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2020 2nd International Conference on Resources and Environment Sciences IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 563 (2020) 012001 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/563/1/012001

Solid Waste Management in Hotels, Lodging Houses and

Restaurants in Sabang Wharf: Gateway to Puerto Princesa
Underground River-Philippines

L. Acero1

1 Professor and Chairperson-Department of Natural Sciences, San Beda University

Manila, Philippines
E-mail: lilyacero1@yahoo.com or lacero@sanbeda.edu.ph

Abstract. The 7,107 islands of Philippines offer diverse tourist destinations. Puerto Princesa
Underground River (PPUR), one of the 7 wonders of nature is a natural park and the longest
navigable underground river, rich in historical, unique karst environment and listed as
UNESCO as world heritage site. Sabang Wharf, the entry point to PPUR is vulnerable to
environmental pollution. It is where tourist facilities like restaurants/eateries, lodging houses
and hotels are located. This study determine the type of solid wastes, percentage produced on a
daily basis; methods of waste disposal and the problems encountered in the methods used;
suggestions offered by the respondents in the enhancement of solid waste management in the
area, and presence of E. coli and coliform contaminants in Sabang Wharf. Pertinent data
gathered through field interviews, with the use of an interview schedule. The use of portable E.
coli and coliform analyser, determined the absence of E. coli and coliform in beach areas of
Sabang Wharf. Results disclosed that, waste disposals of tourism establishments in Sabang
Wharf has supported proper implementation of Sustainable Waste Management Program-the
project of PPUR management. Absence of E. coli and coliform in waters along the beaches of
Sabang Wharf, attested to the eco-friendly environment in Sabang Wharf, despite its
vulnerability as gateway to tourism site. Respondents’ suggestions on the enhancement of
Solid Waste Management Program of PPUR, are the; the provision of satellite junk shop for
non-biodegradables, and continues strict enforcement of waste segregation and disposal.

1. Introduction
Tourism is one of the most important industries worldwide and a driver for socioeconomic
development in many regions, particularly developing countries with unique cultural, historic and
natural resources [1]. The Philippines offers diverse tourism activities and destinations for tourists
with various inclinations. As the destinations and activities become more multi-faceted, the Philippine
tourism industry, increasingly play a significant role in the country’s economic development [2]. The
province of Palawan has rich resource and with its historical and cultural attractions offers
opportunities for varied activities. The pristine environment setting is excellent for sightseeing, beach
holidays, marine sports, adventures etc. world-class spots. Noteworthy of world-class spots in the
province, is the underground river known as Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) [3].
Proclamation No. 835, on March 26, 1971, declared Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR), as a
natural park. It is located in the West Coast of Palawan, 87 km north of Puerto Princesa City. (Figure
1). Since its proclamation in 2012 as one of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the nature, PPUR is the
major ecotourism destination operated by the Park Management. Sabang is a small village

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2020 2nd International Conference on Resources and Environment Sciences IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 563 (2020) 012001 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/563/1/012001

or sitio located in Palawan, Philippines (Figure 2). It is within the city of Puerto Princesa belonging to
the village of Cabayugan. Sabang Wharf has been serving as an entry point to tourists, visiting PPUR.
It is where tourists wait prior to being ferried to the Subterranean River. The increase in tourist flows,
building and development of tourism infrastructure objects create environmental threats. Waste is a
significant anthropogenic factor of environmental changes [4]. This study determine the following;
type of solid wastes and the its percentage produced on a daily basis; methods of waste disposal and
the problems encountered in the methods used; suggestions offered by the respondents in the
enhancement of solid waste management in the area. The presence of E.coli and coliform
contaminants in Wharf area, and in the beach used as swimming area was also determine.

Figure 1. Location of Palawan in the Philippine map

Figure 2. Location of PPUR where Sabang Wharf is located.

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2020 2nd International Conference on Resources and Environment Sciences IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 563 (2020) 012001 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/563/1/012001

2. Methodology
Data gathered through survey method using an interview schedule. There were 31 tourism business
establishments. It is composed of three-5 star hotels, five-3 star hotels, 8 lodging houses, and 15
restaurants/eateries in Sabang. Out of 31 tourism business establishments, 26 responded and served as
respondents in this study. The first part of the questionnaire is about classification of solid waste of,
restaurants, hotels and lodging houses in Sabang Wharf. Part II is about methods of waste disposal and
problems encountered in the methods used. Part III is about the suggestions offered by the respondents
on the enhancement of Solid Waste Management imposed by PPUR management in the locality. To
determine presence of E. coli and coliform in beach areas of Sabang Wharf, water from three sampling
sites was analyzed with the used of portable E. coli and coliform analyzer.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Type of Solid wastes generated daily by 26 respondents

