The beauty of Palawan imperilled
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY -- The scenic, ecotourism province of Palawan sprawls over a total land area of 1.5 million hectares, with old-growth dipterocarp species covering 160,056 hectares pit of 213,539 hectares.
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By A. San Agustin
Mangroves, mossy and brushland forest covers grow over the rest of the province. Of the forestlands, 767,320 hectares are considered game refuge and bird sanctuaries.
In the forest areas of this capital city can be found species like timber, rattan mangrove, almaciga resins, bamboo poles, buho, honey, tanbark and nipa shingles along with some 300 species of butterflies.
These, says a report of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), include the rare and larger species such as Trogonoptera, Brookiana, Trojana and Troides Radamatus Plateni (birdwing butterfly). They can be sighted in greater numbers from November to January in the barrios of Irawan.
The province itself is home to over 230 wildlife species, including rare and endangered fauna whose habitats are subject to abuse from upland dwellers. The wildlife species of the province are categorized into endemic, resident and migratory.
All who have been to this province agree that it is beautiful, although there are a few who consider it overrated as a tourist destination.
The attractions of Palawan include the hidden lagoons, sea cliffs and island resorts off El Nido and Taytay towns in the north; the three bodies of water which ring the capital--Puerto Princesa, Honda and Ulugan Bays--the St. Paul Subterranean River National Park, simply known as the Underground River; Calauit Island, with its fauna imported from Africa; Tabon Caves, "the Cradle of Philippine Civilization"; Tubbataha Reef, "the ultimate" among Philippine diving sites; plus sandbars, coral reefs, waterfalls, and rainforests.
Unfortunately, the beauty of Palawan is imperilled. Its forest cover through the years has been reduced from 75 per cent (in 1976) to 50 per cent (in 1992). And Puerto Princesa itself is an Environmentally Critical Area, according to an Ecological Profile of the DENR-PENR Office. Out of 42 rural barangays, 24 are listed as most critical.
The forest fires which recently ravaged areas south of this city -- blamed on the El Niño phenomenon and slash-and-burn farmers (kaingeros)--only underscore the continuing threat to Palawan's ecosystem, for one.
For another, the population in the upland areas has increased. "The majority are in the forestlands, and the government cannot control them," Felizardo B. Cayatoc, community development officer II of DENRO-PENRO notes. "They include migrants from other provinces. They occupy lots, develop them and just stay there."
Fishermen from other provinces also come to Palawan, resulting in overfishing.
The news from Palawan, however, is not all negative. The provincial and city governments have adopted a multisectoral approach to confront ecological problems. And a group has been formed with the acronym MAAGESTIC (Multisectoral Advisory Action Group for Ecological Security Towards Institutional and Social Cooperation).
"We have been able to curb illegal logging, although cutting of timber for personal use continues," says Delia F. Sualog, ecosystems and research development service chief of PENRO.
A total log ban is in effect, and TLAs (Timber Logging Agreements / Concessions) have been cancelled. In certain areas, community-based forest management programs are ongoing. Target beneficiaries are those communities which will conserve, protect and manage natural resources.
With the El Ni–o phenomenon to end with the coming of the rainy season, the threat of more forest fires will recede.
"Ang culture ng Pinoy, masyadong matitigas ang ulo (too hardheaded)," observes Cayatoc. "But if we push the regulations, whether in forestry or in the marine areas, and supported by the political leadership, it becomes successful."
Concludes Sualog: "People in Palawan are very much aware of the need to protect our resources. And we are very optimistic that Palawan will retain its title of the Last Frontier."--Environment News Network
