www.pcsd.gov.ph/pcsd6711Sports Complex Road, Brgy. Sta. Monica, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

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The Official Newsletter of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development

Members of the ATF West IECTG deliberateThe development of a Strategic CommunicationPlan for the West Philippine Sea.

MARCH 2021VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 3

PCSDS initiates IECTGStrategicCommunicationsPlanFormulation

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:..................PCSD holds IEC sessionfor Delta P Multi-Partite

Monitoring Team members

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PCSD features 3 newinnovations in celebrationof World Wildlife Day 2021

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PCSDS capacitatesWildlife Enforcement

Officers, Wildlife TraffickingMonitoring Unit Officers

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PCSD signs MOU withUSAID Safe Water

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Having been designatedas the head of Information,Education, and CommunicationTask Group (IECTG)- ATF, thePalawan Council for SustainableDevelopment Staff (PCSDS),through ECAN Education andExtension Division (EEED),initiated an Information,Education, and CommunicationTask Group (IECTG) StrategicCommunication Seminar-Workshop facilitated by Col.Stephen A. Penetrante CHS (GSC)of AFP Western Command onMarch 23, 2021 at Rizal Reef Hall,Fusion Center, Western

Command, Puerto Princesa City,Palawan.

Said workshop wasconducted by the PCSDS-EEEDpurposely to formulate strategiccommunication plan relative toIEC Task Group’s duties andfunctions. It came after a seriesof meetings, among the PCSDS,Kalayaan LGU, Provincial LegalOffice, Western Command, DFA-CO Puerto Princesa, DENR -PENRO, Peace and OrderProgram (POP) of the ProvincialGovernment of Palawan, DILG,and the concerned agenciesthat are part of the Information,Education and Communication

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Task Group Area Task Force West(IECTG ATF West). During thesaid meetings, the strengtheningof the IECTG ATF West, the groupthat is primarily responsible informulating, updating, andimplementing the ATF West’s IECplan, was amplified.

Through participatorybreakup discussions facilitatedby Col. Penetrante CHS (GSC), theIEC Task Group members weredivided into different committeesand in the process developed orformulated a StrategicCommunication ImplementationPlan (IMPLAN), the end-goal ofthe workshop. The IMPLANserves as a document or methodthat the task group must executein order to successfully achievetheir goals and objectives fortheir strategic plan concerningthe protection of the Philippines’national interest in the WestPhilippine sea. This includes themaintenance and protection ofPhilippine Sovereignty,preservation and defense ofterritorial integrity, and promotionof the welfare and well-being ofthe Filipino people. Each memberof the IECTG ATF West wasassigned tasks to perform andcomplete while effectivelymanaging it in this plan.

The IMPLAN also providesguidance and procedures to befollowed by the IECTG ATF Westin line with inter-agencycoordination and in theimplementation of its guidelines,rules and regulations. Moreover, itestablishes the tasks of theorganization and members of thegroup in the implementation ofprograms.

The IECTG ATF West iscomposed of the following: DILG-Palawan, DENR - PENRO,Municipal Government ofKalayaan, Provincial Governmentof Palawan, WESCOM, DFA-Palawan and Palawan Council forSustainable Development-IECDivision, which leads theaforementioned Task Group.

Upon completion of thesaid strategic communicationimplementation plan, it wassubmitted to the ATF West andwas approved by the latter onMarch 26, 2021.

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....................................................PCSDS holds IEC session for Delta PMulti-Partite Monitoring Teammembers

The Palawan Council forSustainable Development Staff(PCSDS), through its ECANEducation and Extension Division(EEED), conducted a lecture onthe Strategic Environmental Planfor Palawan Act (RA 7611) for theDelta P Multi-Partite MonitoringTeam (MMT) members atAsturias Hotel, Puerto PrincesaCity last March 19, 2021.

Said event wasparticipated by the active andzealous representatives from thePuerto Princesa City ENRO,DENR-EMB, Philippine CoastGuard, BFAR, Puerto PrincesaCity Agriculture Office, and DeltaP MMT members.

