EXAMPLE OF ACCOMPLISHEMENT REPORT

Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff
Accomplishment Report
CY 2005
I. Background

Operating under the Office of the President, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development is the administrative machinery in the implementation of the Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan Act, as provided for by Republic Act 7611. This unique legislation has paved and catalyzed sustainable development initiatives in the Province of Palawan.

As the Council is mandated in the governance, implementation and policy direction of the SEP, the Staff on the other hand provides the professional and technical support for the tasks mandated to the Council.

Two major functions are being pursued in order to address the concerns of the SEP, namely: 1) policy formulation and 2) environmental monitoring including coordination, formulation and implementation of projects and special laws. In addition to its mandates under the SEP, the Council is tasked to implement the following laws in the province of Palawan: the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147), the National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act (RA 9072) and the Chainsaw Act (RA 9175). As such, PCSDS ensures that appropriate and timely measures were delivered and necessary policies called for to achieve the objectives of the SEP are implemented.

II. Highlights of Accomplishments


With renewed vigor, the Council and its Staff
coped with the challenges affecting the organization. Assessments and policy review initiatives were undertaken to ascertain that the organization is focused and attuned on the mandates and goals of the SEP.

In support to the PCSD, the staff provided the technical counterpart on the initiatives directed by the Council. Among others, PCSDS spearheaded effecting policy redirection by reviewing its current tasks to complement harmonization of functions among the agencies represented in the Council.

The Staff likewise re-strengthened partnership with the Local Government Units and other agencies working in the province. Corollary with strengthening LGU partnership, the District Management Offices of PCSDS were enhanced by fielding additional staff and providing the appropriate logistics to intensify field activities.

Moreover, collaboration with partner institutions on sustainable development has taken ground as more collaborative endeavors are now being designed for implementation.

The Council has since instituted refocusing of its direction in support to the call of action vital in the President's Ten-Point Agenda. As the present leadership marked its first year in the organization, the following accomplishments were achieved through effective teamwork within the staff, the Council, the partner institutions as well as the stakeholders.

Significant Activities and Milestones

1. First Palawan Environmental and Economic Summit


The First Palawan Environmental and Economic Summit was conducted on January 27-29, 2005. The 3-day summit brought together the key leaders, decision-makers, planners, NGO's, and the private sector for a common goal of defining the road map of Palawan's development by balancing economics and environment. The vision of conducting the first ever environmental and economic summit in Palawan was made possible through the fund-sourcing initiatives of the Staff.

The primary objective of the summit is to come up with priority development concerns considering the opportunities as well as address issues and meet challenges ahead. With the SEP for Palawan Act as the primary pillar of all developmental efforts in the province, the summit served as venue to highlight sustainable development practices as well as a forum to share insights and lessons learned on collaborative efforts.

Priority development concerns identified were governance, partnership, capital formation and ecology/technology. In conclusion, the summit catalyzed and heightened commitment among the stakeholders thus forging and strengthening partnership towards workable developmental strategies.

2. State of Palawan's Environment

A proposal submitted by the Staff to UNESCO-Jakarta yielded positive response, thus UNESCO provided the fund for the publication of the book entitled "State of Palawan's Environment". The book was officially launched in January 2005 supported by the Provincial Government of Palawan. Considered another modest milestone for both PCSD and PCSDS, the book featured the findings of the studies and monitoring activities conducted by the Staff as part of the Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation System (EMES). It contains the present condition of the terrestrial, coastal and marine resources of the province. The publication of the book is a humble contribution of the PCSD to the national patrimony and a token for every Palaweño, young and old, to whom the book is dedicated.

3. PCSD Konek Launching

PCSD Konek 7007611 is a quick response campaign of PCSDS in partnership with SMART Communications Incorporated-Palawan. The concept of the project is to link PCSD and Staff to Palaweños through the short messaging system (SMS) more commonly known as "text". In support to the operation of the PCSD Konek, the Multi-Partite Quick Response Team (MQRT) was organized, composed of 17 member-agencies and organizations in Palawan. Information materials such as flyers and stickers were produced and distributed to convey to the target clientele the essence of the program. Since its launching, 220 reports to PCSD Konek have been acted upon.

