PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS)

   

Intensity Scale

Description

IScarcely Perceptible - Perceptible to people under favorable circumstances. Delicately balanced objects are disturbed slightly. Still Water in containers oscillates slowly.

IISlightly Felt - Felt by few individuals at rest indoors. Hanging objects swing slightly. Still Water in containers oscillates noticeably.

III

Weak - Felt by many people indoors especially in upper floors of buildings. Vibration is felt like one passing of a light truck. Dizziness and nausea are experienced by some people. Hanging objects swing moderately. Still water in containers oscillates moderately.

IV

Moderately Strong - Felt generally by people indoors and by some people outdoors. Light sleepers are awakened. Vibration is felt like a passing of heavy truck. Hanging objectsswing considerably. Dinner, plates, glasses, windows and doors rattle. Floors and walls of wood framed buildings creak. Standing motor cars may rock slightly. Liquids in containers are slightly disturbed. Water in containers oscillate strongly. Rumbling sound may sometimes be heard.

V

Strong - Generally felt by most people indoors and outdoors. Many sleeping people are awakened. Some are frightened, some run outdoors. Strong shaking and rocking felt throughout building. Hanging objects swing violently. Dining utensils clatter and clink; some are broken. Small, light and unstable objects may fall or overturn. Liquids spill from filled open containers. Standing vehicles rock noticeably. Shaking of leaves and twigs of trees are noticeable.

VI Very Strong - Many people are frightened; many run outdoors. Some people

lose their balance. motorists feel like driving in flat tires. Heavy objects or furniture move or may be shifted. Small church bells may ring. Wall plaster may crack. Very old or poorly built houses and man-made structures are slightly damaged though well-built structures are not affected. Limited rockfalls and rolling boulders occur in hilly to mountainous areas and escarpments. Trees are noticeably shaken.

VII

Destructive - Most people are frightened and run outdoors. People find it difficult to stand in upper floors. Heavy objects and furniture overturn or topple. Big church bells may ring. Old or poorly-built structures suffer considerably damage. Some well-built structures are slightly damaged. Some cracks may appear on dikes, fish ponds, road surface, or concrete hollow block walls. Limited liquefaction, lateral spreading and landslides are observed. Trees are shaken strongly. (Liquefaction is a process by which loose saturated sand lose strength during an earthquake and behave like liquid).

VIII

Very Destructive - People panicky. People find it difficult to stand even outdoors. Many well-built buildings are considerably damaged. Concrete dikes and foundation of bridges are destroyed by ground settling or toppling. Railway tracks are bent or broken. Tombstones may be displaced, twisted or overturned. Utility posts, towers and monuments mat tilt or topple. Water and sewer pipes may be bent, twisted or broken. Liquefaction and lateral spreading cause man- made structure to sink, tilt or topple. Numerous landslides and rockfalls occur in mountainous and hilly areas. Boulders are thrown out from their positions particularly near the epicenter. Fissures and faults rapture may be observed. Trees are violently shaken. Water splash or stop over dikes or banks of rivers.

IX

Devastating - People are forcibly thrown to ground. Many cry and shake with fear. Most buildings are totally damaged. bridges and elevated concrete structures are toppled or destroyed. Numerous utility posts, towers and monument are tilted, toppled or broken. Water sewer pipes are bent, twisted or broken. Landslides and liquefaction with lateral spreadings and sandboils are widespread. the ground is distorted into undulations. Trees are shaken very violently with some toppled or broken. Boulders are commonly thrown out. River water splashes violently on slops over dikes and banks.

X

Completely Devastating - Practically all man-made structures are destroyed. Massive landslides and liquefaction, large scale subsidence and uplifting of land forms and many ground fissures are observed. Changes in river courses and destructive seiches in large lakes occur. Many trees are toppled, broken and uprooted.

 

Republic of the PhilippinesPALAWAN COUNCIL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

(R.A. 7611)Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

PCSD RESOLUTION NO. 08-362

A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE RESEARCH AGENDA OF THE WILDLIFE SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE OF THE PCSD

WHEREAS, Republic Act 9147, otherwise known as the “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act” was approved on July 30,2001 to carry out the national policy of conserving the country’s wildlife resources and their habitat for sustainability;

WHEREAS, Section 4 of this Act stipulates that in the province of Palawan, the jurisdiction for the implementation of Republic Act 9147 was conferred to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) by virtue of Republic 7611 while its nationwide implementation resides under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR);

WHEREAS, Joint DENR-DA-PCSD Administrative Order No. 01 "Joint Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) was issued stipulating thereof the specific mandates of the three government agencies pursuant to RA 9147;

