Home > 2006 Summary of Accomplishments (2005)

PALAWAN COUNCIL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Summary of Accomplishments
January-December 2006

I. Background

The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development is the policy-making body mandated to implement Republic Act 7611 otherwise known as the Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan Act. The SEP for Palawan Act provides a comprehensive framework for all sustainable development initiatives in Palawan thus ensuring the protection and enhancement of the natural resources and endangered environment of the province.

The Council pursued its activities for CY 2006 based on the major thrusts and mandates as provided by the SEP for Palawan Act and the special laws wherein PCSD is tasked to implement in Palawan, particularly, the Caves Act, Wildlife Act and Chainsaw Act.

PCSD has strengthened linkages and partnerships with the LGU's, other government agencies, NGO's, the academe, private sector and the different communities and stakeholders to effectively carry out its mandates under the framework of the SEP for Palawan Act.

This report summarizes the accomplishments of PCSD and its Staff for CY 2006 and the thrusts of the organization for 2007.


II. Thrusts and Mandates

The Council has passed 49 resolutions of various concerns for CY 2006. These include the final approval of the ECAN maps for 19 municipalities. PCSD has conducted eleven (11) regular meetings and one special meeting during the year

1. Major Policy Areas

1.1 Wildlife Act. Two guidelines were approved by the Council for publication. These are the "Guidelines Establishing the Disposition Program for Confiscated, Donated or Turned-over Wildlife and Providing Guidelines Therefor" and the "Enforcement and Monitoring Guidelines".

1.2 Caves Act. The Guidelines on Guano Collection has been approved by the Council and passed as PCSD Resolution No.06-275. On the other hand, the Guidelines for the Birds Nest Traders in under review of the ENR Committee. In addition, PCSD Admin Orders 03-08 and 03-08A were amended through PCSD Resolutions 06-276 and 06-277, respectively.

1.3 Chainsaw Act. Round table discussions were pursued to review the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Chainsaw Act applicable to Palawan.

1.4 Tribal/Ancestral Zone. The Council has approved for adoption of the concerned agencies the Joint NCIP-PCSD Circular No. 2005-01, entitled " Harmonization of the Indigenous People's Rights Act (IPRA) and the Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan Act" which was endorsed by PCSD through Resolution No.06-02.

Meanwhile, the resolution recommending the formulation of the management plan of co-existence of man and animals in Calauit Island was forwarded by the Council to the Legal Committee for further study.

1.5 Mangrove. In response to the directive of the Council, the Technical Working Group for mangrove was organized. The TWG has prepared an action plan for the activities that will be carried out relative to protection of the mangrove forests. Recently, field inventory of the extent of mangrove destruction/conversion to fishpond was conducted. Updating of 2004 fishpond inventory was also done and profile of fishpond claimants were prepared for the Council to issue the appropriate policy on rampant mangrove destruction particularly in the Municipality of Quezon.

1.6 SEP Clearance System .165 projects that passed Staff evaluation were issued with SEP Clearance. PCSDS collected P194,861.02 for the processing fee of the project applications. The collected amount has been remitted to the National Treasury. The classification of projects that were issued with SEP Clearance for the year is as follows:

2. Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN) Adoption of the ECAN maps is pegged at 91.6% with 22 municipalities that has completed their respective adoption process at the LGU level. The remaining 2 municipalities are working out the adoption at the committee level of their respective Sangguniang Bayan. Recently, the Council has approved 19 ECAN maps submitted by the LGU's for final action of PCSD. These approved maps shall serve as the basis for developmental activities in every municipality.

2.1 Reconstitution of ECAN Board

The ECAN Board is a multi-sectoral body organized in every municipality to assist in the implementation of ECAN in their respective localities.

PCSDS has been pursuing the reconstitution of the ECAN Boards to support the LGU's in the compliance process to ECAN zonation.

The reconstitution and reactivation have been completed for southern and northern municipalities of Palawan.

2.2 ECAN-GIS

The ECAN-GIS is being developed as an income-generating service of PCSD, providing services for the mapping requirements not only of PCSDS but other government agencies, LGU's, NGO's, academe, students and the private sector as well.

The total number of maps produced and printed at the GIS is 110 sheets with services/production fees collected amounting to P111,550.00.

3. ECAN-Coastal Resource Management

The ECAN-Coastal Resource Management project was initiated by PCSD to address poverty by empowering the direct resource users to manage the resources within their community. Moreover, it is perceived to reverse the continuing problem on resource degradation and overexploitation. The ECAN-CRM strategy involves the participation of the communities in the management of the resources within their areas. Six priority areas were identified to showcase the initiatives on ECAN-CRM. The priority sites were strategically distributed with 2 areas in the South, 2 areas in the North, 1 in the Central District and 1 in the Calamianes Group:

3.1 Malinsuno Island in Pandanan, Balabac

An orientation workshop on ECAN-CRM was conducted wherein the action plan prepared by the community was presented for validation and amendments. The ECAN-CRM was defined and presented to the stakeholders during the workshop.

