A.

The Rise of Local Identity

1. Palawan
is an archipelagic province of the Philippines that is located in the region of Mimaropa. It is the
largest province in the country in terms of total area of jurisdiction. Its capital is the city
of Puerto Princesa, but the city is governed independently from the province as a highly
urbanized city.

ORIGIN and BORDERS

 The islands of Palawan stretch between Mindoro in the northeast and Borneo in the
southwest. It lies between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. The province is named
after its largest island, Palawan Island (09°30′N 118°30′E), measuring 450 kilometers
(280 mi) long, and 50 kilometers (31 mi) widewide.

Prehistory
The early history of Palawan was determined by a team of researchers led by Dr. Robert
B. Fox. They found evidence in the Tabon Caves that humans have lived in Palawan for
more than 50,000 years. They also found human bone fragments, from an individual
known as Tabon Man, in the municipality of Quezon, as well as tools and other artifacts.
Two articulated phalanx bones of a tiger, besides another phalanx piece, were found
amidst an assemblage of other animal bones and stone tools in Ille Cave near the village
of New Ibajay. The other animal fossils were ascribed to macaques, deer, bearded pigs,
small mammals, lizards, snakes and turtles. From the stone tools, besides the evidence
for cuts on the bones, and the use of fire, it would appear that early humans had
accumulated the bones. Additionally, the condition of the tiger subfossils, dated to
approximately 12,000 to 9,000 years ago, differed from other fossils in the assemblage,
dated to the Upper Paleolithic. The tiger subfossils showed longitudinal fracture of
the cortical bone due to weathering, which suggests that they had post-mortem been
exposed to light and air. Tiger parts were commonly used
as amulets in South and Southeast Asia, so it may be that the tiger parts were imported
from elsewhere, as is the case with tiger canine teeth, which were found in Ambangan
sites dating to the 10th to 12th centuries in Butuan, Mindanao. On the other hand, the
proximity of Borneo and Palawan also makes it likely that the tiger had colonized Palawan
from Borneo before the Early Holocene.
Using the work of Von den Driesch, all chosen anatomical features of appendicular
elements' anatomical features which were chosen, besides molars, were measured to
distinguish between taxa that had close relationships, and see morphometric changes
over ages, though not for pigs or deer. For the latter
two, cranial and mandibular elements, besides teeth of deer from Ille Cave were
compared with samples of the Philippine brown deer (Cervus mariannus), Calamian hog
deer (Axis calamianensis), and Visayan spotted deer (Cervus alfredi), and thus two taxa of
deer have been identified from the fossils: Axis and Cervus. Remains of pigs were
compared with the Eurasian (Sus scrofa) and Palawanese wild boar (Sus ahoenobarbus). It is
known that the Eurasian wild boar was imported as a domesticate to the islands from
mainland Southeast Asia to the islands during the Terminal Holocene.

Pre-colonial period
Palawan is home to several indigenous groups. The oldest inhabitants are
the Palaw'an, Batak, Tagbanwa, and Tau't Bato who are from the interiors and highlands of
Palawan, as well as the Calamianes Islands. They traditionally practice
animist anito religions. Palawan's coastlines were also settled by later groups that are
now collectively known as "Palaweños". These groups are the Islamized Molbog people of
southern Palawan (possibly originally from Sabah), and
the Cuyonon and Agutaynon groups (from the nearby islands of Cuyo and Agutaya).
Palawan was mentioned as "Pulaoan" or "Polaoan" by Antonio Pigafetta in 1521
during Magellan's expedition. They called it "la terra de missione" ("the land of promise")
due to the fact that they were almost starving by the time they reached the island. The
local datu made peace with the expedition through a blood compact. The ships' crews
were welcomed to the island with rice cooked in bamboo tubes, rice wine, bananas,
pigs, goats, chickens, coconuts, sugarcane, and other supplies. Pigafetta described the
inhabitants as being farmers. Their primary weapons were blowguns with iron tips that
could both shoot thick wooden or bamboo darts (some poisoned) and function as
spears once their ammunition were exhausted. Pigafetta also described the islanders as
keeping roosters for cockfighting.

Spanish period

Taytay, the capital of Province of Calamianes in 1818 (Spanish Palawan)

The northern Calamianes Islands were the first to come under Spanish authority, and
were later declared a province separate from the Palawan mainland. In the early 17th
century, Spanish friars sent out missions in Cuyo, Agutaya, Taytay and Cagayancillo but
they met resistance from Moro communities. Before the 18th century, Spain began to
build churches enclosed by garrisons for protection against Moro raids in the towns of
Cuyo, Taytay, Linapacan and Balabac. In 1749, the Sultanate of Brunei ceded southern
Palawan to Spain.
In 1818, the entire island of Palawan, or Paragua as it was called, was organized as a
single province named Calamianes, with its capital in Taytay. By 1858, the province was
divided into two provinces, namely, Castilla, covering the northern section with Taytay as
capital and Asturias in the southern mainland with Puerto Princesa as capital. It was later
divided into three districts, Calamianes, Paragua and Balabac, with Principe Alfonso town
as its capital. During the Spanish colonial period, Cuyo became the second capital of
Palawan from 1873 to 1903.

American rule
In 1902, after the Philippine–American War, the Americans established civil rule in
northern Palawan, calling it the province of Paragua. In 1903, pursuant to Philippine
Commission Act No. 1363, the province was reorganized to include the southern
portions and renamed Palawan, and Puerto Princesa declared as its capital.
Many reforms and projects were later introduced in the province. Construction of school
buildings, promotion of agriculture, and bringing people closer to the government were
among the priority plans during this era.

