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PUERTO PRINCESA
SUBTERRANEAN RIVER SUMMARY Conservation of a living heritage; is not an easy task. It poses a multitude of problems that is complex and interrelated. Economic progress, population growth, and unplanned tourism pose a great danger to our fragile nature. St. Paul Subterranean River otherwise known as Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) has long aroused curiosity and became an object of interest for most of the people. Limestone karst mountains shaped from delicate hands of nature have an appalling beauty that cradles much of our rich natural and cultural heritage. It features an eight-kilometer underground river that extends from the mountains and flows out to the sea. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it emerges directly into the sea thus the lower portion is subject to tidal influence that makes it a significant natural phenomena. |
St.
Paul range has also an abundant tropical rainforest teeming with trees
and marine ecosystem, a full "mountain-to-sea" ecosystem and
protects some of the most significant forest in Asia. The park has a
rich biodiversity with a high percentage (15-20%) of endemism. The remoteness
of the area proved to be advantageous to the indigenous people, the
Bataks and Tagbanuas, who find solace deep in the jungle. Basically
hunters and gatherers, they find their means of livelihood from the
forest which is far from encroachment of the lowlanders. They, however,
still practice swidden farming. Having their own diverse cultural heritage,
these indigenous people are in danger of losing it if not properly managed
and preserved. The recently concluded international convention finally
gave new direction to the conservation and preservation of Puerto Princesa
Subterranean River National Park and to the ancestral domain that lies
within this site.
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THE SITE St.
Paul Cave was known to people since ancient times, in their thoughts
it was inhabited by a spirit that prevented them from entering the cave.
The parks territory and surroundings are the ancestral lands of the
Batak people, of whom only 200-250 survive, and Tagbanua communities
which live around the boundaries, including the coast. The Tagbanuas
unlike the Bataks are more acculturated to the Christian culture. (DENR,
1992 Nomination 1998) However, the tide is slowly changing, due to growing
social awareness, the indigenous community are getting more contacts
with the local people and getting more used to host tourist once in
a while. |
St.
Paul Park has a total area of 20,202 hectares that includes the land
area of the national park, a core zone of 5,753 ha and a buffer zone
of 14,449 ha. It was then suggested by PAMB to extend its area. Prior
to the inscription, it was also recommended by the world heritage committee
to include the adjoining catchment areas to assure the sustainability
of its own biodiversity. Ownership of the core zone was officially transferred
from the national government to the city government of Puerto Princesa
in 1992. Part of buffer zone was awarded to the indigenous community
in recognition to their ancestral domain claim. The CADC was awarded
in February 28, 1996 covering 7,530 hectares bounded by Caloga range
in the north, by Cleopatras needle in the east, by the Babuyan River
in the west, by Barongbongan range and the ancestral domain at Barangay
Maoyon in the south. Ownership of the buffer zone is mixed and includes
private ownership. |
The
national park is home to Palawans rich and unique flora and fauna. A
recent survey conducted by the National Museum and the Palawan Tropical
forestry protection Programme recorded 149 vertebrate species including
12 species of mammals and nine species of amphibians that are endemic
to the island. |
The
ancestral domains of Cabayugan and Kayasan on the parks periphery are
home to about 1,000 indigenous people belonging to the Tagbanua and
Batak tribes. Still, the few of the community members in their traditional
ways of hunting, gathering and slash and burn agriculture in the great
forests between the park and San Rafael on the east coast of Palawan.
