Sta. Monica, Puerto Princesa City | www.pcsd.gov.ph | oed@pcsd.gov.ph | (048) 434-4235

SEPTEMBER 2016 | ISSUE 9 VOL. 1

PCSDupdates

SYMPOSIUM>>PAGE 5

PALAWAN ENVIRONMENT can become more resilient to climate change when the province safeguard its marine ecosystems by adapting innovative researches, a national

scientist said.

National Scientist Alcala says it’s key to Palawan environment’s climate change resiliency

National Scientist Dr. Angel C. Alcala, who

delivered his keynote speech during the 3rd Palawan Research Symposium on Thursday, September 15 in Puerto Princesa City, said that Palawan

is not spared from a

global phenomenon that is climate change, but adaptations in the social and natural environments through employing innovative researches are possible to mitigate its impacts.

“Innovation in research could mean including strategies at changing or modifying destructive human behaviors when proposing solutions that would sustain resources and make the environment climate-change resilient,” said marine biology expert Alcala, who tailored his speech to suit this year’s theme, “Innovative Environmental Research for Sustainability and Climate Resiliency.”

Alcala said the protection of the marine environment is now widely practiced in the world to mitigate climate change that give rise to natural disasters such as

Protection of marine ecosystems urged

The 3rd Palawan Research Symposium with the theme “Towards Innovative Environmental Research for Sustainability and Climate Resiliency” was held on September 15 at the Citystate Asturias Hotel. It was graced by some of the prominent scientists and personalities, bringing up the said research conference into a higher level.

Keynote and plenary speeches were delivered by renowned scientists namely: National Scientists Dr. Angel C. Alcala of Silliman University Angelo King Center

3rd Palawan Research Symposium: Sustainability, Climate Change ResiliencyBY ARNICA DE GUZMAN

BY KEITH ANTHONY FABRO

(L-R) National Scientist Dr. Angel C. Alcala, together with PCSD Staff Executive Director Nelson P. Devanadera and HTU President Sister Mercedes R. Lalisan led the opening of the scientific poster exhibit. (PHOTO/K.A.S. FABRO/PCSDS EEED)

PROTECTION >>PAGE 8DR. ANGEL C. ALCALA

PCSDS Executive Director Nelson P. Devanadera formally opened the 3rd Palawan Research Symposium. (PHOTO/C. QUILING/PCSDS EEED)

SEPTEMBER 2016 | ISSUE 9, VOL. 1

PCSD2 updatesThe Roxas ECAN Board endorses its’ ECAN Resource Management Plan during its meeting last September 13, 2016, at the District Management Office (DMO) Meeting area, Roxas, Palawan. Mr. Ryan Fuentes, Head of the ECAN Planning Division of PCSDS presented the Plan before the Board. This will be endorsed to Sangguniang Bayan for approval.

BY ALEX MARCAIDA,DMO North Manager

Ryan Fuentes (center), Head of the PCSDS ECAN Planning Division, discusses ECAN Resource Management Plan before the Roxas ECAN Board. (PHOTO/ALEX MARCAIDA/DMO NORTH)

Pangolin, while unknown to many, is seen to be the world’s “most illegally

traded mammal” because of its meat, skin and scales, which face high

demand on the international black market. (FILE PHOTO)

The Resource Plan contains the updated municipal profile, threats analysis, lessons and recommendations of land uses consistent to the ECAN landscape of Roxas, which are vital inputs in completing the Municipal CLWUP of Roxas. It is a product of the collaboration between the LGU of Roxas thru the ECAN Board, the PCSDS in partnership with the UP College of Ecology.

Mayor Ma. Angela Sabando, chairman of the ECAN Board is excited as she considers this significant pathways to development, stressing that “the write-ups and recommendations of the Plan are timely and relevant inputs to completing the loop of our CLWUP, which she hopes to complete by mid-2017, the production of this resource

plan saves them cost while results are substantially crisp for implementation soon.”

The Plan covers three components, namely:

1. Environmental Management, Good Governance, Stewardship,

2. Climate Change adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management,

3. Rights-based Socio-economic development.

Meaning, it bears recommended solutions to perceived threats ranging from waste management, water quality, gold panning, slash and burn farming to climate change adaptation:

Roxas ECAN Resource Management Plan affirmed

like establishment of green belt zones, reforestation, watershed management, Marine Protected Areas management, better social facilities and services and etc.

Also, recommended subsequent programs and actions are cited for implementation starting 2016 to 2020.

