Palawan News February 2017

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Palawan - Archived News

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Undergroud River in Palawan
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Underground river in Pureto Princesa, Palawan
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Baracuda Lake, Coron, Palawan

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.
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U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie A. Kenney and USAID/Philippines Environment Office Chief Daniel Moore witness the safe and sustainable collection of ornamental fish by certified Marine Aquarium Council collectors in Palawan

Power link between Palawan, Sabah eyed

(SDR/SunStar Philippines)

A PRIVATE sector group has been pushing for a partnership for the power interconnection between Palawan and Sabah, the Department of Energy (DOE) said.

This was discussed during a recent Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Power and Energy Cluster meeting.

DOE Assistant Secretary Leonido Pulido III, in behalf of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, chaired the discussions of the Power and Energy Infrastructure Cluster.

According to Pulido, the key output of the cluster meeting is the formulation of the nine-year ‎‎‎(2017-2025) Power and Energy Infrastructure Cluster (PEIC) Roadmap for the different sub-sectors such as for Power Interconnection, Renewable Energy (RE), Rural Electrification and Sub-Regional Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) rolling pipeline project as input to the final BIMP-EAGA Vision ‎‎‎2017-2025 (BEV2025).

On the power infrastructure connectivity of the Philippines to the sub-region, the BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BEBC) presented to the Philippine delegates the proposed Sabah to Palawan Interconnection project, DOE said.

The BEBC, a private sector group, initiated the partnership with the Provincial Government of Palawan aiming to deliver electric power from Sabah to Palawan.

During the meeting, the BEBC informed the participants that the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding may take place by April 2017 and when this will be realized, "it will provide the needed capacity addition to the country,” Pulido said.

(Feature) Palawan town hosts Indigenous Peoples’ tribal games

By Celeste Anna R. Formoso [(PNA), CVL/CARF/SSC]

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Feb. 25 (PNA) -- Five Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) groups participated in the first Roxas Indigenous Peoples Tribal Games held in northern Palawan Friday in an effort to preserve their traditional games and bring them closer to the government.

Representatives of the Batak, Tagbanua Tandulanen, Cagayanen, Agutaynen, and Cuyunon peoples, all residing in Roxas town in the northern part of the province, joined the Games that featured archery in an assault course and recreational tree climbing using rattan fibers.

Guest of honor, the Western Command’s (WESCOM) Maj. Gen. Raul del Rosario, said their support for the IPs of Palawan is part of their mandate to help preserve cultural and traditional recreational games.

“We are happy with the success of this event. Our utmost support to our Indigenous Peoples is part of our mandate to help them maintain and continue the customary games that are part of how their everyday life was shaped,” del Rosario told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Lt. Col. Danilo Facundo, commanding officer of the 4th Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT 4) that facilitated the tribal games, said the customary sports and games activity also hopes to “create a condition for the IPs where they will feel the services of the local government, bring them closer to the mainstream of the community, and get them far from being prone to exploitation”.

From morning to afternoon, the five IP groups played traditional games and presented cultural songs and dances.

The Cuyunons, an indigenous group sometimes referred to as the “elite class among the hierarchy of native Palaweños”, rendered the 'pinundo-pondo' dance to music supplied by a flute-and-drum ensemble.

The Batak mountain people likewise presented a cultural dance done on smoldering pieces of chopped wood.

These traditional activities, which are not often seen, are what makes the event distinctive, said Mayor Angela Sabando.

“The municipal government of Roxas is very supportive of any activity that would bring our IPs closer to the consciousness of the rest of the people here. We need to support them, make them feel they are not separated, and give them the services they need so they would continue caring for their culture and traditions,” Sabando said.

Batak resident Antonia Analo, 53, who resides in the neighborhood of Tagnipa in Roxas, was unable to contain her excitement upon seeing a relative join the archery competition.

The game called for the use of a handmade bow and arrow, which the contestants had to land on a round, yellow mark on a target stand.

Analo, who wore a hair band with tiny pink and white plastic tied to it, was calling out to her relative in their Batak dialect.

“Don’t fail! Hit that yellow mark! Get a good grip on your bow!” she cried out amid the spectators and members of the MBLT 4 who were assisting the IP participants.

Analo said she was happy to visit the People’s Park, the venue of the tribal games, as she and her family seldom go there to join the merriment.

“This is a happy place, and we are happy to come down and join,” she told PNA.

Come June, when the Baragatan Festival 2017 is celebrated again, they will once more participate in a province-wide tribal games, said del Rosario.

“We will join them with other IPs from southern Palawan in the Baragatan (Festival),” he said.