The learning sessionaimed at imparting knowledge onPalawan’s key biodiversityfeatures, environmental laws, andimplementing rules to ensurebiodiversity conservation in theprovince.

Ms. Kishia Grace L.Hardiolen, PCSDS’ IEC Officer,shared valuable insights onRepublic Act 7611 or theStrategic Environmental Plan(SEP) for Palawan Act. Membersof the Delta P Multi-PartiteMonitoring Team learned through

the discussion of the said lawthat it is the first and only law ofits kind in the Philippines and thatit is specifically adapted forPalawan’s unique ecologicalconditions.

Through the discussion ofthe SEP Law, the members of theDelta P MMT were enlightenedwith the SEP and how it provided

the legal basis of PCSD’sexistence to govern, implement,and provide the policy direction ofthe SEP. This law provides an all-inclusive framework for thesustainable development ofPalawan that is compatible withconserving and enhancing thenatural resources andendangered environment of theprovince. As Palawan’sbiodiversity is mostly endemic inour province, the Delta P MMTmembers came to understandthat the SEP’s provisions aretailored for such reason asexplained at the onset of theactivity.

The three key features ofthe SEP Law which includeecological viability, socialacceptability, and integratedapproach were also explainedthoroughly to the participants by

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The Power Plant of Delta P. Inc. in Brgy.Sta Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City

the above-mentioned IEC Officer.Upon the discussion of thesefeatures, she pointed out thatecological viability pertains to thephysical and biological cyclesthat maintain naturalecosystems’ productivity andhow these cycles must always be

kept intact while socialacceptability vouches for peopleto fully commit themselves tosupport sustainable developmentactivities by fostering equity inaccess to resources and benefits

derived from them. She alsoemphasized that the SEPemploys the integrated approachthat provides a holistic view ofproblems and issues andopportunities for coordinationand sharing to implement and

sustain SEP activities. As eachfeature of the SEP Law wasexplained to the participants,their interest and participation inattaining environmentalprotection and economicdevelopment were heightened.

Helping the attendees

understand how the SEP is beingimplemented in the province, theEnvironmentally Critical AreasNetwork (ECAN) was defined andexplained thoroughly. Theparticipants also ascertained thatthe ECAN was established alongwith the law and is a gradedsystem of protection anddevelopment control over thewhole of Palawan. It covers theprovince’s terrestrial, coastal/marine, and ancestral domains.ECAN is mandated by RA7611 orthe SEP Law and relies on thethree (3) pillars of sustainabledevelopment: environment,economy, and equitable access tonatural resources. The ECANzoning system is also a dynamicprocess that allows changes inland use zones. The particularreason for this circumstance isthat the latest scientific data aremade available as sustainabledevelopment needs change overtime. ECAN’s zoning systemincludes the core zones,

restricted use zone, controlleduse zone, traditional use zone,and multiple-use zones.

Moreover, ECAN wasestablished to conserve andprotect the forests, watersheds,and biological diversity ofPalawan. ECAN is also

implemented to protect andpreserve the province’sindigenous people communities’culture, maintain maximumsustainable yield, and protect theendangered species and theirhabitat. Further, it is gearedtowards providing areas forenvironmental and ecologicalresearch, education, training,tourism, and recreation.

“The SEP was seen bylegislators who authored the lawas an instrument that can besuccessfully implemented inPalawan because it is a socially-responsible alternative todevelopment. Through the SEP,Palawan’s development can gohand –in hand withenvironmental protection andenhancement,” Ms. Hardiolensaid as she capped off herlecture.

ecological viabilitypertains to thephysical andbiological cyclesthat maintainnaturalecosystems

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....................................................PCSD features 3 new innovations incelebration of World Wildlife Day 2021

The Palawan Council forSustainable Development (PCSD)conducted the virtual launchingof the Palawan BiodiversityResource Center, BRAIN System

and Zooverse in celebration ofWorld Wildlife Day on March 3,2021.