Table 1 shows the type of solid wastes generated daily by hotels, lodging houses and
restaurants/eateries in Sabang Wharf. Respondents had multiple responses for the type of
solid waste generated on daily basis.
Results revealed that 92 % of solid wastes generated by the tourism related business
establishments, were from plastic materials (pet bottles, wrappers), brought by tourists in the
vicinity as per response of 24 respondents. Food debris follows (76%) as reported by 20
respondents, and the remaining wastes are composed of empty bottles, construction materials,
and clothing materials (57%), as a response of 15 respondents. Accommodation and
restaurants are major contributors to packaging waste, including plastics, and metals with high
embodied energy that are responsible for significant resource depletion upon disposal. [5].
Avoiding single-use and individually wrapped items can prevent a considerable quantity of
waste [6]. In support of environmental sustainability program of the province, city ordinance 993
was published last March 2019 imposing retailers, the banned of selling all plastics cups,
plates, spoons and fork, styrofoams in the entire Puerto Princesa City including the Sabang
wharf [7]. Bringing of eco-friendly materials such as drinking glasses and shopping bags is a
requirement when visiting PPUR.

Table 1. Type of Solid wastes generated daily by 26 respondents

Type of waste generated on daily basis Frequency Percentage
from the response
of 26
respondents)
1. Pet bottles and wrappers 24 92 %
2. Food debris 20 76%
3. Others (empty glass bottles, construction 15 57%
materials and clothing materials)

3.2. Method of waste disposal practiced by the respondents

Table 2 posited the method of waste disposal practiced by the respondents. Respondents had
multiple responses for the method of waste disposal practiced in their business establishments.
All of the respondents practiced waste segregation as mandated by PPUR Management. Most
(96%) of the respondents disposed their solid waste through daily scheduled waste collection
employed by PPUR management (Solid Waste Management Program-SWMP). Only 4% had

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2020 2nd International Conference on Resources and Environment Sciences IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 563 (2020) 012001 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/563/1/012001

compost pit for dumping of biodegradable materials. None of the respondents practiced
burning. PPUR management prohibits burning of wastes in Sabang Wharf.

Table 2. Method of waste disposal practiced by the Respondents

Method of Waste Disposal Frequency Percentage
From response of
26 respondents)
1. Waste segregation 26 100%
2. Daily disposal through waste
collection by PPUR management 25 96%
3. Compost pit 1 4%

3.3. Problems encountered by the respondents in waste disposal

Problems encountered by the respondents in the disposal of their wastes, is shown in Table 3.
Twenty-three of 26 respondents who supported the SWMP of PPUR reported that their
limited space and lack of strategic area for their waste before collection has been their
problem in wastes disposal. Wastewaters of the three big hotels have proper waste treatments
for their effluents.

Table 3. Problems encountered by the respondents

Problems Encountered Frequency Percentage
From response of 26
respondents)
1. Limited space 23 88.5 %
2. Lack of strategic area 88.5%
before collection 23

3.4. Suggestions offered by the respondents to improve waste disposal in Sabang Wharf
Table 4 displays the suggestions offered by the respondents to enhance Solid Waste Program
of PPUR. Suggestions were rank according to the number of respondents who suggested.
From the highest to lowest rank, these are; satellite junk shop for their non-biodegradables;
provision of additional segregation bins in strategic location; continue the strict enforcement
of the existing ordinances on SWMP; conduct seminars on waste recycling; continue the
conduct of seminars and orientation on SWM, and assign person-in-charge (from among
PPUR staff) to monitor proper waste disposal.
Table 4. Rank of suggestion offered the respondents
Suggestions offered by the respondents Frequency Rank
1. Satellite junk shop for non-biodegradable 26 1
should be present in the Wharf
2. Provision of additional segregation bins in 2
strategic location 24
3. Continue the strict enforcement of existing 23 3
ordinances on SWP
4. Continue the conduct of orientation and 20 4
seminars on SWM
5. Assign person in charge from PPUR 15 5
employee to monitor proper waste disposal

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2020 2nd International Conference on Resources and Environment Sciences IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 563 (2020) 012001 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/563/1/012001