ECAN Resource Plans of Taytay, El Nido, Dumaran, San Vicente, and Araceli are set to be endorsed and approved within the last quarter of 2016.

The DMO North staff are now coordinating before the ECAN Boards to eventually ensure that these are integrated to the CLWUPs of these municipalities.

CITES bans international trade in Philippine PangolinInternational trade in Philippine Pangolin (Manis culionensis) and in seven more Pangolin species – the world’s most trafficked mammal – has just been banned as the participating countries to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES) approved on September 23 the proposal for its uplisting from Appendix II to I.

The deliberation was done during the CITES 17th Conference of Parties (COP17) in Johannesburg, Africa, according to PCSD Staff Director for Operations, Atty. Adelina Villena who announced joyfully the news on her Facebook status.

Under Appendix II the trade for these species had been regulated, but with the uplisting to Appendix – it will now be banned, considering that Pangolins, also known as “scaly anteaters,” are seen to be fast-heading for extinction. Conservationists blame its high demand for meat and scales, specifically in China and Vietnam where it is served as food in luxury restaurants or sold as traditional medicine.

Reached out for details, Villena said the proposal – submitted by the Philippines through the PCSD, a recognized CITES

PANGOLIN>>PAGE 7

BY KEITH ANTHONY FABRO

SEPTEMBER 2016 | ISSUE 9, VOL. 1

PCSDupdates 3

PCSDPCSD Updates is a monthly publication produced

by the PCSDS ECAN Education & Extension Division

updatesMA. CHRISTINA D. RODRIGUEZ

EDITOR NELSON P. DEVANADERA,

ADELINA B. VILLENA EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS

KEITH ANTHONY S. FABRO STAFF WRITER&LAYOUT ARTIST

CELSO S. QUILING, JESSIE CERENO, AI NHI R. TRUDEAU

PHOTOGRAPHER

The forum served as a venue to solicit perspectives and recommendations from policy makers and stakeholders on how to enhance and strengthen the policy system in the province.

Around 90 participants attended the event that included LGU officials, engineers, planners, tourism officers, foresters, environmentalists and members of the Sangguniang Bayan from the different municipalities of Palawan. Partners from the civil societies, SMEs, academe and city, provincial and national government

agencies were also present.Engr. Catherine Guivencan,

Philippines Project Coordinator of GrAT or the Center for Appropriate Technology, presented the Zero Carbon Resorts Project which is being implemented since 2009.

“The project aims to contribute to the sustainable development of the tourism sector and its value chain in the Philippines and Thailand with a focus on reduction of resource consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. From 2010 to 2016, the project’s total economic savings

amounts to P303 million,” said Engr. Guivencan.

GrAT’s ZCR Technical expert Engr. Charlton Materum explained how to reduce energy and resource consumption using ZCR’s 3R methodologies in the Tourism Sector.

“The 3R stands for Reduce, Replace and Redesign which are proven methodologies applicable to all Tourism SMEs in whatever improvement stage they have already reached,” according to Engr. Materum.

The project wants to reach a critical mass of SMEs, who can demonstrate the value of green tourism by increasing resource efficiency and using renewable resources.

Third time ASEAN Green Hotel awardee Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort, shared how they have been reaping economic savings since being a frontier ZCR member and actively implements the 3R strategies.

Ms. Cherryl Kho, PCSD ZCR’s IEC and Policy Specialist, explained that there is a need to balance the

PCSDS Zero Carbon Resorts Projectholds policy forum on Sustainable Tourism

BY CHERRYL KHO,Policy & IEC Specialist, ZCR ProjectTo strengthen the institutional capacity of sustainable tourism stakeholders, policymakers and local government units (LGUs) to formulate and implement a policy on Sustainable Tourism, the PCSD Zero Carbon Resorts (ZCR) Project conducted a Local Policy Forum and Technical Seminar on Sustainable Consumption and Production and Sustainable Tourism on September 6 at A & A Plaza in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Engr. Catherine Guivencan, Philippines Project Coordinator

of GrAT or the Center for Appropriate Technology,

presented the Zero Carbon Resorts Project which is being

implemented since 2009. The project wants to reach a

critical mass of SMEs, who can demonstrate the value of green tourism by increasing resource efficiency and using renewable

resources. PHOTOS//K.A.S. FABRO/PCSDS EEED)

ZCR FORUM>>PAGE 7

POOL OF EXPERTS AND SCIENTISTS. Fifteen (15) Scientific Advisory Panel Members took part during the 2nd PCSD SAP meeting held September 16, 2016 at the Citystate Asturias Hotel, Puerto Princesa City. The experts tackled 5 emerging issues faced by Palawan wherein policy recommendations were produced at the end of the day. (PHOTO/CELSO QUILING/PCSDS EEED)

FOR A UNIFIED GOAL. Members of the PCSD Scientific Advisory Panel sat down together for a cause: to provide a sound, science-based statements on current environmental and sustainable development issues in Palawan.

