Physical Profile

CHAPTER II PHYSICAL PROFILE

I. INTRODUCTION

Puerto Princesa, which forms part of the Philippine’s last frontier, is a City rich in natural resources. It is the country’s largest City with a total land area of 253,982 hectares. A chain of mountain ranges runs through the entire length of the City, dividing it into two distinct areas – the East and the West Coast. The eastern side, which is facing the Sulu Sea is characterized by thin strand lines bordered by swamplands, following a series of flat plains to hilly terrain. The West Coast has fewer plains with mountain ranges close to the China Sea, thus giving the City a unique yet fragile ecology.

A significant portion of the City retains its indigenous vegetation, rainforest, mangroves, and coastal ecosystem, all of which support an array of wildlife. In terms of species biodiversity and its wide range of ecosystems, Puerto Princesa is of national significance. The famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (formerly known as Saint Paul’s Subterranean River National Park) covering a protected area of 22,202 hectares is haven to endemic flora and fauna. UNESCO has inscribed the Park as a World’s Heritage Site on December 4, 1999. This natural wonder features an 8.2 kilometers navigable underground river reputed to be the world’s longest that winds through a spectacular cave before emptying out into the South China Sea.

Given that natural resources can be exploited for economic purposes, it is necessary to properly manage the City’s natural resources so that sustainable development can be achieved. This does not mean that these resources cannot be used. However it does require that the use of renewable resources be managed so that their use can be sustained and adverse environmental and social impacts can be avoided. Collective and timely effort is imperative to conserve the city’s major natural resources for the benefit of the existing and future community. The proper management of these resources will ensure that the community will continue to benefit from these resources.

Conservation of natural areas protects biodiversity for future generations and provides areas for recreation and enjoyment. While it may have some environmental impacts, it does add to quality of life and enhances other economic activities for eco-tourism. Such complementary activities include operating eco- tourist destinations, making investments in tourism-related facilities and enterprises and providing specific services for local and foreign tourists. The City being part of the Province of Palawan is covered by Republic Act 7611 or the Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan, thus environmental planning shall be guided by the policies and principles so stipulated in the law.

II. GEOPHYSICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

A. Location and Land Area

The City of Puerto Princesa is located 306 nautical miles southwest of Manila, 205 nautical miles from Panay and about 250 nautical miles from Zamboanga. It is bounded on the North by the Municipality of San Vicente and Roxas and on the South by the Municipality of Aborlan. Its western side faces the South China Sea while in its eastern coast lays the Sulu Sea.

Puerto Princesa City has a total land area of 253,982 hectares making it the largest City in the country.

The City is comprised of 35 urban barangays and 31 rural barangays (Table II.1). The total area of the urban barangays is 14,716 hectares or only 5.7941% of the total land area of the City. The largest land area of the City is comprised of the rural barangays with a total area of 239, 266 hectares or 94.2059% of the total land area of the City.

Table II.1 Land Area by Barangay, City of Puerto Princesa

Barangay Land Area (hectares) % o f Total Land Area of the City Urban Barangay 1) San Manuel 522.0 0.20 2) San Jose 724.2 0.28 3) Bagong Silang 14.8 0.005 4) Sta. Lourdes 2,927.1 1.15 5) Sicsican 982.6 0.38 6) Sta. Monica 717.1 0.28 7) Liwanang 4.5 0.001 8) Tagburos 965.4 0.38 9) Bancao -bancao 3,797.4 1.49 10) Tanglaw 19.5 0.007 11) Irawan 2,374.0 0.93 12) Bagong Sikat 84.0 0.03 13) San Pedro 680.2 0.26 14) Maunlad 32.2 0.01 15) Milagrosa 38.0 0.01 16) Masikap 5.5 0.002 17) San Miguel 354.2 0.13 18) Kalipay 5.6 0.002 19) Tiniguiban 301.5 0.11 20) Mandaragat 50.2 0.019 21) Pagkakaisa 0.7 0.0002 22) Mabuhay 1.8 0.0007 23) Bagong Pag -asa 4.4 0.001 24) Maligaya 5.8 0.002 25) Magkakaibigan 5.6 0.002 26) Seaside 1.1 0.0004 27) Masipag 20.1 0.007 28) Tagumpay 10.3 0. 004 29) Matahimik 7.1 0.002 30) Model 7.4 0.002 31) Princesa 8.5 0.003 32) Manggahan 19.7 0.007 33) Masigla 3.1 0.001 34) Matiyaga 6.5 0.002 35) Maningning 14.1 0.005 Subtotal 14,716 5.79

Table II.1 Land Area by Barangay, City of Puerto Princesa

Rural Barangay 1) Buenavista 8,297.8 3.26 2) Iwahig 7,281.3 2.86 3) Cabayugan 12,285.1 4.83 4) Mangingisda 1,007.4 0.39 5) San Rafael 8,845.4 3.48 6) Tagabinet 3,602.5 1.41 7) Tanabag 3,886.0 1.52 8) Sta. Cruz 2,901.9 1.14 9) Babuyan 1,482.9 0.58 10) Salvacion 2,270.0 0.89 11) Langogan 15,296.5 6.02 12) Binduyan 8,968.9 3.53 13) Bacungan 40,138.1 15.80 14) Kamuning 1,700.3 0.66 15) Concepcion 6,412.4 2.52 16) Manalo 2,131.4 0.83 17) Macarascas 4,139.5 1.62 18) Bahile 13,829.3 5.44 19) Marufinas 13,042.0 5.13 20) Maruyogon 1,015.7 0.39 21) Inagawan 711.0 0.27 22) Bagong Bayan 9,178.0 3.61 23) Simpocan 6,355.5 2.50 24) Luzviminda 1,491.9 0.58 25) Maoyon 3,011.6 1.18 26) Lucbuan 1,355.2 0.53 27) New Panggangan 5,660.3 2.2 2 28) Inagawan -Sub 17,900.0 7.04 29) Napsan 15,374.7 6.05 30) Sta. Lucia 12,951.1 5.09 31) Montible 6,782.4 2.67 Subtotal 239,275.7 94.20 Grand Total 253,992.0 100.00

Figure II.1 Political Boundary Map City of Puerto Princesa

B. Topography and Slope

More than half (57.43%) of the total land area of Puerto Princesa City have flat to gentle slopes, making the City an ideal site for urban development and agricultural development (Table II.2). Only about 22% of the total land area of the City has severe limitations for settlements and infrastructure development because of steep slopes (>30%). Moderate slopes of 8-18%, which can also be developed for agriculture and low-density housing comprise 15% of the City’s total land area. However, agriculture and settlements development within this moderate slope range has to adopt soil conservation and slope stabilization measures to avoid soil erosion and landslides, respectively.

Table II.2 Slope Classes and Area Coverage City of Puerto Princesa Slope Class Area (Hectares) % 0-3% (Flat) 89,804.82 36.54 3-8% (Gentle) 51,336.44 20.89 8-18% (Moderate) 35,808.68 14.57 18 -30% (Rugged) 14,516.89 5.90 30 -50% (Steep) 48,824.79 19.86 50% and above (Broken) 5, 439.42 2.21 Grand total 245,731.06 100.00 (Based on Digitized Data of ECAN Zoning Project)

The slope classes and area coverage by barangay are provided in Annex II.1 that was generated by the Mapping Team of the ECAN Zoning Project.

Seven (7) barangays have more than 80% of their total land area with flat to nearly level land (0- 8% slopes). These barangays are highly suitable for agriculture and urban expansion: Bahile, Binduyan, Concepcion, Langogan, Marufinas, San Rafael and Santa Cruz. Remarkably, Bahile has 98% of its total land area with 0-3% slope.

In contrast, 22 barangays have their entire land area comprised of steep slopes (30-50% slopes). These barangays are better left off with substantial forest cover to maintain their ecological stability and prevent accelerated erosion and massive landslides which could affect downstream settlements, agriculture and coastal fisheries. The 22 barangays sitting on critical slopes are: Bagong Pag-asa, Bagong Silang, Kalipay, Liwanag, Mabuhay, Magkakaibigan, Maligaya, Mandaragat, Manggahan, Maningning, Masigla, Masikap, Masipag, Matahimik, Matiyaga, Maunlad, Milagrosa, Model, Pagkakaisa, Princesa, Seaside, Tagumpay and Tanglaw.

