Palawan News April 2016

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Palawan - Archived News
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Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

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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

ROK Karting series revs up in Palawan

(The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Young ace karters will be the focus of attention as the 2016 Petron Tri-Activ ROK Karting Super Series gets going today at the newly built Shell-Palawan International Circuit in Barangay Sta. Monica, Puerto Princesa.

The ROK Karting Super Series is the longest-running annual karting series, which has produced several world-class talents including Filipino F1 driver Marlon Stockinger as Petron Tri-Activ renewed its commitment as title sponsor in its thrust to discover and develop future Filipino racing champions.

The event is sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and sponsored by Petron, Petron Blaze 100 Euro 4, Petron XCS, Petron Ultron, Petron Xtra, Petron Sprint, Magnolia Pure Water and Yokohama.

Much of the focus will be on the X30 Junior Blaze 100 division, which promises to be more exciting and nerve-wracking this season with the tight five-way battle for the crown among Eduardo Coseteng Jr., John Dizon, returning Dylan Arambulo and Empire-Red Bull Racing bets Bianca Bustamante and Keon Romoff.

In the previous races, none of them gave in to pressure as they stayed too close to each other throughout the race. Non-stop dicing made it all unpredictable to determine the winner until the checkered flag was raised since only fractions of a second separated the five karters at the finish line.

And the scenario turned even more complicated as last year’s Asian Karting Junior champion Jacob Ang of Eagle Cement confirmed Thursday night that he would be joining the hunt for the X30 Junior Blaze 100 plum, making it a five-way racing spectacle for the local Palawan crowd. Sportshub ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

Ang likewise will be gunning for the ROK Senior Expert Blaze 100 crown against Jerry Choi, Rainer Te of Kilton Racing Team, Brian Currie of Palawan Racing Team, Hong Kong karter Tsui Cheuk Kan and Karl Wihelm of Praga Racing Team.

Empire-Red Bull Racing top gun Jarred Kim also seeks to stamp his supremacy anew in the Mini-ROK XCS class as he expects another close fight against equally tough rivals Inigo Anton, Zach David, Khazart Romoff, Cebuano Seven Aleman and Singaporean Aidan Quek.

Quek is also eyeing a repeat over top favorite Inigo Anton for the Formula Cadet Expert Ultron plum while Romoff seeks another big win in the Formula Cadet Novice Ultron class over William Go, Miguel Angeles and Junho Kim.

But even more important is how these karters tap their talents, wits and strategy to survive the challenge of the highly technical 1.350-km long, 8-10 meter-wide Palawan International Circuit.

Local bet Boy Lustre of the Palawan Racing Team hopes to make the hometown crowd proud as he tackles two Cebu Racing Team karters Paolo Ayo and Andrew Go for the Formula KT 100 title.

Young female karters Joy Tan, Novelyn Favila, April Andrews, Sharifa Maranan, Melody Alvarez, Ida Villadolid, and Jonavi Raisa Quiray are expected to provide a charming performance as they dispute the ladies class crown.

More info: Carmona Racetrack c/o Rose Feria at 845-0745, 889-3389, 845-3287 and 845-4142 or visit the website www.asiankarting.net.

WESCOM head formally hands reins of command to successor

(PNA), SCS/PFN

MANILA, April 29 (PNA) -- Western Command (WESCOM) head Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez formally turned over the reins of command to his successor, Brig. Gen. Elvin E. Hermogino, during brief ceremonies at Camp General Artemio Ricarte in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on Friday.

Lopez is scheduled to retire on May 5 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1982, serving for more than 30 years.

Present during the change-of-command ceremonies were Palawan Gov. Jose Chaves Alvarez and acting Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda.

Lopez's stint at the WESCOM started on Aug. 13. 2014 during the height of the country's fight for the West Philippine Sea concerns.

Prior to his designation as acting WESCOM head, Hermogino served as the unit's deputy commander for operations after completion of his tour-of-duty as Philippine Marine Corps' Combat and Service Support Brigade which is stationed in Zamboanga City.

He also assumed key staff positions in training, plans and programs, comptrollership, and intelligence in Philippine Marine Corps headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Hermogino also commanded the Marine Battalion Landing Team 1 and became deputy brigade commander of the 1st Marine Brigade.

Provincial Comelec sets schedule of final testing and sealing of VCMs

By Catherine Santos

According to Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Percival Mendoza, in as much as they wanted to have a synchronized FTS, time constraints had led to them scheduling Kalayaan ahead on May 3 and the City of Puerto Princesa on May 6. All other municipalities are set to conduct FTS on May 5.

Atty. Mendoza said that the FTS aims to check the accuracy, completeness and security of the VCMs before they are used on Election Day. During the FTS, there will be actual voting using FTS ballots, which will be fed to the VCMs. The ballots shall also be manually counted and verified by the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs).

The VCMs will be disconnected from the power cable with the election paraphernalia and shall be sealed and be opened only until May 9.

Meanwhile, Atty. Mendoza said that around 80-85% of the number of VCMs to be used in the forthcoming elections have already been transported here at the provincial hub. They are in close coordination with the members of Provincial Joint Security Coordinating Center (PJSCC), particularly with the Western Command and Provincial PPO, so as to secure the transport of VCMs from the provincial hub to the municipal hub down to the specified polling precincts.

“Mas naka-focus talaga kami ngayon sa security and order ng lahat ng preparations for the election,” Mendoza said.

The Comelec also mandated a Refresher Course to all BEIs this week to focus on the printing feature of the VCMs and to review all the processes to ensure a smooth flow of elections in the 1,007 precincts of the province of Palawan.

PCCI seeking trade route for Negros-Palawan-Brunei

(Visayan Daily Star)

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the country's largest business organization, yesterday said that Edward Du, head of delegation and president of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has reported that a maiden voyage is being prepared to set sail this July opening the Negros-Palawan-Labuan-Brunei trade corridor.

PCCI president George Barcelon said this will be a temporary alternative to the barter trade in the Mindanao-Sabah area, which was halted after Malaysian and Indonesian nationals were taken by a kidnap-for-ransom gang.

The preparations were being made by businessmen in the maritime ports knowing the high social and economic benefits to NEPALABRU communities when commercial goods, tourism products and ideas cross borders, create more jobs, and disperse incomes to the population, Barcelon said.

The PCCI-organized delegation that visited Labuan and Brunei in early April reported that their counterparts were eager to reactivate business councils to serve commercial and economic relations in cooperation with government ministries.

These were the Philippines-Brunei Business Council and the Philippines-Malaysia Business Council.