4. SEP Celebration

On the 13th year anniversary of the SEP for Palawan Act on June 19, 2005, the weeklong celebration carried the theme "Sharing Responsibilities With Partner-Stakeholders".

The event was made possible with the outpouring of support from the Provincial Government, Local Government Units, other government agencies, NGO's and the private sector. Several activities were lined up to promote camaraderie and interaction among the officials of PCSD, the staff and guests.

The affair also served as venue for a reunion among those who had been part of the evolution of the SEP from the Integrated Environmental Program days of then PIADP and the present PCSDS. As signified in the theme of the occasion, the active participation of all stakeholders in the implementation of the SEP significantly contributed to the success of the event.

5. Launching of Ecology Desk Program

Signing of MOA with Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa for the Ecology Desk Program was simultaneous with the launching of the EDP. The program was made possible with the support of the Vicariate to heighten environmental awareness of the parishioners in working together towards attaining a healthy environment



A. Thrusts and Mandate

1. Policy Formulation

For 2005, eighteen (18) resolutions were passed and two (2) guidelines (Communal Forest and the Revised ECAN) were issued by PCSD. Upon passage of the policy, PCSDS undertakes proper coordination with concerned agencies to ensure proper course of action on the Council issuances.

Environmental policy studies to address various concerns were identified. These were conducted to provide the Council with thorough analysis of certain issues affecting the environmental state of Palawan. Among the major policy areas being reviewed and the recent status of each concern are as follows:

Live Fish. The Live Reef Fish for Food Industry (LRFFI) in Palawan has been a major concern of the Council and the Provincial Board of Palawan as the use of cyanide and overfishing were considered a threat to the industry. In particular, a model ordinance for live reef-fish for food industry in the province is being envisaged. This will include the guidelines on selective banning of livefish catching and consider the role of players in the industry. A full policy analysis of the live reef fish for food industry is targeted as tool to come up with policy options to cover the live fish industry in Palawan. The analysis on live fish is covered by the Fish Study conducted in collaboration with BFAR.

The output of the collaborative efforts poured to address the live fish concerns was a policy brief containing proposed options to sustain the industry. The document has been presented to the Council, the Provincial Board Committees on Agriculture and Fisheries, Environment and Tourism. A workshop was organized to solicit comments from key stakeholders and the scientific community for the refinement of the document.

Through the collective initiative of the FISH Project, the Provincial Government of Palawan, the City of Puerto Princesa, the League of Municipalities and PCSDS, the Policy Conference on Livefish and Its Nationwide Application was organized in March 2005 to arrive at a policy consensus to sustain the live food fish industry in Palawan.

Wildlife Act. In consonance with the Republic Act 9147, the guidelines for wildlife management in Palawan which covers the confiscation and disposition of illegally collected wildlife flora and fauna was passed. A Memorandum of Agreement between PCSD and DENR was drafted defining the respective responsibilities of PCSD and DENR in the implementation of wildlife registration. The procedural guidelines on wildlife registration was formulated to serve as guide in the implementation of the Wildlife Act in the province.

Caves Act. The implementing rules and regulations for the Caves Act as well as the permitting system for the edible bird's nest gathering has been issued as basis for management of caves in Palawan including the resources therein.

In consideration of the role of the LGU's as forerunner of development and conservation in their respective area of jurisdiction, the participation of the LGU in the implementation of the Caves Act concerning the collection of edible bird's nest will be forged through a MOA. Initially, the MOA with the LGU of El Nido and Taytay were signed.

As a result of the harmonization workshops conducted to complement the functions of each concerned agency in the implementation of RA 9147, an amendment to the PCSD Administrative Order Nos. 03-08-IRR of Caves Act and 03-08 A-Permitting Guidelines for the Collection of Edible Bird's Nest has been drafted.

Chainsaw Act. The initial implementation of the guidelines for the Chainsaw Act saw the need for refinement of the document, thus an amendatory guideline was prepared for consideration of the Council.

Tribal/Ancestral Zone. The Revised ECAN Guidelines for Tribal Ancestral Lands was reviewed and necessary amendments was presented to the Council.

