Puerto Princesa Subterranean RiverThe Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is one of the UNESCO World heritage site.Since 1992, the government of Palawan has managed it.It is also known as St. Paul’s subterranean river or St. Paul’s underground river.It one of the 28 finalist for the search of the “New Seven wonders of Nature”.

Geographical Location

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) is located in the midwest coast of

Palawan approximately 365 nautical miles south of Manila, facing the South China Sea. It is lies, some 81 km northwest of

Puerto Princesa City. It lies within portions of Bgys. Cabayugan, Marufinas, and Tagabinet, Its

geographic coordinates are 10 10 ′north, 118 55 south′ .

Climate

Wet and dry seasons are the prevailing weather in the area. From June to December is likely wet while throughout the year. Average temperature is 29 C while the annual average rainfall is 1,148 mm/ yr. The average relative humidity is high at

around 85%.

Dao (Dracontomelon dao)-up to 40(to 55m) tall

-leaves arranged spirally-inner bark pink or red

Ipil (Intsia bijuga)-it grows to 50m tall

-it inhabits mangrove forests

FLORA

Dita (Alstonia scholaris)-grows about 40m tall

-bark is greyish

Apitong (Dipterocarpus gracilis)

-used as commercial grade plywood

-one of the most important sources of keruing timber

Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum)

-is a large evergreen-best known as an ornamental plant

Almaciga (Agathis philippinensis)

-growing up to 65m tall with smooth, grey

coloured bark

Blue-napped parrot (Tanygnathus lucionensis)

-known as Pikoy

Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa)

-25-30cm long birds-glossy black plumage and large white wing patches

FAUNA

Palawan Hornbill (Anthracoceros

marchei)-approx. 70cm long forest dwelling bird

Binturong (Arctictis binturong)

-it can live up to 20 yrs in captivity

Dugong (Dugong dugon)-has a fusiform body with no

dorsal finsor hind limbs, instead possessing paddle-like forelimbs

used to maneuver itself

Water monitor (Varanus salvator)

-max. weight can be over 25 kilos but most are half

that size

Why is this biome important to me?

• Palawan is my home town and I was grown next to nature and has place in my heart.

Importance in my course (Culinary Arts)-The cleanliness of the food we prepare and serve

is a basic principle in cooking. If the biome where the ingredients was polluted, it might affect it, and might cause food poisoning.

Sources:

• http://www.worldagroforestry.org/sea/Products/AFDbases/AF/asp/SpeciesInfo.asp?SpID=1792

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Princesa_Subterranean_River_National_Park

• http://www.puerto-undergroundriver.com