The barangays with the largest area of flat lands (0-3%) include Bahile, Bacungan, Langogan, Napsan, Cabayugan, Marufinas, and Binduyan.

C. Geology

In the southern portion particularly in the Irawan area, metamorphic rocks of the Inagawan Formation can be found. The area is also partly composed of sedimentary Iwahig Formation, alluvium of unconsolidated gravel, sand, pebbles and silt. Some ultramafic rocks of the Palawan Ophiolite Complex also characterize the area.

The northern part of the City is comprised of ultramafic rocks. In particular, the Langogan area is characterized by metamorphic rocks consisting of quartz-feldspathic and mica schists, phyllites, slate and quartzites. The ultramafic rocks consist of unaltered sepertenized pridotite, dunite and pyrexomite.

Babuyan area is made up of Irahuan Metavolcanics which resemble the quartz-hematite schist in appearance and are also friable and weather into dark reddish gray platy fragments which are usually scattered near outcrops of river beds. St. Paul limestone outcrops as small patches are found in the south and midwestern part of the catchment. It is comprised of a very thick, massive, marbleized limestone with very well developed karst.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park has karsts limestone formation and is popular tourist destination among local and international tourists. The underground river is about 8.2 kilometers in length and has been proclaimed under Proclamation No. 212 as a National Park. The park covers a protected area of 22,202 hectares. It is also included in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO because of its diverse ecosystem and the presence of rare flora and fauna. The site, which is located in Sabang, barangay Cabayugan has also fine white beaches.

D. Climate

Two types of climate patterns that are distinctive for the east and the west coast characterize Puerto Princesa. The east coast has short dry season and more months of heavy rainfall. The area is dry from January to April and rainy season prevails throughout the rest of the year. September was registered as the wettest month.

The west coast has equal lengths of dry and rainy seasons. Dry season begins in November and lasts until April while the rainy months start in May and ends in October. The rainiest month in the west coast is September just like in the east coast. February is the driest month in the area. The barangays falling under this climate pattern are New Panggangan, Marufinas, Cabayugan, Tagabinet, Buenavista, Bahile, Macarascas, Simpocan, Bagong Bayan, and Napsan. Annex II.2 shows data on Monthly Rainfall/Number of Rainy Days)

E. Temperature & Humidity

The City has a uniform high temperature. However, there is no marked difference in temperature between areas falling under the first and second type of climate. Generally the warmest months are March, April and May, the coolest are November, December, January, and February. Refer to Annex II.3. The city has more or less uniform humidity as well as high relative humidity. The range is from 70 to 86 percent with an annual mean of 84 percent. Please see Annex II.3

Fluctuations in relative humidity affect the rate of evaporation in such a way that if other factors like moisture content of the soil and its temperature and the temperature of the air were momentarily held constant, a lower relative humidity tends to enhance vaporization, while in an extreme case, atmosphere approaches 100 percent, evaporation may cease and condensation induced.

F. Water Resources

The City has a total of 115,610 hectares of watershed areas of which five watersheds have major river basins and six have medium-sized river basins. The 11 watersheds and their catchment area are given in Table II.3. The five river basins with the largest area include Babuyan River (25% of the total catchment area)Montible River (20%), Langogan River (14%), Inagawan River (12%) and Bacungan River (10%). Irawan watershed, which is the main source of water supply in the City, has a small catchment area comprising only 3% of the total catchment area.

Table II.3 Major Rivers and Catchment Areas in the Watersheds City of Puerto Princesa Major Rivers Catchment Area (hectares) % of Total Babuyan River 28,786 24.89 Montible River 23,156 20.02 Langogan River 16,292 14.09 Inagawan River 14,592 12.62 Bacungan River 11,343 9.81 Sabang River 1,674 1.44 Cabayugan River 3,814 3.29 Irawan River 3,679 3.18 Tanabag River 5,622 4.86 Concepcion River 4,225 3.65 Bahile River 2,427 2.09 Total 115,610 100.00 Source: CLUP 2001-2010

Development of groundwater in the City proper to supply part of its water requirements has limited potential because of low yield and partly salt-water intrusion into the fresh water aquifers. However, groundwater abstraction has a better potential in Sta. Monica, Irawan and Iwahig.

The groundwater quality of the City is relatively poor with a pH higher than 7.2, which is the benchmark for good quality groundwater. The groundwater also has high content level of calcium and magnesium making it hard and produces crust deposits when used in boilers.

G. Soil types

Lowland soils found in the City are mostly alluvial in formation and are usually fertile soils; hence they are classified as prime agricultural lands. This type of soil formation is suitable for irrigation and has potential for good yields of rice. Upland soils are usually formed in place from underlying bedrocks. They are usually thin compared to alluvial deposits and are also prone to erosion in the absence of vegetation cover.

In terms of soil types, there are nine kinds found distributed in City: Bolinao Clay, Tagburos Clay, Tapul Clay Loam, Guimbalaon Clay, Bay Clay Loam, Babuyan Silt Clay Loam, Babuyan Clay, Malaglag Clay, and Hydrosol.

H. Land Classification

Based on the data of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), Alienable and Disposable (A & D) lands were estimated to comprise about 15% of the total land area of the City (Table II.4). Forestland or timberland, which cannot be titled, covers almost 11% of the total area of Puerto Princesa. The unclassified public forestland makes up 74% of the total land area of the City. This implies that many of the residents who are occupying lands in the City do not have titles.

Table II.4 Land Classification City of Puerto Princesa Land Classification Hectarage Percentage Alienable or Disposable Land 32,857.94 15.01 Forestland 24,016.49 10.97 Unclassified Public Forest Land 162,084.78 74.03 Total 218,959.21 100.00 NAMRIA

It is uncommon to find that A&D lands totaling to 4,643 hectares or 14% of the total A&D lands are located in slopes above 18% thereby making these lands susceptible to erosion and eventually land degradation when they are developed into agriculture or settlements. 26 barangays in the City have A&D lands above 18% in slope (Table II.5). The barangays with the largest A&D lands located in slopes above 18% are Buenavista (38% of the total A&D lands above 18% in slope), Lucbuan (11%) and Maruyugon (8%).

Table II.5 Alienable and Disposable Lands Located in Areas with Slopes Greater than 18%, City of Puerto Princesa

BARANGAY AREA OF A&D LANDS ABOVE 18% SLOPE (HECTARES) Bacungan 251.8 Bagong Bayan 6.3 Bahile 5.8 Binduyan 21.9 Buenavista 1,777.8 Cabayugan 284.1 Concepcion 0.7 Irawan 184.0 Langoga n 80.5 Lucbuan 511.2 Macarascas 230.6 Manalo 287.6 Maoyon 128.2 Marufinas 78.1 Maruyugon 358.7 Napsan 93.6 New Pangangan 97.9 Salvacion 96.9 Santa Cruz 18.7 Santa Lourdes 55.0 Santa Monica 0.4 Simpocan 0.9 Tagabinet 66.6 Tagburos 1.9 Tanaba g 4.1 Total 4,643.3 Source: CLUP (2001-2010), City of Puerto Princesa

I. Land and Sea Cover

Based on the data generated by the Mapping Team of the ECAN Zoning Project using 2005 SPOT5 satellite imageries, about 73% of the total land area Puerto Princesa is still forested with primary forest (7%), secondary forest (52%), limestone forest (1%), and ultramafic forest (13%). Its remaining mangrove forest covers a total area of 5,737 hectares. Brushlands and grasslands, which can be developed into forest plantations, orchards, upland agriculture and even settlements, comprise 14% of the total land area of the city.

Lands cultivated to agriculture are substantial covering a total area of 19,549 hectares or about 10% of the total land area of the City.