In the said program heldvia Facebook live, PCSD featuredthe up-and-coming PalawanBiodiversity Resource Center, theZooverse augmented realityInstagram filter, and theBiodiversity Resource ActionInformation Network or BRAINSystem which were all developedin partnership with the UnitedStates Agency for InternationalDevelopment (USAID) through itsProtect Wildlife Project inPalawan.

The event reached 23, 019people from differentorganizations, agencies orinstitutions across the countryand had 6,894 engagements asreflected in the interactions of thevirtual audience on the Facebookpage of the PCSD.

Governor Jose Ch.Alvarez, PENRO Eriberto Sañosand Mr. John Edgar, Director ofEnvironment Office of the UnitedStates Agency for International

Development (USAID)-Philippinescommended PCSD at the start ofthe program for raising

awareness among Palaweños onthe status of the province’sendemic and threatened wildlifespecies and for taking the leadwith the above-mentionedinnovations, which are the besttools in educating people withPalawan’s biodiversity especiallyduring this time of pandemic.

Part of themain highlightsof the event was a virtual tour of

the Palawan BiodiversityResource Center (PBRC) whichshowcased Palawan endemicspecies. As revealed in the saidonline tour, the PBRC, which is anevidence museum located inPCSD’s facility in BarangayIrawan, Puerto Princesa City,houses samples and specimensof wildlife derivatives that PCSDhas gathered over years ofoperations in environmental law

enforcement. It offers a venue forlearning more about theprovince’s rich biodiversity and itsgoal is to engage localcommunities in biodiversityconservation efforts throughshowcasing Palawan’s endemicand threatened species withglobal significance.

One’s interest in wildlifeand Palawan’s biodiversity wouldbe heightened and satisfied by allthe specimens of PalawanPangolin, marine turtles,butterflies, crabs and shells aswell as insect exhibit collectionsand life-sized dioramas depictingthe amazing wildlife in Palawanthat could be found inside thecenter. The PCSD expects that assoon as quarantine restrictionsare lifted, the Center, will finallyopen to visitors and help raiseawareness and appreciation ofPalawan’s unique ecological

The event reached23, 019 people fromdifferent organizations,agencies or institutionsacross the country

The PBRC displays the endemic and threatened wildlife species in Palawan.

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importance through educationaldisplays, dioramas, and exhibits.

From one essentialinnovation, peoples’ curiosity wasignited when another innovationcalled Zooverse, an augmentedreality filter featuring Palawanendemic wildlife, wasshowcased. It is a USAID-supported innovation as Palawanwas chosen by the USAID for thisproject. It is a new digital tool thatwill be part of PCSD’s educationand advocacy efforts, particularlyfor Palaweños who are veryactive on social media. It iscomposed of 10 Palawanendemic wildlife in animated 3Dthat can be accessed as anaugmented reality filter in PCSD’sInstagram page. It harnesses aninteractive user experience tohelp spread the word about theimportance of Palawan’s wildlifeand promote public commitmentfor their conservation. It seeks topromote knowledge of highly

threatened wildlife species,particularly among a young urbandemographic who are adept inlatest social media and digitaltrends and can be tapped tofurther amplify conservationadvocacy messages.

Completing the newinnovations of PCSD, which couldreally spell the difference ineffective and efficientenvironmental law enforcement,online permitting, public reportingsystem and inter-agencycoordination, is the BiodiversityResources Access InformationNetwork (BRAIN) System.

The BRAIN system is acomprehensive environmentallaw enforcement managementinformation system whichbecame operational last May2020. It is user-driven online andoffline platform that combinesinter-agency coordination, onlinepermitting, intelligencecapabilities, environmental lawenforcement managementinformation system, and public

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The BRAIN system’s key functions as an online & offline functionFor securing environmental regulatory permits.