The delegation reported also that Brunei and Labuan ministries expressed cooperation in helping Philippine halal food products break into the global market.

It also recommended a review of and House Bill 634& and Senate Bill 2831 (Halal Export Development Act).

This was to ensure the global market acceptability of Philippine halal food products.

SME forums and technical trainings, workshops and seminars on halal certification were recommended to increase understanding and capabilities of local SMEs.

Briefing the PCCI board on April 19, the delegation said that its members formed alliances among tourism and travel operators in Malaysia and Brunei.

The delegation recommended a review of Senate Bill 1422 (An Act Creating a Special Economic Zone and Freeport in Brooke's Point, Palawan).

Palawan undergoes evaluation for 2016 Seal of Good Local Governance

(PNA), RMA/CARF/PJN

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY (PNA) -- The provincial government of Palawan underwent a compendious document review, as well as complete inspection, assessment and evaluation for the coveted Seal of Good Local Governance Award of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The assessment was held at the Administrator’s Conference Room, Capitol Compound, according Tuesday to Atty. Gil Acosta Jr., the provincial information officer.

It was conducted by the Regional Assessment Team led by DILG-MIMAROPA R4-B Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Karl Caesar R. Rimando together with the representative of the Civil Society Organization, Rolando C. Olano; and two DILG Personnel, Cynthia Noveno and Kayla Panganiban.

Acosta said that during the process of assessment, Rimando reminded provincial government officials on the need to zero in on good financial housekeeping, business competitiveness, environmental management, and peace and order.

The provincial government’s performance was evaluated in accordance with the indicators used as benchmarks by the DILG to qualify a local government unit (LGU) based on Financial Administration, Disaster Preparedness, Peace and Order, Environment Management, Social Protection, and Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness.

Department heads of the provincial government administration headed by Provincial Administrator Atty. Joshua Bolusa were present.

Armed with the requisite documents in compliance with the assessment process department heads/focal persons of each department answered the concerns and clarifications raised by the assessment team dwelling on the multi-faceted operations and activities of the Provincial Government of Palawan.

In compliance to the indicators, the DILG team also checked the posting of Full Disclosure Policy in three conspicuous areas of the Provincial Capitol Complex, where financial reports are posted.

Other facilities inspected includes the Material Recovery Facility for proper waste management segregation and the standard Comfort Rooms equipped with instruments for convenient use of Persons with Disabilities(PWD).

Shifting their focus on Disaster preparedness, the Assessment Team visited and checked all Palawan Rescue 165 Disaster Management Offices strategically located at the Provincial Capitol Compound, another one in the Poblacion area of the municipality of Brooke’s Point in southern Palawan, as well as the one situated in the municipality of Aborlan adjacent to the municipal hall building.

The DILG Assessment Team also visited the provincial hospital in Southern Palawan located in Brooke’s Point. The Team likewise checked the Disaster Preparedness warning signs of the identified bridges in flood-prone areas, particularly the Mainit Bridge in Brooke’s Point and Malatgao Bridge in Narra, Palawan.

As a result of the assessment made by the DILG Team, ARD Rimando identified some areas that need substantive compliance.

He reminded the concerned agency of the provincial government to comply with the identified deficiencies on or before April 20 to qualify for another round of evaluation to be conducted by another team from the DILG.

The Province of Palawan was a recipient of the 2015 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Award conferred by the DILG and was also handed over a Performance Challenge Fund worth PHP7-million.

Bolusa said: “We have high hopes that the province of Palawan will once again bag the same award this year.”

Further, he requested the full cooperation of the entire workforce of the provincial government, particularly those offices lacking compliance to the requirements prescribed by the national statutes and the standards set by the DILG.

DOH-Mimaropa grantees passes midwife licensure exam

(PNA), FFC/PR/EBP

MANILA, April 25 (PNA) -- Department of Health (DOH)–MIMAROPA (Oriental/Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) extended its commendation to the 20 grantees by passing the 2016 Midwife Licensure Examination taken on April 19, 2016.

“These licensed midwives will ensure access of basic health services most especially in disadvantaged and underserved community where they are assigned,” Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo said.

“Their role in health assessment, monitoring and evaluating the status of a patient is vital in the facilitation of proper diagnosis for the rural physician in addition to their effective competency in health promotion, health education and advocacy which provides beneficial information to the community,” he added.

DOH-MIMAROPA provided a Midwifery Review and Licensure and Board Examination Grant Program with the objective of increasing the number of licensed Midwives in the region. The midwives will serve to increase the number of deliveries and pre-natal checkups of pregnant women, assist in the management of pregnancies with special needs and care, help in the attainment of health programs most especially in promotion and rehabilitative efforts.

According to Janairo, the grant applies to residents of MIMAROPA only, he/she must be a graduate of Midwifery course, must be from the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area (GIDA) or IP Community, and/or preferably an IP under board Midwife. The Provincial DOH Offices shall screen and recommend grantees to the regional office.

“Selected grantees will be provided review and examination fee, lodging and also allowance during the duration of the review and examination,” Janairo said.

Grantees are expected to render free service in MIMAROPA provinces for the first two months and will receive stipend for the next four succeeding months under Human Resource Augmentation Program (HRAP) or Rural Health Midwife Program (RHMPP) after passing the board examination.

According to the Professional Regulatory Commission, a total of 2145 took the Midwifery Board Examination last April 17-18, 2016 with 1,055 successful board passers. Out of the 30 regional grantees, 67 percent or 20 passed the government exam.

“The successful midwives will be given skills development in labor and pregnancy and capacity training to a government or DOH retained hospital before they will be deployed in their own area,” Janairo said.

DTI sues 6 establishments in Palawan for violation of products standard law

(PNA), BNB/CARF/JMU/PJN

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, April 24 (PNA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has charged six establishments for violating the “Product Standard Law.”

DTI-Palawan Provincial Director Rosenda Fortunado said Friday that the six establishments were discovered to be selling products without the PS/ICC or Product Standard/Import Commodity Clearance stickers.

Fortunado said that all throughout the year, their monitoring is active on stores selling products that must have the said stickers to ensure the safety of the buyers, and to assure that what they are buying are of quality.

In 2015, the DTI was able to monitor 143 stores, and of the figure, 25 were issued notices of violation and sued for violation of the Price Tag Law, Repair Shop Accreditation Law and Product Standard Law.

She said some of the products they were able to monitor that did not pass the product standard are television sets, DVD/VCD players, electrical plugs, receptacles, ballast, electrical extension cords and sanitary wares.

