© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development

Published by The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) PCSD Building, Sports Complex Road, Brgy. Sta. Monica Heights, Puerto Princesa City P.O. Box 45 PPC 5300 Philippines

Cover Photo

The endemic species of Palawan and Philippines (from top to bottom) : Medinilla sp., Palawan Pangolin Manus culionensis spp., Palawan Bearcat Arctictis binturong whitei, Palawan Hill Mynah Gracula religiosa palawanensis, Blue-naped parrot Tanygnathus lucionensis, Philippine Cockatoo Cacatua haematuropydgia. (Photo courtesy: PCSDS)

Our Palawan is an Open Access journal. It is made freely available for researchers, students, and readers from private and government sectors that are interested in the sustainable management, protection and conservation of the natural resources of the Province of Palawan. It is accessible online through the websites of Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (pcsd.gov.ph) and Palawan Knowledge Platform for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (pkp.pcsd.gov.ph). Hard copies are also available in the PCSD Library and are distributed to the partner government agencies and academic institutions. The authors and readers can read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of published articles.

Our Palawan practices a double-blind peer review. The review process has basically three stages: (1) primary checking (the Editors make sure that the manuscript complies with the Author’s Guidelines); (2) review by the external reviewers, involving an assessment of its suitability for publication (compatibility with Our Palawan’s aims and scopes, evidence of research, sufficiency of references to the international literature, and scientific soundness); and (3) proofreading and checking whether the article is written in compliance with the Author’s Guidelines.

Submission of Manuscript. For the next issue, submission of manuscripts is now open for acceptance. Manuscripts should comply with the Author’s Guidelines which could be obtained by e-mail from the Editors at [email protected], PCSD Building, Sta. Monica Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Copyright. The articles for publication should not violate the other author’s rights and copyright, fully or partially, through plagiarism (including self-plagiarism) or inclusion of elements (such as figures and photos) that do not belong to the author and for which no written consent to use is given by the owner. The author ensures that the paper has not been published or submitted for publication to any other journal and that the research described in the paper is original. The author also assumes full responsibility for the contents, correctness and originality of the paper.

Nelson P. Devanadera, Executive Director Atty. Adelina B. Benavente-Villena, Deputy Executive Director Josephine S. Matulac, Director II

Technical Editors Engr. Madrono P. Cabrestante Jr., Division Head, EMKM Marianne Faith G. Martinico-Perez, Research Analyst, EMKKM

Editorial Staff

Arnica D. Mortillero Kit Jasper S. Hernandez Celso S. Quiling Jenevieve P. Hara

ISSN: 2423-222X ©Palawan Council for Sustainable Development PCSD Building, Sports Complex Road, Sta. Monica Heights Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, 5300, Philippines

Directory of External Reviewers

Dr. William Sm. Gruezo Retired Faculty, University of the Philippines Los Baños

Dr. Chona Camile Vince Cruz-Abeledo De La Salle University

Dr. Allaine T. Baaco Western Philippines University

Engr. Glenn S. Banaguas OYS De La Salle Araneta University

Dr. Perry S. Ong University of the Philippines Diliman

Dr. rer. net. Thomas Edison E. Dela Cruz University of Sto. Tomas

Dr. Roger G. Dolorosa Western Philippines University

Dr. Benjamin J. Gonzales Western Philippines University

Dr. Cherry Myo Lwin Ritsumeikan University, Japan

Dr. Patrick A. Regoniel Palawan State University

Dr. Shiela G. Vergara ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Dr. Irina Safitri Zen Institut Sultan Iskandar (ISI)

The publication of Our Palawan is another strategy to provide venue where we can share information that could benefit our students, researchers, communities and stakeholders. This is our humble contribution as environmental research is identified as a support mechanism of the Republic Act 7611. As we proudly claim, we take Palawan Province as a unique living laboratory having the large proportion of endemic plants and animals with total of 32 identified Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs).

We believe that all information generated through various researches and studies should be shared best in an accessible and user-friendly medium. On this note, we simultaneously upload this publication in digital format through the Palawan Knowledge Platform (PKP). The PKP, on the other hand, is a joint initiative of our organization in cooperation with our partners from various institutions, particularly the academe, other government agencies and the public sector to facilitate information sharing among the member-agencies. We are very pleased that this commendable initiative has gained ground with the active support and cooperation from our partners.