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reporting system into oneframework. It was designed toinvolve the participation of manylaw enforcement agencies andwas developed through apartnership with the USAID andthe United States Department ofInterior (USDOI).

It is a new digital platformthat will modernize PCSD’spermitting processes,enforcement coordination, andpublic reporting. The permittingsystem through BRAIN allowsapplicants to send their permitapplications and otherdocumentary requirementsonline, thus making itunnecessary for them to go to thePCSD office for face-to-facetransactions. The BRAIN systemmakes it easier for them toprocess their applications and iteven allows them to monitor itsprocessing. This helps theproponents to process theirapplications and monitor themeasier. The system also currently

accepts applications for the ninepermits related to wildlife,chainsaws and the reef-fish-for-food industry.

The BRAIN System hasbeen very useful during thequarantine period as it provided acontactless online method forapplicants to file and secure theirenvironmental regulatory permitsfrom PCSD. BRAIN will also beused by PCSD’s enforcementgroups to plan, oversee andexecute operations using digitalmaps and tools as well as by thepublic for reporting onenvironmental violations. Nowthat the Phase 2 of the BRAINSystem’s development stage wasalready finished, the ‘Sumbong’reporting system and PCSDonline permitting systemmay now be used andaccessed through the websitehttp://pcsdbrain.com.

The above-mentioned newinnovations of the PCSD in

partnership with the USAIDProtect Wildlife were launched inthe hope that it would sparkeveryone’s interest in wildlifeconservation and in advocatingfor environmental conservationand protection in Palawan as theagency received wonderfulaccolades and expressions ofsupport from different peopleacross the country who tuned inthe event from start to finish.

Knowing the event’simpact on people in terms ofpositive change towards wildlifeconservation, PCSD ExecutiveDirector Atty. Teodoro Jose S.Matta gave recognition to all thepeople behind the immensesuccess of the event and theones who made the newinnovations presented in theprogram possible. He sincerelyexpressed his gratitude to theUSAID Protect Wildlife and toeveryone who significantlycontributed to the establishmentof the PBRC and the BRAINSystem as well as in thelaunching of Zooverse.

“The PCSD is lookingforward to receiving numerousvisitors to the PBRC and we urgeeveryone to spread informationon the importance of ecologicalbiodiversity and protecting theenvironment. We are alsoencouraging everyone to worktogether in promotingenvironmental protection,biodiversity conservation, andsustainable development inPalawan as we are all responsiblein making all these things areality,” PCSD Executive DirectorAtty. Teodoro Jose S. Matta saidshortly before capping off thesuccessful virtual event done incelebration of World Wildlife Day2021.

Among the displays in PBRC is theLife-sized diorama featuring Palawan’sEndemic species.

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The Palawan Council forSustainable Development Staff(PCSDS), in partnership with theZoological Society of London(ZSL) Philippines and USAIDSustainable Interventions forBiodiversity, Oceans, andLandscapes (SIBOL) project,

organized a five-day WildlifeDeputation Training for wildlifeenforcement officers (WEOs) andwildlife traffickingmonitoring unit(WTMU) officers. The event washeld last March 22-26, 2021, atAstoria Palawan in Brgy. SanRafael, Puerto Princesa City.

The said training aims toequip WEOs and WTMUs with thelatest updates on PCSDS’administrative orders,environmental laws, BRAINsystem application, andPalawan’s battle against wildlifetrafficking.

The organizers kicked offthe event with an expectationsetting from the participant. Eachattendee penned the conceptsand activities they would like tolearn and do during the five-daycapacity-building training.

“Gusto po sana namingmas matuto pa sa guidelines ngiba’t-ibang environmental lawspara pag-uwi namin sa amingarea, alam namin kung paanonamin masasagot ng maayosyung tanong ng mga tao,” one ofthe participants wrote on hismetacard.

After the expectationsetting, Ms. Chai Apale from ZSLdiscussed the PhilippinePangolin program of ZSLPhilippines. In her talk, Ms. Apalefocused on ZSL’s studies todetermine local communities'perceptions on the illegal trade ofpangolins in Palawan.

