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Governor Joel T. Reyes sworn in as new PCSD Chairman
The 141st PCSD Meeting
(Long and winding but a sensible one!)
by Alex S. Marcaida
Media Bureau Chief
It is one of the longest meetings ever but one
of substance and quality.
 It
was highlighted by the issuance of SEP Clearances to more than 40
project applications, passage of the long awaited resolution allowing
collection of beetles for commercial purposes, and the concurrence
of the Adjudication Boards' decision on penalizing four (4) respondents
for violating conditions of SEP Clearance where fines imposed reached
P225,000,00. Likewise, is the thorough discussion of inputs to possible
amendments of the controversial Live Fish policy, and tackled the
long-list of agenda trimmed by circus of emotions.
Apparently, honed by experience, the chairman, Gov. Joel T. Reyes
presided over the
meeting remarkably, keeping his cool over burning arguments from
among the members, armed with the sense of listening and correct
timing. Many observed that his experiences transformed him to becoming
a master of parliamentary procedures. The members were equally triggered
thus the long run. The meeting was held at the Session Room of the
Coron's Municipal Hall, last August 24, 2007.
Quorum was met, with the addition of the newly accepted member representing
the NCIP, Atty. Eugenio A. Insigne.
Finally,
Beetle Collection Allowed
(Upholding
livelihood opportunities for the IP's.)
Collection of stag beetles in the wilderness of Palawan for trade
is already allowed. This is the essence of the PCSD Res. "Implementing
Guidelines Governing the Sustainable Use of Selected Beetle Species
in Palawan for Commercial Purposes" passed during
the last PCSD meeting, August 24, 2007, in Coron, Palawan.
 The
guidelines was anchored on the result of a thorough study conducted
by PCSDS and Conservation International that indicated abundance
of tradable stag beetles locally called "uwang" in the
wilderness of the Province. Taking the cue from its economic value,
a regulated collection can be allowed.
Under this policy, collection of beetles for commercial purposes
shall be regulated, subject to PCSD permitting system. An interested
IP group may apply from PCSD for a Wildlife Special Use Permit (WSUP),
which is intended exclusively for the Indigenous people. A WSUP
allows a permittee to collect economically important species for
direct trade purposes. A maximum of 100 individuals per tree is
allowed in a month's time. For its User's Fee, an organized IP/permittee
shall pay (upon application) a per individual amount representing
1% of the existing local market price. Only selected species, shall
be allowed to be collected. Collection of an endemic sub-species
"Dorcus titanus palawanicus" is strictly prohibited.
For technically and financially equipped proponents interested to
engage at beetle Farming and Ranching, a Wildlife Collector's Permit
(WCP) shall be applied. Under this scheme, only collection of beetles
as parent-stocks maybe allowed.
An "open and closed" season for the collection is set. March to
August shall be designated as "open season", and the rest closed.
Some species however maybe collected year-round.
A stricter monitoring scheme shall be enforced by PCSD in partnership
with concerned agencies to ensure that permittees do not violate
the conditions.
It must be recalled that during the past few months, PCSDS in partnership
with enforcement agencies, apprehended several illegal collectors
and traders. It was found out that collection and trafficking had
been pronounced in the areas of Rizal and Bataraza, Palawan. Operators
pleaded that it is about time for government to regulate its collection
and trade as they perceived there are battalions of "uwang" in the
wilds that can augment income of collectors especially the IPs.
Livelihood opportunity and income for the IPs are the usual excuses
of traders caught. Illegal collection and trading are on the upswing
trend due to the attractive prize in Manila, much more outside the
country. (related
story ).
Interested groups are advised to contact PCSDS offices.
Suspension for the Processing of Live fish applications
Ordered (The last ditch for a check mark to Live Fish applications)
More than 20 applications for Live Fish Caging, Trading and Carriers
have been accredited by the Council during its last Meeting in Coron,
Palawan. These are either new applicants or renewal. Some are granted
conditional accreditation meaning a single positive CDT result may
cancel the accreditation and shall render the proponent black listed.
A lengthy discussion preceded the approval process which focused
at the sustainability parameters of the industry. The staff (PCSDS)
was instructed to collate these concerns and come-up and present
before the Council in the next meeting a realistic policy to amend
the existing PCSD Adm. Order No. 5.
Considering these issues, the council resolved to temporarily suspend
processing of live fish applications until the PCSDS is able to
develop the win-win policy that will address related issues at hand.
Violators of PCSD SEP Clearance penalized!
Sea Dive Center and Kristal Langit Lodge, both located in Coron
Palawan, are imposed fines by PCSD for violating certain conditions
of their Clearances. Sea Dive expanded and added another floor in
its structure without informing the PCSD. Under the Clearance system,
an expansion can be considered new project thus necessitates another
SEP clearance application, hence, a fine of P50,000. Kristal Lodging
Inn was fined P25,000 for operating without septic tank, and was
advised to construct the same in two months. Lerma Fabregas, gathering
pebbles in Linapacan without Clearance is imposed a fine of 50,000,
and P100,000 imposed against a live fish operator in Quezon. These
administrative fines were imposed after series of hearings conducted
by PCSD Adjudication Board and decisions concurred by PCSD during
the last meeting. If, after 15 days the respondents can not file
a Motion for Reconsideration, the decision of the Board is rendered
final and executory.
The PCSD Chair stressed that the Council is serious in its implementing
the SEP Law in Palawan, thus people in Palawan., especially investors
must abide by it, to the letter.
Representative of NCIP sworn in!
Atty. Eugenio Insigne, Chairman of the NCIP, was sworn in during
the 141st PCSD Meeting. He is the 19th member of the present PCSD
body. The option for the IP's had been his advocacy as he hails
from Cordillera. As a lawyer, the PCSD appreciated his attendance
as it boosts the policy making function of the Council. A warm welcome
was afforded him.
The 142nd Meeting schedule
The next meeting of PCSD shall be held at the PSDTI, Bgy. Irawan,
Puerto Princesa City, on September 28, 2007.
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