REFERENCE AND RESEARCH BUREAU

LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH SERVICE

THE STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN
FOR PALAWAN AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF
ECOTOURISM IN THE PHILIPPINES


INTRODUCTION
1


The formulation and implementation of plans, programs and projects affecting the
environment and natural resources of Palawan are guided by the provisions of Republic
Act No. 7611, otherwise known as the Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan
Act (June 19, 1992). This Act serves as a comprehensive framework for the sustainable
development of Palawan compatible with protecting and enhancing the natural resources
and endangered environment of the province [Sec. 4, R.A. 7611].

The first part of this report presents a background information about the island
province of Palawan with a table of Palawans national parks, wildlife and marine
reserves which shows the name, location, description and laws pertinent to its
administration and/or management. The second part deals with the SEP for Palawan Act
which contains the SEP philosophy, its legal effects, administrative machinery for its
implementation, the main strategy of SEP and thrusts for the year 2003. Included also
are: 1) ecotourism development in the Philippines, 2) criteria for declaring an area as
ecotourism destination, 3) key ecotourism sites and, 4) the processes involved in the
development of ecotourism destinations.

A list of House bills filed during the Twelfth (12
th
) Congress proposing the
creation and establishment of protected areas and natural parks is incorporated showing
their authors and status.





1
This report was prepared in connection with a letter from The Waters Society for the Creation of a Great
Palawan Park and more protected areas in the Philippines.
2



I. PALAWAN PROVINCIAL PROFILE

A. Basic Data
2


Climate

Inter-tropical Converging Zone
Northeast Moonsoon (Amihan) : November to February
Southwest Moonsoon (Habagat): March to May

Rainfalls

Favorable Months : January to May
Rainy Months : June to December

Land Area : 1,489,655 has.

Length : Stretches 650 km. tip to tip
Mainland 425 km. long

No. of islands : 1,780 Islands and islets

Mountain Ranges:

Mt. Matalingahan Elevation 2,086 in between Brookes Pt. And
Bataraza

Cleopatras Needle Elevation 1,585 in Puerto Princesa City

Total Inhabitants : about 161,912 (as of May, 2000) Three fourths of the
population resides in the city proper
3










2
Tourist Information Guide: Palawan Every Island an Adventure; Provincial Government of Palawan,
PGO-Tourism Division, Provincial Capital Building, Puerto Princesa City

3
Puerto Princesa City the Ecotourism & Geological Destination, City Tourism Office, p. 2
3

B. Natural Resources
4


Palawan is situated southwest and west of the main chain of Philippine
Islands. Considered as the largest province of the country, it occupies 1,489,655
hectares or five percent (5%) of the national territory. It is bounded on the west
by South China Sea and on the east by the Sulu Sea. The southernmost tip of
Palawan points to the Island of Borneo.

Palawan has 1,780 islands and islets that fall under three (3) major groups:
the Calamian island group in the north; Dumaran-Cuyo group in the northeast and
the Balabae-Bugsok group in the southwest. It has four hundred thirty-one (431)
barangays; twenty-two (22) municipalities including the newly created
municipality of Culion and one city. The lone city is Puerto Princesa which is the
capital of the province.

The provincial economy is basically agricultural with mining and logging
playing secondary roles. Agriculture consists of raising three major crops palay,
corn and coconut. Other crops grown are bananas, rootcrops like cassava and
sweet potatoes, cashew and vegetables.

Mineral resources in commercial quantity include nickel, copper,
manganese and chromite. Other deposits are silica sand, limestone, gold, iron,
pyrite, lead, sulphur and guano. In terms of firm reserves and mineral production
value, nickel ranks first although silica sand has the biggest share in the total
provincial mineral production value.