Fortunado said these products are dangerous without the PS/ICC stickers, and residents should be vigilant in checking if the ones they are being can be safe for them and their families.

She also called on the buyers to report stores that do not sell products with PS/ICC stickers to also protect themselves from any possible incident brought by unsafe items.

Palawan government pushes electrification of off-grid areas

(PNA), LAP/CARF/PJN

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY (PNA) -- The Palawan government remains hopeful that island barangays which belong to the “off-grid areas” will have electricity soon under the Village Electrification Program (VEP).

Provincial Information Officer Atty. Gil Acosta Jr. said the VEP, a project among the National Power Corporation (NPC), the Palawan Electric Cooperative (PALECO), and the Palawan government, have now been initially implemented in eight communities that are off the power grid.

These are barangays Tara in Coron; Casian, Biton and Paly in Taytay town; Nangalao in Linapacan municipality; Concepcion in Agutaya; and Bancalaan 1 & 2 in Balabac.

The VEP is under the provincial government of Palawan’s Energy Development Program (EDP).

Acosta said that the NPC will take charge of providing the generator sets that have the capacity to supply 80 kilowatts base load per unit.

The only thing important, he said, is that the local government unit (LGU) should guarantee that around 40% of the production of the plant will be consumed as minimum base load, and to prevent the destruction of the generator sets.

The distribution of power, on the other hand, will be the responsibility of the PALECO, including the collection of payments from consumers.

The provincial government will put up the powerhouses, where the generator sets will be set up, including the power lines and other required facilities.

With the development of the VEP, the provincial government is hopeful that more off-grid areas will be provided by power in the next months.

The VEP was a concept from the provincial government’s Palawan Island Power Development Plan (PIPDP) that was crafted by the Joint Energy Advisory Group (JEDAG) created in August 2013.

Palawan gov’t receives PHP200 million from DOH for new hospitals

(PNA), LAP/CARF/PJN

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, April 22 (PNA) -- The provincial government of Palawan has received the PHP200-million fund from the Department of Health (DOH) that will be used to build new hospitals under the Infrastructure Development Program (IDP).

Engineer Saylito Purisima, head of the IDP, said the provincial government is now directly communicating with different suppliers of hospital equipment for the new hospitals that will soon be completed.

One of these is the new municipal hospital in Aborlan town in southern Palawan.

He said Governor Jose Alvarez’s administration goal is to look for a supplier that can provide hospital equipment with high quality but fair prices to ensure that many hospitals can be equipped as the fund is rather limited.

Based on benchmarks by the DOH, the hospital equipment to be purchased should be placed in 18 units of the hospital including Administrative, Dietary, Operating Room, Emergency Room, Outpatient Department, Laboratory Room, Blood Station, Recovery Room, Delivery Room, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Labor Room, Nursing Unit or Ward, Central Sterilizing and Supply Room, Dental Clinic, Radiology Department, Intensive Care Unit, Respiratory Therapy Unit and Engineering/Maintenance.

Purisima added that once the equipment have been delivered to Palawan, they will be temporarily placed in existing hospitals so they can be immediately available for use of patients, and to also bridge the gap on the need for such in public hospitals.

He expects that in June, the Aborlan Medicare Hospital will already be opened to the public as it is right now 95 percent complete.

This year, six hospitals are expected to operate under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) of the DOH. Aside from the medicare hospital in Aborlan, the five others are Jose Rizal District Hospital, Coron District Hospital, Roxas Medicare Hospital, Narra Municipal Hospital and Quezon Municipal Hospital.

Purisima said that despite stiff competition with other provincial governments, Palawan was still able to clinch the support from the DOH due to its commitment to bring accessible health care to the Palaweños.

Narra town intensifies ‘garbage in, garbage out’ policy

By Jayra Joyce Taboada

The Municipal Government of Narra has intensified its campaign on garbage reduction by strictly implementing its ‘garbage in, garbage out’ policy under Municipal Ordinance number 307-2008, a local law which sets guidelines for the implementation of Integrated Solid Waste Management Program.

The ordinance directs all visitors and residents to carry their garbage with them when they leave tourist destinations. Posters have been installed at prime tourist destinations, such as the Estrella Falls, for informing the public.

Municipal Tourism Officer Sherwin Corpuz explained that the ordinance rose from their observation of unregulated and improper garbage disposal in the town, particularly in some resorts. During the last Holy Week celebrations, they noticed that visitors kept throwing garbage indiscriminately, including in the premises of Estrella Falls, a prime tourist destination of Narra.

The group called ‘Task Force Disiplina’, together with Narra Police and Barangay Peace and Order officers, were tasked to strictly implement the policy. This has resulted to the apprehension of several individuals and the imposition of fines of P500 (first time offender), P1,500 (second time offender), and P2,500 (third time offender).

Fines shall be imposed to parents or guardians of violators below 18 years old.

Failure to pay the fine will require the parent or guardian to render community service.

The local government of Narra appeals to residents and tourists to observe proper garbage disposal.

Palawan commemorates 71st Liberation Day

(PNA), RMA/CARF/PJN

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, April 20 (PNA) -- The province of Palawan will mark its 71st Liberation Day anniversary celebration on the April 22 at the historical and former Japanese garrison “Plaza Cuartel” here.

The one-day event will kick off with a Civic-Military Parade traversing the main thoroughfares of the city.

The provincial and city governments are expected to grace the event as well as invited guests from the concerned national government agencies, said Atty. Gil Acosta of the Palawan Provincial Information Office.

“One of the highlights of the celebration is the honoring of World War II heroes, who fought valiantly and gallantly in liberating the province from the hands of the Japanese Imperial Army,” he said.

Subsequently, a Wreath Laying Ceremony and Unveiling of the Marker would be held at the Plaza Cuartel, a historic place, where over a hundred American soldiers were kept in a tunnel and burned alive by the Japanese Army at the height of the WWII.

The Plaza Cuartel is one of the historical landmarks in the city that will soon comprise the city tour circuit dubbed “Heritage Walk,” showcasing the traces and influences of the bygone era of the Spaniards, Americans and Japanese colonizers, who set foot on local shores.

This year’s commemoration marks the second straight year wherein the city and the provincial governments prepare a full and fitting celebration of the Palawan Liberation Day aptly titled: A Salute to Valor.

The event will be spearheaded jointly by the Department of Tourism, the Provincial Government of Palawan, the City Government of Puerto Princesa, Palawan Tourism Council in cooperation with a private entity- Rajah Travel Corporation, Palawan Chamber of Commerce, and the enabling support of the United States Agency for International Development – Advancing Philippine Competitiveness or USAID-COMPETE.