On the other hand, the proposed MOA among NCIP, the LGUs and PCSDS defining and harmonizing the institutional mandates of each respective agency pertaining to the management of ancestral lands in Palawan is now ready for signing.

The PCSD reaffirms its position base on its mandate to declare tribal ancestral lands under ECAN prior to any processing of applications for CADT.

Mangrove . The implementing guidelines on the various aspect of mangrove management is in progress. Relevant laws, rules and regulations pertaining to mangrove disposition were compiled as input in the drafting of the document. The role of the LGU' s on the protection of mangrove and coastal areas within their respective jurisdiction was one of the consensus points raised during the harmonization workshop.

Due to alarming reports of massive mangrove tanbarking and cutting for fish pond development, the Council recently passed a resolution authorizing the PCSDS Executive Director to take immediate action to dismantle any structure obstructing the natural flow of tide and ensure the conservation and protection of mangroves.

Following direction of the Council, the staff immediately initiated the dismantling of illegal fishponds in the municipality of Roxas in coordination with the Multi-Sectoral Environmental Task Force. To date, 7 fishponds, 2 of which are operational were dismantled by the team.

Policy Compendium. The staff is currently working on the policy compendium which contains related policies of identified nine (9) key priority policy areas. The document is in its final stage of refinement prior to publication. The key priority policy areas included in the compendium are: mangrove, wildlife, Tribal Ancestral Zone, communal forest, sand and gravel, chainsaw, livefish, caves and cave resources and ecotourism.

Relative to the implementation of the SEP Clearance System, about 238 projects were issued with SEP Clearance from January to December 2005. PCSDS collected about P353,150.00 from fees on the project applications. These were appropriately deposited to the National Treasury.

The classification of projects issued with SEP Clearance is presented as follows:
Project Description January -December 2005
Chainsaw 1
Gravel and Sand 12
Cellsite/Relay Station 38
Gold Panning/Sluicing Permit 0
Major Infrastructure/Roads 18
Forestry Projects 0
Fishery Projects 123
Mining Projects 1
Gasoline Station 2
Resorts/SUP Bathing Establishment 21
Small Scale Mining 0
Poultry/Piggery 0
PLTP 0
Non Timber Forest Products 4
SIFMA 3
Other Projects 10
Research 5
Total 238
2. Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN)

The implementing mechanism of the SEP which provides for the graded system of protection and development control over the whole province of Palawan is the Environmentally Critical Areas Network.

While pursuing complementation of economic growth and conservation, ECAN serves as the main guideline for all development plans, programs and projects to be implemented in the province. Thus, big impact activities such as mining and other resource extractive projects will essentially base upon the landuse specified in the ECAN.

Mapping of the ECAN Zones of the 24 municipalities based on updated ECAN map using recent land cover information has been completed. Ground validation of the ECAN Zones of all municipalities completed except for Kalayaan which is targeted for 2006 while validation of Puerto Princesa is now in progress.

After consultation, the ECAN map is subjected to revision and refinement which involves documentation and integration of the coastal ECAN. Documentation process and integration of coastal ECAN has been completed in 21 municipalities. The process is on-going in 10 municipalities. Reconstitution of ECAN Board has been done in Coron, Busuanga, Culion, Linapacan, El Nido, Taytay and San Vicente.

Adoption of ECAN Map through LGU Resolution accomplished for Aborlan, Narra, Rizal, Bataraza, Brooke's Point, Quezon and Dumaran. Meanwhile, the integration of ECAN in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan is now in progress for the municipalities of Aborlan, Narra and Rizal. The final phase which is revision of the zoning ordinance is targeted to be accomplished by 2006.

Meanwhile. the GIS Unit has been identified as another revenue generating facility of PCSDS. The GIS Unit has been servicing mapping requirements of various clientele namely, the LGUs, NGOs and academe, among others. As of December 2005, the total collection for map production is P21,100.00 which has been remitted to the National Treasury.

3. ECAN-Coastal Resource Management

Considering that Palawan is an island province where people and economy largely depend on its coastal marine resources and environment, the ECAN-Coastal Resources Management (CRM) project is perceived to address the continuing problem on resource degradation and overexploitation.