The province is notably known for its rich and varied flora and fauna. It
has a variety of ornamental plant trees, flowering plants such as the Palawan
Cherry Blossoms, species of orchids, ferns and other tropical flora that has not yet
been identified and classified. By virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 219
dated July 2, 1967, the entire province of Palawan was declared a game refuge
and bird sanctuary to protect the provinces rare and endangered wildlife such as
the Mouse Deer, Scaly Ant Eater, Palawan Deer and many others. It is also the
habitat of many of the most colorful birds like the Palawan Peacock Pheasant,
Siete Colores, wild doves, Nutmeg Imperial Pegions and other kinds of birds.
The avis number 206 species. The Philippines has a thousand species of wildlife,
of this number, 232 species are found in Palawan. Since the province possesses
the biggest reservation of Philippine wildlife in land and sea, it has earned the title
Haven of Rare Philippine Wildlife.





4
The Aquino Administration Major Development, Programs & Projects: Palawan, NEDA,
pp. 3-4 & 16.
4

C. Palawans Premiere Tourist Spots and Protected Areas: Where Nature is at
its Best



Name

Location

Description
Pertinent Laws on
Administration and
Management
1. Puerto Princesa
Subterranean River
and National Park
(underground river)
5

Located in Bahile, 81
kms. from the city proper,
can be reached through a
1 hr. jeepney ride from
Barangay Cabayugan to
Sabang, from where one
may take a 10-15 minute
pumpboat
Ride to the Underground
River.
Deep cathedral like caverns
within the rugged limestone
and marble parks of Mt. St.
Paul, flows the underground
river running 8 kms. Inland,
the river is easily navigable for
at least 4 kms. Outside the
rivers mouth is a beautiful
lagoon with crystal clear
waters that teems with fish.
Proclamation 212,
November 12, 1999
Amending Proclamation
No. 835 series of 1971,
renaming the St. Paul
Subterranean National
Park to Puerto Princesa
Subterranean River
National Park; Expanding
its Area Coverage to
Twenty Two Thousand
Two Hundred Two
(22,202) hectares and
declaring it as a Protected
Area Pursuant to R.A.
7586 the National
Integrated Areas System
Act of 1992 (NIPAS).

Pursuant to R.A. No.
7611 otherwise known as
Strategic Environmental
Plan (SEP) for Palawan
Act the Palawan Council
for Sustainable Develop-
ment (PCSD) takes the
lead in managing the
Park.
2. Tabon Caves (Oldest
known habitation in
the Southeast Asia
and dubbed as the
Craddle of Philip-
pine Civilization)
6

The Tabon Caves
Complex is located in
Lipuon Point Reservation,
a 138 ha. land connected
to the mainland by an
isthmus covered with
mangrove forest. It lies
on the northwest of the
poblacion of Quezon and
bounded on the west by
Nakoda Bay, on the east
by Malanut Bay and on
the south by Sultan Hill.
5 hrs. jeepney or bus ride,
29 caves of habit at and
graveyards, of which 17 have
been excavated, yielded the
skull of the oldest Filipino; the
most beautiful earthenware
vessel in Southeast Asia that
dates back between 890 B.C.
and 710 B.C.; fossilized
human bones dating back to
the Stone Age. The biggest
among the caves has a unique
geological formation with its
mouth situated 110 ft. high up
on the western face of Lipuon
Rich in natural and
cultural resources, this
area was declared a
Museum Site Reservation
pursuant to Proclamation
No. 966 dated April 11,
1977, as mandated by
law, the National Museum
is tasked to protect and
preserve this reservations
for future operations.

5
Ibid, p. 17.
6
Tabon Caves Palawan www.wowphilippines.com.ph

5
followed by a 20 to 30
minutes pumpboat ride
from town of Quezon.
Point overlooking a beautiful
bay studded with white sand
beach islands.