Part of the livelihood component of the ECAN-CRM is the training on seaweed farming which was facilitated by PCSDS and conducted by BFAR and RFTC. The ECAN-CRM team also assisted in the fund -sourcing to provide seedlings for the beneficiaries to start their own seaweeds farm.


The PCSD has signed a MOA with the Conservation International for the implementation of the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape Project for Balabac's Marine Biodiversity Corridor.

Meanwhile, initial reef assessment was undertaken in the area proposed to be identified as fish sanctuary. This activity will be pursued with assistance from World Wildlife Fund in terms of delineation, marking and formulation of the management plan for the protected area. Initially, PCRAs were conducted in 18 barangays of Balabac in partnership with WWF. The BFARMC's were likewise organized for each barangay.

3.2 Isugod, Quezon

The focal team has conducted ECAN-CRM Plan Validation Workshop for Coastal Marine Area of Isugod. Majority of the stakeholders in the community actively participated in the activity. The coastal zones for the area were identified.

As follow-on activity in the priority area, the Community Based ECAN Planning Workshop was conducted recently. The workshop was attended by 41 participants representing the various sectors of the community. The output of the workshop is the management plan for Isugod.

A component of the CRM is the DBP financed 20-hectare mangrove plantation. The area has been surveyed and delineated. About 10 hectares of the project site have been planted with mangrove propagules. In support to the project, three trainings were conducted relative to mangrove rehabilitation, nursery establishment and mangrove planting. The participants in the training are the members of the people's organization and the barangay council. The trainings covered about 60 beneficiaries and stakeholders in the community. The nursery was likewise established in three areas where about 110,000 propagules are potted. Regular monitoring is conducted to ensure the proper condition of the planting materials in the nursery.



3.3 Maruyugon, Puerto Princesa City

The MOA between PCSD and the City Government of Puerto Princesa for the implementation of the Beach Eco-Watch Program has been signed. The said MOA provides for the responsibilities and involvement of the participating institutions in the Beach Eco-Watch Program. As agreed by both parties, one of the initial undertakings of the program is the establishment of the Ecowatch Desk at PCSDS and the City Hall.

The Community Based ECAN Planning Workshop has been conducted in the area which was participated by the stakeholders in the barangay. As an offshoot of the workshop, the stakeholders have identified the livelihood project that will be implemented to minimize the dependence of the community on the coastal and terrestrial resources of the barangay.

3.4 Port Barton, San Vicente

The focal team has established presence in the community by setting up an office at the site which provides for the visibility of the team in the area.

Initially, the major stakeholders and key players in the marine park area were convened for an orientation on SEP and presentation of the program of PCSDS on the implementation of ECAN-CRM. A focus group discussion was conducted with the community stakeholders to point out issues and concerns and at the same time identify possible solutions.

The Community Based ECAN Planning Workshop has been conducted in the area. The output of the workshop will be used as an input in the preparation of the management plan for Port Barton.



3.5 Bebeladan, El Nido

Initial scanning of the identified learning site has been conducted. The focal team facilitated forging of partnership with El Nido Foundation in consideration of the common program for the identified site. The work plan for the learning site has been prepared to complement with the El Nido Foundation and the LGU plan of activities identified during the planning workshop.

Mapping and temporary ground marking of the "Tres Marias Community Managed Marine Areas-SEP/ECAN Core and Buffer Zones"in Bebeladan, El Nido was undertaken in cooperation with the NGO's in the area. The focal team also participated in the underwater installation of ECOREEFS modules and in the coral reef assessment of the "Tres Marias Community Managed Marine Areas.

3.6 Tagumpay, Coron

IEC on ECAN CRM was conducted in the community within the identified site. The barangay officials have signified their support on the implementation of the ECAN- CRM in the area. Follow-on activities shall be facilitated in cooperation with the stakeholders. Meanwhile, the Barangay ECAN Management Committee shall be organized to spearhead the ECAN-CRM activities that will be identified in the planning workshop.







4. Environmental Monitoring (coordination, formulation and implementation of plans, projects and programs)

4.1 Monitoring and Coordination

Part of the strategies in the implementation of the SEP for Palawan Act is the environmental monitoring and evaluation system. This mechanism involves monitoring of environmental parameters such as land and forest cover though GIS, coastal resources assessment and water quality monitoring. In support to this activity, PCSD established the GIS and the PCSD Environmental Laboratory. Collection of effluent samples of other critical projects is also undertaken as part of the environmental monitoring activities. The samples collected are processed and analyzed at the laboratory.