FROM EXPERT TO EXPERT. In discussing the issues raised for the PCSD Scientific Advisory Panel’s recommendations, each of the experts shared their own views and technical know-hows to serve as a good reference in resolving the problems encountered by the province. (Left: Dr. Angel C. Alcala as he explains live reef fish technicalities; Right: Dr. Jurgenne H. Primavera, Mangrove Specialist Advisor of Zoological Society of London on sharing her views regarding an online tool intended for sustainable palm oil plantation.)

SETTING THE FLOOR ON FIRE. Coming from different point of views, PCSD SAP members tried to provide emphasis on important points to be considered in resolving issues pertaining to Palawan. (Left: Dr. Neil Aldrin D. Mallari, President of the Philippine Center for Conservation and Innovations Inc., as he provides a quick run-through on principles than should be kept in considering projects and interventions for a biosphere reserve; Right: Dr. Rafael P. Creencia, former UP Los Baños Professor and now a private environmental consultant on his explanation about pros and cons of oil palm industry based from his work experiences abroad.)

Initially, the group started with the election of their chairman for the 2nd meeting as well as chairpersons for the two breakout sessions namely Biophysical and Ecological Sub-Panel and Sociocultural and Economic Sub-Panel. Dr. Michael D. Pido, Vice President for Research and Extension was elected as the Chairman; Dr. Edwino S. Fernando, University of the Philippines Los Baños Professor, as the Chair of the Biophysical and Ecological Sub-Panel; and Dr. Benjamin C. Bagadion Jr., core faculty of the Asian Institute of Management, chaired the Sociocultural and Economic Sub-Panel. The SAP members grouped themselves according to their expertise.

2nd PCSD SAP Meeting held

WORDS |ARNICA DE GUZMANPHOTOS | CELSO QUILING

for Research and Environmental Management; Dr. Benjamin C. Bagadion Jr., former DENR Undersecretary and core faculty of the Asian Institute of Management; Dr. Perry S. Ong of the Institute of Biology, University of the Philippines Diliman, and Dr. Dai-Yeun Jeong, Ececutive Director of the Asia Climate Change Education Centre, Jeju Island Biosphere Reserve in Korea.

A total of 80 scientific papers were presented during the activity

(36 oral presentations, 44 poster presentations).

More or less 170 participants and guests attended the conference which became a good venue for the exchange of information and ideas from a wide range of expertise and institutions not only from the province but from outside Palawan as well.

Three breakout session were held with the following themes: Session 1-Ecological, Session 2-Social, and

<<FRONT PAGEResearch Symposium... Session 3– Economic. Scientific

studies were categorized using the three themes which overall aims to provide better understanding on how to attain sustainable development and climate resiliency.

Participants were not only given the chance to communicate their results and implications to the sustainable development of Palawan and to the province’s environment, but were also appreciated through the conduct of competitions wherein winners for oral and poster presentations took home cash prizes and gift certificates from hotels and restaurants in Puerto Princesa City.

A STAR-STUDDED SYMPOSIUM. The 3rd Palawan Research Symposium was able to invite some of the prominent scientists and personalities, bringing up the said research conference into a higher level. From left to right: Dr. Angel C. Alcala, National Scientist; Dr. Benjamin C. Bagadion, former DENR Undersecretary; Dr. Dai-Yeun Jeong, Executive Director, ACCEC, Jeju Island Biosphere Reserve, and Dr. Perry S. Ong, wildlife specialist and Professor of University of the Philippines-Diliman. (PHOTO/CELSO QUILING/PCSDS EEED)

SCIENCE IN PRINTS. Keynote speaker Dr. Angel Alcala graced the science poster exhibit. A total of 44 scientific studies presented through posters were included in the exhibits for the 3rd Palawan Research Symposium. All posters were categorized following the three themes used for the symposium: 34 entries competed for the Ecological Category; 4 entries on Social Category; and 6 entries for the Economic Category. (PHOTO/K.A.S.FABRO/PCSDS EEED)