WHEREAS, under Art. 1 Section 6 of Chapter III (Conservation and Protection of Wildlife Resources) of the Joint IRR, it is stipulated that all activities shall be authorized upon proper evaluation of best available information or scientific data showing that the

activity is, or for a purpose, not detrimental to the survival of the species or subspecies involved and/or their habitat;

WHEREAS, in relation to aforecited Sections 4 and 6, Rule 6.1 of the Joint Implementing Rules and Regulations jointly issued by the DENR, DA and PCSD, a National Wildlife Management Committee (NWMC) shall be created separately by the DENR, DA and PCSD to provide technical and scientific advice;

WHEREAS, the PCSD ENR Committee created a Wildlife Sub-committee and based on the provision of Rule 26.1 of the Joint Admin Order No. 1, the ENR Committee resolved that said sub-committee shall serve as the Wildlife Management Committee as required by Law;

WHEREAS, whereas in addition to the creation of s Wildlife Sub-committee a corresponding research agenda was likewise presented to the ENR Committee;

WHEREFORE, for and in consideration of the foregoing premises and on motion duly seconded, the Council RESOLVED, as it is hereby RESOLVED to adopt the aforementioned research agenda of the Wildlife Sub-committee;

Section 1. This research agenda shall serve as the Wildlife Sub-committee's concrete basis for initiating scientific studies on the conservation of biological biodiversity in Palawan. ¦

Section 2. The research agenda shall cover both the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems as follows:

2.1 Terrestrial (a). The following general activities shall be implemented:i. Profiling of different types of habitat, their interdependence and successional changes ii. Ecological impacts of alien invasive speciesiii. Effects of environmental changes on species and habitatsiv. Wildlife trade

(b) The following studies shall have priority concern for terrestrial flora: i. Systematics, taxonomy, phylogenetic studiesii. Phenological studies of various vegetation typesiii. Habitat association studies, such as biological indicators for mineral, ultramafic forests and mycorrhizal associations;iv. Biology and ecology

v. Pharmacological investigations

(c) Priority studies for terrestrial fauna shall include:i. Biology and ecology ii. Population estimates

(d) Priority species in the research agenda shall cover (i) critically endangeredPhilippine Pond Turtle (Seibenrockeilla leytensis) and (ii) endangeredbirds, mammals and reptiles as follows:

Birds:

  Scientific Name Common Namei. Anthracoceros marchei Palawan Hornbillii. Polyplecton emphanum Palawan Peacock PheasantHi. Caloenas nicobarica Nicobar Pigeoniv. Prioniturus platenae Blue-headed Racquet Tailv. Ficedula platenae Palawan Flycatchervi. Gracula religiosa palawanensis * Palawan Talking Mynahvii. Tanygnathus lucionensis* Blue Naped Parrot

Mammals: 

viii. Sus barbatus Palawan Bearded Pigix. Traulus napu Mouse DeerX. Megapodius cumingii Tabon Birdxi. Macaca fascicularis Philippine Monkeyxii. Arcticits binturong whitei Palawan Bear Catxiii. Axis calamianensis Calamian Deer

Reptiles:xiv. Varanus salvator                                                Monitor LizardCITES Listed (Non-IUCN)

xv.  Manis culionensis                                               Scaly Anteaterxvi. Prionilurus bengalensis                                       Leopard Cat

(e)    Priority Areas for terrestrial ecosystems research shall include:i.      Tres Marias, Batarazaii.     Mt. Mantalingahan rangeii.     Victoria-Anipahan Range iii.    San Vicente-Taytay-Roxas Forest

(f)     Second priority area on the other hand, shall cover the following northernmunicipalities:i.      Balabacii.     El Nidoiii.    Culioniv.    Busuanga

2.2 Aquatic Ecosystems:a.  The general subject matters/research topics under aquatic ecosystems shall include:i.      Tradeii.     Distribution and Abundanceiii.    Taxonomyiv.   Biologyv.    Biological indicators

b. Priority Taxa for research shall include:i.   Whales and Dolphinsii.  Water birdsiii.  SeaTurtlesiv.  IUCN/CITES Listed Fishesv.  Corals, Sea Grasses and Mangrovesvi.  Economically important species such as the leopard coral grouper ("suno"), Plectroponus leopardus

c. The priority study areas shall be the following:i.      West Coastii.     Balabaciii.    Quezon/Rizaliv.   UluganBayv.    Northwest Coast vi.   Atong Lake, Victoria Peak

Section 3. The Wildlife Sub-committee of the PCSD Committee of Environment and Natural Resources shall spearhead the implementation of the aforementioned research agenda in collaboration with appropriate research institutions.

RESOLVED FINALLY, that copies of this Resolution be furnished all concerned government agencies, academe and research institutions for information and guidance.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this 30th day of May 2008 at PSDTI, Puerto Princesa City.