The Tribal Games was jointly organized and supported by the WESCOM through the MBLT 4 stationed in Roxas, the 3rd Marine Brigade, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the local government of Roxas, and the provincial government of Palawan.

The town of Roxas is located more than 86 km. from Puerto Princesa on the eastern coast of the island of Palawan.

Palawan gears up for ‘Baragatan Festival 2017’ in June

By Celeste Anna R. Formoso [(PNA), LAP/CARF/EDS]

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Feb. 23 (PNA) -– Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez has given the green light for the staging of this year’s “Baragatan Festival.”

Provincial Information Officer Gil Acosta Jr. said Thursday that “it is all systems go for the grand festivities best remembered for colorful parades, cultural extravaganzas, customer-friendly trade expos, food fair, outdoor concerts and a lot more.”

Acosta said Alvarez has appointed his chief of staff, Ceasar Sammy Magbanua, to head the executive committee that will plan the events and commence the preparations for the two-week long calendar of local spectacles.

The annual convergence festival shall feature among others, new and exciting events like the Tribal Olympics and the first Palawan Rodeo.

Local tunesmiths will surely delight in the launching of the Palawan Artist’s Popular Songwriting Competition that will share the limelight during the Grand Finals on June 20, 2017.

The festival’s staple activities such as the Search for Mutya ng Palawan, Tunog Palawan musical showcase, boxing tournament, street dancing competition, Caraenan food fair and local quiz bee beef up the list.

Baragatan Festival 2017 will kick off on June 9 through the conduct of a Holy Mass and blessing of LGU Booths, the unveiling of the Caraenan food fair, garden show, agro-trade fair and private trade fair, photo and art exhibits and the start of the nightly presentations at the Capitol grounds.

The “big events” will commence through a Grand Parade on June 16 followed by a spectacular fireworks exhibition and a big concert at the Cory Park.

The festival coined its title from the Cuyunon word “baragatan,” which means convergence of people from all points of the province.

Palawan to strengthen local coconut industry

By Celeste Anna R. Formoso [(PNA), LAP/CARF/SSC]

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Feb. 21 (PNA) -- Recognizing that local coconut production is one of the pillars of Palawan’s agriculture industry, where many residents of the province are dependent on, Governor Jose Alvarez wants it strengthened through an executive order that created the Palawan Coconut Industry Development Council (PCIDC).

Provincial Information Officer Atty. Gil Acosta Jr. said Tuesday that Executive Order No. 5, which was promulgated in January this year, provides for the strengthening of the local coconut industry in Palawan for the benefit of “a substantial number of local farmers dependent on them for livelihood and subsistence.”

“It is one of the country’s perennial crops nurtured and perpetuated from generations by marginal families in the countryside, and here in Palawan, we need to strengthen it,” he said.

The creation of the PCIDC, according to Acosta, is pursuant to Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Circular No. 05, Series of 2011 and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 67, Series of 2012.

The council is tasked primarily to formulate and adopt policy guidelines on the Coconut Industry Development Program (CIDP) of the province aligned with the Livelihood Project Management Unit of the IHELP (Infrastructure, Health, Education, Livelihood and Protection of the Environment) core programs.

Furthermore, it aims to alleviate the socio-economic life of those in the coconut sector.

Acosta said coconut is grown extensively in the province, and currently, there are approximately 85,897 hectares of land planted with coconuts.

“Palawan is among the 68th coconut-producing provinces out of 79 in the entire country. The province is very ideal for coconut farming because it is seldom visited by typhoons and other natural calamities. The local topography characterized by vast coastal areas and rolling terrains is best suited for this important crop,” he added.

Labeled as the “Tree of Life,” coconut is an important agriculture product wherein aside from its nut, as the chief source of vegetable oil, its by-products from trunk to leaves to husks can be processed for commercial and industrial uses.

The council shall be composed of Governor Jose Ch. Alvarez as chairman, Vice Governor Victorino Dennis M. Socrates and Provincial Administrator Atty. Joshua U. Bolusa as vice chairmen; and its members namely Board Member Marivic H. Roxas, Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Romeo Cabungcal;

Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Ninfa B. Rubio; Provincial Budget Officer Norma C. Arrieta; Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Gilbert Baaco; and by invitation for the Philippine Coconut Authority, four members from coconut farmers and organizations and cooperatives.

El Nido’s new hotel shows how it should be done

(Inquirer)

As high only as the coconut trees, Casa Kalaw is in a sustainable community–no overcrowded restos or resorts

AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts Corp. (AHRC) will have a new resort community in northern Palawan’s El Nido municipality.

What defines it is that it is conceptualized with a mind to the future—that it will sustain the environment, not degrade it.