Habitat to Endemic animals:
Tabon bird, Megapodius
cumingi, and rare butterflies
such as the Trogonoplera
trojana.
3. Ursula Island Game
Refuge and Bird
Sanctuary
7


10 nautical miles
Southwest of Palawan
mainland. 2 hours
pumpboat from Bataraza
which is 5 hrs. by hired
land transportation from
Puerto Princesa City.
A secluded sanctuary of the
feathered vertebrates mostly
wild doves, camagoes and
Siete Colores. Two hours
before the sun sets, the island
becomes a rare spectacle as
the birds come home in
various flight formations to
roost for the night. This flat
coralline and forested island is
surrounded by wide white
sand beaches with crystal-
clear waters rich in varied
corals and marine life. The
waters are so clear that corals
can be seen even in the deeper
parts of the sea surrounding
the island and watchers must
camp overnight to witness the
birds as they fly-off the island
at around 5:30 in the morning.
Administrative Order No.
14 (April 3, 1960)
declared the Ursula Island
a Game Refuge and Bird
Sanctuary. The Protected
Area Management Board
(PAMB) created by RA
7586 or the NIPAS Act of
92 is in charge of the
general administration
and peripheral protection
of the area in coordination
with the PCSD.
4. El Nido Marine
Reserve
8


Secluded islands nestling
in the South China Sea.
El Nido Resorts in
Pangulasian and Minoloc
Islands located 147.6
nautical miles from
Puerto Princesa City.
This group of islands is
sanctuary to flocks of
swallows. Famous for their
limestone clifs, diverse marine
life, white sand beaches and
unique flora and fauna.
Pursuant to R.A. 7611
PCSD is the lead agency
in the management and
protection of the area in
cooperation with the
officials of the concerned
LGU, representatives of
the business sector and
non-government organi-
zations (NGOs).
5. Calauit National Park
9
In the Calamian group of
Islands north of Palawan
Calauit Island is 3,400 ha.
The natural vegetation is
lowland forest and mangroves
along the coast. Much of the
forest has been replaced by
plantations, secondary growth
and green grassland. It has
evolved becoming a home of
important Philippine endemic
and exotic wildlife from
Africa. Marine habitat to the
On August 31, 1976, P.D.
1578 declared Calauit
Island a Game Preserve
and Wildlife Sanctuary
for endemic and exotic
animals.

The management of the
park used to be under the
jurisdiction of the
Department of

7
Supra, Note 3, p. 17
8
www.pcsd.ph
9
Ibid.
6
dugong, sea turtles, giant
clams, coral reefs sanctuary to
commercial fish species.
Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR)
through the Conservation
and Resource Manage-
ment Foundation (CRMF)
but on December 29,
1994 it was turned over to
the Palawan Council for
Sustainable Development
(PCSD)
6. Tubbataha Reef the
National Marine Park
10

Lies in the middle of the
Sulu Sea about 150 kms.
Away and 12 hrs. by boat
from Puerto Princesa
City. The closest human
settlement to Tubbalaha is
the municipality of
Cagayancillo Island.
Covers 33,200 ha. and home
to a diversity of marine life
equal to or greater than any
area in the world. The most
desirable scuba-diving
destination in the Philippines
with large marine life such as
manta rays, sea turtles, sharks,
tuna, dolphins, jackfish, about
46 coral genera, 300 coral
species and 379 species of
fish.
On August 11, 1988,
Presidential Proclamation
306 during the Aquino
Administration, pro-
claimed it as a National
Marine Park. In
December 1993, the
World Conservation
Union declared Tubbataha
Reefs a World Heritage
Site. The PAMB and the
PCSD formulated a
Master Plan in the
management and
monitoring activities of
the Reefs.



II. THE STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN (SEP) FOR PALAWAN

1. The Law

Republic Act No. 7611 entitled An Act Adopting the Strategic
Environmental Plan for Palawan, Creating the Administrative Machinery
for its Implementation, Converting the Palawan Integrated Area
Development Project Office to its Support Staff, and for Other Purposes
was adopted on June 19, 1992 to support and promote the sustainable
development goals of the province of Palawan.