CSC issues early invitation for career service application in Palawan

By Jesus M. Ustares [(PNA), RMA/CARF/JMU/RCG]

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, April 19 (PNA) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is inviting career service hopefuls this early to prepare their applications for submission when they open acceptance on May 9.

Nel Sherwin Carnetes, Director II of the Civil Service Commission Field Office-Palawan said Monday that they would start accepting applications for career service aspirants on the said date in May until Sept. 1 for the Oct. 23 examination.

Carnetes advised that this early, applicants should already prepare their documents, including four pieces of picture-size passport IDs with name and white background, two valid IDs or birth certificate.

The field officer said they expect around 4,000 applicants as their number goes high annually.

The only thing sad, Carnetes said, was that the number of applicants who passed were below expectation.

In 2015, Carnetes explained that 2,830 career service applicants took the examination for professional but only 293 or 10.36 percent passed. For sub-professional, 950 applied but only 97 or 10.21 percent passed.

“We advise applicants to prepare as early as now for the exam so they will pass,” said Carnetes.

Catholic Church in Puerto Princesa adopts CBCP’s “Oratio Imperata”

By Catherine Santos

The Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa will issue a directive to other churches to do “Oratio Imperata” or obligatory prayer for rain due to worsening effect of El Niño Phenomenon to agriculture not only in the city but in various municipalities of Palawan.

This after the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has released “oratio imperata” among Catholic churches in the country yesterday.

Bishop Pedro D. Arigo explained that this ‘oratio imperata’ is an order or mandated prayer in times of emergency, calamity or urgent needs.

“Prayer is powerful. It can move mountain ika ‘nga. Kaya in-adopt natin agad,” Arigo said.

He however clarified that although prayer is powerful, we still have to strive to avert its impact to people particularly the livelihood. “Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa,” he added.

Arigo said that people should stop abusing and exploiting the environment because “if we become unfriendly to nature, she will also become unfriendly to us.”

As of press time, they are preparing the “oratio imperata” to be issued in all churches in Puerto Princesa and Southern Palawan and expected to be recited among Catholics starting Sunday, April 17 before the holy mass ends.

Recent report of the Provincial Agriculture Office around 3, 585 farmers in Palawan who are affected by the drought brought about by the El Niño Phenomenon. This figure will definitely increase once reports from other municipalities are submitted to the Provincial Agriculture Office.

In terms of area, 5, 398 hectares of rice field and other crops in the whole province affected by the drought with an approximate value of P310, 071, 786.90.

Other municipalities affected by El Niño are: Quezon with 882 hectares of rain-fed rice fields, 22 hectares of cornfields and 59 hectares of fruits and vegetable areas; Bataraza with 823 hectares of both irrigated and rain-fed rice fields; Roxas with 609 hectares and; Brooke’s Point with 428 hectares.

Apart from the impact of El Niño to agriculture, the water supply problem in the city is escalating as the Irawan reservoir is already dried up.

The move of the Catholic Church to issue “oratio imperata” is good news to the management of the Puerto Princesa City Water District.

“Sa panahon ngayon, kailangang kailangan natin ng dasal. Hindi lang ako nagpapasalamat sa mga Katoliko, kundi sa lahat ng mga nagdadasal ng ulan,” said Water District General Manager Antonio Jesus R. Romasanta.

City Vet intensifies campaign against rabies

By RAYMART SERATUBIAS

The City Veterinary Office of Puerto Princesa is intensifying its campaign against rabies considering that during this period or time of the year animals are in the breeding season and the likelihood to bite people is very high.

According to Dr. Jan Escalona of the City Veterinary Office, animals are in mating season and they usually roam to look for partners. Also during this period the children are off from school and so they are exposed to the risk of being bitten by animals with rabies.

“Marami ang asong pagala- gala ngayon. Ganun din ang mga bata na naglalaro kung saan –saan.kaya tumataas ang insidente ng animal bite ay dahil sa mga bata na mahilig maglaro kung saan-saan lalo na at bakasyon ngayon wala sila sa school kaya nangyayari ito,” Dr. Escalona said.

Escalona warned the people not to be complacent because rabies is deadly. He likewise reminded the pet owner to be responsible by having their pets injected with anti-rabies vaccine.

Recently the City Veterinary Office conduct a house-to-house vaccination of animals in Brgy. Inagawan in line with the on-going Balikatan Exercises.

“Nagbabahay-bahay tayo para mabakunahan ang mga alaga nilang hayop at upang mabawasan ang kaso ng rabies,” said City Veterinarian Dr. Indira Santiago.

El Nido Resorts welcomes Prince Albert II of Monaco

(Inquirer Lifestyle)

His Serene Highness Sovereign Prince Albert II of Monaco was a recent visitor to El Nido Resorts in Palawan.

The keen advocate for the environment visited the country upon the invitation of President Benigno Aquino III and is particularly interested in marine conservation.

In 2006, the Prince created a Monaco-based charity named Prince Albert II Foundation, which focuses on environmental protection and sustainable development. The foundation has made sizable donations to environmental projects.

Prince Albert II flew to El Nido, Palawan and was a guest at Pangulasian Island.

With him were Philippine Ambassador to France Tess Lazaro; Fortune Ledesma, Consul of Monaco to the Philippines; Patricia Zobel de Ayala, Consul of the Philippines to Monaco; Fernando Zobel De Ayala, Ayala President and COO; World Wildlife Fund Director Vince Perez; Robert Calcagno, President of the Oceanography Museum of Monaco; El Nido Resorts Sales and Marketing Director Joey Bernardino; and RJ Ledesma. An intimate dinner was hosted in the island.

El Nido Resorts has won a number of global awards for its efforts in sustainable tourism in the Philippines. It has long been recognized for its high guest satisfaction rate and commitment to the environment.

Read more: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/226892/el-nido-resorts-welcomes-prince-albert-ii-of-monaco#ixzz464712kgQ Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

UNESCO spearheads workshop for the nomination of new World Heritage Sites

By Chris Dela Cruz

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is equipping participants through a workshop on the criteria to qualify a place or structure to become a World Heritage Site.

The Philippine National Commission for UNESCO is currently doing a review of the Philippines’ candidate properties/sites for possible inscription to the UNESCO World Heritage List, also referred to as the Tentative List.