EXPANDING HORIZONS. Guests and resource speakers were invited during the 2nd PCSD Scientific Advisory Meeting to shed light as well as clarifications and backgrounders on related issues tackled during the meeting. (Top left to right: Mr. John Francisco Pontillas of Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff as he provides an overview of the energy demand and supply in Palawan, and Ms. Roselyn A. Julian, PCO of the AGUMIL Inc. on her clarifications regarding the issues faced by oil palm industry. Bottom left to right: Fr. Joseph Lahan, a representative for Rev. Fr. Pedro D. Arigo– Apostolic Vicar of Palawan, as a balancing institution to provide inputs regarding poverty alleviation, and Dr. Dai-Yeun Jeoung, Executive Director of Asia Climate Change Center, Jeju Island, Republic of Korea as a guest speaker, providing inputs for the sociocultural and economic session.)

SEPTEMBER 2016 | ISSUE 9, VOL. 1

PCSD6 updates3rd Palawan Research Symposium 2016National Conference on Sustainable Development

POSTERSECONOMICSBest PosterPerceptions of Tourists and Tour Operators in the Puerto Princesa Area: Environmental Awareness and Willingness to Pay a Resource Conservation FeeNadeau, Patrick S., Sarah J. Saunders & Benjamin Gonzales

First Runner UpGenerating Benefits from Ecotourism in Palawan Biosphere Reserve: Lessons from Six Ecotourism SitesPontillas, Marissa S., Eva Marie C. Ponce de Leon & Ryan T. Fuentes

SOCIO-CULTURALBest PosterEncouraging Natural Resource Conservation through the Human Affect: The Case of Icadambanauan Island, Palawan, PhilippinesDe Guzman, Arnica L., Zenaida M. Sumalde, Carmelita M. Rebancos & Girlie Nora A. Abrigo

First Runner UpStrategic Naval Presence in Balabac, Palawan (Civil Military Operations Component)Absalon, Emmanuel C.

Second Runner UpCRM Capabilities of Local Government Units Within Palawan, Philippines: An Assessment in Municipalities of Balabac, Roxas and El NidoHansen, Jonathan G., Andrew M. Song, Benjamin C. Gonzales & Joel G. Becira

ECOLOGICALBest PosterAssemblage of Coastal Fishes in Restored Mangrove Forest, Seagrass Bed and Coral Reef Continuum in Tagpait, Aborlan, PalawanBernardo Jr., Alejandro A. & Patrick Regoniel

First Runner UpSea Cucumber Fisheries in Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Narra, Palawan, PhilippinesDolorosa, Roger G., Claribel B. Salazar, Mary Tootchie V. Delfin, Joseph R. Paduga & Rodulf Anthony T. Balisco

Second Runner UpSpecies Composition, Length-Weight Relationship and Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) of Fishes in Puerto Princesa Bay, Palawan, PhilippinesGonzales, Jeric B.

Third Runner UpStatus Monitoring of Palawan’s Coral ReefsCastillo, Carlos Alfredo A.

Special PrizeNotes on the Fish Community Structure of the Northern and Western Reefs in PalawanArceo, H.O., D.B. Recamara & C.L. Nañola

PRESENTERSTHEME 1 ECOLOGICALBest PresenterPopulation Genetic Structure of Sea Cucumbers Holothuria scabra and Stichopus horrens in the Philippines Inferred from Mitochondrial Sequences and Microsatellite GenotypesKim, Kenneth M., Marco Apollo D. Lizano, Faith Jessica M. Paran & Rachel Ravago-Gotanco

First Runner UpBiology and Ecology of Palawan Leopard Cats (Proinailurus bengalensis haeneyi Groves, 1997) in Aborlan, Palawan, PhilippinesFernandez, Desamarie Antonette P., Carah Lyn C. Lo, Anna Pauline O. de Guia, Vachel Gay V. Paller, Maria Catalina T. de Luna, Judeline C. Dimalibot & Nathaniel C. Bantayan

Second Runner UpDeveloping a Tissue Culture Protocol for Gracilaria firma Mass Propagation in Support of Abalone AquacultureAvillanosa, Arlene L., J Hilario, Jaysee A. Matillano & Lota A. Creencia

THEME 2 SOCIALBest Presenter (Professional)Agglutination of ABO Blood Group Using Different Plant Leaf Crude ExtractsOmar, Jhonamie M., Edziel P. Hubo, Dan Clark S. Bacani, Julius N. Burgos & Ciara Dicar

First Runner UpEthno-Food Study, Protein Analysis and Propagation of Endemic Lumabeng Beans of Agutaya Island, Palawan, PhilippinesBrillantes, Ronald S.