“May mga na-interview rinkaming dating pangolinpoachers, mostly sa areas saNorth. Ang sabi nila, dati raw,nakaka-anim hanggang walongpangolin sila sa isang gabi.Ngayon, mahirap nang hanapinang pangolins. Alam ng amingrespondents na malaki angmarket ng pangolins hindi lang saibang bansa kundi maging dito saPalawan. May mga hotspots nasila for pangolin traders natalagang maramihan kung bumiling mga balintong,” Ms. Apablediscussed as she narrates to the

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....................................................PCSDS capacitates Wildlife Enforcement Officers,Wildlife Trafficking Monitoring Unit Officers

The PCSD Wildlife Enforcers from all over Palawan gatherfor a photo-op During the Wildlife Deputation Training.

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group one of their key informantinterviews in Northern Palawan.

ZSL also discussed theirstudy’s observations from LakeManguao in Taytay where theircamera traps showed sightingsof endemic Palawan speciessuch as musang, tandikan,baboy-ramo, Palawan bearcat,and a mother pangolin and herpup.

Atty. Regina Bella Dioso’sdiscussion on the BasicConstitutional Framework onHuman Rights in the Philippinesfollowed shortly. In her talk, Atty.Dioso stressed that “everyFilipino has an equal right in thecivil, political, social, and culturalaspect of life.” She alsomentioned that it is the State’sduty to protect and preserve itspeople’s well-being by defendingthem against discrimination,exploitation, trafficking, and otherforms of abuse and violence.

The Legal Framework forWildlife Enforcement topic wasthen discussed byMr. Ian de Vegaof PCSDS – EZMED. Mr. Vegaexplained that the legalframework exists because thereis a need to sustainably managethe use of biological resources,especially in Palawan. Theprovince’s biodiversity is uniquefrom the rest of the countries.Hence, Palawan has hundreds ofendemic species.

“If these resources are notmanaged properly, there willcome a time that we will have toimagine how Palawan used tolook like. That is the future wehope to avoid,” Mr. Vegaexplained.

Discussions on the RA7611 or the StrategicEnvironmental Plan (SEP) forPalawan Act, RA 7092, andPCSDS Administrative Order Nos.5, 6, 7, 8, 11, and 12 transpiredduring the afternoon sessions onMarch 26. The speakers of thesaid topics explained theimportance of revisiting existinglegal guidelines to update PCSDS’implementation of environmentallaws and regulationsprogressively.

Representatives fromPCSDS EZMED then discussedother key topics such as CITESand IUCN provisions, Philippinebiodiversity, commonly traffickedwildlife in Palawan, andtechniques used by wildlife

traffickers to conceal wildlife.

The lectures and hands-on activities on the second andthird days of the training wereactively participated by thetrainees. PEMS Wilky G. Nogalesfrom the City PNP discussed therules on investigation andsurveillance. PEMS Nogalesexplained in his discussion thesignificance of writing immediatereports to document an arrest orinvestigation.

“Mahalaga ang spotreport sa trabaho natin kasi yanang ipapadala natin sa atinghigher-ranking officials to informthem about our operation. Dapatwithin three hours, maymaipapadala na tayong report sakanila para we can be guided with

our next steps. Hindi ‘yan basta-basta, kasi tayo ang unangrespondent sa insidente. Dapatmaisulat mo lahat bago momakalimutan kung ano angnangyari during the operation,”PEMS Nogales elucidated.

Mr. Glenn Forbes from theUSAID SIBOL project thendiscussed the topic relative to theapplication for a search warrant.His lecture focused on thebenefits of search warrants inconducting wildlife enforcementactivities. Mr. Forbes conversedthat a search warrant is adocument issued by a court thatallows wildlife enforcers tosearch over a location, a vehicle,or a person. Having a searchwarrant also enables wildlife

enforcers to confiscate pieces ofevidence of a crime committed orbeing committed.