A Tentative List for the Philippines was first submitted in 1993 and a revised/updated list was submitted to the World Heritage Centre in 2005. Since then, none of the 28 properties appearing on the 2005 list has moved in terms of the systematic preparation and submission of nomination dossiers. Hence, the Philippines has gained the reputation at the World Heritage Centre as having the longest Tentative List for World Heritage designation. (http://www.unesco.gov.ph/)

In Palawan, the sites included in the list are: El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area, Mount Mantalingahan Protected Landscape and Coron Island Natural Biotic Area and Tabon Cave in the town of Quezon, Palawan.

Palawan has two UNESCO inscribed World Heritage Sites- Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

The workshop is being attended by site managers and staff, UNESCO Philippines Secretary General Dr. Virgina Miralao, UNESCO Vice-Chairman Prof. Eric Zerrudo, Chairman of Cultural Committee Archt. Michael Manalo, and Science Committee Chairman Dr. Rey Vergara.

According to Prof. Eric Zerrudo, many local government units have been aiming to include their areas potential to become a World Heritage Site yet the process is very tedious and may take a longer time to be considered.

An African adventure in Palawan

By Iñigo S. Roces

Fortunes are won and lost in the fiercely competitive Pickup-based Passenger Vehicle (PPV) or 7-seater SUV segment, only serving to highlight the importance of these models in their respective brands’ lineups. Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) is well aware of this fact, and as such, spares no expense in improving and showcasing the many abilities of its Mu-X SUV.m1

Just recently, IPC flew select members of the media to the picturesque isle of Busuanga in Palawan. And while any journey here typically entails an itinerary of rest and relaxation, it would be no simple feat for the SUVs we would be driving.

Thanks to the growing popularity of the region among tourists, it is already seeing some infrastructure development in the form of more regular flights, ferries and more roads. Yet that improvement is still in progress as, upon arrival, our itinerary entailed driving through roads that had yet to be paved.

We were hardly phased as our modes of transport were 3.0-liter VGS Mu-X in both 4×2 and 4×4 trims. Upon arrival at the Busuanga airport, a row of SUVs were already lying in wait, ready to take on 4 passengers each and their luggage for the three-day sojourn.m2

The paved road to the airport quickly gave way to gravel. Thankfully, the Mu-X’s reputed magic carpet ride hadn’t changed, returning nothing but comfort and confidence, in spite of the loose and rocky surface under the tires. Grip was surprisingly abundant, and power immediate upon command, allowing us to effortlessly scale steep inclines along the way. The manual mode of the five-speed automatic made descents easy too, allowing us to shift to a lower gear and coast down without need of the brakes.

Inside, the cabin was a pleasant place to be, with my iPod easily hooked up to the in-car entertainment and much of the noise and heat outside suppressed by the cabin. Those behind will get an even better view, with a drop-down LCD screen for videos. Not that we needed it as there was great company too, with IPC’s president, Hajime Koso, who beamed with pride at how the Philippines has now overtaken Indonesia to become ASEAN’s No.2 Isuzu market, just behind Thailand.

Two hours certainly went by quickly, as we arrived at our first stop, Calauit Safari Park, hardly having ruffled any feathers. The wildlife sanctuary is home to giraffes, zebras and deer, a product of former President Ferdinand Marcos’s efforts to aid Kenya in adopting endangered animals back in the ’70s. Today, their descendants happily roam the park, with giraffe keen to eat some of the local foliage right out of your hands. The zebras and deer are not as tame, but will allow you to get relatively close. All of the animals are lovingly cared for by the knowledgeable staff at hand. They only wish more help would in the form of veterinarians and medicine to better care for animals when they are sick.

Other stops along the way included similar protected sanctuaries, like the Siete Pecados Reef, home to exotic blue coral and a diverse array of young fish. On another island was Kayangan lake, which involved a challenging hike, but rewarded with exceptional views and the clearest lake you will ever swim in.

And of course, at the end of the day, we rested our feet at the Bermuda-inspired Busuanga Bay Lodge, overlooking a cove of yachts, with a night sky that is just as arresting.

No matter how far each destination was, it was always a delight to hop back into the Mu-X and enjoy the unparalleled comfort of the ride, whether driving or driven. As good as it already is, it’s going to get even better, with the addition of Bluetooth screen mirroring, multi-touch gestures, and multi-tasking to the entertainment system. There are more safety systems too, with traction and stability control, hill descent and hill start assist, as well as cruise control coming to more trim models, particularly the 4x2s.

It certainly doesn’t take a safari-like adventure in Palawan to be see just what a Mu-X can do, but it’s certainly nice to know that the African Adventure is closer to home than most think.

DOT IV-B to commemorate 71st anniversary of Palawan Liberation

By Azer N. Parrocha [(PNA), RMA/ANP]

MANILA, April 13 (PNA) -- The Department of Tourism Region IV-B(DOT IV-B) will hold a special ceremony to commemorate the 71st Anniversary of the Liberation of the island of Palawan during World War II in Puerto Princesa next week.

The provincial government of Palawan, the city of government of Puerto Princesa, Puerto Princesa City Chamber of Commerce, the Palawan Tourism Council, USAID and Rajah Travel Corporation will join DOT-IV-B in the event.

The event, dubbed as “A Salute to Valor: Palawan Liberation,” will be held on April 21 to 23, 2016.

It is meant to honor the brave Filipino and American men and women who fought side-by-side to end the Japanese occupation in Palawan.

Among the highlights of the event are the unveiling of the historical marker in Plaza Cuartel and Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm; wreath laying ceremonies and recognition of Filipino and American war veterans during the gala dinner.

Over 100 American soldiers were killed at the Plaza Cuartel and 1,000 Filipino guerrillas took part in the events leading to this liberation.

DOT IV-B Regional Director Minerva Aldaba Morada expressed excitement over the staging of the event, noting that support from both the public and private sector was vital to raising tourism number.

“This very significant historical event will complement the promotion of Palawan’s outstanding biodiversity of marine life, flora and fauna, pristine islands and the tapestry of the unique culture of its people,” Morada said.

She further said that this would further allow the island to gain worldwide prominence in the international roster of unique attractions and destinations.

Morada said that while connectivity was still an issue in the region, the department continued to coordinate with airlines for additional flights and more arrivals via cruise tourism.

She earlier described cruise tourism as a “way forward” since it did not necessarily require tourists to stay in accommodations. She said that the region also intended to push more accommodations into receiving DOT-accreditation.

Region IV-B or the Mimaropa is composed of five provinces namely Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan.