The ECAN-CRM is the strategy wherein the communities are involved in the management of the resources in their respective localities. Moreover, this activity is pursued to support the poverty alleviation program of the national government by empowering the direct resource users to manage and be accountable to the environment.

PCSDS has conducted ECAN-CRM Forum in the municipalities of Quezon, San Vicente & Puerto Princesa City. Information education campaign has been done in 13 municipalities, specifically, Quezon, Bataraza, S. Espanola, Balabac, Rizal, Brooke's Point, San Vicente, Araceli, Dumaran, Aborlan , Narra, El Nido and Roxas. Meanwhile, detailed Participatory Coastal Resource Assessments was completed in Araceli, Dumaran, Balabac, Rizal, Brooke's Point, Aborlan, S. Espanola, Quezon,Bataraza, San Vicente, Narra, El Nido and Roxas.

As of December 2005, 20 ECAN-CRM Learning Centers as convergence of all other efforts by various stakeholders in the area were identified. Nine (9) ECAN-CRM Action Plans has been prepared by the concerned communities with the PCSDS CRM Team providing the technical inputs.

Meanwhile, activities related to Coastal Resource Management (CRM) in Calamianes are closely coordinated with Fisheries Improved for Sustainable Harvest (FISH) Project. A Memorandum of Agreement has been signed to effect the agreement between the PCSDS and FISH Project. For Puerto Princesa, CRM activities are integrated with the FRMP Project. The same partnership scheme shall be pursued with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and LGU for the implementation of CRM in the municipality of Cagayancillo.

2. Environmental Monitoring (coordination, formulation and implementation of plans, projects and programs)

a. Monitoring and Coordination

The findings of the coastal resource assessments and monitoring including the resource condition maps for mangrove, seagrass and corals in the Municipality of Quezon, Rizal and Roxas were presented to the officials of the concerned LGUs as input to the preparation of their water use plan. In addition, coastal resources monitoring in the Municipality of San Vicente was conducted as input for the inclusion of the municipality in the priority sites for ecotourism development.

The PCSDS Environmental Laboratory was established to evaluate the water quality status in the province. From January to December 2005, seven hundred ninety one (791) water samples and four (4) effluent samples were analyzed. Aside from water samples collected by PCSDS in its monitoring activities, the laboratory also provide services to other agencies, academe and students requiring water analysis and other testing parameters.

An environmental audit was undertaken at the Dos Palmas Resort to pilot test the questionnaires to be used for the Eco - Watch program which was launched in time for SEP Anniversary. The launching of the Beach Eco Watch Program commenced with a workshop in partnership with the City Government of Puerto Princesa, the Provincial Government of Palawan and the World Bank.

Another environmental audit was conducted at Coral Bay Nickel Corporation to verify the occurrence of skin lesion disease at Sitio Tagdalungon, barangay Rio Tuba in the Municipality of Bataraza where the CBNC is operating its hydrometallurgical processing plant.

PCSDS heads the monitoring team for Malampaya Natural Gas Project. Among the activities of the MMT is the quarterly monitoring at the Malampaya Shallow Water Platform wherein effluent samples were collected for analysis. Likewise, regular monitoring of the operations in the platform is undertaken to ensure compliance on the conditions stipulated in the ECC of the project.

PCSDS is also tasked to co-manage and supervise two other protected areas in the province, specifically, El Nido and Tubbataha. PCSDS has been actively involved in the management boards of both protected sites.

On the other hand, 39 Admin cases filed for violation of PCSD Admin Orders and SEP Clearance System have been filed in the PCSD Adjudication Board and 8 criminal cases for violation of Fisheries, Wildlife and Forestry Codes were filed in court.

b. Program Formulation

Investment profiles were formulated for the re-direction of PCSDS' activities in support to the President's Ten Point Agenda and packaging of projects for presentation to funding institutions was pursued to further complement the present initiatives of the organization.

The proposal for the First Palawan Environmental and Economic Summit was approved for funding by Pilipinas Shell, Inc. which paved the way for the organization of the first ever summit on environment and economic in Palawan. In addition, the publication of the State of Palawan's Environment was financed out of the grant provided by UNESCO-Jakarta in consideration of the proposal submitted by the Staff.