Japanese invasion

U. S. Army personnel toiled to identify the charred remains of Americans captured at Bataan and burned alive on
Palawan. 20 March 1945

After the Japanese invasion, according to Stephen L. Moore, "Pro-Allied sentiment was
strong, and it was later estimated that during the war as many as 1,154 Filipino guerrillas
worked against the Japanese on the island. Those in the underground network would
proudly refer to themselves as 'Palawan's Fighting One Thousand'." Early resistance
leaders included Dr. Higinio Acosta Mendoza, his wife Triny, Thomas F. Loudon, and his
son-in-law Nazario Mayor. Capt. Mayor organized Company D in Oct. 1943, and was
responsible for the area encompassing Puerto Princesa south to Balabac Island. Capt.
Mendoza covered the area north of Puerto Princesa to Caramay. Lt. Felipe Batul
operated out of Danlig, while Capt. Carlos Amores operated out of Sibaltan. Overall
command of the Palawan Special Battalion was under Maj. Pablo P. Muyco as part of the
6th Military District. The Palawan guerrillas helped any escaping American POWs,
supported two coastwatcher groups sending regular radio broadcasts to General
MacArthur on Japanese movements, and helped rescue downed airmen as well as
survivors from the USS Flier submarine. Most importantly, they helped guide the 8th
Army's troop landings.[27]

2. PHYSICAL FEATURES of PALAWAN

The province is composed of the long and narrow Palawan Island, plus a number of other
smaller islands surrounding it, totalling roughly 1,780 islands and islets. The Calamianes
Group of Islands to the northeast consists of Busuanga, Coron, Culion,
and Linapacan islands. Balabac Island is located off the southern tip, separated
from Borneo by the Balabac Strait. In addition, Palawan covers the Cuyo Islands in the Sulu
Sea. The disputed Spratly Islands, located a few hundred kilometers to the west, are
considered part of Palawan by the Philippines, and is locally called the "Kalayaan Group
of Islands".Palawan's almost 2,000 kilometers (1,200 mi) of irregular coastline is lined
with rocky coves and sugar-white sandy beaches. It also harbors a vast stretch of virgin
forests that carpet its chain of mountain ranges. The mountain heights average 1,100
meters (3,500 ft) in altitude, with the highest peak rising to 6,843 feet (2,086 m) at Mount
Mantalingahan. The vast mountain areas are the source of valuable timber. The terrain is a
mix of coastal plain, craggy foothills, valley deltas, and heavy forest interspersed with
riverine arteries that serve as irrigation.The province has a total land area of 14,649.73
square kilometers (5,656.29 sq mi. When Puerto Princesa City is included for geographical
purposes, its land area is 17,030.75 square kilometers (6,575.61 sq mi). The land area is
distributed to its mainland municipalities, comprising 12,239 square kilometers
(4,726 sq mi), and the island municipalities, which altogether measure 2,657 square
kilometers (1,026 sq mi). In terms of archipelagic internal waters, Palawan has the biggest
marine resources that covers almost half of the Sulu Sea and a big chunk of the South
China Sea that is within the municipal waters of Kalayaan Municipality which was official
annexed to the Philippine jurisdiction by virtue of Presidential Decree 1596 dated
June 11, 1978.
 B. Natural Heritage of PALAWAN

1. Outstanding characteristics of the land and water formation of the place

Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary
Main article: Calauit Safari Park

Reticulated giraffes inside the Calauit Safari Park

A game reserve and wildlife sanctuary of exotic African animals and endangered endemic
animals of Palawan. The reserve was established on August 31, 1976, by virtue of
the Presidential Decree No. 1578. This was initiated in response to the appeal of
the International Union for the Conservation of Nature to help save African wildlife when
former President Ferdinand Marcos attended the 3rd World Conference in Kenya. By virtue of
the Republic Act 7611 (SEP), administrative jurisdiction of DENR was given to the local
government of Palawan,  effective December 31, 1993. Management of the area is the
responsibility of the Office of the Palawan Council of Sustainable Development (PCSD). It is
located in Calauit Island in Busuanga.
Coron Reefs, Coron Bay, Busuanga

Coron, Palawan

Seven lakes surrounded by craggy limestone cliffs attract hundreds of nature lovers to Coron
Reefs in Northern Palawan, near the town of Coron. Busuanga Island, whose main town is
Coron, is the jump-off point for numerous dive operators. The principal dive sites are 12 World
War II Japanese shipwrecks sunk on September 24, 1944, by US Navy action. They range in
depth from the surface to 40 meters. This large variety offers exciting wreck exploration for
enthusiasts, from novice divers and snorkelers and recreational divers to experienced TEC
divers.
The aquatic views from the sunken Japanese warships off Coron Island are listed
in Forbes Traveler Magazine's top 10 best scuba sites in the world.
El Nido Marine Reserve Park

El Nido, Palawan

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Whitetip reef shark at the Tubbataha Reef

The January 2008 issue of international magazine Travel + Leisure, published by the American

Express Co. (which partnered with Conservation International) listed El Nido's sister hotel
resorts El Nido Lagen Island and El Nido Miniloc Island in Miniloc and Lagen Islands as
"conservation-minded places on a mission to protect the local environment". Travel + Leisure's
20 Favorite Green Hotels scored El Nido Resort's protection of Palawan's giant clam gardens
and the re-introduction of endangered Philippine cockatoos.[70] Guest cottages on stilts are set
above the crystalline ocean. The resorts are active in both reef and island conservation." [71]
Malampaya Sound Land and Seascape Protected Area
Main article: Malampaya Sound

Located in the Municipality of Taytay, this important ecological and economic zone is a

watershed and fishing ground, and the habitat of Bottle-nosed and Irrawaddy dolphins
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
 Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park  (1999)

This park features a large limestone karst landscape with an underground river. One of the
river's distinguishing features is that it emerges directly into the sea, and its lower portion is
subject to tidal influences. The area also represents a significant habitat for biodiversity
conservation. The site contains a full 'mountain-to-sea' ecosystem and has some of the most
important forests in Asia.