Built-up areas were measured to be about 3,993 hectares or 1.85% of the City’ total land area from the 2,376 hectares under the Land Use Survey conducted in 1999. This means that the built-up areas have increased by 1,617 hectares or 68% in five years posting an average annual increase of about 323 hectares.

The SPOT5 satellite imageries used were able to identify for mapping the coastal habitats in the coastal waters of Puerto Princesa. Although the deeper portions of the coastal water was not covered, mapping of the shallower portions produced the following measurements: coral reefs cover 3,074 hectares, dense seagrass with 836 hectares and sparse seagrass with 880 hectares.

The Land/Sea Cover map of Puerto Princesa City is given in Figure II.3. It depicts the spatial distribution of the different types of vegetation cover, land uses and coastal habitats’ cover.

J. TERRESTRIAL FLORA Resource Assessment

The forest cover of PPC was measured in 1992 under the JAFTA project and was recorded to have 149,317 hectares. In 1998, another measurement of the City’s forest cover revealed that it slightly increased to 151,405 hectares. The increase was attributed to the reforestation undertaken by the City and other organizations such as the PCSDS, DENR, NGOs and POs. In the measurement done by the ECAN Zoning Project in 2005 using SPOT5 imageries, the total forest cover (primary, secondary, limestone and ultramafic forests) of the City was recorded at 159,203 hectares posting an increase of 7,798 hectares from 1998 (Table II.6)

Table II.6 Forest Cover Measurements City of Puerto Princesa

Year Forest Cover Increase/Decrease % Increase/Decrease (Hectares) (Hectares) 1992 149,317 - 1998 151,405 2,088 1.39 2005 159,203 7,798 5.15

A survey was conducted by the Flora Survey Team of the ECAN Zoning Project in 2005 covering selected watersheds in the City. The watersheds selected are those that serve as catchments to the major rivers in the City; present and potential sources of water supply; and critical to sustaining the productivity of the agriculture in the lowland and coastal/marine habitats and fisheries.

Figure II.2 Land and Sea Cover Map, City of Puerto Princesa

The watersheds covered in the survey include:

a) Northern Puerto Princesa City

1) Puerto Princesa City Forest Reserve, Sitio Nagtabon, Barangay Bacungan 2) Bahile – Macarascas Wilderness Area 3) Tagabinet – Buenavista Forests: Babuyan River Watershed 4) Cabayugan – Sabang Karsts Forests (limestone forests) 5) San Rafael – Tanabag – Conception – Binduyan Catchments

b) Southern Puerto Princesa City

1) Langogan Watershed 2) Montible – Napsan Watershed 3) Irawan Watershed

The general findings of the survey are summarized below.

Puerto Princesa City Forest Reserve Sitio Nagtabon, Barangay Bacungan .

A large portion of the forest ecosystem comprising Barangay Bacungan proper up to Sitio Nagtabon was observed to be severely degraded. The vegetation in the forestlands is dominated by grassland community that extends to the steep and higher portion of the mountain.

The Flora Team recorded several endangered species of flora, notably: Malakawayan ( Podocarpus philippinensis ) and Erect Pitogo ( Cycas rumphiana ) of about 5-6 meters tall. Almaciga trees ( Agathis philippinensis ), mancono ( Xanthostemon sp.) and salago ( Wilkstroemia lanceolata )– a fibrous plant called “currency paper” plant are commonly found in the intact forest of the Puerto Princesa Forest Reserve. Climbing bamboos, buho ( Schizostachium lumampao ), rattan( Calamus sp.) and Dracaena species were also found abundantly growing in the forest reserve. Bangkal trees ( Nauclea sp. ), Batino ( Alstonia macrophylla , and pandan species were observed in the lower elevation areas of the watershed. The Forest Reserve is a source of drinking water for the households of Sitio Nagtabon.

In Sitio Nagtabon, the dominant plant families in the ultramafic forest that were recorded include Myrtaceae, Sapotaceae, Compositae, Euphorbiaceae, Apocynaceae, and Fabaceae (Liguminosae).

Bahile-Macarascas Wilderness Area

A substantial portion of the Bahile-Macarascas Wilderness Area was found to be degraded. The degraded portions of the forest were dominated by grassland plant community types. Bangkal trees and reforestation species as Acacia mangium and A. auriculitormis were also noted in the survey sites. Binayuyu (Antidesma ghaesembillia ) a species that thrives in hot and dry climate is plentiful in the area especially in the lower-flat areas until the foot of the secondary forest.

The higher elevations of the wilderness area in Bahile – Macarascas are still thickly forested. Several endangered species were found in the area surveyed such as huge kamagong ( Diospyrus discolor ), mancono ( Xanthostemon verdugonianius ), upland agoho ( Gymnostoma rhumphiana ), malakawayan (Podocarpus philippinensis ), and other rare and endangered species.

The Kayulo Waterfall is situated near Brgy Macarascas. It has high potential for tourism development. The wilderness is a potential source of water supply for domestic use and irrigation.

Tagabinet – Buenavista Forests: Babuyan River Watershed

The higher elevations of the watershed have intact forest stands. The forest is dominated by Apitong consisting of Hasselt’s Panau ( Dipterocarpus hasseltii ) and the Panau ( Dipterocarpus gracilis ). Large trees dominate the intact forest stands. The dipterocarp forest with associates such as the Malugai ( P. pinnata ), Antipolo ( A. blancoi) and Binuang ( Octomeles sumatrana ) were also found.

In the lower areas of the watershed and along the roadsides, secondary and plantation forest mostly Albizzia ( A. falcataria ), mahogany ( Swietenia macrophylla ), and acacia ( A. auriculitormis) were found. Portions of the secondary forest area are planted to orchards consisting mainly of cashew (Anacardium occidentale), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophylla), guayabano (Annona muricata), and banana (Musa sapientum). The newly opened kaingins are planted to banana (M. sapientum), papaya ( Carica papaya ) and some pineapple. Lowlands are planted to rice and some vegetables.

The Flora survey team noted wide hillside forest clearings along the Babuyan River in Maoyon area. Forest patches in these areas are being converted to croplands indicating that illegal settlers are encroaching into the natural forest areas.

Cabayugan – Sabang Karsts Forests

The Flora survey team noted that the areas along the road leading to Sabang are mostly agricultural lands. Along the peripherals of the croplands are patches of bangkal ( Nauclea horsefildia ), Banaba ( Lagerstroemia speciosa ), Talisay ( Terminalia catappa ) and erect palms and bamboos.

The forest in the Cabayugan-Sabang watershed was observed to be still intact and undisturbed.

San Rafael, Tanabag-Conception – Binduyan

Large trees were found in the forest area with Ficus species ranking as the most dominant species. The other dominant species include: Amugis ( K. pinnatum), Pahutan ( Mangifera altissima ), and Malugai ( P. pinnatum ). All are large trees. Pandan Dagat ( Pandanus sp.) was also found to be growing abundantly in the area.

The survey conducted by the ECAN Zoning Project revealed that the upland areas in San Rafael, Tanabag, Concepcion and Binduyan are being degraded due to encroachment of upland dwellers. Notably, the hillsides have become denuded due to kaingin.

Langogan Watershed

The watershed is thickly forested with almost all kinds of hard wood forest trees. The most dominant ones noted are the ipil ( I. bijuga ), narra ( P. indicus ), apitong ( D. grandiflorus ), kalantas ( Toona calantas ), nato ( Palaquium luzoniense ) and lawaan ( Shorea contorta ). However, very few Kamagong (Diospyros discolor ) were seen within the vicinity. Soft wood like balesangkad, balite ( Ficus balite ), almaciga (A. philippinensis ), antipolo ( A. blancoi ) and rattan ( Calamus sp .) are also abundant in the area.

Some sites in the hillsides were noted to be converted to upland farms. Kaingin areas were also noted inside forested areas.

Napsan-Montible

The Napsan-Montible Watershed is thickly forested in the upper elevations while the midslopes are characteristically comprised of secondary forest with very dense undergrowth. Below the midslopes down to the lower portion of the watershed are vegetated with shrubs and grasses.