A. The SEP Philosophy

The SEP shall have, as its general philosophy, the
sustainable development of Palawan, which is the improvement in
the quality of life of its people in the present and future generations
through the use of complementary activities of development and
conservation that protect life-support ecosystems and rehabilitate

10
Tales from Tubbataha, Yasmin D. Arquiza, Alan T. White, Sulu for Marine Conservation Foundation,
Inc., and the Bookmark, Inc., 1994, introduction pages 1 & 2 and pp. 2-6, Chap. 1.
7
exploited areas to allow upcoming generations to sustain
development growth. (Sec. 5, R.A. 7611)


B. Legal Effects

The SEP serves as the framework to guide the government
agencies concerned in the formulation and implementation of
plans, programs and projects affecting the environment and natural
resources of Palawan. It shall be incorporated in the Regional
Development Plan of Region IV and all local governments in
Palawan and the concerned national and regional government
agencies operating therein shall coordinate and align their projects
and corresponding budgets with the projects, programs and
policies of the SEP. (Sec. 6, R.A. 7611)


C. Administrative Machinery for the Implementation of the SEP

Sec. 16 of R.A. 7611 creates the Palawan Council for
Sustainable Development (PCSD) under the Office of the
President. Its general function centers on governance,
implementation and policy direction of the SEP. PCSD comprises
the following:

1. Members of the House of Representatives representing the
districts in the Province of Palawan;

2. Deputy Director General of the National Economic
Development Authority (NEDA);

3. Undersecretary of DENR;

4. Undersecretary for Special Concerns of the Department of
Agriculture;

5. Governor of Palawan;

6. Mayor of Puerto Princesa City;

7. President of the Mayors League of Palawan;

8. President of the Provincial Chapter of the Liga ng mga
Barangay;


8

9. Executive Director of the Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development Staff; and

10. Other Members from the public or private sectors as the
majority of the Council may deem necessary.


D. The Main Strategy of SEP: The Environmentally Critical Areas
Network (ECAN)
11


The SEP establishes a graded system of protection and
development control over the whole of Palawan, including its tribal
lands, forests, mines, agricultural areas, settlement areas, small
islands, mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass beds and the surrounding
sea. This serves as the main strategy of SEP and is known as the
Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN). The main
components of the ECAN are classified into three (3) namely: 1)
terrestial; 2) coastal; and 3) tribal ancestral lands.

Under the ECAN, delineation and demarcation of areas into
proper uses are conducted to ensure ecological balance while
undertaking socioeconomic development. The PCSD takes the lead
role in the implementation of ECAN, with close cooperation with the
local government units (LGUs) and nongovernmental organizations
(NGOs). Preliminary ECAN maps for 21 municipalities have been
prepared. ECAN survey teams are conducting actual ground
delineation and demarcation activities using the global positioning
system (GPS).

To sustain ECAN activities at the municipal level, policy-
making bodies were organized in each municipality. LGUs are
being provided with technical assistance and relevant information on
land use planning to guide them in the identification of allowable
activities in each of the ECAN zones. In addition, a regulatory map
for the utilization of non-timber forest product resource has been
completed. The ECAN maps are being utilized by the Council as
bases in the review and evaluation of permit and licenses by the
DENR.





11
Implementing Philippine Agenda 21: A Continuing Journey Towards SD, PCSD Coordinating
Secretariat, pp. 16 & 17.

9

E. Support Mechanisms of the ECAN

In support of the ECAN, three mechanisms were established
pursuant to R.A. 7611:



1. Environmental Monitoring & Evaluation Systems
(EMES)

It ensures a systematic and reliable means of data
generation for the various concerns of the SEP. EMES
shall also measure changes in environmental status, identify
adverse environmental trends and crisis areas, recommend
solutions, assess the implementation of the SEP, and
suggest measures to make the SEP more responsible to the
changing needs. (Sec. 13, Chapter IV)

2. Environmental Research (ER)

It provides a system of research on latest data and
information for accurate planning to solve new problems in
the implementation of the SEP. As such, the SEPs
researches are not confined to the physical and biological
features of the environment gathered through surveys,
monitoring, resource assessments and research into
processes, but also extend to policies and socioeconomic
information as they are vital inputs in decision-making and
policy direction. (Sec. 14, Chapter IV)

3 Environmental Education and Extension (EER)

It is a system designed to gradually wean the people
away from destructive practices and shall recommend
practical ways as an alternative. It establishes and
organizes linkages between non-governmental
organizations (NGOs), business sector representatives,
community leaders and staff of line agencies that shall
enhance comprehensive public information drive. (Sec. 15,
Chapter IV)