 Tubbataha Reef Marine Park (1993)

The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park covers 332 km2, including the North and South Reefs. It is a
unique example of an atoll reef with a very high density of marine species; the North Islet
serving as a nesting site for birds and marine turtles. The site is an excellent example of a
pristine coral reef with a spectacular 100 m perpendicular wall, extensive lagoons and two coral
islands.
Ursula Island
This game refuge and bird sanctuary is situated near the Municipality of Bataraza in southern
Palawan. The islet is a migratory and wintering ground for shorebirds and seabirds. [72]
Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Main article: Rasa Island

This 1,983-hectare (4,900-acre) protected area located in the municipality of Narra is a nesting
ground of the endemic Philippine cockatoo or katala. It also harbors other rare bird species and
marine turtles.

2. Statutes for the conservation and preservation of natural heritage

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT PALAWAN COUNCIL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PALAWAN
AMENDED RULES AND REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN
FOR PALAWAN
May 25, 1993

RULE I

Policy and Application

Section 1. Title.

These rules shall be known and cited as the “Rules and Regulations Implementing the
Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan Act”.
Section 2. Purpose.
Pursuant to Sec. 19 of Republic Act No. 7611, otherwise known as the Strategic Environmental
Plan (SEP) for Palawan Act, hereinafter referred to as RA 7611 these Rules are promulgated to
prescribe the procedures and guidelines for the implementation of said Act, in order to ensure
and facilitate compliance therewith and achieve the objectives thereof.
Section 3. Declaration of Policy.

It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect, develop and conserve its natural
resources. Toward this end, it shall assist and support the implementation of plans, programs
and projects formulated to preserve and enhance the environment and at the same time
pursue the socio-economic development goals of the country.
It shall support and promote the sustainable development goals for the province through
proper conservation, utilization and development of natural resources to provide optimum
yields on a continuing basis. With specific reference to forest resources, the State shall pursue
and implement forest conservation and protection through the imposition of a total
commercial logging ban as provided in Sec. 9 of these Rules.
It shall also adopt the necessary measures leading to the creation of an institutional
machinery including among others, fiscal and financial programs to ensure the effective and
efficient implementation of environmental plans, programs and projects.
It shall also promote and encourage the involvement of all sectors of society and maximize
people participation in natural resource management, conservation and protection.
Section 4. Scope of Application.

These Rules shall apply in the implementation of the SEP and shall serve to guide the local
government units of Palawan, its residents and the agencies, government or non-government,
concerned in the formulation and implementation of plans, programs and projects affecting
Palawan, whether or not physically located or operating on said province.
Section 5. Construction.

All doubts in the interpretation and implementation of these Rules and Regulations shall be
resolved in the light of the Declaration of Policy as embodied in Sec. 3 above.

Section 6. Definition of Terms.

As used in these Rules, the following terms are defined as follows:

(1) “Palawan” refers to the Philippine province composed of islands and islets located
7o47’ and 12o22’ north latitude and 117o00’ and 119o51’ east longitude, generally
bounded by the South China Sea to the northwest and by the Sulu Sea to the East;

(2) “Sustainable development” means the improvement in the quality of life of the
present and future generations through the complementation of development and
environmental protection activities;
 (3) “Natural resources” refers to life-support systems such as the sea, coral reefs, soil,
lakes, rivers, streams and forest as well as useful products found therein such as
minerals, wildlife, trees and other plants, including the aesthetic attributes of scenic
sites that are not man-made;

(4) “Tribal land areas” refers to the areas comprising both land and sea that are
traditionally occupied by the cultural minorities;

(5) “Environmentally critical areas” refers to terrestrial, aquatic and marine areas that
need special protection and conservation measures as they are ecologically fragile;

(6) “Participatory processes” means the involvement of all the key sectors of
development, from the grassroots to the policy making bodies of the National
Government, in providing the values and ideas from which strategic development and
environmental protection action can come about;

(7) “Conservation” refers to the life-sustaining interrelationships and interactions of

organisms with each other and with their physical surroundings;

(8) “Ecology” refers to the life-sustaining interrelationships and interactions of organisms

with each other and with their physical surroundings;

(9) “Commercial logging” refers to the cutting, felling or destruction of trees from old
growth and residual forests for the purpose of selling or otherwise disposing of the cut
or felled logs for profit;

(10) “SEP” refers to the Strategic Environmental Plan discussed in Section 7 of

these Rules;

(11) “ECAN” refers to the Environmentally Critical Areas Network as provided in

Section 9 of these Rules; and

(12) “EMES” refers to the Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation System

provided in Section 15 of these Rules.
SEP AS FRAMEWORK FOR ALL DEVELOPMENTAL UNDERTAKING IN PALAWAN
Section 7. Adoption of SEP as the Framework Plan for Palawan.

The SEP shall serve as the framework to guide the government agencies concerned in the
formulation and implementation of plans, programs and projects affecting the environment
and natural resources of Palawan.
It shall therefore be incorporated in the Regional Development Plan of Region IV as part of
said plan. All local governments in Palawan and the concerned national and regional
government agencies operating therein shall coordinate and align their projects and the
corresponding budgets with the projects, programs and policies of the SEP, as administered
and implemented by an administrative machinery hereinafter created.
Section 8. Plans and Programs of the Private Sector.

The local government units shall ensure that plans, programs and activities of non-
government organizations (NGOs) and private entities conform with the plans, programs and
objectives of the SEP.

RULE III
AREAS COVERED BY THE ENVIRONMENTALLY CRITICAL AREAS NETWORK (ECAN)
Section 9. Areas covered by ECAN.

The SEP shall establish a graded system of protection and development control over the whole
of Palawan which shall be known as the Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN) and
shall serve as the main strategy of the SEP.

The ECAN shall ensure the following:

(1) Forest conservation and protection through the imposition of a total commercial logging
ban in all areas of maximum protection and in such other restricted use zones as the
Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) as hereinafter created, may provide;

(2) Protection of watersheds;

(3) Preservation of biological diversity;

(4) Protection of tribal people and the preservation of their culture;

(5) Maintenance of maximum sustainable yield;

(6) Protection of the rare and endangered species and their habitat:

(7) Provision of areas for environmental and ecological research, education and training; and

(8) Provision of areas for tourism and recreation.