Atty. Joanna Sarah T. Divaof the PCSDS comprehensivelydiscussed the rules of procedurefor environmental cases, judicialproceedings for criminal casesand Administrative AdjudicationBoard (PAB), and revised rules onevidence discussion. In herlecture, Atty. Diva also provided arelevant PCSDS to help theparticipants better understandthe topic.

“Kapag po tayo aynagsampa ng kaso laban sawildlife traffickers at mgailegalista, maging attentive din potayo kapag tayo ay nakatakdangtumestigo. Ang inyong magiging

“every Filipino has anequal right in the civil,political, social, andcultural aspect of life.”

The participants & organizers of the Wildlife Deputation Training pose for a photo after their practicums.

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pahayag po bilang wildlifeenforcers na nag-conduct ng

operation ay malaking hakbangpara maging matagumpay anglaban natin sa mga kasongisinasampa natin. We cannotafford our cases to be dismissedbecause of our failure toprosecute,” Atty. Diva remindedthe attendees.

A virtual discussion onEvidence Photography wasdiscussed by PSSG RomelKristopher B. De Castro from theregional crime laboratory. Heexpounded on how evidencephotography can provide decisivepieces of evidence about a crimecommitted. Being the firstresponders of an environmentalcrime, the wildlife enforcersshould keep in mind that propercrime scene management is firstand most important task. Theenforcers should not let anyunauthorized individual enter thepremises of the crime scene toavoid its contamination.

“Let us remember that asfirst responders, our mostimportant task is to save lives, beit humans or animals,” PSSG DeCastro stressed.

A lively and interactivediscussion on the most traffickedflora species was facilitated byMs. Lea Camangeg, a PalawanState University professor. In herlecture, Ms. Camangeg shared

their experiences with onlinesellers who trade Palawan’sendemic and threatened species.She stated that the trafficking ofwildlife fauna sometimesoutshines the illegal trade of

wildlife flora. Her team’s studiesreveal that undiscovered wildlifeflora species from Palawan werebeing shipped to neighboringprovinces like Batangas.

“Some of our endemicplants even reach foreigncountries. It’s a sad truth thatfellow researchers from otherprovinces were able to collectspecimens from Palawan withouta gratuitous permit, and theywere able to transport it to theirprovince without going throughthe proper procedures,” Ms.Camangeg cited in herdiscussion.

“We hope that bydiscussing the current trends inour wildlife flora, we will be able tocome up with stricter measuresregarding plant collection andtransport,” she added.

Mr. Salvador Guion fromthe Palawan Wildlife RescueCenter (PWRC) then facilitated ahands-on wildlife handlingpracticum. He demonstratedbasic techniques in wildlifehandling and discussed protocolsin transporting wildlife as well asfirst aid application to rescuedwildlife. Mr. Guion also reminded

the participants to ensure theirsafety while handling wildlife.

Mr. Guion then explainedthese practices through a teach-in activity. The participantsclosely observed wildlife handlingpractices through live animalspecimens such as the PalawanHill Mynah, a Blue-naped parrot,

and a python. The WEOs andWTMU officers thendemonstrated the skills theylearned through a hands-onpracticum.

The fourth and fifth daysof the training focused on thediscussion of the BiodiversityResource Access Information

Network (BRAIN) system and itskey features. Mr. Glenn Forbesfacilitated these activities. Aworkshop on case filing andprosecution then followed andwas led by Mr. Benjie Adriano andMr. Michael Ello from PCSDSEZMED.

A total of 30 WEOs,WTMUs, and LGU representativesattended the said activity.

“Let us remember thatas first responders, ourmost important task isto save lives, be ithumans or animals,”

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WEOS fill out training sheet as partof their hands on training on the rulesof procedure for environmental cases.

WEOS discuss the items to includein drafting spot reports.

Members of the PCSDS EnforcementTeam actively participate during thePracticum on chainsaw operations.