With respect to the policy formulation process, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development - Scientific Advisory Panel (PCSD- SAP) has been reactivated to provide expert’s advice on certain issues for resolution of the Council. We endeavor to regularly convene the Panel and be able to seek their inputs on matters that require scientific expertise or opinion. This is our commitment to a science-based decision making by the Council.

The 4th edition of Our Palawan highlights some of the endemic species of Palawan as included in the research on extracts of selected plants in Puerto Princesa City. We also publish the ethno-food study and protein analysis of beans common among the locals called “lumabeng”. In doing so, we attempt to educate our readers of the beneficial components of some of the plants that maybe found just around Puerto Princesa City and the province of Palawan. On the same context, we packaged the information materials and reports presented in the international fora and conferences participated by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development representing Palawan Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Program.

We encourage the students and researchers to continue exploring and then publish the results of their studies. Keep in mind that a single drop of idea today may create a ripple of brilliant thoughts for something big tomorrow!

NELSON P. DEVANADERA Executive Director

Editor’s Note i Executive Director’s Message iv

Research Papers

1 Hemagglutination and Antimicrobial Potential of Leaf Crude Extracts of Selected Plants in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines Jhonamie Mabuhay-Omar, Shellajean M. Omar, Julius N. Burgos, Ciara Patricia Dicar, Dan Clark S. Bacani, and Edziel P. Hubo

12 Ethno-Food Study and Protein Analysis of Lumabeng Beans (Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi & H. Ohashi) from Agutaya Island, Palawan, Philippines Ronald S. Brillantes

Feature Articles

19 Expert Advice from the Scientific Advisory Panel of PCSDS: Output of the 3rd Meeting on 20 June 2017

28 Facing the Odds: Palawan Battles against Forest Destruction (An Update from the Palawan Biosphere Reserve Periodic Report 2015)

33 Managing Palawan Biosphere Reserve’s Wildlife and their Habitats (An Update from the Palawan Biosphere Reserve Periodic Report 2015)

Forum/ Conference Papers

47 A Review of Palawan’s Coral Reefs Carlos Alfredo A. Castillo

52 The Zero Carbon Resorts for Sustainable Tourism Project: Promoting Biodiversity Friendly Enterprise

56 Research bits

60 About the Authors

Photo Credits: PCSDS The Tubbataha Refs and Natural Park was approved in principle as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSN) by the International Maritime Organisation - Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC). The application was approved during MEPC’s 69th session held last 18-22 April 2016 in London. This will serve as an additional protection to the park from shipping vessels that cross its borders which may aground or damage reefs.

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development vi Our Palawan The Scientific Journal of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Research Paper This article is also available on-line at www.pkp.pcsd.gov.ph

Hemagglutination and Antibacterial Potential of Leaf Crude Extracts of Selected Plants in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines Jhonamie Mabuhay-Omar1, Shellajean M. Omar2, Julius N. Burgos1, Ciara Patricia Dicar1, Dan Clark S. Bacani1, and Edziel P. Hubo1

ABSTRACT This study aimed to screen the presence of phytohemagglutinin for ABO blood groups from 20 plant species found in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The presence of antibacterial potential was also screened from those which agglutinated one, two, three and four blood types. The agglutination of Keywords: blood types A, B, AB and O after application with each of the leaf crude extracts was examined macroscopically and microscopically. There were Hemagglutination two trials conducted per treatment per leaf extract. Among the 20 plant Antibacterial species tested, 14 (70%) showed agglutination with at least one blood Leaf crude extract type while 6 (30%) species did not exhibit agglutination. Two species, the Blood type Palawan Pitcher Plant Nepenthes palawanensis and Cashew Anacardium Treatment occidentale L. agglutinated with all blood types. Four species were found to have the capability of determining a specific blood type: Atsuete Bixa( orellana L.) and Ilang-ilang (Cananga odorata Lam.) for blood type O; Balayong (Cassia nodosa Roxb.) for blood type A; and Makabuhay (Tinospora reticulata Miers.) for blood type AB. Cashew, Palawan gabi (Colocasia sp. Schott), Atsuete and Makabuhay leaf extracts were tested for antibacterial potential against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Among the four plants tested, Makabuhay showed antibacterial effects to five bacterial species (E. coli, S. aureus, B. cereus, B. megaterium and B. subtilis), followed by Atsuete to four bacterial species (S. aureus, B. cereus, B. subtilis and B. megaterium). Cashew showed only inhibitory effects toward two bacteria (S. aureus and B. megaterium) while Palawan gabi did not inhibit any of the six bacterial species. None of the four extracts inhibited P. aeruginosa.