The areas covered by the ECAN shall be classified into the following three (3) main
components: terrestrial component, coastal/marine zones, and tribal ancestral lands which
are mentioned in the following sections, without prejudice to further reclassifications and
rezoning based on actual surveys or scientific studies and after due consideration of other
existing laws similar to or complimentary with RA 7611 such as RA 7586, otherwise known as
“National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992”.

Section 10. Terrestrial Component.

The terrestrial component shall consist of the mountainous as well as ecologically important
lowhills and lowland areas of the whole province. It may be further subdivided into the
following smaller management components:

1. Terrestrial Core Zone – areas of maximum protection which shall be fully and strictly
protected and maintained free of human disruption. Provided that exceptions may be
granted to traditional uses of tribal communities of these areas for minimal and soft
impact gathering of forest species for ceremonial and medicinal purposes. This zone shall
include:

a. Generally, lands above 1,000 meters elevation;

b. All types of natural forests such as mossy or cloud forests, first growth forests,
residual forests and edges of intact forest;

c. Known habitat of endangered and endemic species;

d. Areas of outstanding significant ecological values such as national and local parks
and reservations, lowland dipterocarp and casuarina forests and headwaters of
very important rivers;

e. Areas of outstanding cultural values i.e. sacred sites, burial sites, etc;

f. Areas of very fragile ecological characteristics where utilization would result to

irreversible damage.

2. Buffer Zone – generally lands from 100-1,000 meters elevation and permits regulated use.
It may be subdivided into the following subzones:

a. Restricted Use Area – inner barrier, generally surrounding the core zone and
where limited and non-consumptive activities may be allowed including but not
limited to almaciga but ensure that where the ecological balance is not otherwise
 impaired allowed including almaciga tapping, honey gathering, hiking and
research. This shall include:

i. Altitude limit from 500-1,000 meters elevation.

ii. Poor, stunted and sparse stands of semi-deciduous forest which has very low regeneration
capacity.

iii. Lower altitude limit can be lowered to a base of 300 meters to protect the remaining
forested peaks of watersheds adjacent to critical ecosystems such as coral reefs. Malampaya
Sound, Lake Manguao, St. Paul’s Underground River and watersheds for major irrigaiton,
water supply and mini-hydro projects.

iv. Identified mangrove areas where limited use would not cause negative impacts.

b. Controlled Use Area – outer protective barrier that encircles the core and
restricted use areas. Strictly controlled tourism development, research, grazing
and gathering of honey, rattan and other minor forest products may be allowed.
This shall include the:

i. Altitude limit from 100-300 meters elevation.

ii. Lower altitude limit can go up to 300 meters if it would not cause negative ecological
impacts, but the high altitude limit shall not exceed 500 meters.

iii. In areas where there is a community within or immediately adjacent to a restricted use
area, a controlled use zone could be delineated from the restricted use area for use of the
community.

c. Traditional Use Area – edges of intact forests where traditional land use is
already stabilized or is being stabilized. Management and control shall be carried
out with the other supporting programs of the SEP.

3. Multiple/Manipulative Use Zone – areas where the landscape has been modified for
different forms of land use. Intensive resource use may be allowed including but not
limited to agriculture, infrastructure, industrial, settlement and tourism development.
Control and management shall be strictly integrated with the other supporting programs
of the SEP, as administered by the Council and other programs of the Government.

Section 11. Coastal Zone/Marine Component – this area includes the whole coastline up to the
open sea. Equitable access to the resource and management responsibility by the local
community shall be the underlying management philosophy of this component.
1. Coastal Core Zone – this area shall be free from any human activity. This includes
sanctuaries for rare and endangered species, selected coral reefs, sea-grass and mangrove
ecosystem reserves.

2. Multiple Use Area – areas where compatible resource use and other human activities that
are not destructive would be recommended including but not limited to artisanal fishery,
communal fishing grounds, tourism development, mariculture, recreation, education and
research and rehabilitation of small islands and mangrove ecosystem.

Section 12. Tribal Ancestral Lands. – These areas, traditionally occupied by cultural minorities,
comprise both land and sea areas identified in consultation with tribal communities
concerned and the appropriate agencies of government. These shall be treated in the same
graded system of control and prohibition as in he others above mentioned except for stronger
emphasis in cultural consideration. The Council shall devise a special kind of zonation that will
consider the material and cultural needs of the tribes using consultative processes and cultural
mapping of ancestral lands
RULE IV
MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES
Section 13. Resources Outside of the Ecologically Critical Areas (ECA).

The Council shall design a system for the management of resources outside of the ECA which
include coastal resources, resources of the catchment areas, timber and mines, development
in the lowlands and settlement areas. It shall also provide for tourism planning.

RULE V
SUPPORT MECHANISMS
Section 14. Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation System (EMES).

The Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation System (EMES), which shall ensure a systematic
and reliable means of data generation for the various concerns of SEP as administered by the
Council is hereby established.
It shall include:

(a) The establishment of a laboratory for physical and chemical analyses of

water and soil quality;

(b) The establishment of a community listening post and quick response

system;

(c) The implementation of the present Philippine Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) System in the context of SEP.
Section 15. Environmental Research.

The Council Staff, through its Scientific Committee composed of employees of different
appropriate disciplines shall undertake researches, continually review them, compile,
integrate and evaluate researches conducted by it and other agencies and make
recommendations based on their studies.

Their research shall be of three kinds:

a) Survey or the establishment of the present position;

b) Monitoring, and

c) Research into processes;

While the system evaluation shall be in two perspectives:

a) Identifying new research based on the objectives of the SEP, and

b) Providing means for research findings to be translated into action-oriented

recommendations.

Research shall not be confined to the physical and biological features of the environment but
shall also extend to policies and socio-economic questions.
Section 16. Environmental Education and Extension.

