Leoward Cabangbang | M.A. World Heritage Studies

Specific objective 1-2.1 of the parks management plan declares with the local community the part of Cabayugan catchment which lies outside the park to be a supplementary protected zone, with a view to managing it for sustainable and compatible use.

Specific objective 1-2.2 establishes the forested areas adjacent to the park as supplementary protection zones, with a view to managing them as if like a strict protection zone.

An issue concerning the deputization of the parks ranger was raised to enable them to apprehend illegal activities just lie directly outside the parks boundary.

Tourism is a viable revenue and income generating industry especially the local community, which directly benefits from it, but careful planning should be the primary task of the management. Community participation and involvement is important for a sound conservation, protectionism, and management of the site.

The park management is well aware about the socio-cultural aspect of the ancestral domain. The CADC has a different requirement to be able to sustain its own existence. Managed by the indigenous people, the parks role is to enhance its relationship with the IPs to be able to work together for common goals.

Suggestions could be addressed to a more management capability building scheme. There is a high need for staffs to be updated of current trends in protected area management. The educational level of staff is good but few received adequate trainings.

Basic training needs are identified:

Training the trainer
Consultation-extension and facilitation techniques
Consultation- cross cultural awareness
Consultation-negotiation skills and conflict resolution
Consultation-communication strategies
Training for informal education of local communities, staffs training for school
Staffs training for schools
Training site manager to monitor cultural-social-economic impact on communities
Training community in detection-reporting illegal activities
Training in community needs analysis
Training in community development principles
Team building skills
Training community in research and monitoring

It would likely enhance the community involvement when training will be done on forest resources management, livelihood development, Ecotourism development and, environmental education training and product development program.

Local economy depends partly on the tourism industry. The current trend is the ecotourism, which attracts people from different walks of life. It may create employment opportunities for communities adjacent to the area but this benefit does not arise instantly. Coupled with right infrastructure, a viable tourism market, and careful planning and appropriate management practices, the community would gain a fair benefit from its nature-based tourism without jeopardizing the existence of its delicate natural environment. Policies might include measures such as admission fees, accommodation taxes, and requirements on employing local services.

Various NGOs and governmental organizations are working together for some projects that would enhance the socio-economic and cultural well being of the IPs. Assistance were given such as literacy programs, capability building seminars, leadership trainings, paralegal training, financial management, bioprospecting and parateachers training. A new two-room school building for the first and second graded was built at the center of the community.

Fast Facts:

Tagbanua dominates Kayasan-Bayatao area on the plains and Batak on its hilly portions
The forest is the framework of their local economy. They engage in rattan gathering, almaciga, honey, and hunting.
Their tribal elder is known as Masikampo. His guidance is diligently honored or followed. The tribal arbiter is called as Marakasa and acts as spokesperson when there is problems or contracts to be settled
Bataks have extensive knowledge in the use of medicinal herbs and roots
Some medical and dental missions are being conducted occasionally. Basic services are still scarce for their access
SATRIKA (Samahan Ng Mga Tribo Sa Kayasan), is a local organization of the tribal people and registered in Securities and Exchange Commission.
Natripal (Nagkakaisang Tribo Ng Palawan) is a confederation of all the indigenous people in Palawan
Presidential Proclamation No. 835 , March 26, 1976
The national park was established and managed by the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources
It was chosen in 1990 as one of the protected areas for the Debt-for-Nature Swap program
UNESCOs Man and Biosphere Programme, 1996
Recognizes the park and the parks territory becomes the core zone of the Palawan Biosphere Reserve and the core zone of the Ecologically Critical Area Network (ECAN)
Republic Act 7586 (NIPAS Act of 1992) The boundaries of the park was inscribed together with the Presidential Proclamation No. 83
The actual management was transferred to the city government of Puerto Princesa
Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan (SEP), Republic Act 7611, 1992. Recognizes environmentally critical areas (terrestrial, marine and tribal ancestral lands) and the zoning of these areas for further protection. The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Service (PCSDS) does policy direction, implementation, and governance of SEP
National Integrated Protected Areas System (RA 7586) Recognizes indigenous peoples rights and precursor to future laws.
Certificate on Ancestral domain Claims (CADC) DAO No. 2, 1998. Provides for the identification, delineation, recognition of ancestral domains, and the preferential right of indigenous cultural communities to utilize and manage the natural resources that lie therein.
Ancestral Domain Management Plan (ADMP) DAO No. 34, 1998. Guidelines on the preparation of ancestral domain management plans. This is a requirement for the issuance of certificate of origin (CO) documents necessary for transport of non-timber forest products.
Indigenous Peoples Right Act (IPRA) RA 8371, 1996. An Act (Law) to recognize, protect and promote the rights of indigenous cultural communities/indigenous people, creating a national commission on indigenous people, establishing implementing mechanisms, appropriating funds and for other purposes.
World Heritage Property, December 1999. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park was inscribed to the world heritage list passing on the criteria (iii) and (iv) of the natural sites.

RECOMMENDATION:

While parks management plan is well defined, PAMB is organized, established and functioning and three-year development plant was formulated, there is a need for support in terms of fund sourcing to attain the goals and objectives of the plan. Provision by technical assistance would be very beneficial. Though plans are clearly defined, the management should have a strong will in terms of implementation of projects. The research is lacking of substance and needs to be supported.

This recommendation goes to the ancestral domain as well. The management plan for the domain is clear and understandable but needs to be reinforced by concerned agencies. The role of the NGO is highly asked since this cannot be done by the members of the domain alone. Any developmental thrust will be ineffective and futile without support of an organization working for these indigenous people.

REFERENCES

Ancestral Domain Management Plan (ADMP) Sitio Kayasan, Brgy Tagabinet,
Bandillo Ng Palawan, Puerto Princesa City, March-April, 1999
DENR Administrative Order No. 25, Series of 1993
DENR Administrative Order No. 02, Series of 1993
St. Paul Subterranean River National Park, Management Plan, January 2000
The Philippine Constitution, Section 22 Article II, Section 5 Article XII, and Section 6 Article XIII, 1996
World Heritage Nomination- IUCN Technical Evaluation, 1999