Policy Research

Pilot-testing of the Palawan Environmental-Economic & Natural Resources (PEENRA) System

Data utilized for land/soil and forestry resources were reconciled to ensure that same figures on forest area were applied in the accounting of both resources.

The terminal report for the project was accomplished based on the format required by National Statistics Coordinating Board /United Nations Development Programme (NSCB/UNDP). The report included the physical and financial status of the project. Meanwhile, preparation of the project completion report for PCSDS is on-going. However, the initial estimation of environmental degradation due to upland palay farming was also prepared and forwarded to NSCB.

Ecosystem Studies

Carrying Capacity of Small Islands
Preparation of final draft report based on secondary data is in progress. Comments and suggestions are being solicited for the refinement of the report.

Small Mammal Inventory
The survey team completed the fieldwork for the study of small volant and non-volant mammals of Palawan Island. The inventory of small mammals covered five sample areas in different elevation and vegetation types to determine the range of suitable habitats used by various species of small mammals in Palawan. The following areas were surveyed:

Barake, Aborlan
Mt. Salakot, Napsan, Puerto Princesa City
Mt. Cleopatra, Concepcion, Puerto Princesa City
Lake Danao, Taytay
Tagnaya, Concepcion, Puerto Princesa City

Meanwhile, six sites were surveyed for the study entitled "Chiropteran Diversity in Cave Habitats of Palawan Island" to determine which caves hold particularly high diversities of bats. The particular caves are as follows:

Tarao Cave, San Rafael, Puerto Princesa City
Mangit Cave, Pamolkuan, Barake, Aborlan
Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa City
Tagabinet, Puerto Princesa City
So. Labtay, Napsan, Puerto Princesa City
Bugtong Bukid Cave, So. Sader, Bantulan, Taytay

Specimens of thirty species of mammals (25 bats, 4 rats and 1 shrew) collected were deposited at the Field Museum of Natural History and Philippine National Museum for further taxonomic study. A small piece of muscle tissue was removed from each specimen for the purpose of phylogenetic analysis. Meanwhile, results of the laboratory test from the Field Museum (Chicago) is still being awaited for input in the report.

Resource and Social Assessment for Honda Bay and Puerto Princesa Bay

The final draft report for the two bays had been prepared and the RSA results were presented to the stakeholders in the two study areas. A CD containing the report was furnished by the SEARCA to the PCSDS. In compliance to the TOR for the project, final reports were submitted to BFAR/FRMP PMO for approval. Minor revisions were incorporated in the report based on the suggestions of BFAR.

Networking with Research Institutions

Arrangement for the official launching of the PIRC was undertaken by the member agencies of the Palawan Research and Development Consortium (PARDEC). The preparation of documents needed for the activity is in progress. Meanwhile, the installation of furniture for the PIRC at the office space provided by PTFPP has commenced.

Environmental Impact of Macroeconomic Policies on the Mining and Quarrying Sector

Refinement of the survey results were done and additional data were gathered as input to the final report preparation. The results of the study is scheduled to be presented in a technical workshop on May 2001.

Assistance to Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary

A project proposal on Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary was prepared for possible funding of interested donors.

Habitat Study

Exploratory meeting was made with the staff of the State Polytechnic College of Palawan (SPCP) regarding possible collaborative activities in connection with the research study of Lake Manguao, Taytay. This is also related to the proposal received by the office from Germany in which funding is being sought by the proponent for the detailed research activities. A MOA for the conduct of research study was drafted based on the agreements during the exploratory meeting. Said MOA will cover possible collaborative activities and other arrangements for the study.

Meanwhile, the proposal from Fauna and Flora International on the study of mousedeer in Balabac is being awaited.

Evaluation of Research Proposals for PCSD Accreditation

Four (4) research proposals submitted by the proponents were evaluated for issuance of PCSD Accreditation and Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Certificate.

Palawan Statistics

The barangay data had been updated and processed and incorporated in the data collected from National Statistics Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office and Palawan Electric Cooperative, Incorporated. Gathering and processing of data from other agencies is underway.

Library Operation

Library cards for the new references were prepared. A total of 50 new reference materials were acquired and 580 references were loaned out for the period. The librarian is undergoing on-the-job training on the classification of reference materials following the system of the Library of Congress.