The dominant plant species recorded in the survey sites are Malugai ( Pometia pinnata ), Amugis (Koordersiodendron pinnatum ) and Karne Norte (Liusin, Parinari corymbosa ). The brushland ecosystem is composed of pioneer species and grasses. Dominant vegetation brushland species include the Cogon (Imperata cylindrica ), Coronitas ( Lantana camara) and the large solitary tree, Binuang ( Octomeles sumatrana ). Other large trees found in the ecosystem are the Amugis ( K.pinnatum ), Balakat (Z iziphus talanai ) and Malugai ( Pometia pinnata ).

Irawan watershed

The forest reserve of the Irawan watershed is characterized by ultramafic forest on the upper elevation and alluvial forest on the lower elevation. The primary forest of the Reserve is dominated by almaciga ( Agathis philippinensis ) and Apitong Baboy/Rumarao, which are found growing above 700m. Others premium timber species identified in the survey sites include: ipil ( Instia bijuga ), kamagong ( Diospyrus philippinensis ), amugis ( Koordersiodendron pinnatum ), apitong ( Dipterocarpus grandiflorus ), and kalantas (Toona calantas ).

It was observed that the secondary and logged over forest in the Reserve are consist of residual stands of dipterocarps and Moraceae species including rattan palm ( Calamus, Plectocomia and Daemonorops).

In Mt. Beaufort, the dominant species of trees noted include: Balakat Gubat ( Sapium luzonicum ), Amugis ( Koordersiodendron pinnatum ), and Takipan ( Caryota rumphiana var philippinensis ), a palm. Other large diameter trees make up the forest cover composition of Mt. Beaufort.

Fruit trees are planted in the lower slopes, mostly cashew ( Anacardium occidentale ), citrus varieties ( Citrus sp .), banana ( Musa sapientum ) and coconut (C ocos nucifera ). Aside from fruit trees, exotic species of trees were planted during several reforestation projects (Feast of the Forest): these are mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla ), Gmelina ( Gmelina arborea ) and Mangium ( Acacia mangium ). Grassland and brushland are dominated by cogon ( Imperata cylindrica ), bamboo ( Schyzostachuim palawense ) and hagonoy (Chromolaena odorata ) with sparse vegetation of pioneer species and remaining solitary stand of climax species spared by logging, kaingin and fire. Peripheral beach forests are dominated by Zizygium spp., Gutiferrae spp., and Terminalia spp . Only small areas around the reserve are planted with rice ( Oryza sativa ). a. Uses and Benefits of the Forest The local communities in the areas surveyed get their lumber for house and furniture making, woodcrafts and decors in the forest areas. The other products gathered from the forest areas include raw or light materials for handicraft items, sawali for thatch making and materials for walling, roofing and fencing in Montible and/or Bacungan.

Firewood and charcoal materials are other products gathered by residents of Montible and Bacungan while the almaciga resin is an important product for the residents in Irawan and Bacungan. Medicinal plants, foods, vitamins and minerals from fishes, honey from bees and wild life species that are sold as well are among the important benefits derived from the forests.

Three sites in barangay Napsan totaling to 1,449 hectares were identified for communal forest where the local residents can source their wood requirements for housing and other uses. This is intended to provide the residents legitimate sources of wood for their needs so that they would no longer cut trees in prohibited forest areas.

To rehabilitate degraded areas in critical watersheds of the City, reforestation projects were undertaken in 16 barangays covering a total area of 2, 215 hectares as of 2000 with an average survival rate of 49% (Table II.7). These reforestation projects were undertaken by government agencies, NGOs, POs and the City government. The total cost of reforestation amounted to P35.4 million.

Out of the 16 reforestation projects, survival rate was very low (<50%) in 9 barangays or 56.25% of the total number of barangays. The average computed cost of reforestation was about P16,000 per hectare. Table II.7 Reforestation Projects in the City of Puerto Princesa, 2000 Location (Barangay) Area (hectares) Survival Rate (%) Babuyan 200 10.40 Bacungan 100 Nd Concepcion 240 43.52 Irawan 214 36.19 Iwahig 154 76.40 Kamuning 60 78.00 Langgoan 43 7.20 Macarascas 200 19.40 Manalo 300 73.50 Mangingisda 200 77.75 Salvacion 100 34.40 San Rafael 60 82.00 Sicsican 70 62.80 Sta Lucia 100 30.70 Sta Lourdes 100 40.10 Tanabag 74 65.10 Total 2,215 49.16 Source: CLUP 2001-2010, City of Puerto Princes Ancestral domain claims within the City is approximately about 93, 839 hectares or 37% of the total land area of the City. About 90% of the claimed areas fall within forestlands. As of 2000, 14,066 hectares or 15% of claimed lands were approved by the DENR. Those ancestral domain claims that were approved are located in Maoyon-Babuyan-San Rafael, Cabayugan and Kayasan. Those which are pending for approval or still being validated include the claims in barangays Irawan (4,460 ha), Napsan-Simpocan (18,531 ha), Sta. Lourdes (6,281 ha), Maoyon-Tanabag-Concepcion-Langgoan (22,500 ha), and San Rafael-Binduyan (28,000 ha). The ancestral domain claims in Marufinas, Kamuning and Maruyugon have not indicated the size of the land being applied for. b. Biodiversity Index and Endemicity Most of the sites surveyed have very low diversity. However, the forests in Sabang, Bahile, Talaodyong and Nagtabon registered high biodiversity indices of above 3 (Table II.8). Table II.8 Biodiversity Indices in the Watersheds of Puerto Princesa City Northern PPC Shannon Index Pielou Index, J’ Rating Langogan 1.64 0.88 Very Low Maoyon 1.84 0.91 Very Lo w Tagabinet 1.97 0.93 Very Low Sabang 3.38 0.89 High Bahile 4.34 0.85 Very High Talaodyong 3.29 0.89 High Nagtabon forest 3.91 0.79 Very High Southern PPC Napsan Traverse 2.43 0.89 Low Montible Brushland 0.84 0.48 Very Low Central Peak 2.34 0.9 4 Low Mt Salakot 1.72 0.86 Very Low Mt Beaufort 1.87 0.90 Very Low Irawan downslope 1.86 0.92 Very Low Source: Flora Survey Report, 2005. ECAN Zoning Project , City of Puerto Princesa NOTE: Above 3.5 index is considered very high

K. TERRESTRIAL FAUNA

Resource Assessment

The Fauna survey team conducted its reconnaissance survey in seven barangays, namely: Mt. Salakot, Barangay Napsan, Barangay Simpocan, Barangay Nagtabon, Barangay Langogan, Barangay Bahile, Barangay Irawan, and Barangay Iwahig. Several sampling sites were selected in each 7 barangays where transects were established. The selected sampling sites are more or less the same with the sampling sites of the Flora team for consistency purposes.

The Fauna team was able to identify a total of 135 species in 63 families and 19 orders. The 11 amphibians are distributed in 4 families and 1 order, and the 7 reptiles in 6 families in 1 order and 2 sub-orders. Ninety-four species of birds are distributed in 40 families and 10 orders while the 23 mammals in 13 families and 7 orders. The top 4 barangays which registered the highest species count are: Langogan (67), Bahile (67), Napsan (64), and Irawan (61).

Mammal species diversity and richness, have the following highest ranked areas (Table 4): Napsan (H’ =0.467, R = 3.74), Simpokan (H’ = 0.402, R = 3.33), Langogan (H’ = 0.259, R = 1.31) and Bahile (H’ = 0.178, R =1.52). The relative ranks for bird species diversity and richness show Bahile ( H’ = 1.57, R = 3.61) having the highest value followed by Irawan (H’ = 1.51, R = 3.78), Langogan (H’ =1.49, R = 3.59), Napsan (H’ = 1.44, R = 3.30) and Bacungan (H’ =1.42, R = 3.60). Reptile diversity and richness are all low, but the ranking of the highest are as follows: Bacungan (H’-0.439, R- 0.83), Bahile and Irawan, having both H’ = 0.30, R = 1.41, Langogan and Simpokan with H’ = 0.217, R = 1.512). Amphibian species diversity and richness show Simpokan (H’ = 0.5008, R =0.84), Bahile (H’ = 0.4000, R = 1.15), Irawan (H’ =0.468, R = 0.657), Bacungan (H’= 0.346, R = 0.530) as the top barangays.