1College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Western Philippines University, WPU-Puerto Princesa Campus 2Palawan State University-Brooke’s Point Campus, Brooke’s Point, Palawan

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 1 INTRODUCTION such as alkaloids, steroids, tannins, and phenol compounds, flavonoids, steroids, resins, fatty Agglutination is a process applied acids and gums which are capable of producing in immunologic reactions including blood definite physiological action on the body (Joshi testing and other medical applications (Segen and Edington 1990). and Stauffer 2004 as cited by Ongpoy 2016). In past decades, higher plants are This process involves mixing an antibody with well recognized for their ability to produce its corresponding antigen such as animal cell, a wide spectrum of natural products with bacteria or red blood cells that forms visible interesting bioactivities (Liu et al. 2007) such clumps. Blood grouping such as ABO blood as antibacterial potential. Although hundreds groups can be done by observing the clumping of plants have been tested, their antimicrobial of red blood cells in the presence of specific properties, many of them are not yet explored antibody. Agglutination for different blood (Balandrin et al. 1985). groups upon application of plant extract is due Palawan, dubbed as the Philippines’ to the lectin present in plants (George et al. “Last Ecological Frontier”, has various plant 2011) called phytoagglutinin. species that are either endemic or introduced to Plant lectins are a class of proteins, non- the province and are being protected by the efforts immune in origin, which show a very specific of the government due to deforestation and interaction with carbohydrates (George et al. over-harvesting. Due to Palawan’s uniqueness, 2011). Lectins have great significance in the diet the United Nations Educational Scientific and because of their involvement in gastrointestinal Cultural Organization (UNESCO), declared it difficulties and erythrocyte agglutination as a “Man and Biosphere Reserve” owing to its (Zubcevic et al. 2016). Some lectins consumed vast land area and topography divided by tall by the body act as messengers that has the mountains ranges (https://pnni.wordpress.com/ ability to bind to the sugars of cells in the gut palawan-biodiversity-facts-and-figures). With and the blood cells, initiating an inflammatory the resources found within the reach, the flora response. Lectin is abundant on the seed and of Palawan must be explored scientifically so vegetative parts of a plant including roots, they can be used in various applications such as leaves, rhizomes and stems (Chrispeels and medicine and allied health fields. Raikhel 1991). It also serves as an important This study sought to determine antigenic determinant of blood groups for hemagglutination and antibacterial potential of blood type identification. selected plant extracts found in Puerto Princesa, Hemagglutination activity has been Palawan. Specifically, this study aimed to tested in wheat germ agglutinin, peanuts and determine the agglutination of ABO (A, B, AB, dry cereal (Brady et al. 1978), tomato lectin and O) blood groups with different plant crude (Vasconcelos and Oliveira 2004), navy bean extracts and to determine the antibacterial lectin (Pusztai et al. 1979), 20 plant species potential of plant extracts which agglutinated found in human diet (Zubcevic et al. 2016), in all four blood types, only three blood types, tubers of Eranthis hyemalis (winter aconite) only two blood types and only one blood type. (George et al. 2011) and wild grasses (Ongpoy 2016). There are still many plants unexplored MATERIALS AND METHODS as to their potential in hemagglutination such as those found in Palawan. Locale of the Study and Collection of Plant extracts have enormous therapeutic Plant Samples potential. They are effective in the treatment This study was conducted at the of infectious diseases while simultaneously laboratory of College of Fisheries and Aquatic extenuating many of the side effects that are Sciences (CFAS), Western Philippines often associated with synthetic antibiotics. The University-Puerto Princesa Campus, Bgy. Sta. beneficial effects of plant materials typically Monica, Puerto Princesa City. result from the combinations of secondary Twenty plant species were used for this products present in the plant. In plants, these study, collected from different sites in Puerto compounds are mostly secondary metabolites Princesa City, Palawan. These plants were

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 2 Table 1. List of plants used in this study (Binomial names are based on Merrill ED, 1912, 1923; Quisumbing 1978; Pancho & Gruezo 2006, 2009; McPherson et al. 2010)