It has a master plan on a sustainable community safeguarded from the haphazard construction of restaurants, resorts and other establishments—in effect, avoiding the pitfalls of top beach destinations in the country.

Proper development

Casa Kalaw, the first boutique hotel to open in the 325-hectare Lio Tourism Estate in El Nido, should be an example of proper development.

The 42-room hotel—named after the endemic Kalaw bird in Palawan—is only two stories high or no taller than 18 meters. Its height approximates that of the coconut trees along the coastline and will be adopted by all other Lio buildings closest to the beach, says Javi Hernandez, chief operating officer of Lio Resort Ventures Inc., developer of the Lio Tourism Estate.

“Our intent is to preserve the horizon and the views of the sunset,” Hernandez points out.

The height restriction of buildings will ensure that people coming to Lio from the sea will find an environment filled with coconut trees.

The hotel is also set back over 40 meters from the shoreline. All other Lio buildings will maintain that respectful distance from the highest tide line to protect them and their occupants from storm surges.

The distance also allows the natural movement of sand on the beach as dictated by the prevailing winds which blow one direction at a certain time of the year, and another, at other times.

By not hindering those cycles with manmade structures, the natural, powdery playground will be preserved.

The open layout and architecture of Casa Kalaw reveals a keen understanding of its surroundings. A courtyard with a swimming pool, pocket gardens and balconies allows generous cross ventilation and keep the place cool and naturally well-lit.

The modern Filipino architectural scheme by LV Locsin and Partners includes the use of vertical sunshades which allows the play of shadows at the high-ceiling lobby.

The air-conditioned guest rooms, designed to meet the needs of global travelers, are comfortable and bright, with clean, contemporary lines and a bathroom with ample counter space.

Main attractions are the swimming pool, kiddie pool, garden deck and an al fresco area on the second floor facing the beach.

The Casa Kalaw guest can explore the shops and restaurants a short stroll away, within the same beach complex. By March, these will include dining destinations offering Peruvian chicken, American dishes, steaks, French crepes and ice cream, grilled items, cocktails, wines and spirits.

More shops, retail and service outlets will open this year. They will be complemented before yearend by two other two-story boutique hotels conceptualized for other markets.

In the 4.5-ha beach area that includes Casa Kalaw are facilities for beach volleyball, football and biking on bamboo two-wheelers.

When Lio’s private jetty is built, guests can use it as jump-off point to explore on motorized banca the natural wonders of Bacuit Bay, such as the world-famous Big and Small Lagoons, secret beaches, and snorkeling sites richly populated by marine life.

Lio’s mainland location also offers mountain biking, lagoon rafting as well as expeditions through a pandan beach forest.

The Palawan mainland birds and species that populate Lio are distinct from those on other islands within the bay and likewise deserve attention, says Hernandez.

Before the year ends, an artisans’ village featuring creative wares, Palawan ceramics and handicrafts, creative workshops, restaurants and accommodations will open.

The quickest route to the Lio Tourism Estate from Manila and Cebu is through Air Swift’s daily flights. From Manila, the trip to Lio airport takes 55 minutes.

Palawan receives PHP41M agri-fishery assistance

By Celeste Anna R. Formoso [(PNA), FPV/CARF/EDS]

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY (PNA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) turned over to Palawan 96 units of 38-footer fiberglass reinforced plastic boats as part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s commitment of support to the agriculture and fisheries sector in the countryside.

The donation of PHP17 million-worth reinforced plastic boats was personally led by DA Sec. Emmanuel Piñol at the Brooke’s Point Municipal Gymnasium, where a farmers and fisherfolk forum was also being held, on Thursday.

Piñol traveled to southern Palawan to personally donate 40 boats to fishermen families in Rizal and 30 in Quezon municipalities, and to determine how else can the DA support the said sector.

Aside from the reinforced plastic boats, each of the province’s 23 municipalities also received one patrol boat, including Puerto Princesa.

Piñol said the patrol boats should be used to strengthen the monitoring and patrolling activities of the local government units (LGUs) to protect their municipal waters.

The DA chief also brought to seven LGUs several projects under the Bottoms-Up Budgeting (BUD) amounting to PHP24 million.

He explained the BUB funds are part of the Duterte administration's commitment to improve the lives of Palaweños who belong to the agriculture and fisheries sector.

Piñol also personally asked Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez to help look for areas in the province that can be turned into rice farms to support the country’s rice production program.

He explained this is because Luzon, where most rice farms are located, is now experiencing the effects of climate change which affects rice production.

The Duterte administration considers Palawan as one of the potential areas where rice production can thrive.

For his part, Alvarez asked the DA secretary to assist in studying other areas in the province, particularly those that have high acid content, so residents can still utilize them for income-generating livelihood activities.