In terms of overall species richness, the following barangays scored the highest (Table II.9): Bahile, Simpokan, Napsan and Langogan. Species diversity in all sampling sites was relatively low with less than 2.5 index value. Table II.9 Comparative Biodiversity Assessment of the Seven Study Sites City of Puerto Princesa Total No. of Species Species Site Animals Species Count Individuals (Ni) Richness Diversity (H') Napsan* Mammals 14 14 3.7417 0.4668 Birds 43 170 3.2979 1.4450 Reptiles 2 7 0.7559 0.1781 Amphibians 5 66 0.6155 0.3269 Total 64 257 3.9922 2.4167 Simpokan Mammals 12 13 3.3282 0.4018 Birds 26 69 3.1300 1.3098 Reptiles 4 7 0.8944 0.2173 Amphibians 5 35 0.8452 0.5008 Total 45 122 4.0741 2.4297 Nagtabon, Bacungan Mammals 5 19 1.1471 0.1256 Birds 31 74 3.6037 1.4189 Reptiles 3 13 0.8321 0.4396 Amphibians 3 32 0.5303 0.3465 Total 42 138 3.5753 2.3307

Table II.9 Comparative Biodiversity Assessment of the Seven Study Sites

Langogan* Mammals 12 84 1.3093 0.2593 Birds 50 193 3.5991 1.4873 Reptiles 2 5 0.7071 0.2173 Amphibians 5 35 0.7906 0.3400 Total 69 317 3.8754 2.3040 Bahile* Mammals 13 73 1.5215 0.1779 Birds 46 162 3.6141 1.5694 Reptiles 2 2 1.4142 0.3010 Amphibians 6 27 1.1547 0.4000 Total 67 264 4.1236 2.4484 Irawan* Mammals 15 158 1.1933 0.1375 Birds 40 112 3.7796 1.5081 Reptiles 2 2 1.4142 0.3010 Amphibians 4 37 0.6576 0.4685 Total 61 309 3.4702 2.4151 Iwahig Mammals 4 40 0.6325 0.0508 Birds 30 59 3.9057 1.4021 Reptiles No night survey Amphibians No night survey Total 34 99 3.4171 1.4529 City of Puerto Princesa Total: Amphibians -11; Reptiles- 7; Birds- 94;Mammals-23 Source: Fauna Survey Report, 2006. ECAN Zoning Project, City of Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa has 33% of the total count of Palawan endemics. Amphibians have the highest endemicity at 45% (5 species); birds registered 34% (32 species) and mammals posted 35% (8 species). The level of endemism by barangay is as follows starting from the highest: Napsan - 47% (30 species); Irawan - 43% (26 species); Langogan – 35% (24 species); Simpukan -38% (18 species); Montible – 38% (13 species); and Bahile – 29% (20 species).

About 45% of the number of threatened species in Palawan (i.e., 38 species) is found in Puerto Princesa (i.e., 17 species). Of the total number of threatened species in Puerto Princesa City, mammals registered the highest with 30% or 7 species, followed by reptiles with 14% or one species, birds with 9% or 8 species, and amphibians with 9% or one species. Table II.10 shows the ranking of barangays in terms of the number of threatened species.

Table II.10 Number of Threatened Fauna Species by Barangay City of Puerto Princesa Barangay Number of Threatened Species % of Total Number of Threatened Species* Napsan 15 88.23 Simpokan 15 88.23 Langogan 11 64.70 Irawan 11 64.70 Bahile 7 41.17 Iwahig 7 41.17 Nagtabon 5 29.41 *The City of Puerto Princesa has 17 threatened species of wildlife.

The Flagship species are those which are locally endemic and/or threatened, and/or rare in the Philippines and found only in Palawan. In Puerto Princesa the flagship species consist of 10 mammal species, 47 birds, 1 reptile and 5 amphibians (Table II.14). Overall, Napsan has the greatest number of flagship species (42) followed by Irawan (34), Bahile (29), Simpukan (28), Iwahig (22), Nagtabon (17), and Langogan (13). This presence of flagship species is also an important factor for determining the importance of a site as a core zone or a buffer zone. Table II.11 provides the list of flagship species in Puerto Princesa City . Table II.11 Flagship Fauna Species with Confirmed Presence City of Puerto Princesa Scientific Name Common name Status MAMMALS Amblonyx cinereus Oriental small clawed otter Vulnerable, PalE Restricted in Philippines -only in Palawan, Arctictis binturong* Binturong local endemic (PalE) Eonycteris spelaea Common nectar Bat Vulnerable, R Hystrix pumila* Palawan porcupine Palawan only, PalE Manis javanicus* Malayan pangolin Seriously endangered, PalE Mydaus marchei Palawan stink badger Vulnerable Rhinolophus virgo Yellow -faced Horseshoe Bat Moderately Common, PhilE Sundasciurus juvencus Northern Palawan three shrew Endangered Widespread, Declining and heavily hunted, Sus barbatus Bearded pig Threatened, PalE Tupaia palawanensis Palawan tree shrew Vulnerable BIRDS Aethopyga s. shelleyi Lovely Sunbird E-LC Alcedo meni nting amadoni Blue -eared Kingfisher R-Un, race PalE Anthracoceros marchei Palawan Hornbill E-Un,Vulnerable Anthreptes malacensis paraguae Plain -throated Sunbird R-C, race PalE Arachnothera longirostra dilutior Little Spiderhunter R-Un, race PalE Batrac hostomus javensis chaseni Javan Frogmouth R-Un, race PalE Caprimulgus macrurus johnsoni* Large -tailed Nightjar R-FC, race PalE Chloropsis palawanensis Yellow -throated Leafbird E-C Chrysocolaptes lucidus Greater Flameback erythrocephalus R-FC, race PalE Cisticola juncidis nigrostriata Zitting Cisticola R-C, race PalE Collocalia troglodytes Pygmy Swiftlet E-FC Copsychus niger White -vented Shama E-Un, Near Threatened Coracina striata difficilis Bar -bellied Cuckoo -shrike R-C, race PalE Corvus enca pusil lus Slender -billed Crow R-LC, race E Criniger bres frater Grey -cheeked Bulbul R-C, race PalE Culcicapa helianthea panayensis Citrine Canary -flycatcher R-C, race E Cyornis lemprieri Palawan Blue -flycatcher E-Un, Near Threatened Dicaeum aeruginosum affin e Striped Flower picker E-Un Dicaeum pygmaeum palawanorum Pygmy Flower picker E-C