PCSD is a member of the Multi-Sectoral Monitoring Team for environmentally critical projects such the Malampaya Natural Gas Project and the Hydrometallurgical Processing Plant (HPP) of Coral Bay Nickel Corporation located in Rio Tuba, Bataraza. Regular monitoring of the operation of these projects were undertaken to ensure compliance to the conditions specified in the ECC.


4.2 Program Formulation

Five project proposals were developed, packaged and submitted to funding institutions for financing consideration. These project proposals are intended to support the implementation of plans and programs in consonance with the objectives of SEP. Similarly, a proposal on Integrated Resource Management for Southern Palawan was submitted for financial consideration of JICA. In addition, the proposed development option and work plan for Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary has been approved in principle by the Council.




4.3 Environmental Education and Extension

Information education campaigns and briefings on SEP and related laws were conducted for the communities and partner-stakeholders. Guests from other provinces on educational trip to Palawan were also provided with SEP briefing. Capacity building for the reactivated ECAN Boards will be developed as part of the programs to be implemented in the PSDTI. The environmental library of PCSD has been providing services for free to researchers, students and other clients requiring information materials on Palawan and its environs.

4.4 Implementation of Special Projects

i. ECAN Zoning Component-SEMP NP

The ECAN Zoning Component project is on its final phase of implementation. The project has submitted the technical reports which are part of the deliverables/expected output. These include eight (8) ECAN Zones Management Framework and Guidelines and two (2) ECAN Zones Management Plans for the priority areas covered by the project.

Presentation of the project accomplishment has been completed. Meanwhile, turn-over of the equipment and other project assets to PCSDS has been accomplished.

As part of the ECAN Sustainability efforts, the Community Based ECAN Zones Management Planning was pilot tested in Pamantolon, Taytay. The output of the workshop is the ECAN Management Plan for the area and the manual of the planning activity which will be used as guide in the conduct of ECAN planning. In addition to the 6 priority sites, the Community Based ECAN Zones Management Planning was also conducted in the municipalities of Araceli, Dumaran and Roxas.

ii. Northern Palawan Sustainable Development Project (NPSDP)

The NPSD Project funded under the auspices of Pilipinas Shell Foundation has released P6, 270,574.00 to 15 various livelihood projects distributed in 10
northern municipalities. About 862 beneficiaries and 14 cooperatives were covered by the project.

PCSDS provides technical assistance in the implementation of the NPSDP. Monitoring of the project's progress of implementation is regularly undertaken to identify implementation issues.












iii. Palawan Sustainable Development Training Institute (PSDTI)

The Palawan Sustainable Development Training Institute is being developed as an accredited training service provider which is aimed to cater the training requirements in the province and nearby regions. Networking with other training centers is being pursued to establish on-call pool of resource persons and specialists. Partnership with Development Academy of the Philippines is likewise being explored for possible training courses and modules that will be conducted at PSDTI.

For 2006, fifteen (15) various activities and events have been housed in the Institute.

5. Management of Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary (CGPWS)

Regular activities in the Sanctuary include continuous implementation of maintenance measures of 6 exotic and 6 endemic wildlife species and protection of the animals from poaching and other forms of threat in the environment.

Partnership with the private sector particularly the CATES has gained ground and improvements of basic infrastructure facilities have been introduced in the Sanctuary. These include the construction of viewing gazebo and the entrance signage.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Tourism was signed for the P2.5M provided by the DOT for the improvement of the facilities in Calauit.

Meanwhile, tourist arrivals and guests were properly provided with guided sightseeing and tour in the area. Gate receipts and charges for the use of the truck have been regularly remitted to the National Treasury.

6. Special Events and Activities

6.1 SEP 14th Anniversary

The 14th SEP Anniversary was celebrated wherein four special events were organized to highlight the occasion. The partner agencies of PCSD in the implementation of its policies participated in the celebration.


A seminar on mangroves which tackled the opportunities and issues confronting the resource was conducted at the Palawan Sustainable Development Institute (PSDTI). The seminar was attended by the representatives from the LGUs, other government agencies, academe and NGOs.

The highlights of the affair include the launching of Puerto Princesa City Wildlife Rescue Center and the Field Book Manual for enforcement agencies. Another significant activity was deputation of Wildlife Enforcement Officers who are the active partners in the quick response system of PCSD through the PCSD Konek.

6.2 Awarding of Commendation

The Council through PCSD Chairman Abraham Kahlil Mitra awarded 65 active officers and personnel of various enforcement agencies in recognition of their active participation in the successful apprehension of violators of the environmental laws in Palawan.