The Environmental Education and Extension program designed to gradually wean the people
away from destructive practices and lead them towards practical alternatives shall have three
major elements: a) Information campaign which will involve the development of means of
communication about the environment using various forms and channels; b) Training which
will involve the enhancement of both formal and informal education and training on
environment and related activities; c) Community mobilization which will serve as the arm to
substantiate a participatory process. It entails the identification and recognition of existing
and potential groups who can and will contribute positive action to the cause of SEP.
Section 17. Community Support.

Recognizing the importance of public support and approval for the effective management and
protection of the network which is dependent on the implementation by the community, the
Council Staff shall hereby conduct regular consultations with the public and establish system
of grassroot planning where the affected community directly participates in the planning
process.
3. Stories about the great land and water formation in the place

El Nido - Nacpan Beach

The Bacuit archipelago of El Nido.

View of Cadlao Island

From the towering marble cliffs and lagoons to its 100 white sandy beaches, jungle and mangrove forest,
prehistoric caves and waterfalls, El Nido is one of the top tourist destinations in Palawan, which is often
referred to as the "Philippines' Last Frontier". In the November–December 2007 issue of the National
Geographic Traveler's magazine, Palawan was chosen as one of the best travel destinations in the world,
and particularly, it recommended El Nido and the Calamianes Islands.[51] In 2012, CNNGo, the travel
news website of the international news agency Cable News Network, declared El Nido as the Philippines'
Best Beach and Island destination.

Seven Commandos Beach

An isolated beach that is located on the mainland, but only accessible by water, due to the mountainous
terrain.

Unlike most remote destinations in Bacuit Bay, there is a multi-story, high end resort here in addition to
cottages and tent camping sites right on the beach. There are quite a number of small permanent
structures throughout Seven Commandos. It is also a popular stop on island hopping tours.
Simizu Island

A small island surrounded by clear waters of El Nido, rock formations and a scene of towering
mountains. A good place as a lunch area for Island Tour A.

Bacuit Bay

Bacuit Bay is dotted with islands and islets, most of which are inhabited. Its clear blue waters are
teeming with marine life. It is home to dugongs, turtles, manta rays, species of fishes, coral reefs, and
the occasional whale sharks. There are over 30 dive sites ranging in depth from six to more than thirty
meters.

Cadlao Island

Cadlao is the largest island in El Nido, occupying a land area of 10.06 square kilometers. Among all
islands, it is the closest to town proper and has the highest peak that towers up to 640 meters above sea
level. It is known for its white sand beaches, gradually sloping sea floor, hidden lagoons, and nature
trails through its forest cover. One of these nature trails leads to the saltwater Makaamo Lagoon. which
is surrounded by mangroves.

There are a number of beaches on Cadlao, including that at Bocal Point, Natnat, and Paradise Beach on
the southern side of the island. Sabang Beach in the north-east offers good snorkeling opportunities,
though some visitors may recognize it as one of the settings for the Scandinavian TV show Robinson
Expedisjonen, the predecessor to Survivor.

Dilumacad Island

Dilumacad Island has a white sand beach stretching to some 300 meters on its South Eastern side. There
is an underwater tunnel at its northern side and a fringing reef on its southern end. The island is also
called Helicopter Island because its limestone cliffs resemble the shape of a helicopter when it is viewed
from a considerable distance. The island itself is small by land mass, but is rich in vegetation and has a
thick, dense rainforest, along with some bare rock, that seems to rise directly out of the deep blue sea.

Pangulasian Island

Pangulasian has 750-metre (2,460 ft) wide stretch of powdery white beaches in El Nido. The waters
fronting the beach have clusters of coral reefs. A trail located in the middle of the island ends at the
peak of the island and provides and a 360-degree view of the Bacuit Bay and nearby islands.

Vigan Island

Located near Pangulasian Island, Vigan is also referred to as "Snake Island," because of the natural
sandspit (s-shaped sandbar) that "snakes" off it shores. The sandspit is clearly visible only when the tide
is low. On both sides of the sandspit are shallow swimming areas.

Cudugnon Point

Cudugnon Point is an important anthropological site, where jewelry and pottery dating back to the Song
dynasty (960-1279 CE) were yielded. The anthropologists believe that the cave dwellers were from
Borneo, and travelled across the ancient land bridge that connected Palawan from Borneo. The crevices
of its cave roof are inhabited by barn swallows and insectivorous bats.
Matinloc Island

Matinloc Island

Matinloc Island, the longest slim island in El Nido, has a secret beach, which is a pocket of white sand
beach at the corner of a sinkhole, that is inaccessible by boat and surrounded by steep rock walls. To
reach it, divers must swim underwater through a narrow crevice in a rock wall. At noon, the sun streams
in through the opening, allowing a play of light and shadow against its limestone walls. The beach floor
drops abruptly. According to local legend, this beach inspired Alex Garland's novel The Beach, which was
written while the author was in El Nido.[38]

Aside from the Secret Beach, the island is also famous for the Kulasa Beach, a 100-meter beach strip of
fine white sand located at one of its coves. The sea floor surrounding the beach slopes gradually and the
water deepens only after about 10 meters.

There are four dive sites around the island with the one at the south tip of Matinloc being the deepest at
39 meters.

Pinasil Island

Pinasil Island has a cathedral-like cavern accessible by dinghy and kayak. Its cool interior is lit at certain
times of the day by sunlight coming through an opening at its peak. This one of important sites for
the busyadors or the birds' nest gatherers.

Aberawan River

Aside from its several islands and beaches, tourists can also enjoy a mangrove tour along the Aberawan
River where they can watch egrets roost among the mangrove trees at the mouth of the river.

Ille Cave

12,000 years ago, El Nido was inhabited already by humans. Archaeologists found human and animal
bones, potteries and even traces of 8,000-year-old cremation at Ille Cave. Ille is located at New Ibajay, a
45-minute drive from the town center, and is frequented by tourists.

Población (El Nido town proper)

Nestled around the towering marble and limestone cliffs and green hills, the town proper is a thriving
tourist center where most cottages, bars, and souvenir shops can be found.