HOTEL OF THE WEEK : Matinloc Resort in El Nido, Palawan

(As recommended by Agoda.com, In partnership with InterAksyon.com)

Matinloc Resort is a newly built resort composed of luxurious villas and a perfect found at Northern Palawan. The property is ideal for travelers who seek relaxation in this secluded and serene island with a breathtaking view of the sea, lush forest, and the massive limestone cliffs.

They have a reef that is home to different kinds of marine animals, corals, and a lot of other colorful fish varieties. This is where visitors can observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Aside from the 50 luxury villas and Specialty Suites, they also offer a clubhouse restaurant and infinity swimming pool.

Other activities also include kayaking, snorkeling and island hopping with great food and courteous guides who know the local areas by heart. To make sure that all is comfortable, Wi-Fi is available in each villa and suite including also their business center and library near in the restaurant.

Hotel’s site

Learn more about the new Matinloc Resort’s rates on this site

Location, easiest way to get there

Address: Matinloc Resort, El Nido Palawan, Philippines

Taking a direct flight from Manila to El Nido are definitely the fastest and most direct way to get to El Nido. Charter company Air Swift offers daily flights from Manila to El Nido as well as Cebu to El Nido. Travel time is around 55 minutes on a 50-seater aircraft. It lands directly at Lio Airport located four kilometers from El Nido town.

From Lio Airport, you can take a 20-minutes tricycle ride going to El Nido town or you can also book your complimentary van service at Matinloc Resort.

Land travel from Puerto Princesa City to El Nido is the second way to reach El Nido. Puerto Princesa Airport receives regular flights from Manila, Cebu via Cebu Pacific, PAL Express or AirAsia and other local carries.

From Puerto Princesa City, five (5) hours approximately via private van or public van to get to El Nido.

From El Nido, town, Matinloc Resort has four daily boat schedules at 8 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:30am and 05:00pm for those arrival guests, and 05:30am, 9:30 a.m., and 1 p.m. for departure guests from Matinloc Resort to El Nido. Net, proceed to El Nido Beach Hotel in town at least 20 minutes prior to your boat schedule time.

The boat transfer may change depending on the confirmed arrival and departure of the guests. In case of NO arrival and departure, boat schedule/s may be cancelled. It is always advisable to e-mail your preferred boat transfer to the property a few days before your stay dates.

What makes this hotel stand out

Matinloc Resort stands out because of the privacy that it offers coupled with exquisite location of the room classification whether it’s a forest view, sea view or both. Travelers will be amazed as they wander into the intricate beauty of how each room was designed.

Another feature that makes Matinloc Resort stand out is the warm Filipino hospitality that each staff member extends. The warm gestures are beyond typical marketing spiels that will make everyone feel like they have nothing to worry about while on holiday.

Ongoing Promotion Heading to Palawan this summer? Get the best rates by clicking here now!

What guests are saying

As of April 2016 Matinloc Resort enjoys an “Excellent 8.5” rating

“My family and I enjoyed our stay very much, mostly because of the staff – they are all very courteous, friendly and accommodating. I love the beach villa! I love how clean the rooms and bathrooms are.” —Filipina traveler, March 2016

Palawan communities back closed season for species used in danggit

(Business World Online)

FISHING communities in the Calamian group northeast of Palawan Island have expressed their support for a closed fishing season to allow periods of recovery for rabbitfish, a species in demand from the danggit dried salted fish industry, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said in a statement.

The consensus-building exercise forms part of a program for community-based Fisheries Improvement Plans (FIPs) funded by the government of Italy and formulated with FAO assistance.

“Fisherfolk communities in Palawan are demonstrating their strong commitment to addressing the impacts of overfishing and marine habitat loss, which directly affect their livelihoods,” the FAO’s representative in the Philippines Jose Luis Fernandez said in the statement. “From the onset, they were actively involved in the development of FIPs and in identifying practical strategies that they are willing to adopt.”

Rabbitfish demand has been growing over the past decade for use in foods such as danggit and lamayo (marinated fish), yielding prices of as much as P400 per kilo, the FAO said.

“Owing to its early maturity and spawning age, the species has so far withstood adverse conditions but is now at the risk of reaching critical point. Fishers have reported declining yields that affect the entire value chain,” it said.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council will prepare a calendar for the closed season and a local ordinance will regulate the catch, it said.

ALS exam set in April

By Catherine Santos

After its postponement in October last year, the Department of Education in Puerto Princesa City has finally confirmed that on April 16-17, 2016, the national examination for Alternative Learning System will be held in different locations in Puerto Princesa City.

City DepEd District III ALS Coordinator James Villon said that 138 out-of-school youth and adults are scheduled to take the Accreditation and Equivalency Test and 1,049 for high school.

“If they pass the exam, they will have two choices- to pursue Grade 11 or Senior High School thru K to 12 program of the government or take technical courses with TESDA,” Villon said.

According to DepEd, the Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency (ALS A&E) Test, formerly known as the Non-formal Education A&E Test, is a paper and pencil test designed to measure the competencies of those who have neither attended nor finished elementary or secondary education in the formal school system.

Passers of the A&E Test are given a certificate/diploma, bearing the Department of Education (DepEd) seal and the signature of the Secretary, certifying their competencies as comparable graduates of the formal school system. Passers are qualified to enroll in secondary and post-secondary schools.

The main venue of the exam is the Palawan National School while special centers are City Jail, Iwahig and Pag-Asa Youth Rehabilitation Center at Bgy. Mangingisda.

There are 1,293 students in the city enrolled in ALS and 1,500 students are taking the “Abot-Alam”, a special program under the ALS Program. The students in the “Abot-Alam” are between 15-30 years old.

BK 16 in Palawan donates 21 storybooks to Wescom Elementary School

By Grace Ann N. Belostrino [(PNA), LAP/CARF/GANB/RSM]

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, April 8 (PNA) -- The Wescom Elementary School (WES) inside the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) compound in this city received 21 storybooks Thursday from the RP-US joint shoulder-to-shoulder Balikatan Exercise or BK 16.

The donation of the books, which are for grades 1-6, was made following the kick off ceremony of BK 16 in Palawan.

Major Joey George said the donation is part of the BK 16’s desire to get children back to reading instead of playing video, mobile application, and other online games.

Children today, he said, are no longer interested to read either because of having smart phones, where they can play online games, and having no book at all to read in school.

George added reading books should never be neglected by children, especially if they are in school as it can widen their perspectives and help them make a good future for themselves.

There are also modern developments to learn, and teachers are encouraged to open their students to what these are.

WES is not the only elementary school where books will be donated by BK 16, he added.

Balikatan is a yearly RP-US military bilateral training ballet centered on strengthening maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, and humanitarian assistance.