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CURRENT MANAGEMENT The
national park was established in 26 March 1971 under the Presidential
Proclamation No. 835 and managed by the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources. The territory of the park forms the core zone of
the Palawan Biosphere Reserve recognized by the UNESCOs Man and Nature
Programme in 1990 and a core zone of the Environmentally Critical Area
Network (ECAN), the central element of the Strategic Environmental Plan
for Palawan. Under the Republic Act 7586 (NIPAS Act of 1992), the boundaries
of the site was inscribed, and the management was officially transferred
to the city government through a multi-sectoral represented protected
area management board. The park is ultimately under the jurisdiction
of DENR but has been devolved to the city government and being managed
by a multi-sectoral represented protected Area Management board where
the city mayor chairs the board and representative of the City Tourism
Council, the DENR, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development and
the Palawan NGO Network, Inc. as members. |
Since
the site was inscribed to the world heritage list, the area was extended
to include 20,202 hectares of rainforest, karst mountains, caves, and
its marine ecosystem. This was prompted by the recommendation of the
World Heritage Committee to increase it size to improve the sustainability
of the subterranean river. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River national
Park was inscribed to the world heritage list in 1999 and passed the
criteria I, ii, and iii of the natural heritage sites. |
The
PAMB also encourages the participation of the local community in decision
making by conducting consultations concerning plans and management strategies
being employed. |
Park management strategies include: Ensuring the parks interests are considered favorably in any local development initiative. Attending monthly barangay/community meetings. Where appropriate, acting as a catalyst for community development including compiling and categorizing potential development projects. Assiting ancestral domains to develop ecotourism related activities; and participation in local cultural festival |
Part
of the ancestral domain of Kayasan is under the jurisdiction of PPSRNP.
Though it is a part of the buffer zone of the park, the management and
administration is under the indigenous community, the Bataks and tagbanua
that claimed the area. The certificate of the Amcestral Domain Claim
(R1B-CADC-028) was awarded to the indigenous cultural community in which
they have occupied since time immemorial. |
SITE PROBLEMS: Most
effort goes into management of visitors to the underground river with
considerable time being spent building positive relationships with the
surrounding communities. Some problems are management issues that prove
to be relevant to current involvement of local communities. |
Basic
issues include a requirement for effective protected area management
training and uncontrolled development. The local community has difficulty
to benefit from the tourism industry due to lack of skills. Tourist
potential remains untapped due to lack of right infrastructure that
caters to the need of a viable market. |
The
forest area is virtually uninhabited and subjected to only minor encroachment.
The southern boundary abuts farmed areas of the domain but is generally
protected by natural features and informal agreement with the Ancestral
Domain. Two thirds of the rivers underground catchment lie outside the
park, largely in the ancestral domain of Cabayugan, much of which is
farmed. Agricultural pollution poses a considerable threat to the geological
structure of the underground cave system, though follow up studies have
been conducted and revealed no real threat to the underground ecosystem.
Habitat loss and forest denudation poses a danger to the sustenance
of the parks ecosystem. Watersheds and riverbanks are also being damaged.
The ecosystem tends to degenerate in a pace faster than its regeneration. |
In
1997, the number of visitors to the park rose to 40,000 from a mere
2,000 in the early 1980s. Until the end of 1998 a few visitors stayed
at the cottages in the park, while most overnight visitors preferred
to spend the night in Sabang. Though tourism is the only predictable
source of financial sustenance, as well as opportunities for many local
people to improve their standard of living, its uncontrolled development
also serves as one of the major threats. In what appeared to be an ironic
twist the unregulated flow of people who come to the park to commune
with nature are leaving behind their lasting impression on its delicate
system and altering it in the process. Animals have been observed to
adapt into unnatural way of life. Feeding habits are altered. Breeding
cycles are interrupted. And those who fail to accommodate curious sightseers
are forced out by the unwanted commotion. |
The
most seroius constraints to the management include an ill-defined institutional
structure, lack of adequate resources and boundaries that have no control
over the catchment of the underground river of cabayugan. |
Within the CADC area some specific problems are identified. Illegal activities e.g. gathering of almaciga resin of non indigenous people LGUs are not oriented with the provision of ADMP and IPRA Trend in permit acquisition People from the community have lesser chances of sourcing better market demand due to inadequate information system. Lack of network roads to market circles |
MANAGEMENT PLAN The
general management strategy was designed by the PAMB, a multi-sectoral
representative management body. The parks plans follow the customary
format of description, an evaluation, and prescription. The last is
divided into seven program goals, which were defined in the management
strategy. Each of the seven programs defines specific objectives and
actions. |
Program 1. Ecosystem Management This
program aims to keep the parks varied ecosystem in their natural state,
untarnished and unaffected by the outside world. The program also plans
to restore and nurse damaged ecosystems back to their original setting.