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....................................................Delineation of Watershed Areas in Sitio Longpoint,

Bgy. Apurawan, Aborlan approved by the PCSD

The Palawan Council forSustainable Development (PCSD)approved the delineation of thewatershed areas in SitioLongpoint, Bgy. Apurawan,Aborlan, Palawan as part of theamendment of ECAN map ofAborlan during its 277th RegularMeeting on March 25, 2021.

Said delineation of the153-ha proposed restricted zonecame after the BiodiversityAssessment made by the PCSDstaff in the abovementioned arealast December 3-6, 2020 and afterthe Council’s approval of theamendment of the ECAN map ofAborlan with the exclusion of itswater source on January 28,2021.

The amendment of theECANmap of Aborlan entailed theconversion of the 671 hectares ofBarangay Apurawan from the

core zone category to restrictedzone as well as the conversion of29 hectares of theaforementioned Barangay fromcore zone to multiple use zone.The 1,366 hectares of SitioLongpoint, Barangay Apurawanwas also recommended to bechanged from core zone tocontrolled use zone in theamendment. During the approvalof the above-mentionedamendment on January 28, 2021,the Municipal Council of Aborlangave the PCSD staff the authorityto delineate the water source inSitio Longpoint, BarangayApurawan, the area that wassubjected to the exclusion of theamendment, as the PCSDdeemed that it protects thelocality’s entire ecosystems.

Upon the fieldassessment conducted by thecomposite team from LGU

Aborlan and PCSD on the area onMarch 22, 2021, it was revealedthat the proposed restricted zonehas a dendritic drainage pattern,which is a tree-like trace ofstreams that resulted from theuniform surface control of thedevelopment of stream channels.This pattern develops in areaswhere the rock beneath thestream has no particular fabric orstructure and can be erodedeasily in all directions. (http://www.jsu.edu/depart/geography/mhill/phylabtwo/lab8/patf.html).The composite team found outthat there are small creeks,springs, waterfall, and watersource or tributaries in the area,validating the Council’s priorpresumption that such areas playan important role in thesustenance of life and protectionof various ecosystems in SitioLongpoint, Barangay Apurawan,Aborlan, Palawan.

Map of the proposed water source (in blue) in brgy. Apurawan, Aboralan, Palawan

The Palawan Council forSustainable Development (PCSD)approved the request ofSangguniang Bayan of Cuyo,Palawan to the Council to lift theimposition of “closed season” forthe Live Reef-Fish-for-Food(LRFF) trade from March to May2021 on its 277th ExecomMeetingon March 25, 2021.

Said action was made bythe Council in consideration ofthe economic toll the people inthe town of Cuyo, as well as thoselive fish traders in othermunicipalities in the province, hasbeen experiencing since the startof the pandemic. The PCSDdecided to suspend the closed

season policy for live Reef-Fish-for-Food trade of Red CoralGrouper (Suno), Green Grouper(Loba) and Tiger, Brown MarbledGrouper (Lapung Baboy) for themonth of March to May, to caterto the needs of the peopledependent on live fishing tradefor their livelihood amidst theseunprecedented times.

“This is a matter ofeconomic survival versussustainability. But as far as thefish stock is concerned, it willdefinitely have an effect on thesupply chain. If this is only goingto happen for this year alone andif the closed season for live Reef-Fish-for-food trade would be

observed next year, the marineenvironment and its fish stockwill be able to recuperate and we

will still recover in the long run,”PCSD Executive Director Atty.Teodoro Jose S. Matta said.

Moreover, PCSDSExecutive Director Atty. TeodoroJose S. Matta emphasized thatthe PCSD, through the PCSDWildlife Management team,would ensure that strictmonitoring of live Reef-Fish-for-Food trade would still beobserved as well as thecompliance of live fish traders tothe other regulations imposed inPCSD Administrative Order No. 5.

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....................................................Closed Season of LRFF lifted forthe Months of March to May 2021

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