I hereby certify the correctness and accuracy of the foregoing resolution.

ROMEO B. DORADOSecretary

APPROVED:

HON.MARIO JOEL T. REYES Chairman

By Jodelen O. Ortiz

Not everyone loves the crocodile, yes, but almost everyone wants to see a crocodile. Crocodiles are feared and portrayed frequently in the movies and books as predators. Such carnivorous nature however plays an important part in keeping the balance of nature. This is reason enough why the whole world should bother to care about the crocs and alligators’ extinction.

There are several places in the country with crocodile farms but so far the more famous that I have come across is what used to be known as the Crocodile Farming Institute in Puerto Princesa City, now the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC).

It is located at National Road, Brgy. Irawan, south of Puerto Princesa, about 30-40 minutes from the city proper. One can take or hire a tricycle, jeepney or van to go to the PWRCC. Actually, it is part of the city tour offered by tour companies in the city. It is

open for visitors at 1:30 to 5:30 PM during weekdays and from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays. Feeding time is every Monday and Thursday afternoon.

The crocodile farm was established in 1987 with the help of the Japan International Cooperative Agency with the major objectives to conserve the two endangered species of crocodiles, C. porosus and C. mindorensis, and to introduce and develop suitable farming technology to uplift the socio-economic well being of the Philippines.

However, the eight-acre facility has limited space and can accommodate only about 4,000 specimens. The number was further reduced in 1998 when a typhoon and flooding allowed some crocodiles to escape into a nearby river.

When it was converted to PWRCC, research studies and preservation activities involved other endangered species. In fact, the place maintains a mini-zoo containing some of Palawan s endemic animals, with the supervision and management of DENR-PAWB.�

The late Steve Irwin, who was popularly called, The Crocodile Hunter because of� � his wildlife documentary show with the same title, was among the many celebrities who have already visited the crocodile farm. His interview was aired in The Inside� � Story.

For the first time in more than two years of my stay in Puerto Princesa City, I took the trip to the famed Crocodile Farm together with my fianc Byrone. I finally decided to� see it for myself when I wasn t able to answer the questions of my friends and family� members from my hometown in Iloilo who were always asking about Palawan s� Crocodile Farm. When I finally did, I didn t just enjoy it but I also learned a lot from� the visit.

Together with other visitors, a guide toured us around the main hall that also served as the exhibit area. We found several skeletons of alligators inside. There were also posters about the history of the species. An audio-visual presentation on the crocodile protection program was also shown to us. For a minimal fee of PhP 60.00 pesos, this trip was starting to get much more than its worth.

After the audio-visual show, we were ushered into the facility that serve both as post-natal and growing-in room. The c. porosus and c.mindorensis type of crocodiles have been segregated. In the post-natal area, the crocodiles actually look cute. At such an early stage, one might even think that they could be good pets. The tour guide told us however that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is very strict that they do not allow personal ownership of these alligators since they belong to the list of endangered species.

The other crocodiles that are nearly a year old jumped when somebody from our group tried putting his hands near the top of the cage. No teasing for these creatures, said the tour guide because they ll love to bite at such an early age. Darn, forget the pet-material �thing. To our glee however, the guide took one little croc to his hands and offered it to those who wanted to hold it. Two did, but I wasn t one of them.�

At the back of the facility are the bigger and older crocs who are below five feet in length. The longer and larger ones are transferred outside, in the open pond where a bridge gives the visitors the chance to see and take pictures of them.

These are the oldest of the alligators in the Institute and with their looks they can shred a human being to pieces. The scales are thick, the eyes are very alert. Feeding is allowed, so long as the feeder stays on the bridge. Bananas are a favorite because the alligators wrestle over a piece.

Our tour ended on the bridge but the guide told us that at the back of the compound is a mini-zoo park that we can freely explore. Some of the rare and extinct fauna including birds could be found on the park. Monkeys are all over the place. Skunks are also at home, while the beaver pair obviously like their stay.

A big snake, an eagle, a myna and many others these are the residents of this �conservation park. The size of the park is not so large but it was a good place for a nice walk. Covered with tall giant trees, some with orchids on them, a nice book would have made the stay longer.

Aside from the wildlife attraction of the PWRCC, there is also a souvenir shop and some native huts or sheds. The croc keychain is a bestseller in the souvenir shop, and there are more expensive products from crocodile skin.

Many local and national schools conduct educational tours on the Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center. The effort of the institution to make the experience not just fun but also educational is very commendable. The staff are obviously trained and cleanliness of the whole area is maintained.

Among the efforts to protect the wildlife that is being threatened into extinction, the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center s is on the right track, its objectives are already recognized worldwide. With a place like this and a lot more, Palawan truly �deserves to be called the Philippines Last Frontier.�

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