Local Name Scientific Name Acacia Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr. Acapulco Senna alata L. Atsuete Bixa orellana L. Bakawan lalake Rhizophora apiculata Blume Balayong Cassia nodosa Roxb. Balete Ficus indica L. Calamansi Citrus microcarpa Bunge Cashew Anacardium occidentale L. Ilang-ilang Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook.f. & Thomson Kakawate Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex Walp. Lagundi Vitex negundo L. Langka Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. Makabuhay Tinospora reticulata Miers. Muyo-muyo Lantana camara L. Palawaan Pitcher Plant Nepenthes palawanensis (McPherson et al. 2010) Palawan Gabi Colocasia sp. Schott Paper Tree Gmelina arborea Roxb. Sambong Blumea balsamifera L. Seresas Muntingia calabura L. Tuboy Ficus sp. L. chosen randomly based on their availability both sexes who have blood types A, B, AB and nearby and based on usage and frequency of O (n=16) (Zubcevic et al., 2016). The blood encounter by the local people. Some of these samples were treated with synthetic anti-sera plants were endemic to Palawan while others to confirm blood types. After confirmation, a were introduced species from other parts of the drop of blood of a specific blood type on a glass Philippines or other countries. The leaves were slide was mixed with a drop of extract using the plant parts used for this study. The plants sterile toothpick and then observed using a were identified in terms of their local and microscope (100x magnification). The process scientific names (Table 1). was done promptly to avoid blood drying.

Preparation of plant samples and leaf Antibacterial Assay extraction Cashew, Atsuete, Palawan gabi and The leaves were washed with tap water Makabuhay were chosen to be tested for and rinsed with distilled water after collection. antibacterial potential as they agglutinated The samples were blot dried and air dried all four blood types, only three blood types, for 2 hrs (Figure 1). Extraction was done by only two blood types and only one blood type, pounding through the use of sterile mortar respectively. The leaf crude extracts of these and pestle, followed by squeezing through four selected plant species were screened sterile cheese cloth and filtering with the use of for antibacterial potential using filter paper Whatman filter paper. disc diffusion method against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Blood agglutination by different plant leaf Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis and extracts Pseudomonas aeruginosa which were obtained The blood samples for this study were from Mindanao State University, Marawi City. obtained from healthy willing individuals of

The nutrient agar medium was prepared presence or absence of agglutination are by dissolving 23 grams of nutrient agar in a presented in Table 2. Among the 20 plant flask with distilled water to a volume of 1000ml. species tested (first and second trial), 14 The melted nutrient was then transferred to 24 (70%) agglutinated with at least one blood test tubes and covered with lids. The test tubes type while 6 plant species (30%) did not were labeled and were sterilized by autoclaving exhibit agglutination (Figure 2). These results at 15 psi for 30 minutes. of agglutination were higher than the results After sterilization, the test tubes with obtained by Zubcevic et al. (2016) where the culture medium were allowed to cool down they found agglutination to only 11 out of to about 45 degrees Celsius. The nutrient agar 20 plant species. Results of this study also was then inoculated aseptically with a loopful of showed that from the 14 plant species where test bacteria and rotated gently between hands extracts were capable of agglutination, 35.7% to ensure uniform distribution and then poured agglutinated blood type A, 50% agglutinated aseptically into its respective pre-labelled blood type B, 85.7% agglutinated blood type Petri plates and were allowed to solidify. The AB and 50% agglutinated blood type O (Figure prepared filter paper discs (6mm diameter) 3). Blood type AB has the highest percentage from no.1 Whatman filter paper that were agglutination which shows its sensitivity to soaked from the prepared leaf crude extracts coagulants. This result is similar to the result were placed aseptically at designated sectors of Zubcevic et al. (2016) where blood type inside the Petri plates. Amoxicillin (500 mg) AB and O showed the highest percentage was used as the positive control and distilled agglutination when applied with plant extracts water as the negative control. The Petri plates found the human diet. There is no study yet that were then incubated at 35˚ Celsius for 12-24 proved differences in sensitivity of blood types hours. After incubation period, the plates were A, B, AB and O to different agglutinins and examined for zones of inhibition. The zones of this area is worth doing a study in the future. inhibition were measured using standardized Seven species showed inconclusive results due transparent ruler in millimeter scale. to discrepancy in the first and second trials and another trial must be conducted again for RESULTS AND DISCUSSION verification. Only Palawan Pitcher plant and Hemagglutination by different plant leaf Cashew leaf extracts consistently exhibited extracts agglutination to all blood types (Table 2). It was The studied plant species with the observed during the conduct of the study that