About 96% of the park is under the Strict Protection Zone and closed
to all human activities. The remaining portions are classified as multiple
use, recreational and restoration zones. The multiple use zone covers
127 has on the west side of the park, occupied by the farmers long before
the parks creation. While the management plan acknowledges the farmers
justifiable claim to their land, and intend to grant them land tenure
security, the future landowners must agree to manage their land in a
way that will do no harm to the park. The recreational zone is confined
to the first kilometer of the underground river and a small number of
trails and caves. |
The
areas previously used and unfortunately marred by human activities,
are classified as the restoration zones and will be re-classified as
strict protection zones to give them time to heal. In the past the park
has been accused of acting outside its authorities in the Cabayugan
river catchment and other peripheral areas of critical environment concern,
which has been counter-productive in the long-term. In response, this
program seeks to make formal agreements with the concerned local communities
to encourage activities that will protect the long-term well-being of
the park and their interests as well. |
Program 2. Park protection and law enforcement The
protection section inside the park will conduct regular patrols to ensure
that the rules and regulations and management agreement made with the
local communities and authorities are followed. A system of local community
rangers will be established by the park. |
Program 3. Research and monitoring The
goal of this program is to ensure the park gets the widest possible
support and understanding from its neighboring communities. It also
addresses touchy subjects such as the resolution of boundary issues.
This has been wisely placed at the forefront of implementation of every
other program of the management plan since the parks PR effort can spell
the difference between harmony and World War III with its neighbors. |
Program 4. Public awareness and community relations This
will provide the necessary information needed for the effective management
of the park including species abundance and biodiversity, settlements,
demographic trends, land-use, potential sources of pollution and everything
else that make a naturalists pulse quicken. Water quality monitoring
in the river will continue while new water quality testing, together
with coliform monitoring, will be done in Sabang river and beach. It
will also evaluate, coordinate, solicit research proposals and control
research activities by outside agencies within the area. |
Program 5. Tourism and visitors management Maximizing
the benefits of tourism and visitors inside and outside the park while
minimizing their negative impact. The annual visitor capacity has been
pegged at 50,000 guests. Tourist facilities within the park will be
relocated away from sensitive habitats. Suitable nature-related tourism
is to be encouraged in surrounding local community areas to expand the
number of destinations people can go outside the park. |
Program 6. Regional integration The
main objective is to ensure that, by being pro-active, the parks interest
is considered from the very beginning. It requires identifying and establishing
a dialogue with potentials developers. This program will see to it that
proper environmental impact assessment procedures are followed for any
private or government planners. A second objective is to establish international
recognition of the park through listing as a World Heritage Site. This
was achieved in December 1999 as it passed the criteria iii and iv of
inscription to the Natural Heritage Sites. |
Program 7. Institutional development, organization and administration This
program defines the different players in the long-term Management Team
of the park. The parks Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) will advise
policies and oversee their implementation. The board will appoint an
executive committee that will supervise the implementation by the park
superintendent and staff. The city environment and natural resources
office will perform an advisory role on technical matters. |
The
proposed ancestral domain management plan is quite independent from
the park management strategies. Objectives are more concentrated towards
its immediate communitys development. Since people are dependent on
their natural local environment, plans are directed to a more comprehensive
local agenda. Basically, membersof the indigenous community should manage
almaciga concession to be able to generate considerable income that
benefits the local community. |
Existing
DENR guidelines favor those with ample capital rather than the poor
community leaders who are just trying to exercise and enjoy their rights. |
The
proposed ancestral domain management plan is quite independent from