3.5.Result of water analysis (E. coli and coliform test) on sea water along the beach area in
Sabang Wharf
Improper SWM can lead to contaminant and deterioration of the aesthetic appeal of tourist
destinations [8].
Considering the distance of Sabang Wharf from Puerto Princesa City which is 87 kilometers, the
portable E. coli and coliform analyzer was used to determine if water along the beaches of Sabang
Wharf is contaminated or not. Collection of water samples was from three sampling sites. The first site
is in-front of Hotel Myna designated as HM in Figures 3.a, and 3.b, site 2 is in-front of the ticket office
of PPUR (WHARF in Figures 3.a and 3.b), and site 3 is in-front of underground river (UR in Figures
3.a and 3.b). The use of portable E.coli and coliform analyzer revealed negative for E.coli and
coliform content (Figures 3.a –before, and 3.b -after 24 hours). Sites 1 and 2 are free from E. coli and
coliform since there is no change in colour before and after 24 hours as seen in the portable analyser.
These two sites are serve as swimming area for residents and tourists. The sites are safe and not
contaminated with wastes. Site 3 (in-front of Underground River) is a restricted area for swimming
due to contamination of fecal material from bats inside the underground river. It is the main
contributory to E. coli and coliform in the beaches of Underground River. Studies had revealed that
there are eight species of bats approximately 80,000 in number as of June 2017 [9]. Generally,
residents of Sabang have a high level of awareness and involvement in the protection of the
environment [10]. PPUR management initiated activities to increase awareness among the local people
such as clean-ups, and the celebration of the Araw ng Taraw (Day of Karst). The findings affirmed
with the proper implementation of SWMP of PPUR management. Inclusion of suggestions offered by
the respondents in the current SWMP of PPUR management is leading to enhancement of SWMP.
HM
WHARF
M UR
HM UR
WHARF

Legend: HM, beach in-front of Hill Myna Hotel

WARF, beach in-front of ticket office
UR, beach in-front of underground river

Figure 3.a Water Samples from Figure 3.b. Water samples after
three sampling sites 24 hours

This study is a support to the challenge to the PPUR management on how to safeguard the
environmental integrity of the PPUR and maintain its “outstanding universal value” (OUV) as
described in its UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription.

4. Conclusion
Proper waste disposal in any tourist destination is one of the many ways to preserve the
physical, chemical and biological integrity of the ecosystem. The City government manages PPUR.

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2020 2nd International Conference on Resources and Environment Sciences IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 563 (2020) 012001 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/563/1/012001

Results of this study revealed that waste disposal activities of tourism establishments in
Sabang Wharf (the entry point to PPUR) has supported proper implementation of the project
of PPUR management, which is the Sustainable Waste Management Program. Absence of E.
coli and coliform in waters along the beaches of Sabang Wharf affirmed to the findings of this
study, which revealed that ecological friendly environment, exists in Sabang Wharf.

5. References
[1] Munoz E 2015 Waste management in touristic regions. PubMed. 33(7):593-4. doi:
10.1177/0734242X15594982.
[2] Alejandrino A M 1998 Ecotourism in the Philippines. Philippines. Ecotourism Book. Asian
Productivity Organization. Chapter Twenty.
[3] Devenadera N P 1998 Ecotourism in the Philippines. Philippines. Ecotourism Book. Asian
Productivity Organization. Chapter Twenty-one
[4] Murava J and Korobeinykova Y 2016 The analysis of the waste problem in tourist destinations
on the example of carpathian region in Ukraine. Journal of Ecological Engineering. Volume 17,
Issue 2, pp.43-51. DOI: 10.12911/22998993/62285
[5] Europian Commission n.d. Waste and Waste Water Management in Tourist Accommodation.
Best Environmental Management Practice in the Tourism Sector.Joint Research Center. ch.2 p.2
[6] Styles D Schönberger H Martos J 2013 Best Environmental Management Practice in the
Tourism Sector European Commission Joint Research Centre Institute for Prospective
Technological Studies. European Commission, Joint Research Centre, IPTS, Edificio Expo, c/
Inca Garcilaso 3, E-41092 Seville, Spain
[7] Maclang E 2017 Puerto Princesa Underground River Progress report. City of Puerto Princesa
Palawan Philippines
[8] Ibanez F 2019 City Ordinance 993: Single use plastic polysterene foam. Palawan News
Archive. Retrieved from https://palawan-news.com/tag/ordinance-no-993/
[9] Shamshiry E Nadi B Mokhtar M Komoo I Hashim H and Yahaya N 2011 Integrated Models
for Solid Waste Management in Tourism Regions: Langkawi Island, Malaysia. Journal of
Environmental and Public Health.1(1) pp1-5 doi:10.1155/2011/709549
[10] Jalani, J.O. 2012. Local people’s perception on the impacts and importance of
ecotourism in Sabang, Palawan, Philippines. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences,
57 (1): 247 – 254.

Acknowledgement
The author is indebted to Mrs. Elizabeth Maclang, the park superintendent of PPUR. Mr. Bryan Anas
the record officer of PPUR, two PPUR staff as enumerators, and the respondents in this study for their
support in data gathering.