Maremegmeg Beach (Las Cabanas)

Just one kilometer south of Corong Corong, Maremegmeg Beach is home to one of El Nido's very first
resorts. Named Las Cabanas Resort, tourists began incorrectly referring to Maremegmeg as Las Cabanas
Beach, and the name stuck. There is a zip-line between the coast and a nearby island that you can access
via a footpath behind the beach.

Balay Tubay

A 90-year-old house turned into a bar along Calle Real where paintings and handicrafts of local artists
are put on display. Every night, live music is performed there then. Originally owned by Sabas C. Robles,
the grandfather of Judge Sabas Robles Acosta, father of Andrei Ustares Acosta - the Palawanologist.

Nacpan Beach

A 4-kilometre (2.5 mi) stretch of powdery white sand and pristine azure waters which is 45 minutes to
an hour away from downtown El Nido via tricycle. This rocky peninsula offers views of the twin beaches
after a short vertical hike up the trail, but the land was purchased by a private developer in 2016. The
developer has plans to build a luxury resort on the grounds. Protests to the sale and the building have
come in the form of squatters attempting to reclaim the land. The battle between these two parties has
resulted in the property being watched 24 hours by an armed security guard. Nacpan beach is formally
known by the villagers as Nagpan beach, later on it was named as Nacpan beach. Nacpan is located at
Sitio Calitang, EL Nido, Palawan. 

Duli Beach

A surfing spot of El Nido with good waves every September to March. During the summer season there
are little to no waves. Nacpan has a similar wave pattern but less crowded than Duli.

4. Plants and animals raised in the community

Palawan has various flora species that are endemic to the province and are
being protected by the efforts of the government due to deforestation and over-
harvesting.
Mangroves Forests

Mangrove Forest
Palawan has 42, 500 hectares of mangrove forests composed of 31 species of
mangroves and 90 % of the known mangrove species that is found in the
Philippines. Mangroves are a special woody type of trees that are found in tropical
countries and grows on the edge where rainforests meet oceans.
They grow in brackish wetlands between land and sea where other plants can’t
grow. They are those who are tasked to protect the coastlines and to prevent erosion
by collecting sediments from rivers and streams which slows down the flow of water.
In Puerto Princesa in Palawan, the City Government have given efforts in sustaining
the mangroves by planting mangrove seedlings annually in an event called “Love
Affair with Nature” which is still being observed until today.
 

Kabantigi Trees
The Kabantigi or Pemphis Acidula is grown as a small tree or as a shrub and can
reach heights of up to 33 feet. They are typically low-lying and are densely branched.
It flowers in the spring with inconspicuous blooms. They are frequently trained as
bonsai trees especially in Asia.
The wood from this tree is highly prized by wood carvers because it is heavy and
possesses a naturally twisted shape. These trees are not common but may be found
along coastal rock areas, gravel, and sand.
 

Bungang-ipot Trees
Bungang-ipot is a plant from the “Palmae” family and has the Scientific name
is Areca ipot Becc. Bungan-ipot is a small stocky tree that is 4 meters high and is 12
meters in diameter.
Its dark green leaves reach up to 1.5 meters in length and are gracefully curved
outwards while its trunk appears to be swollen near its base. Its flower arrangement
is dense with a cluster of flowers.
Its deep orange fruit has a flattened base and a rounded top. Its seeds are oval in
shape; natives use the nuts of this tree for betel-chewing.
It is found in forests at low and medium altitudes. Its conservation status is
threatened due to the threats imposed by the over-collection of this plant for
ornamental purposes.
 
Almaciga Trees
Almaciga which is also known as Dayungon or in its Scientific Name Agathis
Philippinensis is a tree that is native to the Philippines, Sulawesi, and Halmahera,
and occurs in upland tropical rainforests at 450 to 2,200 meters altitude but may also
be found in areas with low altitudes of 250 meters in the northern Luzon.
Almaciga is a large coniferous evergreen tree that grows up to 65 meters tall with
smooth, grey coloured bark. Its leaves are about four to six(6) centimeters long and
1.5 to two(2) centimeters broad oval in shape. For young trees, the leave is slightly
larger and reaches up to seven(7) centimeters long and three centimeters broad.
The seed cones are squat ovoid, and is about seven (7) to nine(9) centimeters in
diameter, containing numerous spirally arranged scales of 28 to 32 millimeters long
and 35 to 45 millimeters broad; with each scale bearing a single winged seed.
Almaciga’s pollen cones are 25 to 45 millimeters long and 10 to 11 millimeters broad.
The Almaciga tree is commonly used throughout the Philippines, Melanesia, and
Australasia as an enrichment crop. Despite being limited by altitude constraints, it is
tolerant to most different soil densities, though, it requires good drainage and prefers
acidic soils. It has a special tolerance for shallow, infertile soils.
The tree is therefore used to support areas which do not experience adequate crop
growth and is also planted inside of existing plantations to replace existing trees.
 

Wild Orchids
Orchids (Scientific Name Orchidae) are aerial plants that have become famous as
ornamental plants that are either used as home decorations or photographic
subjects. Orchids are a diverse and a widespread family of flowering plants with
often colourful and fragrant blooms. Along the Asteraceae, they are one of the two
largest families of flowering plants with between 21, 950 and 26, 049 species that is
currently recorded.
The orchid family includes Vanilla, Orchis, and many commonly cultivated plants
such as Phalaenopsis and Cattleya. Moreover, since the introduction of tropical
species into cultivation in the 19th century, horticulturists have produced more than
100,000 hybrids and cultivars of the orchids.
In Palawan, one species of orchids have become a major eyecatcher due to its
characteristic. Pholidota Imbricata is an orchid that can be found attached to
limestone rock crevices in the Miniloc Island in the municipality of El Nido.
 