the park management strategies. Objectives are more concentrated towards
its immediate communitys development. Since people are dependent on
their natural local environment, plans are directed to a more comprehensive
local agenda. Basically, membersof the indigenous community should manage
almaciga concession to be able to generate considerable income that
benefits the local community. |
Another
provision tackles the basic thrust of any organization and that is to
unify the tribal community that would support its preservation and nurturing
of their cultural heritage. Included here is to have better understanding
of their basic rights specifically to be able to read and write that
would eventually help them managing their domain and community. Local
knowledge and expertise is highly asked that would aid much of governmental
thrust on natural and cultural heritage conservation and preservation
efforts. |
An outline for the ancestral domain of Kayasan follows: Responsibilities and power of tribal council Management and governance in ancestral land Farmlands (guidelines for swidden farming) Forest land Salvage, Plan on salvage usage Guidelines in extraction and use of salvage Almaciga (Agathis philippinensis) Plans concerning management of almaciga areas, Inventory and number of tappers. Rattan (Calamus caesius) extraction and harvesting. Guidelines and maintenance of harvested rattan Sacred land, Cemetery, Ritual areas, Caves Land and natural sources of income Regulations in honey extraction Rules and regulations concerning hunting of wild pigs and other wildlife. |
SITE DISCUSSION The
establishment of the PAMB and the development of a management plan provide
the basis for a good run site. Apparently the current management has
a good understanding of the problems and issues, particularly in relation
to a sensitive protected area, tourism and the involvement of the local
community. It was noted that inspite of current problems the approaches
to management seem to be innovative and practical and a good example
of workable strategy in protected area management. |
Specific
objective 1-2.1 of the parks management plan declares with the local
community the part of Cabayugan catchment which lies outside the park
to be a supplementary protected zone, with a view to managing it for
sustainable and compatible use. |
Specific
objective 1-2.2 establishes the forested areas adjacent to the park
as supplementary protection zones, with a view to managing them as if
like a strict protection zone. |
An
issue concerning the deputization of the parks ranger was raised to
enable them to apprehend illegal activities just lie directly outside
the parks boundary. |
Tourism
is a viable revenue and income generating industry especially the local
community, which directly benefits from it, but careful planning should
be the primary task of the management. Community participation and involvement
is important for a sound conservation, protectionism, and management
of the site. |
The park management is well aware about the socio-cultural aspect of the ancestral domain. The CADC has a different requirement to be able to sustain its own existence. Managed by the indigenous people, the parks role is to enhance its relationship with the IPs to be able to work together for common goals. |
Suggestions
could be addressed to a more management capability building scheme.
There is a high need for staffs to be updated of current trends in protected
area management. The educational level of staff is good but few received
adequate trainings. |
Basic training needs are identified: Training the trainer Consultation-extension and facilitation techniques Consultation- cross cultural awareness Consultation-negotiation skills and conflict resolutio Consultation-communication strategies Training for informal education of local communities, staffs training for school Staffs training for schools Training site manager to monitor cultural-social-economic impact on communities Training community in detection-reporting illegal activities Training in community needs analysis Training in community development principles Team building skills Training community in research and monitoring |
It
would likely enhance the community involvement when training will be
done on forest resources management, livelihood development, Ecotourism
development and, environmental education training and product development
program. |
Local
economy depends partly on the tourism industry. The current trend is
the ecotourism, which attracts people from different walks of life.
It may create employment opportunities for communities adjacent to the
area but this benefit does not arise instantly. Coupled with right infrastructure,
a viable tourism market, and careful planning and appropriate management
practices, the community would gain a fair benefit from its nature-based
tourism without jeopardizing the existence of its delicate natural environment.