Table II.11 Flagship Fauna Species with Confirmed Presence

Dicrurus hottentotus palawanensis Spangled Drongo R-C, race E Dinopium javanense everetti Common Flame back R-Un, race PalE Dryocopus javensis hargitti White -bellied Woodpecker R-FC, race PalE Eudynamis scolopacea mindanensis Common Koel R-C, race E Halcyon capensis gouldi* Stork -billed Kingfisher R-Un, race E Hypsipetes palawanensis Sulphur -bellied Bul bul E-Un Irena puella tweeddalei Asian Fairy -bluebird R-C, race PalE Macronus gularis woodi Striped Tit -babbler R-C, race PalE Macropygia phasianella tenuirostris Reddish Cuckoo -Dove R-C, race E Megalurus palustris forbesi Striated Grassbird R-C, race E Nectarinia jugularis aurora Olive -backed Sunbird R-C, race E Oriolus c. chinensis* Black -naped Oriole R-C, race E Otus fuliginosus Palawan Scops -Owl E-Un, Near Threatened Pachycephala grisola plateni Mangrove Whistler R-C, race PalE Parus amabilis Palawan Tit E-Un, Near Threatened Phylloscopus trivirgatus peterseni Mountain Leaf -Warbler R-C, race PalE Pitta sordida palawanensis* Hooded Pitta R-C, race PalE Polyplectron emphanum* Palawan Peacock -Pheasant E-Un, Vulnerable Prioniturus platenae Blue -headed Racquet -tail E-Un, Vulnerable Prionochilus p. plateni Palawan Flowerpecker E-C Prionochilus plateni culionensis Palawan Flowerpecker E-C Pycnonotus plumosus cinereifrons Blue -winged Bulbul R-FC, race PalE Rhipidura javanica nigritorquis Pied Fan tail R-C, race E Sitta frontalis palawana Velvet -fronted Nuthatch R-C, race PalE Spizaetus philippensis* Philippine Hawk -eagle E-Un Near endemic - Uncommon, Near Tanygnathus lucionensis salvadorii Blue-naped Parrot Threatened Terpsiphone cyanescens Blue Paradise -flycatcher E-Un, Near Threatened Trichastoma cinereiceps Ashy -headed Babbler E-FC AMPHIBIANS Barbourula busuangensis Philippine Discoglossid Frog PalE/Rare, Threatened Limnonectes acanthi Palawan Common Frog PalE Rana moellendorffi Moellend orff's Variable -backed Frog Common, PalE Bufo biporcatus Philippine Toad PalE/Rare Rhacophorus e. everetti Palawan Tree Frog Rare, PalE REPTILES Varanus salvator Philippine Monitor Lizard Common, Threatened Source: Fauna Survey Report, 2006. ECAN Zoning Project, City of Puerto Princesa

L. COASTAL/MARINE RESOURCES

The extent of City’s coastline stretches to 416 kilometers and its municipal coastal waters within the 15-km boundary cover an area of 327,586 hectares. Around 74% of its barangays are located in the coastal lands wherein most of its households are involved in fishing.

There are three bays located in Puerto Princesa City. Two are situated on the eastern side: Puerto Princesa Bay and Honda Bay and one on the northwestern side, the Ulugan Bay.

One of the major fishing grounds in the City is Honda bay whose fish catch has been declining. In 1985, the reported fish catch per trip was 36.5 kg and this went down to 8.4 kg in 1989 or a reduction of 76% and further dove to 5.0 kg in 1996. The decline in fishery yield per unit effort was due to overfishing and destruction of marine habitats brought about by blast fishing, illegal fishing gears, erosion and siltation. a. Coral Reefs Resource Assessment

The Marine Team of the ECAN Zoning Project conducted a Manta Tow survey of the coral reefs covering the entire length of the coastline of Puerto Princesa City. On the western side of the City’s coastal areas, a large portion of the corals observed was dead. The dead reefs were colonized by thick vegetation of Sargassum. The predatory seastar crown-of-thorns (COT) was also noted to be more abundant at the western section (between Sabang and Ulugan Bay).

Two areas in the western coast of the City were found to have good coral cover: Pinanganakan Island, a small island located northward, and a small area southward in the vicinity of Napsan. Despite the poor condition of the reefs on the western seaboard, more sea turtles and sharks were encountered by the Marine survey team during their survey, especially towards Ulugan Bay.

On the other hand, most of the coral reefs found on the eastern coast of Puerto Princesa City have good to excellent cover. Soft corals are also abundant on the eastern seaboard. Honda bay has a large area covered by soft corals. Likewise, an area in Kamuning had a soft coral cover of more than 50%. Hard and soft corals were found in equal proportion in some of the areas surveyed in the eastern side of the City’s coastal areas. Figure II.3 shows the status of hard and soft coral reef cover in the sites surveyed by the team in April 2005. Coral reefs with more than 50% hard cover are mostly located in the eastern coast within Honda bay. Coral reefs in Puerto Princesa bay are mostly in poor condition with a coral cover ranging from 11-30%. b. Reef Fish Resource Assessment

The Marine Survey Team covered a total of 86 sampling stations located at both east and west coast of Puerto Princesa City to assess the status of reef fish in the area. The sampling sites or stations selected were mainly situated at or near the reef crest where most of the fish occur. The Consultant and his team also traversed reef flats and reef slopes to cover a wider area of the reef zones. A variety of reef fish habitats were surveyed to generate a good species count. Thus, the benthic cover, dominant substrate, dominant stands of coral, Sargassum beds, sandy areas and rocky reefs were noted in the survey.

10.3 PUERTO PRINCESA

10.2

10.1

) 10.0 s e e r g e d ( e

d 9.9 u t i t a l h t r o

N 9.8

9.7

Hard corals Soft corals 9.6 Category 4-5 51-100% Category 3 31 - 50% Category 2 11 - 30% Category 1 < 10% 9.5 118.4 118.5 118.6 118.7 118.8 118.9 119 119.1 East longitude (degrees) Figure II. 3. Summary of Hard and Soft Coral Cover Categories for the City of Puerto Princesa, April 2005.

The team was able to identify and list a total of 293 species of fish distributed among 42 families from all the sampling stations combined. The most speciose family recorded is the damselfishes (Pomacentridae) with 53 species followed by the Labridae with 45 species, parrotfishes (Scaridae) with 23 species, and the butterflyfishes Chaetodontidae with 21 species.

Of the total species listed, 25 were indicator species, 128 were major species and 140 were target species. The presence of indicator species is used to determine the health condition of the habitat. Although they do not have commercial value, the major species play an important role in the food web of marine organisms. The commercially valuable reef fish species are the target fish.

The survey noted that the target fishes were the most speciose among the three fish categories with 140 species from 25 families. This is a surprising find since most of the target fishes in other

municipalities surveyed by the team were the first to be depleted. However, the highly valued grouper Plectropomus leopardus was only observed in 12 or 14% of the total sampling stations surveyed.

Some of the dominant target species observed in the survey were parrotfishes, surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), goatfishes (Mullidae), snappers (Lutjanidae), rabbitfishes (Siganidae), threadfin breams (Nemipteridae), emperor breams (Lethrinidae), triggerfishes (Balistidae), fusiliers (Caesionidae) and groupers (Serranidae).

Among the 86 sampling sites or stations surveyed, species richness ranged from 2 to 75 species per 250 sq.m. with a mean of 28 species per 250 sq.m. The site with the highest species richness is Jacana, which is situated in front of the airport and a military detachment. The site has a high live coral cover of mostly tabulate Acropora and massive and encrusting coral life forms. In contrast, two stations on the west coast registered the lowest species richness.

The overall finding of the survey revealed that species richness is higher in the east coast where Honda and Puerto Princesa bays are located than in the west coast where Ulugan bay is located. The low species richness observed in almost all the sampling points at the west coast may be a result of the reported “red tide and fish kill” events that occurred in March 2005 which was only a month before the survey was done. During the survey at the west coast, “clouds” of dense masses of plankton were still evident in areas from Napsan to Marufinas. The plankton masses were especially dense and wide inside Ulugan Bay.

The higher species richness in the east coast was also attributed by the Marine consultants to good water visibility, protective management and the presence of law enforcing institutions at the east coast. In contrast, very poor water visibility (nearly zero at some points), and the recent episode of “fish-kill/red tide” at the west coast may have resulted in the very low species richness in the area.

The problems confronting the reef fish in Puerto Princesa’s bays include destructive fishing methods, siltation coming from denuded hilly areas and pollution from households especially coastal communities squatting in the shore lands.

The burgeoning population caused by heavy in-migration has manifested its toll to the coastal habitats in the east and west coast of the City. Overfishing is evident in the fishing grounds within the coastal jurisdiction of the City. c. Seagrass and Seaweeds Resource Assessment

The Marine Survey Team conducted the survey of seagrass cover, condition and species richness in selected sites of Puerto Princesa coastal waters in May 2005. The survey covered 95 sampling stations along the more than 400 km coastline of mainland Puerto Princesa. A total of 16 stations were also distributed in 11 islands within Honda Bay.