10


F. The PCSD Staff
12


Providing professional support to the Council is the Palawan
Council for the Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS). Composed
of a 97-man regular staff, PCSDS undertakes two (2) major
functions namely: 1) policy formulation; 2) environmental
monitoring coordination and implementation of plans, programs and
projects in pursuance of the goals and objectives of the Strategic
Environmental Plan (SEP). It is also explicit in the above-cited Act
that the staff is charged with the task of establishing the ECAN in the
Province to set the ground for sustainable development as well as to
implement the following support mechanisms: 1) operationalization
of the EMES; 2) EEE and 3) ER.


G. The Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act and the
National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection
Act: Additional Sources of Mandate

Recently, the passage of two (2) laws namely: R.A. 9147
entitled An Act Providing for the Conservation and Protection of
Wildlife Resources and their Habitats, Appropriating Funds Therefor
and for Other Purposes otherwise known as The Wildlife
Resources Conservation and Protection Act (July 30, 2001) and
R.A. 9072 entitled An Act to Manage and Protect Caves and Cave
Resources and for Other Purposes otherwise known as National
Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act (April
08, 2001) spelled-out additional mandate to the PCSD. Pursuant to
these laws, jurisdiction of said resources are vested in the Council.


H. Thrusts for the Year 2003
13


A. SEP Implementation

1. Environmental Monitoring/Technical Evaluation
of Programs and Projects

The staff will beef-up its monitoring and technical
teams in terms of manpower and equipment to meet the
increasing requirements for environmental monitoring and
evaluation in the Province. As more projects and

12
FY 2003 Budget Briefing Portfolio, PCSD, Office of the President.
13
Ibid, pp. 2 & 3.
11
investments pour into Palawan, increased monitoring and
evaluation activities will be demanded from the Staff.

The environmental monitoring attendant to the
operations of the Malampaya Camago Gas Project will also
be a major task of PCSDS being the lead agency of the
multi-partite monitoring team to oversee the Projects
effects on Palawans environment.

2. Policy Review and Formulation

Inasmuch as policy direction is vested in the
Council, it is the function of the Staff to conduct
appropriate policy studies and advise the Council on the
relevance and effectiveness of existing policies and
issuances. Priority studies however will be directed at
activities that will be relevant in amending or formulating
policies on ECAN Zoning which is the basic framework in
implementing the Strategic Environmental Plan for
Palawan. Other studies that will be given focus will be
those concerning the live fish industry and the mangroves
of Palawan.

3. Support Mechanisms

a) Policy research will remain a priority of
the Staff as it provides vital inputs in
decision-making and policy formulation.
The generation of significant data and
information through research will
rationalize governance, implementation
and policy direction of the SEP.

b) Environmental education and awareness
activities will continue to be implemented
by the Staff. Innovative approaches to
highlight the importance of sustainable
development will be employed. Improved
strategies will likewise be adopted to
enhance and heighten environmental
awareness among a greater number of
people.




12

c) Institutional strengthening particularly
among the stakeholders especially the
communities has long been recognized as
a major determinant of sustainability. In
all staff activities where it is appropriate, it
will be the policy of the agency to include
community participation, organization and
mobilization.

d) Secretariat activities will continue to be a
regular function of the Staff. Technical
and administrative assistance will be
provided by PCSDS to the Council.


4. Implementation of Republic Act 9147 and
Republic Act 9072

Another function assigned to the Staff with
the passage of Republic Act No. 9147 in 2002 is the
conservation and protection of wildlife resources
and their habitats. Section 4 of the Act identified
the Council as the agency that shall exercise
jurisdiction over all terrestrial plant and animal
species found in the province of Palawan. The law
requires the agency to review, revise and regularly
update said list of species in the Province. This is
another monitoring function that will be assumed by
the Staff. Likewise, PCSDS will play a key role
among others, on matters involving the local
transport of wildlife, by- products and derivatives as
well as review and evaluation of applications and
proposals for the prospecting of wildlife resources
in the province of Palawan.