 Pitcher Plants

Nepenthes Palawanensis is a tropical

pitcher plant that is endemic to Sultan Peak in the island of Palawan in the
Philippines. It grows at elevations of 1,100 to 1,236 metres above sea level.
This species appears to be most closely related to N. Attenboroughii, which grows
on a nearby mountain called  Mount Victoria.
N. Palawanensis may be distinguished from N. Attenboroughii with its pitchers which
are remarkably larger than that of the N. Attenboroughii. Its pitchers sometimes
exceed 35 centimeters in height and have a capacity of 1.5 to 2 liters of water. Its
pitchers are lined with orange to red hairs.
Aside from the Sultan Peak, this may also be found in Snake island El Nido.  It has
enzymes that break down animal protein such as those found in insects.

Unlike most of the Philippines, Palawan is bio-geographically part of the Sundaland with a
fauna and flora that is closely related to that of Borneo.

Among the many endemic species found in

this province are the Palawan peacock pheasant, Philippine mousedeer, Philippine
pangolin, Palawan bearded pig, and Palawan birdwing.
Over 600 species of butterflies flutter around the mountains and fields of Palawan.
About 85% of Palawan’s endemic animals are found in and around Cleopatra’s
Needle. The lowland forests included in the proposed reserve are home to the last viable
populations of several critically endangered species.
Birds of Palawan
Of the 279 bird species found in Palawan 27 are endemic to the Philippines. Notable
species are the Palawan hornbill, Palawan peacock pheasant, Palawan scops owl, and the
Palawan flycatcher.
 
Palawan Hornbill
The Palawan hornbill which is also known as Talusi in the Filipino language is a forest-
dwelling bird that is about 80cm in length. Its plumage is predominantly black, has a white
tail, dark green gloss on its upper parts, and a large creamy white beak with a casque that
is typical to the members of the hornbill family.
The Palawan hornbill is endemic to Palawan and is one of the nine(9) species of hornbill
that can be found in the Philippines. Most visiting birdwatchers travel to St. Paul’s National
Park in Palawan to see the Palawan hornbill but the species has now become rare.
It serves as a bio-indicator due to its high sensitivity to environmental changes. At present, it
is already classified as “vulnerable” and its numbers have already reduced by at least
20% in the last 10 years due to various factors such as habitat destruction, being hunted
down for food, and live bird trade.
It may be usually seen in pairs or small family groups and it has a communal roosting
site. It is mostly observed in fruiting trees at the forest edge but it also feeds on insects and
small reptiles.

Palawan Peacock Pheasant

Palawan peacock pheasant is a medium-sized bird that belongs to the
family Phasianidae and reaches up to 50 centimeters long. It’s featured prominently in the
culture of the indigenous people of Palawan.
The adult males are the most beautiful to look at. It has an erectile crest and is highly
iridescent electric blue-violet, metallic green-turquoise dorsal plumage. Its breast and
ventral regions are black. Its metrics are wide, flat, and rigid; their terminal edges are
squared.
Each tail plume and upper-tail covert is marked with highly iridescent, light reflective, ocelli.
The tail is erected and expanded laterally together with the bodies of the birds. The male
also raises one wing and lower the other, laterally compressing the body during pair-
bonding, courtship displays as well and may also be an antipredator adaptation.
The female peacock is slightly smaller than the male. Its contour plumage is cloudy silt
in coloration. The mantle and the breast are dark sepias in color. Their retrices are
essentially similar to those of the male, exhibiting marked adumbrations and stunning ocelli.
Their plumage is eathen throughout and is difficult to distinguish between the substrate and
branches. While it has similar proportions of the tail to the male, its markings are not as
visually interesting. Like the male, the female has a short crest and is whitish on the throat,
cheeks, and eyebrows.
The chicks are vivid ginger and cinnamon-hued with prominent yellow markings. Juveniles
of both sexes in the first year closely resemble their mothers.
Subadult males start to closely resemble their fathers on their second year but their mantles
and wing coverts are marked with adumbrations analogous to the ocelli in the contour
plumage of other peacock pheasant species.
Like other peacock pheasants, Palawan males and some females exhibit multiple spurs on
their metatarsus which they use in anti-predator defense, foraging in leaf litter and contests
with other males.
The male Palawan peacock pheasants excavate slight depressions in which it orients its
body during postural display behaviors. The bird vibrates loudly through stridulation of
retrace quills. This communicative signal is both audible and as a form of seismic
communication. The Palawan peacock pheasants are strong fliers that could fly swift, direct,
and sustained.
 

Palawan Scops Owl

The Palawan Scops Owl is a species of owl that is endemic to Palawan. There have been
indicators that this species has a small population and occupies a small range which is both
in decline owing to forest loss.
They are rare owls that occur naturally in Southwestern Philippines; specifically in the
province of Palawan. And adjacent islands of Alabangin and Balabac, with an unconfirmed
report from Calauit.
Populations of this species have been recorded in Kinalaykayan and Dicabaitot, Saint
Paul’s Subterranean River National Park, Cleopatra’s Needle, Buenavista, Iwahig Penal
Colony, vicinity of Puerto Princesa, Quezon, Singnapan at Kabasakan, Pinikpikan and
Tining-luan, Tagusao, Mt. Matalingahan, and Tigwayan in Bataraza, all in the province of
Palawan.
They are believed to be sedentary and are mostly found in lowland forests but are also
believed to be able to adapt to human-modified habitats as long as trees are present. They
are relatively small in size – measuring about 19cm in length.
Their upper plumage is dark reddish brown with black wave patterns. The facial disk is light
rufous and they have a pale collar on the back of the neck; dark below with buff spots. Their
bill is hill – colored and the feet are greyish-yellow while their eyes’ irises are orange-brown.
 

Palawan Flycatcher
The Palawan flycatcher belongs to a species of birds from the Muscicapidae family. And
is endemic to Palawan. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests
which are now threatened by habitat loss.
The Palawan flycatcher is 12 centimeters in length, and short-tailed. It has rufescent-brown
head and upperparts, becoming bright chestnuts on its upper tail coverts and tail.
It has greyish lores, its eyes appear large and dark and it has place orange throat that
grades into brighter orange as it goes down to its breast while its lower breast and its belly
is white in color.
Terrestrial Mammals of Palawan
There are nearly 60 terrestrial mammal species recorded in Palawan, 33% of which is
endemic to the Philippines. Some of these species are the Palawan bearcat, Palawan
leopard cat, and Palawan flying squirrel.
 
