Palawan Sustainable Development Training Institute

The Palawan Sustainable Development Training Institute which is presently operated and managed by PCSDS is envisioned to empower local government units, government agencies, non-government organizations, people’s organizations, private sector, PCSD staff and people in the community on the concepts, principles, applications and models for sustainable development and environmental conservation. It shall also serve as a venue for sharing experiences and developing effective information, education and social mobilization and advocacy strategies and materials for the promotion of sustainable development and environmental conservation. It now offers the following services consisting of AV production for broadcast, power point presentations, TV, digital non-linear video editing, and production of print materials. It has also a 200 people capacity, fully air-conditioned training hall for conferences, seminars and trainings with state of the art sound systems. Other facilities in the institute consist of equipment for recording, LCD, wide screen, small radio station equipment, library and environmental laboratory for research and chemical and physical analysis of soil and water qualities.

For the year, the development of operational policies for use of the media center was approved by PCSDS. The renovation of the training institute was completed. The PCSDS continued operating the institute after the programme closure in June 2004 holding trainings for the staff and development partners basically to enhance capabilities in sustaining and pursuing environmental management programs and activities. It has also produced IEC kits made of various related information materials from PCSDS and PTFPP.

The Environmental Education and Extension Division directly managing the institute facilitated the administration of the training needs survey questionnaire among external partners. The results were expected to guide the institute in the preparation of training modules geared towards enhancing the capabilities of partners and stakeholders in the proper management of the environment. The organization of the Speakers’ Bureau from among the PCSD Staff was conceptualized in preparation for the institute’s future undertakings. Furthermore, the conduct of SEP Law briefings, meetings/trainings/workshops for the staff and external partners was done at the institute. Among these were : Inter-Agency Policy Review, Rio Tuba Nickel MPSA Scoping Activity, SEMP Technical Validation Workshops for Culion and El Nido, Fisheries Law Enforcement Training for Balabac Marine Eco-Region, PCSDS Logical Framework Workshop, SAGUDA Foundation Workshop and Skills Enhancement Training-Workshop for the DMOs.

To become more responsive and effective in the delivery of its services, the training institute and its facilities located within the 500 ha Ramon V. Mitra Sustainable Development Center in Barangay Irawan, Puerto Princesa City need to be continually upgraded. The construction of a dormitory to house the training participants, putting up of canteen, upgrading the existing laboratory facilities and training equipment and the development of a business plan for the institute are all vital to sustain its operation in the long run. Networking and partnership with the academe and other related institutions will be done to improve the delivery/implementation of its target activities.

Trainings, Fora and Special Events Conducted

February 2006
Title of Activity	Date	Objectives
1. ECAN Educational Forum on the State of Palawan's Environment (with the Holy Trinity College students)	February 2, 2006	Provide students of the Holy Trinity College information on the status of Palawan's environment.
2. Tribute to Speaker Ramon V. Mitra	February 3, 2006	The activity is a gathering of the PCSD members and Staff, partner institutions, the LGU's the academe, NGOs and others sectors in Palawan to commemorate the 78th birthday of Speaker Ramon V. Mitra
3. ECAN Education Forum on Solid Waste Segregation and Reduction	February 6, 2006	Provide learnings and insights on proper wastes segregation and reduction
4. Training on Development of Segregation and Reduction	February 7-9, 2006	Become familiar with the 10 year Solid Waste Management Plan Annotated Outline by the National Solid Waste Management Commision; Formulate vision-mission-goals-objectives of the Provincial/Municipal/City Solid Waste Management Program; Assess the current solid waste problems/situations in the municipalities/city and province; Develop plan implemantation strategy on solid waste management systems; Develop implementation phases, milestones and schedules on the solid waste management program.
5. ECAN Education Forum on Environmental Principles (with the Holy Trinity College students)	February 9, 2006	Provide students knowledge on the 7 ecological principles
6. ECAN Education Forum on SEP-ECAN (with the Holy Trinity College students)	February 16, 2006	Provide students knowledge on the strategic Environmental plan for Palawan Act of Republic Act 7611.
March 2006
Title of Activity	Date	Objectives
1. ECAN CRM Interfacing	March 3-4, 2006	Level off/agree that ECAN-CRM is our program; Visualize ECAN-CRM in their respective area of assignment; Appreciate teamwork and cooperation; Develop/enhance annual operational plan, including IEC plan; Design a stakeholder's session for the buying- in phase; Simulate a buying-in session with stakeholders.
2. SEP Orientation for the LGU officials and staff of Kalinga province	March 9, 2006	Provided the Local Government officials and staff of Kalinga province briefing on SEP-ECAN.
3. Training on Safe Closure of Disposal Sites and on Design and Operation of Sanitary Landfill	March 28-29, 2006	Understand the procedures for the safe closure and rehabilitation of disposal facilities; Discuss the negative environmental impact and risks attributed to continous operation of open dumpsites and controlled dumpsites and/or its abandonment; Advocate for instituting safe and appropriate measures in the proper closure of open and controlled dumpsites; Design a suitable/appropriate sanitary landfill in their municipality.
4. Monthly Focal Team's Meeting and Feed backing Session	March 30, 2006
5. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's visit to Palawan	March 31, 2006	Joined the inauguration of the Puerto Princesa Sanitary Landfill with Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as guest.