Piñol thus ordered the creation of a special group of experts to conduct soil testing. The group is expected to arrive in Palawan next week.

Palawan vows to expand areas devoted to rice production

By Leslie D. Venzon [(PNA), RMA/LDV]

MANILA, Feb. 16 (PNA) -- Palawan has pledged an expansion area of 100,000 hectares for the country's rice production program, said the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“(The) availability of new rice farming areas in Palawan offers a relief to the problem besetting the country's rice production,” said DA Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol, noting the traditional rice farming areas are now affected by climate change.

Piñol said the new area is in addition to the island-province’s 59,000 hectares of rice farms that have enabled Palawan to achieve 110-percent rice self-sufficiency.

During a meeting with agriculture chief on Wednesday, Palawan Gov. Jose Alvarez also sought assistance by the DA to help address Palawan’s highly acidic soil that has kept its rice production relatively low.

While Palawan needs more irrigation facilities, Alvarez stressed that these should not destroy the natural beauty of the province, which is a popular tourism destination.

Piñol instructed Philippine Rice Research Institure (PhilRice) executive director Dr. Sailila Abdulla to form a team along with the Bureau of Soils and Water Management to conduct an extensive soil analysis in Palawan.

He further said that instead of building water-impounding dams, the DA would introduce to Palawan the environment-friendly irrigation system, known as Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems (SPIS), which will draw water from the rivers.

Piñol asked Regional Director Boy Santiago to program the establishment of the SPIS without having to build dams.

BJMP-Puerto Princesa inmates get TESDA NC II

(PNA), RMA/MCCA/RSM

MANILA (PNA) -- Twenty inmates from Puerto Princesa City Jail have received a National Certificate (NC) II from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for passing the agency’s assessment of their chosen courses.

TESDA has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) recently with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) for a project called Integration Through Skills Development.

The project aims to provide the inmates with skills training which they could use upon their release from prison.

Under this project, the families of inmates are also given the skills training.

TESDA Director General plans to provide skills training to inmates nationwide. It may be recalled that the project was initially done at the Makati City Jail.

Among the short courses offered by TESDA were Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Bread and Pastry Production, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Massage Therapy and Tiles Setting which fall under the NC II level.

Palawan among 'best places in the world to propose'

(ABS-CBN News) 5:48 pm

MANILA – Planning to pop the question? You may want to consider doing it in Palawan, which has been hailed as one of the best places in the world to propose.

In an article published Monday, Bloomberg included a sandbar in El Nido, Palawan in its list of top spots for proposals, alongside an ice hotel in Swedish Lapland, Victoria Falls in Zambia, a Benedictine Abbey on the Italian Riviera, over Australia’s Red Center, against a Dubronik backdrop in Croatia, at Taj Mahal in India, a peak near Peru’s Machu Picchu, and at Saint Barthelemy in France.

“The Philippine archipelago of Palawan – which consists of almost 2,000 islands – has some of the best beaches in the world. So it may come as a surprise that the destination’s best proposal spot is actually a bit offshore,” said Bloomberg writer Nikki Ekstein in the article.

Citing Abbie Kozolchyk, author of National Geographic’s “The World’s Most Romantic Destinations” and one of those who helped curate Bloomberg’s list, Ekstein continued: “Here, Kozolchyk said, you can stay at a resort on Lagen Island, a cluster of 18 overwater cottages tucked into limestone cliffs. They’ll arrange for a boat to take you to a secluded sandbar, where a dramatic meal awaits.”

Last year, Palawan was dubbed the “best island in the world” once again by the international magazine Travel and Leisure.

The island first received the coveted top spot in 2013.

Provincial gov’t to provide free tour guiding training to Palaweños

By Celeste Anna R. Formoso [(PNA), LAP/CARF/EDS]

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Feb. 13 (PNA) -– The Palawan Provincial Tourism and Promotions Development Department (PTPDD) wants to help Palaweños have livelihood by providing free tour guiding training.

Provincial Tourism Officer Maribel Buñi said Monday that they will conduct free training on tour guiding from February 28 to March 1 in the picturesque town of El Nido, where 40 are expected to attend.

Buñi said Palaweños, who will avail of the free training, will undergo demanding drills to become very good tour guides in their municipality.

“Out-of-school-youths (OSYs), who are able to reach second year college, can participate in this free training, as well as those already serving as tour guides but have not undergone formal training on the trade,” Buñi said.

After the seminar and training, the participants must be able to pass the exam that will be given on the last day of the said event.

She explained they will receive certificates of training that will serve as document for them to become licensed tour guides in El Nido.

The PTPDD is an accredited agency to provide licensing to residents, who are looking to be tour guides and have steady income sources.