Palawan Bearcat
The Palawan bearcat, also known as Palawan Binturong is a subspecies of the binturong
which is endemic to Palawan.
The Palawan bearcat can grow to as much as 1.4 meters with its distinguishing
characteristic of having ears that are lined with white fur and long white whiskers that can
be as long as the length of its head. They are generally docile when handled although they
have sharp claws and teeth that can easily rip through flesh.
The Palawan bearcat can suspend itself by curling its strong prehensile tail around
branches. It has a vertically oriented pupil which indicates that it is nocturnal. It has coarse,
thick black-brown fur.
The Palawan bearcat inhabits thick vegetation in the lowland forests of Palawan to be able
to get food; they are omnivorous. They feed on both plants and animals such as rodents
and birds. It camouflages itself in dense vegetation in the forest canopy to escape
predators.
 

Palawan Leopard Cat

The Palawan leopard cat is a small wild cat that is native to South and East Asia but is
now threatened by habitat loss. Leopard cat subspecies differ widely in fur color, tail length,
skull shape and in size of carnassials.
A leopard cat is about the size of a domestic cat but are more slender and has longer legs
and well-defined webs between its toes. Its small head is marked with two prominent dark
stripes and a short and narrow white muzzle.
There are also two dark stripes running from the eyes to the ears and smaller white streaks
running from the eyes to the nose. The backs of its moderately long and rounded ears are
black with central white spots.
Its body and limbs are marked with black spots that vary in shape and size. Along with its
back are two to four rows of elongated spots. The tail of the leopard cat is about half the
size of its head-body length and is spotted with few indistinct rings near the black tip.
The background color of its spotted fur is tawny. It has a white chest and belly. The fur color
is yellowish brown in southern populations while the northern ones have pale silver-grey
colored fur.
Leopard cats in the Sundaic region are darker and have smaller spots and shorter tails than
leopard cats in mainland Asia.
 

Palawan Flying Squirrel

Hylopetes nigripes which is commonly known as the Palawan flying squirrel or Bising is a
species of rodents in the Sciuridae family.
It is endemic to Palawan and naturally lives in subtropical or tropical dry forests.
They are found in various areas in the southern regions of Palawan due to the numerous
coconut trees where they usually jump around to gather food.
Reptiles of Palawan
The forests of Palawan serves as a haven for 24 endemic reptile species including the 2
meter long Palawan monitor lizard.
 
Palawan Monitor Lizard
The Palawan monitor lizard is a monitor lizard that is endemic to Palawan. It has
differences to be considered a distinct species from the closely related water monitor,
marble water monitor, and Varanus rasmusseni who belongs to the
subgenus Soterosaurus where the Palawan monitor lizard belongs to as well.
This monitor lizard which is locally known as bayawak is the largest carnivorous monitor
lizard in the country that reaches lengths of up to two meters. It is a highly opportunistic
scavenger and predator that feeds on mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, fish, crabs,
insects and slugs and devours even dead animals or its own kind.
It is also known as a predator of sea turtle eggs.
The Palawan monitor lizard can climb trees and swim long distances, being able to hold
its breath for up to half an hour.
 

Crocodiles
Crocodiles are dangerous animals that live in rivers where the ocean water meets
freshwater. In Palawan, there have been various reports of crocodile attacks in the
municipalities, when these attacks are responded, the crocodiles that are caught are
immediately brought to the Crocodile Farm in Puerto Princesa.
These crocodiles help maintain the balance of Philippine ecosystems such as wetlands.
With the numerous cases of crocodiles being caught in the wild, it was decided to have
crocodile farming in the province.
The crocodile farming is the agricultural industry of raising and harvesting crocodiles in the
Philippines. Crocodile farmers in Palawan raise two species of Philippine crocodiles namely;
the Philippine saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) and the Philippine freshwater
crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis).
Crocodile farming in the Philippines is also geared towards the rescue and conservation of
both species especially that of the endangered Crocodylus mindorensis.
 

Giant Gecko
Giant gecko which is commonly known as “Tokay Gecko” is a nocturnal arboreal gecko
found in northeast India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, throughout Southeast Asia,
Philippines to Indonesia, and western New Guinea. Its native habitat is rainforest trees and
cliffs and is frequently adapts to rural habitations – roaming walls and ceilings at night in
search of insect prey.
The tokay gecko is the second largest known species of geckos, attaining lengths of
about 30-50 centimeters.
They are distinctive in appearance with a bluish or grayish body, sporting spots ranging
from light yellow to bright red.  The males are more brightly colored than females. They
have large brown to greenish brown or orange or yellow eyes with vertical slit pupils.
Males are very territorial and will definitely attack other male Tokays as well as other
gecko species or anything else that is in their territory. They are solitary and only meet
during the mating season.
Tokay Geckos feed on insects and other types of vertebrates. Their strong bites are needed
to crack the shell of hard cockroaches that live in the rainforests.
They are extremely strong climbers and their foot pads can support their entire weight on
a vertical surface for a long amount of time without any effort. Compared to other gecko
species, the tokay gecko has a robust build, with a semi-prehensile tail, a large head and
muscular jaws which can inflict a painful bite making them ill-suited for inexperienced
keepers.
Butterflies of Palawan
Palawan is home to various kinds of butterflies but one species of butterfly have garnered
fame due to its rarity and uniqueness.
 
Palawan Birdwing
The forests of Cleopatra’s Needle are home to one of the largest butterflies in the
world which is the Palawan birdwing – having a 20 centimeters wingspan.
The Palawan birdwing or the Tringle birdwing as known by many is endemic to Palawan. It
is one of only two species in its genus. The male Palawan birdwing has narrower green
bands on the hindwings.
This species of butterfly may be observes flying around in Palawan at any time of the year.
This species, the majestic birdwing Trogonoptera trojana alone is worth going to see in
Palawan!