Also with the passage of Republic Act 9072
or the National Caves and Cave Resources
Management and Protection Act, PCSDS will
likewise assume a major monitoring and evaluation
role as explicitly provided for in the said law.





13
B. Implementation of Foreign-Assisted Project

1. Sustainable Environmental Management Project
for Northern Palawan (SEMP-NP)

As stipulated in the loan agreement, PCSDS
will be the implementing agency for the ECAN
Zoning component of the SEMP-NP. This foreign-
assisted project financed by the Japan Bank for
International Cooperation took off in 2002 covering
14 municipalities in Northern Palawan. The project
will focus on 5 priority municipalities namely El
Nido, Taytay, Culion, Coron and Busuanga and 9
other non-priority municipalities where the
paramount objective is to establish the ECAN zones
in these municipalities preparatory to the
implementation of the Tourism Plan in Northern
Palawan.

Under the ECAN Zoning component,
PCSDS will implement three sub-components: a)
mapping and digitizing; b) research and c)
capacity building. For 2003 the procurement of
equipment, production of ECAN maps, resource
assessment and capacity building activities like
livelihood needs assessment, environmental
education and conduct of appropriate trainings
necessary in the establishment of ECAN zones in
Northern Palawan are major activities that will be
undertaken


C. Special Project Calauit Game Reserve and Wildlife
Sanctuary

Management efforts will be directed at the
propagation of endemic and free-ranging exotic animals.
Protection and conservation of terrestrial and marine
resources through regular patrolling, seedling production
and forage expansion will continue.






14

III. The Ecotourism Development in the Philippines

A. What is Ecotourism or Ecological Tourism?

The Tourism Master Plan (TMP) is the framework and guide of the
Department of Tourism (DOT) for the sustained development and
expansion of the tourism industry of the Philippines. Completed in 1991,
it serves as the blueprint for tourism development in the country until the
blue print for tourism development in the country to the year 2010. The
plan was prepared by the Hoff and Overgaard on behalf of the World
Tourism Organization (WTO), United Nations Development Program
(UNDP) and the DOT.
14


In June of 1998, the DOT and DENR, through the Protected and
Wildlife Bureau, signed Joint Memorandum Circular No. 98-02
establishing the Guidelines for Ecotourism Development. Ecotourism is
defined as:

A low-impact, environmentally-sound and
community-participating tourism activity in a
given natural environment that enhances the
conservation of biophysical and cultural diversity,
promotes environmental understanding and education,
and yields socio-economic benefits to the concerned
community.

On June 2, 2000, the National Ecotourism Steering Committee,
under the National Ecotourism Development Council (NEDC) created by
Executive Order No. 111 (June 17, 1999), entitled Establishing the
Guidelines for Ecotourism Development in the Philippines recommended
the adoption of operating guidelines for Executive Order No. 111 through
NEDC Resolution No. 2001-01. It defines ecotourism as:

A form of sustainable tourism within a
natural and cultural heritage area where community
participation, protection and management of natural
resources, culture and indigenous knowledge and
practices, environmental education and ethics as well
as economic benefits are fostered and pursued for the
enrichment of host communities and satisfaction of
visitors.




14
Primer on Ecotourism, Product Research and Development, DOT, 1998, p. 1.
15

The concept of responsible and sustainable
tourism aims at leaving the environment as it was
found, with the resources of Nature travel
destinations conserved and kept intact.
15



B. The Criteria for Declaring an Area as an Ecotourism Destination
16


1. The area must be rich in natural attractions and conducive to
adventure travel (e.g. Taal Volcano in Batangas and Mt. Pulog in
Benguet Province).

2. The area has unique features which may be very interesting and
educational for visitors (e.g. the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao
and the Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao).

3. The area is environmentally rich in terms of the number of flora
and fauna and the number of endemic species and endangered
wildlife (e.g. Palanan Wilderness in Isabela and the forests of
Palawan).