DOH donates computerized tomography scan machine to Palawan

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

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, April 8 (PNA) -- A brand new computerized tomography (CT) scan machine was recently donated by the Department of Health (DOH) to the Palawan government for the soon-to-be-opened Aborlan hospital in the southern part of the province.

Engineer Saylito Purisima, chief of the Infrastructure Division and OIC of the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), said Thursday that the donation was the result of Governor Jose Alvarez’ meeting with the DOH to discuss the donation of the CT scan machine for the Aborlan hospital that will soon open in southern Palawan.

The CT Scan Machine SCT 6800 TX Single Slice can be used for free by members of indigenous communities.

For non-members, the charge for use will be lowered than those in big hospitals in Puerto Princesa, he said.

Purisima added that CT scan machine arrived via cargo in Puerto Princesa on April 6. Formal turnover however, will still be scheduled.

The new medicare hospital in Aborlan is situated in a 1.5 hectare property in Barangay Magsaysay with a 50-bed capacity.

Costing around PHP50-million to construct, it is part of the 15 hospital construction projects of the provincial government all over Palawan under the administration of Alvarez.

RP-US starts joint community efforts under BK 16 in Palawan

By Grace Ann N. Belostrino [(PNA), FFC/CARF/GANB/EDS]

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, April 7 (PNA) -- Joint “shoulder-to-shoulder” community efforts under the RP-US Balikatan 2016 (BK 16) kicked off in this city Thursday morning with a book donation, and reading and teaching English at the Wescom Elementary School (WES) inside the Western Command Compound in Barangay San Manuel.

Captain Cherryl Tindog, public information officer of the WESCOM, said joint community services between RP-US soldiers actually started April 4 and will end April 15.

Since April 4, RP-US soldiers participating in BK 16 in this city have already started preliminary work in five different school sites and have engaged in community medical projects that Tindog said have led to information exchanges.

The book distribution will be followed by a First Aid Disaster Response, Sanitation, Hygiene Nutrition and Community Health Education Training on April 11 in barangays Inagawan, Mangingisda, Luzviminda, Kamuning and Inagawan-Sub in Puerto Princesa.

There will also be a three-day Tactical Combat and Casualty Care Training at the Marquez Hall, 570th Antonio Bautista Air Base and the Western Command. The exact date for this was not disclosed.

Other cooperative community projects and field activities will be held too, in barangays Bacungan, Napsan, Simpocan, Cabayugan, Marufinas, and New Panggangan.

RP-US armed forces began the 32nd iteration of the BK 16 on April 4 comprised of 5,000 American service members; 3,500 Filipino soldiers; and around 80 Australian Defense Force (ADF), according to Defense Press Operations Director Navy Capt. Jeff Davis in Washington in the website of the US Department of Defense.

He was quoted in saying that BK 16 “is the premier bilateral training exercise between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines.”

He added “that the major U.S. military participating units include the 3rd Marine Division, elements of the 3rd Marine Logistics Group and the 1st Marine Air Wing, the Army’s 25th Infantry Division and the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team.”

BK 16 is designed to escalate interoperability between the US and Filipino soldiers by way of joint military operations, and to strengthen ties between the two countries.

It focuses on three simultaneous events through a single scenario across the Philippine islands of Luzon, Palawan and Panay, he added.

This year’s Balikatan will center on the two countries’ soldiers participating on trainings on disaster relief, crisis response, and humanitarian civic action projects, including dental and veterinary services and engineering civic access.

Palawan government receives 6 units of Hino truck from Toyota

By Jesus M. Ustares [(PNA), LAP/CARF/JMU/EBP]

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, April 6 (PNA) -- Six units of Hino trucks were donated to the provincial government of Palawan by car company Toyota for the maintenance of its light and heavy equipment.

The donation of the truck units were led by Taichi Nagakubo, Hino Automotive Department Toyota Tsusho Corporation (HADTTC) supervisor.

Nagakubo said the trucks are specialized and can be used to maintain light and heavy equipment of the province as they are with repair tools.

The donation will speed up the implementation of projects since equipment that will suffer trouble can be repaired and fixed with the Hino truck units on standby.

Governor Jose Alvarez, who personally received the donation, said the truck units are necessary for the province to implement its infrastructure projects on time, and will ensure that the equipment will remain to be in mint use for a long time.

The common problem, he explained, among heavy equipment facilities, he recognized, is that when they suffer engine trouble, it is difficult for most repair facilities are in the motor pool or are in distant sites from project areas.

Climate Change Commission, Palawan gov’t conducts orientation on green growth planning project

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

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, April 5 (PNA) -- An orientation on “Basic Tools and Approaches for the Climate Resilient Green Growth Planning Project for Palawan” was started here Monday led by the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in close cooperation with the provincial government of Palawan.

The event, which is scheduled until April 6, is aimed at imparting to the participants certain methods on how to include in their local programs the strategies concerning climate change, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Ninfa Rubio said Monday.

The participants are composed of Municipal Planning and Development Officers, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officers and the Provincial Project Team.

Among the topics that will be discussed are Climate Resilient Green Growth Project and Green Growth Award, People’s Support Fund, Socio-Economic Development Analysis and Green Growth Impact, Industry Analysis and Green Growth Impact, Establishing Baselines for Natural Resource Assessment, Natural Resource Accounting for LGUs, and others.

In the Philippines, only the provinces of Palawan and Oriental Mindoro were chosen to become pilot areas for the implementation of the project, explained Rhoel Bernardo of the GGGI.

The town of San Vicente in northern Palawan was the first to undergo and implement the project in 2012, he said.

For the three years – 2015 to 2018 – feasibility studies are expected, as well as policies, from the municipal governments based on the strategies that they will learn.

The anticipated end-result is for them to be able to establish a climate resiliency plan in their municipalities and in the whole province.

Palawan gets P35.6-M fresh agri funding

By Madelaine B. Miraflor

The country’s largest province, Palawan, has received fresh agricultural funds from the government, a development that intends to support the farmers and fisheries who live in some municipalities within the Western Visayas region.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has turned over last week more than P35.6 million worth of agriculture and fisheries support to farmers and fisherfolks in two separate events held in Roxas City (North) and Narra town (South) both in Palawan.

A statement showed that it was Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala who led the turn over of various interventions to different farmers’ and fishermen’s organizations all over the island-province, which is known as a global tourist spot.

Close to 8,000 farmers and fisherfolks representing municipalities of Aborlan, Narra, Quezon, Rizal, Sofronio Española, Brookespoint, Bataraza, and Puerto Princesa City was present during the turnover of various agricultural goods into the region.