Aside from El Nido in northern Palawan, the PTPDD will also do the training in Taytay, and in southern Palawan in Quezon and Sofronio Española.

The free training for tourism frontliners, like the tour guides, is one of the programs being implemented by the provincial government to ensure that all Palawan guests are taken care of.

Finding the perfect present for Valentine’s

By Theresa S. Samaniego (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Love can be expressed in so many ways.

But perhaps, nothing can be more fulfilling than finding a love that promises a genuinely beautiful and bright future—one that is well planned, can be spent with a loved one, and can be enjoyed right at the comfort of your own home.

Thus, as individuals, families, and soon-to-be couples embark on a journey of lifetime bliss and togetherness, it will be necessary to find that perfect gift this love month—your very own nest and sanctuary where relationships can flourish and be nurtured among loved ones.

This February, Inquirer Property is providing a list of several property projects, whose designs, layout, and amenities may prove to be suitable for raising one’s family.

At the same time, these uniquely designed and well-thought out developments will surely help families create lasting memories, and even allow couples to continue being in that honeymoon stage long after they have tied the knot.

MARBELLA RESIDENCES

Marbella Residences is a private and exclusive community that promises first-class living in the Philippines’ last frontier.

Since it is set in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, owning a property at Marbella is like having your own slice of paradise with the area’s natural lush landscapes, white-sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and exotic wildlife.

Marbella is only four hours away from the famed El Nido and Coron, which are known for their towering limestone cliffs, beautiful islands, riveting lagoons, and captivating beaches.

Island-hopping and snorkeling are the main activities in El Nido, while Coron is famous for its diving sites and underwater spectacles such as the Second World War Japanese shipwrecks and diverse marine life.

Also, just outside Marbella are two Unesco World Heritage sites: the famous underground river at the Puerto PrincesaSubterranean River National Park, and the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, a favorite destination by snorkelers and divers.

Surrounded by such natural wonder, Marbella Residences is a prime spot for enjoying nature as you raise your loving family in a place you can call your own piece of paradise.

A project of renowned and trusted property developer Sta. Lucia Land Inc., the 4-hectare Marbella Residences offers 111 residential and three commercial lots. It is a mere 20 minutes away from the airport and is accessible via public transport.

Cowrie Island: Experience complete fun in Puerto Princesa

By Joy Tabuada

Are you a local of Puerto Princesa or a tourist from outside the city looking for a short moment of solitude away from the hustle and bustle of city life? Here’s another Puerto Princesa destination that you will surely enjoy—Cowrie Island. Cowrie Island, named after the brightly-shelled mollusks which residents said thrive in the area (these are shells also popularly used as decoration in some Filipino houses) is one of the many islands in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa.

It is reachable through a 10-15 minute boat ride from the Honda Bay wharf. The island, which recently surged in popularity with its upgrade in amenities, is an ideal place for family gatherings, team building and other outdoor activities, or even your simple ‘me-time’. It is an ideal venue for weddings and pre-nuptial shooting.

There are tent cottages at a fair price of Php 200 each and native cottages for only Php 250. The tables and chairs situated near the pavilion are free if you need it.

One of the first things that you will notice in the island is its breath-taking stretch of white sand that teasingly welcomes you to an expanse of clear blue waters. Coupled this with amenities to accommodate your basic needs and you get the idea of how satisfying a Cowrie Island experience can be. The beach is not all to it, however.

Cowrie’s island management team serves sumptuous lunch for tourists for only Php 200 per person. You’ve probably seen some of your friends in Facebook or Instagram posting photos of these mouth-watering lunch sets, which include Palawan’s famously fresh fish and other seafoods, along with vegetables, pasta, soup and desserts. The food is certainly among the highlights of our stay in the island. Certainly masabor.

The island bar also serves Palawan local beer ‘ayahay’, mixed drinks, halo-halo and fruit shakes that could quench your thirst while you are basking under the sun.

Based on personal experience, among the best part of the Cowrie experience is the banana boat ride in the island. You can shout your heart out riding a boat while being pulled over the waves (you just need to hold on tight as you might fall into the water, for which case, you don’t have to panic as you’d be wearing a life vest. The staff team is experienced too, with licensed divers and trained rescue personnel). If you’re not that adventurous enough, however, you may also just swim around the island and enjoy the clean and clear waters.

Bring your ‘malong’ in case you want to sit on the sand and enjoy a moment of solitude. Once you are finished with your swimming, banana boat ride and all the ‘water-fun’ in the island, you can conveniently freshen up in the shower rooms and changing rooms.

By the way, you may also avail the henna tattoo starting at Php 50 depending on the size and design you want.