Second Runner UpMedicinal Practices and Remedies of Batak Tribe at Sitio Manggapin, Barangay Langogan, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan: Materials used in Teaching Health in the K to 12 MAPEH CurriculumAludia, Phoebejean C. H., David R. Perez & Josephine M. Salmo

THEME 2 SOCIALBest Presenter (Student)Protein Analysis on Palawan’s Mangrove Woodworm Borer Tamilok (Teridinidae) and Its Efficacy as Food AdditiveGagabo-an, KM, X.L. Ong & S. Zulueta

First Runner UpEnhancing the Potential of Underutilized Palawan Root Crop Tubers and Its Implication to Food SecurityFavila, M.A., P.E. Ferido & J.M. Rapio

Second Runner UpCharacterization of Beta-Carotene and Economic Potential of Palawan’s Brown, Black, and Red Tanner Oryza sativa FlourLagrosa, Thyra, Angela Sumandi & John Paul Abog

SEPTEMBER 2016 | ISSUE 9, VOL. 1

PCSDupdates 77

THEME 3 ECONOMICBest Presenter Archaeological Tourism in Palawan: Prospects and ChallengesCayron, Jun G.

First Runner UpA Study on the Need for Lighting and the Existing Practices in the Rural Communities to aid in the Development and Deployment of a Sustainable Off-grid Lighting SolutionGoh, Erlinda J.

Second Runner UpDeveloping Potentials for a Sustainable Sea Cucumber Industry in Northern PalawanMeñez, Marie Antonete Juinio, Elsie T. Tech, Jay R C. Gorospe, Ma. Cheryl Joy Emboltorio, Christine Mae A. Edullante, Rachel R. Gotanco

Management Authority – received no opposition and has been adopted during the deliberation. “All of those who intervened were all for supporting our proposal for uplisting,” she said. “We were all applausing!”

With the approval of four proposals, including the one submitted by the Philippines, Villena added that all of the eight Pangolin species are now granted the CITES highest protection possible. This move, she said, will compel all Pangolin range countries to do interventions to intensify its law enforcement.

“While collection and international trade will be banned, collection for scientific purposes and collection of parent stock for captive breeding will still be allowed as

exception to the ban,” clarified Villena.

She added that the decision for the uplisting will be presented at the plenary in the last two days of the conference which runs from September 24 to October 5. “Once adopted at the plenary, all African and Asian species of pangolin will be listed in Appendix I, and all parties to the convention will be obliged to implement the decision.”

Villena attended the conference with PCSDS Project Development Officer 4 Levita Lagrada, who facilitated the preparation, finalization and submission of the proposal to CITES. Lagrada is a member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources-Species Survival Commission-Pangolin Specialist Group.

CITES bans...<<PAGE 2

tourism development and environmental protection.

She emphasized that being one of the tourist destinations in Asia, there are a number of environmental laws in the Philippines. These laws were created in order to protect the environment wherein investors and local communities depend upon for sustainable tourism business and livelihood.

Provincial Tourism Officer Ms. Maribel Buñi talked about the issues and challenges of sustainable tourism in Palawan such as economic, socio-cultural and environmental issues.

“Some possible solutions would be LGU involvement through legislation that supports the creation of tourism enterprises, stakeholder management and learn from previous experiences to avoid similar

problems and to develop a more sustainable tourism industry,” according to Ms. Buñi.

The forum pave the way for the discussion of the current enabling environment for sustainable tourism which includes policy support and mainstreaming ZCR in the municipalities. Possible solutions to address issues and challenges especially on SEP and ZCR compliance and possible barriers in pursuing sustainable tourism were also addressed.

The ZCR Project is funded by the European Union, through the SWITCH Asia Programme, which focuses on sustainable development in Asian countries. For more information regarding the Zero Carbon Resorts Project, you can go to: www.zerocarbonresorts.eu or email: zcr@grat.at.

PCSDS Zero...<<PAGE 3

ENVIRONMENT SUMMITwith DENR Sec. Gina Lopez

27-28 Oct 2016 | VJR Hall, Capitol ComplexPuerto Princesa City

worsening frequency of typhoons, resulting to the occurrence of storm surges and eventually risking human lives. This natural phenomenon also causes rising sea levels, thereby submerging low-lying islands.

