initiate any
activities in their respective areas that will highlight the importance and conservation of marine
resources.
Sanctuary Ordinances
In order to protect and conserve the marine resources and rehabilitate the degraded areas of the City of
Puerto Princesa, sixteen (16) fish/marine sanctuaries was established through the enactment of City
Ordinances and are the following: Ordinance No. 13-92, An Ordinance Declaring Turtle Bay and
Binunsalian Bay as Marine Sanctuary and for other purposes, Ordinance No. 144-2000, An Ordinance
Declaring Seventy Four (74) Hectares West of Parunponon Island, Located at Honda Bay, Barangay
Manalo, this City, as Fish Sanctuary, Ordinance No. 192-02, An Ordinance Declaring Forty (40)
Hectares of Sabang Reef at Honda Bay, Barangay Binduyan, as Fish Sanctuary, Ordinance No. 22203: Ordinance Establishing Puntod Ilis as Marine sanctuary in Barangay Babuyan, City of Puerto
Princesa, Ordinance No. 340-07; An Ordinance Declaring the 157 hectares of Coastal and Marine
Areas at the Chicken Island, located at Barangay Bacungan, Puerto Princesa City, as Marine Sanctuary
Ordinance No. 339-07: An Ordinance Declaring the 174 hectares of Coastal and Marine Areas at the
Tabang Cove located at Barangay Sta. Cruz, Puerto Princesa City, as Marine Sanctuary, Ordinance
No. 338-07: An Ordinance Declaring the 36 hectares of Coastal and Marine Areas at the Santos Reef
located at Honda Bay, Barangay Maruyugon, Puerto Princesa City, as Marine Sanctuary, Ordinance
No. 337-07: An Ordinance Declaring the 98 hectares of Coastal and Marine Areas at the Nagbandera
and Dawawow Reefs Both Located in Barangay San Rafael, Puerto Princesa City, as Marine
Sanctuary, Ordinance No. 345-07: An Ordinance Declaring the 70 hectares of Coastal and Marine Bays
of the Lacson Reef, Located at Honda Bay, Barangay Tanabag, Puerto Princesa City, as Marine
Sanctuary, Ordinance No. 390-08; An Ordinance Declaring the 11.79 hectares of Coastal and Marine
Areas at the Pambato Reef located at Honda Bay, Barangay Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City, as
Marine Sanctuary, Ordinance No. 415-09; An Ordinanance Declaring the 40.0 hectares of Coastal and
Marine Areas at the Nagpawikan Reef, located at Barangay Langogan, Puerto Princesa City as Fish
Sanctuary, Ordinance No. 422-09; An Ordinance Declaring the 43.45 hectares of Rawis Reef located at
Barangay San Manuel, Puerto Princesa City, as Marine Sanctuary, Ordinance No. 325-06; An
Ordinance Establishing the 7,454 hectares St. Paul Bay Marine Reserve at Barangay Cabayugan,
Barangay Marufinas and Barangay New Panggangan,Puerto Princesa City and Providing Guidelines
for the Management and Supervising the Marine Reserve, Ordinance No. 246-03; Ordinance
Establishingthe 40 hectares Manyukos Island as a Marine Sanctuary at Barangay Buenavista, City of
Puerto Princesa, , Ordinance No. 447-10; An Ordinance Declaring Sixty Point Zero Nine (60.09)
Hectares of Corong-Corong Reef Situated at Barangay bagong Bayan, Puerto Princesa City, as Fish
Sanctuary,Ordinance No. 507-12; An Ordinance Declaring the Forty Two (42.0) Hectares of Tapul
Reef Situated at Barangay Salvacion, Puerto Princesa City, as Fish Sanctuary.