If you’re now planning to book a visit to Cowrie Island, here’s some basic information: the island offers big cottages that can accommodate up to 20 persons and most of these are under the trees. Boat ride per individual (if you’re just joining a group) is usually around Php 200; if you want to hire the whole boat, it will cost you around Php 800 for six persons.

Some additional pro-tips from the Palawan News team: the best time to visit Cowrie Island is early morning as you will have the chance to see the beautiful sunrise (the early morning sunlight doesn’t hurt the skin, promise!), while the best time to leave is around 6 p.m. so you can witness bats from the nearby ‘Bat Island’ fly their way to the mainland. Amazing sight. Really. Indeed, among the islands in Honda Bay, Cowrie Island is among the top choices of visitors in Puerto Princesa City. So, next time you plan a trip, make sure to include in your itinerary a visit to this island. For bookings and reservations email palawancowrieisland@gmail.com

Puerto Princesa’s Bishop Mesiona ordained

By Leslie Ann G. Aquino

Puerto Princesa Bishop Socrates Mesiona has been formally ordained and installed Friday.

According to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Mesiona was installed at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Palawan.

Manila Archbishop Emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales was the principal consecrator with Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes, SVD, and Apostolate Vicar of Taytay Bishop Edgardo Juanich as co-consecrators.

Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Guiseppe Pinto, Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, OMI and some 30 archbishops and bishops also attended the event.

In his homily, CBCP President Lingayen Dagupan Achbishop Socrates Villegas asked Bishop Mesiona to remain firm saying God alone is our judge.

Palawan government holds exhibit to celebrate National Arts Month

By Celeste Anna R. Formoso [(PNA), LAP/CARF/EDS]

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY (PNA) -– The Palawan Heritage Museum (PHM) of the provincial government is currently running an art exhibit in celebration of the National Arts Month.

The exhibit, which runs under the theme “Isulong ang Sining,” features the works of the members of the Art on the Move (ATM), an organization composed of Palawan local artists, that promotes the province’s rich cultural heritage.

Sammy Magbanua, chief of staff of Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez, said Wednesday that the art exhibit is only one of the activities they have lined up to support the National Arts Month, as well as the local artists and their talents and skills.

“This is a good opportunity for our local artists to showcase their talents in arts,” he said.

Wendelou Garcia, founding member of ATM, said they are thankful to the provincial government for allowing them the break to be known as talented artists of Palawan.

”It is huge for us to be given this prospect to showcase our arts, and to share them to people who will visit the museum,” Garcia said.

The exhibit, according to Mary Rose Caabay, administrator of the Culture and Arts Office, will run until end of February and free for all who wishes to see.

ATM is also offering free art workshops and seminars in different parts of Palawan for residents to find and appreciate their talent, and to encourage them to take to heart the importance of Palawan’s cultural heritage.

250 Fil-Canadians eye winter escape, ready for fun in Phl

By Helen Flores (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines – Around 250 Filipino-Canadians will arrive in the country this week for the annual Winter Escapade spearheaded by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Foreign Affairs.

This year, the tourists will embark on a nine-day tour to select top destinations in the country, including Coron in Palawan, Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur.

Canada is one of the top 10 contributors in terms of international tourist arrivals in the Philippines, according to the DOT.

The DOT, through the Tourism Promotions Board, launched the Winter Escapade Program in 2014 to attract Filipino-Canadians and Canadians to come to the Philippines in February to escape the cold winter season in Canada.

Philippine Ambassador to Canada Petronila Garcia, in cooperation with the consulates general and the Edmonton honorary consuls in Canada, has been organizing the yearly group tour to discover new emerging destinations in the country.

Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos will host a dinner at the Paoay Church complex with cultural show showcasing Ilocano songs and dances for the group.

According to the Philippine embassy in Ottawa, the first Winter Escapade Tour generated a total of C$1.046 million or P42.8 million.

The tour is said to have contributed C$855,176 or P34.9 million directly in economic output while C$190,736 or P7.9 million in employment in the whole country, especially in the countryside.

Malampaya maintenance going smoothly

(PNA), CVL/AAA/EDS

MANILA, Feb. 7 (PNA) -- The energy department announced Tuesday that with only nine days to go, maintenance work at the Malampaya natural gas facility is going smoothly.

According to department spokesperson, Undersecretary Wimpy Fuentebella, the materials and the workers are in and schedules are being followed.

”The Department of Energy (DOE) is looking into every aspect of the plant, including the systems that are in place, that employees are receiving the proper benefits, and whether or not the standard safety protocols and standard operating procedures are being adhered to,” Fuentebella said.

While assuring that power supplies are sufficient and reserves are adequate, the department encouraged the public to make energy conservation a habit.