4. The area is threatened by other industries like logging which may
destroy the (potential) attraction (e.g. wide areas of the Sierra
Madre Mountain Range).

5. The historical and cultural attractions of the area are considered
outstanding and are very important part of the history and culture
of the country (e.g. Vigan Heritage Village and Taal Basilica).

6. The area is not frequented by commercial tourists the so-called
off the beaten track (e.g. Sagada in Mt. Province and Batanes).

7. Tourism may help in the rehabilitation and preservation of the
biodiversity or environment of the area usually national parks
(e.g. St. Paul Subterranean National Park in Puerto Princesa,
Palawan).

8. The native or tribal traditions of the people in the destinations are
almost untouched by modern influences (e.g. Tboli in Lake Sebu,
South Cotabato). However, this is very delicate on the part of the
locals since sudden foreign intrusion into their lives may bring
about culture shock and sudden change in lifestyle.

15
Ibid, p.4.
16
Ibid, pp. 5 & 6.
16
9. For marine environment, the area must be diverse in marine life.
Endemicity also greatly determines the inclusion of the area for
ecotourism destination (e.g. El Nido Marine Park in northern
Palawan).


C. Key Ecotourism Sites as of January 10, 2003, as Furnished by the
Conservation Research Mapping and Systems Development
(CRMSD), DOT

The following sites are identified as Key Ecotourism Sites in the
Philippines:

Northern Luzon

1. Batanes
2. Vigan
3. Peablanca
4. Cordillera Rice Terraces
5. Hundred Islands
6. Mt. Pinatubo

Southern Luzon

7. Wawa Dam
8. Mt. Makiling
9. Tagaytay/Taal Volcano
10. Mt. Isarog
11. Mayon Volcano
12. Donsol
13. Bulusan Volcano
14. Apo Reef
15. Mt. Guiting-Guiting
16. El Nido
17. Puerto Princesa Underground River
18. Tubbataha Reef

Visayas

19. Sohaton Caves
20. Lake Danao
21. Mt. Kanlaon
22. Olango Island
23. Bohol
24. Tabon Strait
25. Apo Island
17

Mindanao

26. Siargao
27. Camiguin Island
28. Agusan Marsh
29. Misamis Oriental
30. Dipolog
31. Mt. Apo
32. Lake Sebu


D. Processess Involved in the Development of Ecotourism Destinations
17


1. Audit of the features which may make the destination attractive
(e.g. number and species of birds for bird-watching in Olango
Island, Cebu and species that are peculiar to Palawan).

2. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) prior to physical or
infrastructure development. This is standard procedure for the
development of potential tourist spots, which identifies the positive
and negative factors of development, and proposes measures that
would reduce the negative impacts.

3. Plans should conform to the Development Standards and
Guidelines for Physical Infrastructure Development. Development
of the area should conform to the principles of ecotourism i.e.
must have minimum impact, the structures shall blend with the
environment, the facilities blend with the native culture, the
carrying capacity of the destination should be determined i.e.
the maximum number of visitors guaranteed to enjoy the
destination with minimum impact to the environment.

4. Consultation with the affected community and their acceptance of
the project is a must prior to any development.

5. Training or tapping of technical guides who will also serve as the
resource persons of the participants, foremost of which are
naturalists.

6. Regular environment audit of the destination (e.g. water quality,
aesthetics, sewage, etc.).




17
Ibid., p. 7.
18


IV. HOUSE BILLS ESTABLISHING NATURAL PARKS AND PROTECTED
AREAS FILED DURING THE 12
TH
CONGRESS


1. H.B. No. 5493 - An Act Establishing the Coastal Environment Program,
Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes.

- NEREUS O. ACOSTA
- 1
st
Reading

2. H.B. No. 5047 - An Act Creating the National Environmental
Management Authority, Defining its Powers, Functions and
Responsibilities, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes.

- NEREUS O. ACOSTA
- 1
st
Reading

3. H.B. No. 5035 - An Act Creating the National Environmental
Management Authority, Defining its Powers, Functions and
Responsibilities, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes.