Policies might include measures such as admission fees, accommodation
taxes, and requirements on employing local services. |
Various
NGOs and governmental organizations are working together for some projects
that would enhance the socio-economic and cultural well being of the
IPs. Assistance were given such as literacy programs, capability building
seminars, leadership trainings, paralegal training, financial management,
bioprospecting and parateachers training. A new two-room school building
for the first and second graded was built at the center of the community. |
Tagbanua
dominates Kayasan-Bayatao area on the plains and Batak on its hilly
portions |
The
forest is the framework of their local economy. They engage in rattan
gathering, almaciga, honey, and hunting. |
Their
tribal elder is known as Masikampo. His guidance is diligently honored
or followed. The tribal arbiter is called as Marakasa and acts as spokesperson
when there is problems or contracts to be settled |
Bataks
have extensive knowledge in the use of medicinal herbs and roots |
Some
medical and dental missions are being conducted occasionally. Basic
services are still scarce for their access |
SATRIKA
(Samahan Ng Mga Tribo Sa Kayasan), is a local organization of the tribal
people and registered in Securities and Exchange Commission. |
Natripal
(Nagkakaisang Tribo Ng Palawan) is a confederation of all the indigenous
people in Palawan |
Presidential
Proclamation No. 835 , March 26, 1976 |
The
national park was established and managed by the Philippine Department
of Environment and Natural Resources |
It
was chosen in 1990 as one of the protected areas for the Debt-for-Nature
Swap program |
UNESCOs
Man and Biosphere Programme, 1996 |
Recognizes
the park and the parks territory becomes the core zone of the Palawan
Biosphere Reserve and the core zone of the Ecologically Critical Area
Network (ECAN) |
Republic
Act 7586 (NIPAS Act of 1992) |
The
boundaries of the park was inscribed together with the Presidential
Proclamation No. 83 |
The
actual management was transferred to the city government of Puerto Princesa |
Strategic
Environmental Plan for Palawan (SEP), Republic Act 7611, 1992 |
Recognizes
environmentally critical areas (terrestrial, marine and tribal ancestral
lands) and the zoning of these areas for further protection. The Palawan
Council for Sustainable Development Service (PCSDS) does policy direction,
implementation, and governance of SEP |
National
Integrated Protected Areas System (RA 7586) |
Recognizes
indigenous peoples rights and precursor to future laws |
Certificate
on Ancestral domain Claims (CADC) DAO No. 2, 1998 |
Provides
for the identification, delineation, recognition of ancestral domains,
and the preferential right of indigenous cultural communities to utilize
and manage the natural resources that lie therein. |
Ancestral
Domain Management Plan (ADMP) DAO No. 34, 1998 |
Guidelines
on the preparation of ancestral domain management plans. This is a requirement
for the issuance of certificate of origin (CO) documents necessary for
transport of non-timber forest products. |
Indigenous
Peoples Right Act (IPRA) RA 8371, 1996 |
An
Act to recognize, protect and promote the rights of indigenous cultural
communities/indigenous people, creating a national commission on indigenous
people, establishing implementing mechanisms, appropriating funds and
for other purposes. |
World
Heritage Property, December 1999 |
The
Puerto Princesa subterranean River National Park was inscribed to the
world heritage list passing on the criteria (iii) and (iv) of the natural
sites |
RECOMMENDATION While parks management plan is well defined, PAMB is organized, established and functioning and three-year development plant was formulated, there is a need for support in terms of fund sourcing to attain the goals and objectives of the plan. Provision by technical assistance would be very beneficial. Though plans are clearly defined, the management should have a strong will in terms of implementation of projects. The research is lacking of substance and needs to be supported. |
This
recommendation goes to the ancestral domain as well. The management
plan for the domain is clear and understandable but needs to be reinforced
by concerned agencies. The role of the NGO is highly asked since this
cannot be done by the members of the domain alone. Any developmental
thrust will be ineffective and futile without support of an organization
working for these indigenous people. |
REFERENCES |
Ancestral Domain Management Plan (ADMP) Sitio Kayasan, Brgy Tagabinet, Bandillo Ng Palawan, Puerto Princesa City, March-April, 1999 DENR Administrative Order No. 25, Series of 1993 DENR Administrative Order No. 02, Series of 1993 St. Paul Subterranean River National Park, Management Plan, January 2000 The Philippine Constitution, Section 22 Article II, Section 5 Article XII, and Section 6 Article XIII, 1996 World Heritage Nomination- IUCN Technical Evaluation, 1999 |