”The DOE is constantly reminding consumers that power supply will always be adequate and there will be no price shock, for so long as they religiously practice energy conservation and the value of using energy efficiently,” Fuentebella said.

Mining not biggest environmental issue anymore in Palawan – PNNI’s Exec

By Catherine Santos

Contrary to what is commonly shown in national media, mining is not the biggest environmental issue anymore in Palawan, said Palawan NGO Network Incorporated’s (PNNI) Atty. Robert Chan while talking to journos-participants in the Environmental Reporting Seminar conducted by the Philippine Press Institute on Thursday, February 2.

According to Chan, the top problems in Palawan, in the context of size of affected areas and number of available enforcers, will be illegal fishing, followed by illegal logging, with mining only landing as a far third concern.

“Because of the largeness of the area at konti lang ang nagbabantay, I would say na ang pinakamalaki problema sa Palawan ay illegal fishing issue, second is forestry o illegal logging issue, and mining is a far third, malayong pangatlo,” Chan told Palawan News in a follow-up interview.

“I’m not saying we should not deal with mining. But don’t put all the resources against mining. May mas malalang problema,” he added.

The biggest challenge: combat illegal fishing

Palawan is composed of around 1,700 islands and islets with almost 2,000 kilometers of irregular coastline. In terms of archipelagic internal waters, Palawan has among the biggest marine resources, which are currently under threat from exploitation such as illegal fishing.

Atty. Chan admitted that they still don’t have exact figures or definite data on illegal fishing and other marine violations in the province, but they have observations derived from their para-enforcers.

“We have no exact data but our experience as para-enforcers, the top problem is illegal fishing. Sa dagat, bukod sa napakalaki, walang nagbabantay na gaya ng sa mining at logging,” he lamented.

PNNI has recorded around 50 confiscated boats used in cyanide and dynamite fishing since 2009.

Government efforts to protect the province’s marine resources currently include the operation of a Provincial Law Enforcement Task force, which is composed of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, the provincial government’s environmental arm ‘Bantay Palawan’, DENR, respective municipal police stations and other law-enforcement agencies. In 2016, the Task Force have confiscated 241 different species of turtle, 172 of which are marine species. Authorities have also confiscated 19 sacks of dead corals last year.

Meanwhile, due to the implementation of the seasonal fishing policy for some fish species, the Task Force have recovered 1,389 heads of red Suno, 35 heads of Loba and 31 pieces of Lapung Baboy in 2016.

Forestry and illegal logging issues

Palawan has a total land area of 17,030.75 square kilometers (6,575.61 square miles), around 666,000 hectares of which are considered as ‘forest cover’. These forested areas, based on latest data from the PSCDS and Forest Management Bureau, are decreasing at a rate of 6,490 hectares/year.

Per Chan, Palawan still has the largest forest cover in the country but the size of such areas is already gradually declining from around 1M hectares in early 1970s. Illegal logging has been cited as among the chief causes of deforestation in the province.

The PNNI’s para-enforcement team have confiscated more than 700 units of chainsaw since 2009.

“Imagine sa Palawan, isang chainsaw ang mapuputol sa isang gabi. Eh naka 700 na kami, imagine, we are saving 700 trees in one day?” Chan said.

Meanwhile, government authorities have recovered 13 units of chainsaw in 2016. The Task Force have also confiscated around 17928.43 board feet of assorted lumber, with Ipil lumber being the most “in-demand” at around 5,027 bd ft.

PCSDS Executive Director Nelson Devanadera said he agrees with Chan about mining not being Palawan’s biggest environmental problem anymore. However, the PCSDS chief said he views timber poaching, aggravated by kaingin, as the biggest among the current challenges. Devanadera further explained that the root cause of such illegal activity is poverty wherein people solely depend on natural resources for their livelihood.

The province’s mining situation

Three mining operations in Palawan were suspended by the DENR last year, namely those by Berong Nickel Corporation (BNC) in Quezon and CitiNickel in Narra and Sofronio Española.

The mining-related companies left operating are Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation and Coral Bay Nickel Corporation (CBNC) in Bataraza.

Per Chan, Palawan’s forest cover is 600K hectares while the mining operations of RTNMC, BNC and Citinickel will not go beyond 5,00 hectares. “5, 000 hectares lang, and yet we are putting all the resources…” he said.

Board Member Albert Rama, who chairs the Committee on Environmental Protection in the Provincial Board, told Palawan News in previous interviews that rampant illegal kaingin and not mining is still the number one cause of deforestation and environmental degradation in the province.

Rama said there are around 189,504 hectares that need to be reforested and majority of these are due to kaingin.

Possible solution?