Among the items that were distributed by DA were 10 units of pump and engine; two units of 18 feet motorized Fiberglass boats cost; and 20 units of 5HP Marine Engines.

During his visit, Alcala also launched the Community Fish Landing Center (CFLC) in Antipuluhan, Narra, established under the Targeted Actions to Reduce Poverty and Generate Economic Transformation in the Fishery Sector (TARGET) Program of DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR).

The CFLC will serve as a hub for landing and trading of fish and other seafoods, as well as training center for fish processing, value adding, and conservation and protection of fisheries resources.

Palawan is the ‘last frontier’ of the Philippines and it’s one of the most beautiful places on Earth

By Ian Lloyd Neubauer

KNOWN as “The Last Frontier” of the Philippines, Palawan, a 400km-long island north of Borneo is the stuff adventure is made of with vast swathes of jungle, long empty beaches and some of the most awesome geological phenomena on the planet.

A two-hour drive from the sleepy capital Puerto Princesa is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a 8.2km-long underground canal and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — areas of outstanding beauty as judged in a global voting campaign.

About half the length of the cave can be explored in guided canoe trips that depart from nearby Sabang Beach.

From Sabang continue north to Port Barton, a tranquil cove named after a British colonel who surveyed the area in the 1940s.

The sand is like powder and the water is transparent and still as a lagoon. There’s nothing much to do here but sunbake and swim.

A day’s drive from Port Barton on rickety, windy roads is El Nido — the Nest — the beachfront town where Alex Garland wrote the seminal Asian travel novel The Beach.

El Nido is the jumping-off point for the Bacuit Archipelago, a series of interlinked coves and bays pockmarked with colossal rock formations called karsts that explode from the sea.

Yet the real treasure of Palawan is its people, a curious breed of religious greenies who are fluent in English and practically fall over one another to help travellers in need.

“They have a compassion for strangers that personally I find outstanding,” says Puerto Princessa Mayor Edward Hagedorn.

PCSD exec to DOE: Rush approval of renewable energy projects in Palawan

(PNA), LAP/CARF/KASF/PJN

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY (PNA) -- Palawan Governor Jose C. Alvarez appealed Thursday to the Department of Energy (DOE) to fast-track the approval of the applications for renewable energy (RE) projects in the province, and also to immediately cancel service contracts that are non-compliant to give other renewable companies the chance to apply.

Alvarez made his appeal known before the representative of the DOE-Energy Resource Development Bureau (ERDB), Assistant Director Ismael Ocampo, who was acknowledged to present about the “DOE Energy Program Prospects and Opportunities for Palawan” during the 223rd Regular Council Meeting of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD).

“To tell you very honestly, we are really discouraged on why the process of application and approval takes a very long time,” Alvarez, who is the PCSD chairman, said in dismay.

Alvarez advised Ocampo to examine the applications of the non-compliant companies, and if their performances are poor, in actual fact, to immediately cancel them.

“Examine them, and if they do not have good performances, cancel them,” the governor added.

Nelson Devanadera, PCSD Staff Executive Director, noted his observation that it takes three to five years from conducting a feasibility study up to the actual implementation of an RE project.

He added that the layers of bureaucracy have also been contributing to the delay. For instance, in Narra in southern Palawan, the municipal government had signed some two years ago a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with a hydropower company but no project has materialized to date.

He said this was lamented further by Narra Mayor Lucena D. Demaala, who is also the president of the League of Municipalities.

Alvarez pointed out the glaring irony that, while “the province [is] producing much of the energy material” to power up Luzon, it is also “the province that [is] very much deprived of energy.”

“That’s why my constituents, maybe, will not elect me anymore because power supply here is intermittent,” said the governor, who is seeking another term in May.

Alvarez expressed his desire, if possible, for the provincial government to intervene and act expeditiously on the heap of RE applications.

He suggested this might be possible if the DOE will “delegate some of its powers,” to the provincial government. Once they reach his office, he will approve the applications right away provided that they have doable feasibility studies and funding.

“If there’s a chance for the provincial government to assist or to help its own in order to fast-track the development of renewables for the province, and if there is a leeway in that law (RE Act of 2008), I would try to look for possible provision [permitting] the provincial government to intervene,” said the governor.

Alvarez, a business tycoon, also expressed fear that potential RE investors may get discouraged and back out due to he described as the lengthy process of application and approval with the DOE.

“Na-approve nga nawala naman ang appetite ng aming investors (They were approved, but our investors have already lost their appetites,” he commented on the lengthy approval process the RE investors have to endure.

On the other hand, Ocampo explained they are receiving up to a hundred applications, notably from companies eyeing to invest in mini-hydro and solar projects.

“Of course, we need to look into their financial and technical capabilities. If they do not have capitals, they might not be approved. And after we award the service contracts, yet they’re not doing anything, we can cancel,” Ocampo said.

Ocampo added he could not explain further on this matter given that it is not within his turf, but promised he will make Alvarez’s concern known to the appropriate bureau, the DOE-Renewable Energy Management Bureau.

As of January 31, 2016, Ocampo reported to the Council that there is a total of 15 awarded service contracts for hydroelectric power projects in Palawan.

If all becomes operational, they can generate a grand total of 142 megawatt; but he said none of these is compliant to date.

Meanwhile, he added the DOE also awarded five service contracts for solar projects in the province, and one for biomass.

Palawan Island Master Plan for Energy Development 2015-2035 shows that renewable energy, specifically hydropower is the cheapest source of power. Potential hydroelectric projects in Palawan have an estimated capacity of 182.47 megawatts, which can provide energy of up to 959 gigawatt-hours.

1,200 board feet illegally cut assorted lumber recovered in Southern Palawan

(PNA), LAP/CARF/KASF/PJN

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, April 1 (PNA) -- About 1,200 board feet of suspected illegally cut assorted lumber were recovered Thursday in the southern municipality of Bataraza in Palawan by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) Enforcement Team.

The assorted lumber were specifically recovered by the enforcement team at Sitio Unggong, Barangay Tagnato in the said municipality at around 1:30 a.m. of March 31, according to the PCSD Staff.

The PCSD Staff said investigation is now being conducted to determine the responsible individuals in the illegal act for the possible filing of criminal complaints.

The filing is the next due course for violation of Presidential Decree 705 or the Philippine Forestry Code, according to the team’s spot report.

The lumber will be brought to Puerto Princesa for proper disposition, the report added.

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