- NEREUS O. ACOSTA
- 1
st
Reading

4. H.B. No. 4943 An Act Establishing Mount Apo Located in the
Municipalities of Magpet and Makilala and City of Kidapawan, Province
of Cotabato, in the Municipalities of Bansalan and Sta. Cruz and City of
Digos, Province of Davao del Sur, and in the City of Davao, as a Protected
Area Under the Category of Natural Park and its Peripheral Areas as
Buffer Zones, Providing for its Management, and for Other Purposes.

- GREGORIO T. IPONG
- 1
st
Reading

5. H.B. No. 4920 An Act Declaring Certain Parcels of Land of the Public
Domain, Covering the Subic Watershed Forest Reserve as a Protected
Area Under the Category of Natural Park.

- JAMES L. GORDON, JR.
- 1
st
Reading




19



6. H.B. No. 4848 An Act to Establish Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park
Located in Sibuyan Island, Province of Romblon as a Natural Park and its
Surrounding Areas as Buffer Zones and for Other Purposes Pursuant to
Republic Act No. 7586.

- PERPETUO B. YLAGAN
- 1
st
Reading

7. H.B. No. 4781 An Act Declaring Certain Parcels of Land of the Public
Domain Covering the Bataan Natural Park and the Subic Watershed Forest
Reserve Situated in the Municipalities of Hermosa, Orani, Samal, Abucay,
Bagac and Morong in the Province of Bataan and a Portion of the Subic
Bay Special Economic Zone Within the Island of Luzon as a Protected
Area Under the Category of Natural Park.

- ANTONIO P. ROMAN
- 1
st
Reading

8. H.B. No. 4313 An Act Establishing the Tubbataha Reef National
Marine Park in Palawan as a Protected Area Under the Category of
Natural Park

- JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBIRI
- 1
st
Reading

9. H.B. No. 4249 An Act Creating the Department of Environmental
Protection and Sanitation, Integrating the Different Government Agencies
Related to Environmental Protection and Sanitation.

- MAURICIO G. DOMOGAN
- 1
st
Reading

10. H.B. No. 1696 An Act Establishing the Apo Reef in Sablayan,
Occidental Mindoro, as a Protected Area Under the Classification of
Natural Park and its Peripheral Waters.

- JOSEPHINE V. RAMIREZ-SATO
- 1
ST
Reading





20



11. H.B. No. 1355 An Act Increasing the Penalty for the Killing,
Wounding or Taking Away of the Eagle and/or Destroying, Disbursing or
Taking Away of the Birds Nests or Eggs, Amending for the Purpose
Section Five of Republic Act Numbered Sixty-One Hundred and Forty-
Seven.

- PROSPERO A. PICHAY, JR.
- First Reading

12. H.B. No. 1144 An Act Establishing for Each Region a Five (5) Hectare
Arboretum, Declaring it as Protected Areas for Ecological Preservation,
Allocating Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes.

- ROSELLER L. BARINAGA
- 1
st
Reading

13. H.B. No. 974 An Act Providing for the Conservation and Protection of
Wildlife Resources and their Habitats, Appropriating Funds Therefor and
for Other Purposes.

- CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
- 1
ST
Reading

14. H.B. No. 739 An Act Creating the Office of Environmental Education,
Defining its Functions and Appropriating Funds Therefor and for Other
Purposes.

- CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
- 1
st
Reading

15. H.B. No. 476 An Act Providing for the Creation of Multi-Sectoral
Environmental Protection Council in Every Municipality in the Province
of Aurora and Appropriating Funds Therefor.

- BELLAFLOR J. ANGARA-CASTILLO
- 1
st
Reading







21




16. H.B. No. 234 An Act Empowering the Local Government Units
(LGUs) to Monitor the Enforcement of Laws, Rules and Regulations on
Environmental Protection and Conservation of Natural Resources.

- JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBIRI
- 1
st
Reading


















ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY: PALAWAN STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT PLAN

RRB/LRS
RHAB/MJMV/VTM/GRB/amt/mti
1.22.03