Chan said the problem is enforcement, therefore the solution is to strengthen enforcement of already “many” environmental laws and policies. While Devanadera believes that poverty is the root cause of environmental degradation in Palawan, Chan attributed the problem to the pride of political leaders who do not want to listen to the sentiments of its people.

DA-BFAR resumes open season for galunggong in Northeastern Palawan

By Aira Genesa Magdayao

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture (DA-BFAR) have announced the end of the closed season for galunggong (roundscad) in the Northeastern part of Palawan this Monday, January 30. The said fish species is again open for commercial fishing after a three-month no-catch policy initiated by both the fishing sector and the government, specifically through DA-BFAR’s Joint Administrative Order No. 1, series of 2015.

The northeastern part of Palawan, composed of the islands of Busuanga, Coron, Linapacan, Agutaya, Taytay, Dumaran Araceli, and Cuyo, has been identified as a major fishing ground of galunggong with an estimated area of 35,943 square-kilometers. The implementation of the said closed season policy, which is now on its second year, has had a positive impact in curtailing over-fishing in the area, this according to Roberto Abrera, Regional Fisheries Research and Development Center Manager.

Based on the data of BFAR, local fishermen in Cuyo and El Nido have attributed the increase in their production to the good effects of the closed fishing season. The fishermen added that they can now catch the said fish species even on areas near the shore.

“Sa ginawa nating to, nakikita natin ang positive impact nito dahil lumalapit na ang mga galunggong, hindi katulad dati na malayo na ang nararating ng ating mga mangingisda,” Abrera said.

BFAR continues to provide assistance to municipal fisherfolks. This include the provision of marine boat engines, hook and lines and gillnets to some, as well as the establishment of community fish landing centers. Aside from these, the Bureau has also been conducting capacity-building sessions with the fisherfolk in the said municipalities.

Brooke’s Point town to host MIMAROPA Regional Athletic Meet in February

By Marissa Caborubias

The municipality of Brooke’s Point, led by its local government unit, is set to host this year’s MIMAROPA Regional Athletic Association Meet (MIMAROPARAA) slated on February 17 to 21.

The municipal government is on full blast with its preparations to ensure that all the required facilities, such as playing venues, billeting quarters and other appropriate services, are ready in time for the arrival of delegations from the provinces of Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan and the cities of Calapan and Puerto Princesa.

100 couples to tie the knot in ‘Love Affair with Nature’ in Puerto Princesa on February 14

By Celeste Anna R. Formoso (PNA), FPV/CARF/EBP

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY (PNA) -- This year’s celebration of the “Love Affair with Nature,” a mangrove planting Valentine’s Day offering of the city government here, will be marked again by a mass wedding involving 100 couples.

City Information Officer Richard Ligad said Love Affair with Nature, which will be commemorated in Puerto Princesa on February 14, will have Mayor Lucilo Bayron officiating the nuptials of the said number of couples in a fresh mangrove planting site in Tagbarungis Beach, Barangay Inagawan, 35.6 kilometers away from the center of the town.

Well-regarded as Puerto Princesa’s sweet expression of love for Mother Nature on Valentine’s Day, Ligad said around 20,000 mangrove propagules and seedlings are now being prepared for the event.

“This time, the types of mangrove that will be planted are those that can be planted not only in water but in the shorelines, or on sandy soils, dense and strong, and whose survival rates are high,” Ligad told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

These are Pototan (Bruguiera cylindrical), that grows in mangrove swamps in Southeast Asia; and Tangal (Ceriops tagal), a mangrove tree species in the family Rhizophoraceae, which is a protected tree in South Africa.

The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), a multi-sectoral and inter-disciplinary body, which under the law is charged with the governance, implementation and policy direction of the Strategic Environment Plan (R.A. 7611), will also actively participate in the Love Affair with Nature, said Ligad, by launching early some activities in celebration of the unique law’s birthday in June.

Former first lady Ma. Elena Hagedorn, wife of ex-mayor Edward Hagedorn, conceived the special event in 2003 as a buttress to the environment conservation and protection program of the city government.

It has a romantic theme for the residents with a twist of environmental activity. The yearly celebration features a mangrove planting festivity in selected coastal zones to restore degraded mangrove areas.

The event heightens awareness on the ecological role of mangroves and other coastal ecosystems in the vital web of life. Environmental quiz bees, film showing, band concert and beach games liven up the event.

Mangroves play an important role in coastal ecosystems. They form important nurseries for many fish and shrimp species, but also for spiny lobster larvae. They also produce good quality wood, basic ingredients for medicines, fruits and seafood like oysters and several shells.

To date, around 800,000 mangroves have been planted in different shorelines of the city with a survival rate of 87%.