Perks of protected mangrovesAlcala narrowed it down to the protection

of mangroves that helps moderate high temperatures, which has been estimated at 1.8 0 C – warmer than a century ago. “What can be done is to protect marine ecosystems to make the environment more resilient to high temperatures,” he emphasized.

Besides serving as a first line of defense against storm surges and tsunamis, he said mangroves are also essential to maintaining coastal fisheries.

Alcala, a Professor Emeritus at Siliman University, shared how important mangroves are in the ecosystem as it serve as natural habitat, notably for Palawan Estuarine Crocodiles which they have found out to increase coastal fishery production.

“We have evidence that Palawan Estuarine Crocodiles living in river systems and in small islands enhance coastal fishery production through fertilization of coastal areas by the large amounts of nutrients they produce,” he said.

Rampant debarking of mangroves has been observed, particularly in the southern part of Palawan, making environment experts like Alcala urge the public to put a premium on it all the more. “The critical factor is the habitat (mangrove forest) must be conserved and not cut or debarked as done in the past,” Alcala said.

Coral reefs, seagrass beds need care tooHe added that coral reefs and seagrass

beds, which serve as habitat to many fish species and other marine wildlife, equally deserve protection, and thus “need to be

maintained in excellent condition because they are more resilient to climate change than degraded ones.”

Palawan’s coastal resources is not in its best of health with only 2.1% of its coral reefs in excellent condition, 49.5% in good to very good condition, and the remaining half of the coral reefs in poor to fair condition, data from the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) revealed.

This prompted the PCSDS to propose recently a six-year Coastal and Marine Environment Rehabilitation Program aimed at protecting, enhancing, and rehabilitating the province’s coastal ecosystems to build resiliency to climate change.

With the restoration of Palawan’s coral reefs into its excellent condition, the province’s municipal reef fisheries production is expected to go up to 176,400 MT per year, relatively higher than the current 74,757.34 metric tons per year.

‘Expand MPAs, empower communities’While the seas around Palawan are

generally shallow, making it very productive, he said this characteristic also make it vulnerable to global sea warming.

For this reason, the former environment secretary called on for the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) in deep waters “where water temperatures tend to be relatively cooler to ensure abundant fish populations.”

“MPAs in the Palawan area, with the exception of Tubbataha Marine Protected Area, which has a high coral cover and large fish biomasses exceeding 100 tones per square kilometer, appear to have low fish biomass or low fish abundance,” he said.

MPAs increase fish stocks and therefore ensure future sustainability of fisheries and biodiversity as it disperses fish larvae to areas surrounding it.

As of 2015, a total of 615,560 hectares

or 13.44% are declared as MPAs in the province, but only 8.7% or equivalent to 400,000 has. are effectively managed by community-based management boards, based on PCSDS data.

PCSDS targets at least up to 15% of the municipal waters to be declared as MPA.

But Alcala suggested to expand MPAs in Palawan even more, while also empowering and capacitating local communities of its importance through intensive information drive and trainings, so that they will protect what they have.

“[MPAs must be] given more protection by local communities so that they can build up high fish biomass, which can export fish larvae and adults to fishing areas, thus improving fish catches in the future,” he stressed.

“Such protection must be extended to fishing areas as well, in addition to full protection from fishing of all no-take marine protected areas,” he added.

<<FRONT PAGEProtection of marine...

New PKP members ink MOC Five more institutions signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with the Palawan Knowledge Platform (PKP) for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development - a multiagency sharing mechanism that endeavors to facilitate, coordinate, maintain, improve and enhance biological and socio-economic data and information in the province of Palawan.

The signing took place during the 3rd Palawan Research Symposium on September 15 in Puerto Princesa City. The following agencies are the new PKP members: Palawan Polytechnic College, Inc.; Philippine Statistics Authority-Palawan; National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-Palawan; Department of Education-Puerto Princesa City Division, and Puerto Princesa City Water District.

Currently, PKP has a total of 23 members, which include national and local government agencies, non-government organizations and the academe.

Launched in December 2014, this knowledge platform will provide avenues for PCSD’s partners in disseminating their studies, researches, programs, and projects concerning the last frontier’s terrestrial and coastal-marine resources ranging from species of flora and fauna, protected or conservation areas, indigenous peoples and many more.

PCSD believes that this data-mine of information will serve as a tool for better protection and utilization of the said natural resources.

PKP is technically assisted by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity and the Philippine Clearing House Mechanism. For more details, visit www.pkp.pcsd.gov.ph.

BY KEITH ANTHONY FABRO