More project proposals were being packaged and submitted to prospective donors for consideration. The 20 hectares Isugod Mangrove Reforestation Project has commenced implementation under the auspices of DBP Forest Project.

The Information System and Integrated Database Project proposal was submitted to the Delegation of the European Commission for consideration under the theme of good governance of the EC Small Grants facility. The proposal for Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary was updated for re-submission to Conservation & Environment Grants of Ford Motor Company. Currently, the Beach Eco-Watch Program is being finalized for submission to World Bank funding.

A program proposal was packaged and submitted to the Office of the President in particular, the Sustainable Resource Management Program for Palawan with sub-projects on Coastal Resource Management Program for Southern Palawan and Goat Production Project.

The proposal on Center for GIS-Based Environment and Natural Resource Information System Management was submitted for funding consideration of JICA. A proposal on Palawan Integrated Conservation and Sustainable Resource Management Program Using ECAN was submitted to ADB. Meanwhile, the Concept Notes on GIS Mapping and IEC Support Activities for the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape Project was submitted to Conservation International. For UNDP, the proposal on Identification of Solutions Through Multi-stakeholders-Participation in Resolving Issues, Problems and Conflicts Concerning Resource Use in the Province of Palawan/Calauit was submitted for possible funding.

The concept proposal on Sustainable Management of Mineral Resource in the Province of Palawan was prepared for possible funding since mining concerns has been identified in the province.

c. Implementation of Special Project

i. ECAN Zoning Component-SEMP NP

PCSD is the implementing agency of the ECAN Zoning Component of the Sustainable Environmental Management Project for Northern Palawan (SEMP-NP).

The project covers the municipalities of Northern Palawan which is identified in the Medium-Term Development Plan as major tourism destination.

On its fifth year, the Component will focus on the completion of the ECAN Management Plan and the development of ecotourism projects in northern Palawan based on ECAN zoning. As of Dec. 2005, the project has pegged an overall accomplishment of 90.45%. Currently, the project is working on the reconstitution of Linapacan ECAN Board and validation of technical output for Puerto Princesa

ii. Northern Palawan Sustainable Development Project (NPSDP)

PCSDS is overseeing the implementation of the Northern Palawan Sustainable Development Program under the auspices of Pilipinas Shell Foundation Incorporated. The program covered 14 livelihood projects in different municipalities in Northern Palawan.

PCSDS has been providing technical and administrative assistance to the proponents in the implementation of the projects. Regular monitoring is conducted to look into issues and updates of the project implementation.

4. Management of Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary(CGPWS)

As highlighted in the 2004-2010 Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan, the tourism industry is one of the sectors that has the potential to boost the Philippine economy.

Along this context, the prime concern of the PCSD is the promotion of Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary as an ecotourism destination and the expansion of the sanctuary into a nature park of international standards showcasing its terrestrial and marine resources including its indigenous wildlife species.

Partnership scheme with private groups was considered to improve the limited facilities and services requiring substantial investment to enhance Calauit as a prime tourism product. Along this context, a MOA was signed between the project and Calamianes Association of Tourism Establishments (CATE) for the improvement of facilities and other structures provided by the association for the sanctuary. Initially, CATE has installed the entrance signage, constructed two viewing gazebo and rest rooms in the area. These were part of the efforts and resources pooled from the private sector to help out promote Calauit as ecotourism destination.

Meanwhile, total gate receipts and charges for the use of the truck within the sanctuary is 426,850.00. The total collection has been remitted to the National Treasury.

5. Palawan Sustainable Development Training Institute (PSDTI)

The Palawan Sustainable Development Training Institute, a facility funded by European Union under the Palawan Tropical Forestry Protection Programme was established to provide training programs and modules on sustainable development.

The Institute caters to the training requirements of the staff as well as other partner stakeholders. It has housed several trainings, seminars, conferences and meetings. The Institute is intended to be developed as the Center for capability building on resource management and sustainable development not only in the province but in the region as well.

The Council has approved the policy on user fees and charges for the training hall and the facilities of the Institute. Aside from serving the requirements of the staff, PSDTI is developed as another income-generating endeavor of PCSDS.

Prepared by;
Ralph Louise G. Soriano
Group 4