The team found wide and dense seagrass meadows in the southeast of Inagawan and within Puerto Princesa Bay particularly in Mangingisda, Iwahig, and Bancao-Bancao. Good cover of seagrass was also observed in Honda Bay from San Pedro to Tagburos, Luli Island, and Tadio/ Pundeado Island. A lush meadow was also found in deeper waters off Concepcion to Binduyan. These areas have more 50% seagrass cover indicating an overall healthy condition of the seagrass habitat.

In contrast, poor seagrass cover was noted in some parts of Honda bay, namely: Sta. Lucia, Sta Lourdes, Bacungan, Sta Cruz, Salvacion, San Rafael. Seagrass cover in these areas was attributed to their silty condition. The inner part of Ulugan bay was also noted to harbor sparse seagrass cover.

The coastal waters of Puerto Princesa City have eight species of seagrasses: Enhalus acoroides and Thalassia hemprichii were cosmopolitan , Halophila ovalis Cymodocea rotundata, Halodule uninervis (here including Halodule pinifolia ), and Syringodium isoetifolium were the commonly associated species, and Cymodocea serrulata and an undetermined species of Halophila occurred less frequently.

Monospecific stands of E. acoroides are common in silted sampling sites in Honda Bay specifically in Bacungan, Sta Cruz, Bush Island in Salvacion and in Ulugan Bay (Bahile). Sampling stations with the highest diversity of seagrass (i.e., 8 species) are Inagawan, San Pedro, Bancao- Bancao, Tagburos, Cowrie Island (Sta Lourdes), and Buenavista (Ulugan Bay). Seaweeds associated with seagrass beds contributed up to 30% of total vegetative cover and were represented by 24 genera, three of which were commonly encountered – the brown seaweeds Sargassum and Padina, and the green algae Halimeda .

Figure II.4 shows the potential sites for core zoning of seagrass beds. The selection of areas for core zone was based on the combination of ecological characters: seagrass species richness (triangles), bottom cover (green circles; yellow circles are well-covered beds), and presence of dugong graze marks (squares

Figure II. 4 Potential Core Zones for Seagrass in the City of Puerto Princesa (blue circles).

10.30 N, 118.80 E

9.50 N, 118.70 E

The survey team found grazes marks of Dugong in Kamuning, Inagawan, Mangingisda, Pundeado Island (Babuyan), Tanabag to Concepcion, and Binduyan. The sites where Dugong grazing marks were found are potential sites for core zoning.

From the combination of ecological characters (relatively high bottom cover and seagrass species richness) and apparent habitat use to a suite of animals (fish and large mammals), the team proposes areas within Kamuning, Inagawan, Mangingisda, Iwahig, Bancao-Bancao, San Pedro, Tagburos, Pundeado Island, Cowrie Island, and Buenavista as among the high-priority list of seagrass ECAN core zones, and adjacent areas within Mangingisda, Luzviminda, Bancao-Bancao, San Manuel, Manalo, Tadio Island, Macarascas,

and Buenavista as among the potential (‘reserved’) candidate areas. The latter are put forward in view of current global efforts on biodiversity conservation. d. Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles Resource Assessment

The Marine Survey Team of the ECAN Zoning Project adopted an interview survey technique in its study of marine mammals and sea turtles in Puerto Princesa. A total of three hundred eight (308) key informant interviews with fishers were conducted on April 2005 in 28 coastal barangays surrounding Puerto Princesa Bay, Ulugan Bay and the West Coast, and Honda Bay. The interviews were supplemented by a two-day opportunistic boat survey to verify the presence of species reported in the interview. The difficulty of actually seeing the presence of Dugong, sea turtles, dolphins and whales in the coastal waters of Puerto Princesa given the limited time and resources of the project resorted to the employment of the survey interview technique.

The results of the interview surveys and assessment study are briefly summarized below.

i. Dugong

Dugong individuals were sighted by the respondents to be feeding the coastal waters of Langogan, San Rafael, and Babuyan in Honda Bay; Bancao-bancao, Mangingisda, and Kamuning in Puerto Bay; Napsan in the West Coast; and Tagabinet in Ulugan Bay. Animal sightings often occurred in November in Ulugan bay and the west coast and from November to April in Puerto Princesa bay and Honda bay. Dugongs were usually seen during the early mornings before 10:00 o’clock. They were commonly spotted singly but sometimes in groups of three to five particularly in Honda and Puerto Princesa bays.

Figure II. 5 shows the locations where the respondents sighted Dugongs.

ii. Turtles

Turtle species common to Puerto Princesa are the Hawksbill turtle, Green turtle, and the Olive Ridley. Based on the respondents’ account and aided by photographs, the commonly sighted turtle species in the areas surveyed was the hawksbill turtle ( Eretmochelys imbricata) imbricata ) particularly in Barangays Mangingisda and Bancao-Bancao in Puerto Bay; and, Bagong Bayan and New Panggangan in the west coast.

The green turtle ( Chelonia mydas ) was frequently seen in Nagtabon and Langogan, while the olive ridley ( Lepidochelys olivacea ) was reported to occur in Salvacion and Tagabinet.

The turtles were seen to be mating, eating seaweeds, and resting in reef crevices in Puerto Princesa Bay and Ulugan Bay. Turtles are seen everyday at anytime of the day. They are usually spotted during the month of April, November and December when they come to the beach areas to nest.

Figure II. 5. Dugong Sightings, City of Puerto Princesa

The nesting sites of sea turtles were reported to be located Marufinas, Nagtabon, Kamuning, and Rita Island. Female turtles, possibly hawksbill and green turtles, usually come to shore to nest during the months of April, November, and December.

During the month of November, turtles were reported to nest in Kamuning in Puerto Bay; in December, they were observed to nest in Snake Island in Honda Bay; Napsan, Simpocan, and Nagtabon in the West Coast; and, New Panggangan in the Ulugan Bay area; and in April, they nest in the West Coast and Ulugan Bay area particularly in Nagtabon and Marufinas.

Figure II.6 shows the locations where turtles were sighted and their nesting sites. Nesting beaches were reportedly present in the following areas: Inagawan in Puerto Princesa Bay; Sitio Lalawigan in barangay Simpocan, Sabang, Sitio Pintaun in New Panggangan, Nagtabon and Sitio Malinog in Bacungan, and, Marufinas in the West Coast and Ulugan Bay areas. In Honda Bay, nests were reported in Snake Island, Isla Puting Buhangin in Manalo, Isla Barlas and Tadjo in Lucbuan, and, Araceffi Island.

Figure II.6. Turtle Sightings and Nesting Sites, City of Puerto Princesa

Legend: Turtle Sighting

Reported Nesting Site

Note: All sightings & nesting sites are indicative only.

Figure II.7 Cetacean Sightings, City of Puerto Princesa i.

Legend Dolphin sighting : Whale sighting Note: All sightings are indicative only

iii. Cetaceans Two types of dolphins are usually sighted in the coastal waters of Puerto Princesa. The bottlenose dolphins were observed swimming in the shallow waters of Babuyan’s marine sanctuary while the spinner dolphins were sighted by the Marine Survey Team of the ECAN Zoning Project in the coastal waters of Binduyan, just 500 meters from the shoreline.

Dolphin sightings were highest during April as reported by the respondents. The respondents also reported that Dolphins were sighted everyday at anytime particularly in Honda Bay and offshore Puerto Princesa Bay. In Honda Bay, dolphins were observed to feed on squid. In the West Coast, dolphins were commonly sighted in the early mornings, before ten o’clock. They are usually seen feeding on shrimps.

Sightings of whales were rare and limited in all the areas surveyed. When seen, they are usually found in the deeper parts of the sea and were usually seen in the early mornings before ten o’clock. Whales were observed to be logging, feeding on shrimps, swimming, and surfacing for air when they sighted by the respondents.

Whale blows reaching 2-4 meters high were seen by the respondents in Puerto Princesa Bay, particularly in the offshore waters of Mangingisda and Pagkakaisa. The respondents reported the same experience from Napsan in the West Coast, and in San Rafael in Honda Bay. Highest sighting occurrences for whales in offshore Puerto Princesa Bay, and the West Coast respectively were in April and November.

Puerto Princesa is a potential destination for dolphin watching because of the regularity of their appearance in the east coast particularly Honda bay. Similarly, whale watching can be a potential tourist attraction in the offshore waters of the east coast adjacent to Puerto Princesa and Honda bays. Figure II.8 shows the locations where whales were sighted. e. Mangroves Resource Assessment

The Mangrove survey team of the ECAN Zoning Project conducted its survey of the mangrove areas in the coastal areas of Puerto Princesa from March 28 to May 10, 2005. The survey laid out 195 in different locations selected as sampling sites. The survey recorded 18 true and 20 associate mangrove species belonging to 14 families and 27 genera of vascular plants (Table II.12).

Table II.12 List of True and Associate Mangrove Species Identified and Recorded City of Puerto Princesa Scientific Names Code Common Name TRUE MANGROVE Aegiceras floridium Af Saging-saging Bruguiera gymnorrhiza Bg Busain Bruguiera sexangula Bs Pototan Bruguiera cylindrical Bc Pototan lalaki Bruguiera parviflora Bp Langarai Ceriops t agal Ct Tangal Ceriops decandra Cd Malatangal Lumnitzera littorea Ll Tabau Lumnitzera racemosa Lr Kulasi Nypa fruticans Nf Nipa Rhizophora apiculata Ra Bakauan lalaki Rhizophora mucronata Rm Bakauan babae Rhizophora stylosa Rs Bakauan bato Sonnerat ia alba Sal Pagatpat Sonneratia caseolaris Sc Pedada Excoecaria agallocha Ea Buta -buta

Xylocarpus granatum Xg Tabigi Xylocarpus moluccensis Xm Piagau MANGROVE ASSOCIATE Acanthus ebracteatus Aeb Tigbau Acacia farnesiana Afa Aroma Acrostichum aureum Aau Lagolo Barringtonia asiatica Ba Botong Barringtonia racemosa Br Putat Caesalpinia crista Cc Sapinit Cynometra ramiflora Cr Balitbitan Derris trifoliate Dt Mangasin Hibiscus tiliaceus Ht Malubago Instia bijuga Ib Ipil Morinda citrifolia Mc Bangk oro Osbornia octodonta Oo Tualis Pandanus tectorius Pt Prickly pandan Pongamia pinnata Pp Bani Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea Sh Nilad Terminalia catappa Tc Talisai Thespesia populneoides Tp Malabanalo Thespesia populnea Tpo Banalo Cerbera manghas Cm Baraibai Dolichandrone spathacea Dsp Tui Source: Mangrove Survey and Assessment Report. ECAN Zoning Project. 2005, City of Puerto Princesa

Mangrove species which were found to be widely distributed include: Rhizophora apiculata (Ra), Rhizophora mucronata (Rm), Ceriops tagal (Ct),Xylocarpus granatum (Xg), Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (Bg), Sonneratia alba(Sa),Rhizophora stylosa (Rs),Heritiera littoralis (Hl) ,Bruguiera cylindrica (Bc), and Ceriops decandra. The most dominant and important species recorded is Rhizophora apiculata (Ra). It is also the most frequent and dense mangrove species recorded. The other species most frequently encountered and with characteristically dense cover are Bruguiera gymnorhiza (Bg), Ceriops tagal (Ct), Sonneratia alba (Sa), Rhizophora mucronata (Rm), Xylocarpus granatum (Xg), Rhizophora stylosa (Rs), Sonneratia caseolaris (Sc), Bruguiera cylindrica (Bc) .

In terms of species diversity, the top five (5) most diverse sampling sites are Macarascas (2 sampling sites), Sicsican, Kamuning, and Dos Palmas. Almost all sampling sites in Puerto Princesa City ranges from very low-to-low relative values of biodiversity indices using the Shannon index of measure. Likewise, the evenness of distribution of species abundances was low in all transects.

Based on the results of the survey, the mangrove forest conditions in Puerto Princesa can be aptly summarized as follows:

1) Most of the sampling sites in Puerto Princesa City have an open/logged-over stocking mostly in pole sizes; only Bahile has adequate stocking and six sampling sites have moderate stocking: transects Bagong Silang, Macarascas; Manalo River, Manalo; Bacungan River, Sta. Cruz; San Jose Plantation, San Jose; Naglaom, Mangingisda; and Puntod River, Kamuning. 2) Mangrove forests in the City have generally low volume forest stand; only 17 transects (9%) out of 125 transects have moderate to high volume stands; 3) Intact mangrove forest with old growth stands were recorded in the following sampling sites:

• Honda bay: boundary of Salvacion (near boundary of Manalo, Tapol River, Siñaran), Sta. Cruz (Kalatubog river), Bacungan River and San Jose.

• Ulugan bay: barangays Bahile and Macarascas. • Puerto Princesa bay: Lulubog – lilitaw island, Barangay Sicsican, Tawiran and Zigsag, Luzviminda 4) There are mangrove plantation in Concepcion, Tanabag, Dos Palmas, Snake Island, Starfish Island, Manalo, Sta. Lourdes, Bacungan and San Jose. The Plantation in barangay Manalo had robust growth, taller and high survival rate.

Based on the 1986 aerial photographs of NAMRIA, mangrove forest cover was estimated to be about 5,917 hectares. The ECAN Zoning Project, using 2004 SPOT5 imageries, measured the area of remaining mangrove cover in Puerto Princesa City to be 5,737 hectares. The decrease of 180 hectares over a period of 18 years or about 10 hectares per year is attributed to the rampant cutting of trees for fuel wood, charcoal making and housing materials. Clearing of mangroves for fishpond development substantially contributed to the receding forest cover. The decrease in mangrove cover over the same period could have been bigger if not for the efforts of the DENR, LGU, NGOs and POs to reforest denuded areas. About 1,344 hectares of mangroves were rehabilitated during the period 1900-1995 with a survival rate of 55% as reported by the DENR.

Presidential Proclamation 2152 declares that all mangrove areas in Puerto Princesa are part of the Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserves and prohibits, effective in 1981, any conversion of mangrove into other land uses such as fishpond. However, before the effectivity of this law, there were already 723.6 hectares of mangrove in Puerto Princesa covered with Fishpond Lease Agreement (FLA) which are located in Honda Bay (272.6 has), Ulugan Bay (301 has) and Puerto Princesa Bay (150 has).

In June 2000, the DENR-CENRO reported that 185 hectares of mangrove forests were converted into fishponds and beach resorts. Table II.13 shows the location and size of mangrove forest converted into fishponds. Table II.13 Location and Size of Mangrove Forest Converted into Fishponds City of Puerto Princesa Location (Barangay) Area of Mangroves Converted into % of the Total Area of Mangrove Fishponds (Hectares) Converted into Fishpond Sicsican 49.25 26.62 Babuyan 45.00 24.32 Sta. Mon ica 33.51 18.11 Tagburos 22.50 12.16 Tagabinet 12.00 6.48 San Pedro 8.50 4.59 Sta. Lourdes 4.00 2.16 Kamuning 3.40 1.83 San Jose 3.25 1.75 Salvacion 2.00 1.08 Bacungan 1.00 0.54 Mangingisda 1.00 0.54 Total 185.41 100.00 Source: CLUP 2001-2010, City of Puerto Princesa

The Survey Team reported that mangrove in Sta. Lourdes (123.85 has.), Tagburos (272.80 has.), Bacungan (378.96 has.) and Kamuning (886.15 has.) commonly known as STAGBAK are covered with CBFMA issued in 2001 under the ADB-JBIC funded project. About 900 hectares of mudflats/tidal-flats were also afforested with Rhizophora spp (R . stylosa, R. apiculata, and R. mucronata ) from 1996 to 1998 under the Fisheries Sector Project funded by ADB which are located in Ulugan Bay (200 has), Honda Bay (400 has) and Puerto Princesa Bay (300 has). Currently, there are at least five (5) areas of mangroves developed and promoted as part of ecological tourist destination namely: Bahile, Sabang, Bat Island, Bakau Island, San Jose and Dos Palmas.