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 4 Table 2. Reaction of different blood types treated with different plant leaf crude extracts. Agglutination to different blood types Plants used Positive Specific A A B1 B2 AB1 AB2 O1 O2 1 2 agglutination blood type Acacia - - + - - - - - B Inconclusive Acapulco ------None None Atsuete + + + + + + - - A, B, AB O Bakawan Lalake - + + + + - + + A, B, AB, O Inconclusive Balayong - - + + + + + + B, AB, O A Balete - - - + + + - + B, AB, O Inconclusive Calamansi ------None None Ilang-ilang ------+ + O O Kakawate ------None None Lagundi ------None None Langka - - - - + - - - AB Inconclusive Makabuhay - - - - + + - - AB AB Muyo-muyo - - - - - + - - AB Inconclusive Paper tree - - - - + - - - AB Inconclusive Palawan Gabi - - - + - + - - B, AB None Palawan Pitcher + + + + + + + + A, B, AB, O None Sambong ------None None Seresas - + + + + - + - A, B, AB, O Inconclusive Tuboy ------None None Subscript 1, black + & - = first trial Subscript 2, red + & - = second trial

Figure 2. Percentage agglutination of the plant extracts to ABO blood groups. these two plant extracts agglutinated all blood can be used to stop blood flow from a wound types very quickly (≤5secs) upon application (Ongpoy 2016). They can be sources of plant- and the blood coagulation was very distinct that based polymers that can be made into gel or can be seen even without the aid of a microscope bandage which can easily trigger blood clotting (Figure 4). When viewed under microscope, to save lives (Bloomberg News, 11:32 AM PHT big clumps of blood were observed (Figure 5). November 19, 2014). The Palawan Pitcher This suggests that these two plant species are Plant (Nepenthes palawanensis) is endemic to strong blood coagulators which, if non-toxic, Palawan (McPherson 2010). At present, very

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 5 Figure 3. Percentage agglutination of plant extracts to specific blood types. little is known about its ecology, habitat or There were 6 plant species which did threats and there appears to be an urgent need to not show agglutination in any blood type. conduct further research to develop appropriate These were the Kakawate, Lagundi, Tuboy, conservation actions, considering its promising Calamansi, Acapulco and Sambong. According uses in biotechnology. to Hamid et al. (2013), the lectin content in Four species were found to have the some parts of plants varies depending on what capability of determining specific blood types: family they belong. It was further stated that Atsuete and Ilang-ilang for blood type O; non-legume plants contained lower lectin than Balayong for blood type A; and Makabuhay those plants belonging to the legume family. for blood type AB. These species can be used However, the percentage of lectin content as organic anti-sera to determine blood types varies from one variety to another. Among without buying the commercially sold anti- the plants examined, only Kakawate belonged sera. They can be added to the list of plant to the legume family, but Kakawate did not extracts already known as source of typing sera react to any of the blood types tested. Three of such as Dolichos biflorus L. as anti A, Ulex these 6 species were usually taken orally for europaeus L. as anti H, Bauhinia variegata medicinal purposes. These are the Lagundi, L. and Vicia graminea Sm. as anti N in MNS Calamansi and Sambong. This is encouraging blood grouping (Harmening 1999), and Tridax to know because of some disputes in the effects procumbens L. and Vernonia cinerea L. as anti of lectins in plant extracts which are heat-stable A and B, respectively, for ABO blood groups and react with the gastro-intestinal tract, causing (Ongpoy 2016).

Figure 4. Agglutination of Palawan Pitcher Figure 5. Agglutination of Palawan Pitcher Plant leaf extract to blood type AB Plant leaf extract to blood type AB under microscope (100X)

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 6 Table 3. Summary of ANOVA for the six bacterial species subjected to the different leaf crude extracts Sum of Mean of df F Sig. Squares Square B. Cereus Between Groups 4284.000 5 856.800 642.600 .000** Within Groups 24.000 18 1.333 Total 4308.000 23 B. megaterium Between Groups 1654.500 5 330.900 59.861 .000** Within Groups 99.500 18 5.528 Total 1754.000 23 B. subtilis Between Groups 3825.500 5 765.100 810.106 .000** Within Groups 17.000 18 .944 Total 3842.500 23 E. coli Between Groups 1032.208 5 206.442 17.223 .000** Within Groups 215.750 18 11.986 Total 1247.958 23 P. aeruginosa Between Groups .000 5 .000 . . Within Groups .000 18 .000 Total .000 23

S. aureus Between Groups 798.208 5 159.642 29.099 .000** Within Groups 98.750 18 5.486 Total 896.958 23 **highly significant at α=0.01 subclinical effects in humans, especially when number of applications such as differentiating used in large quantities (Tommy et al. 2005). markers to study cancer cells (Matsumoto et Lectins in excess can cause gastrointestinal al. 2010), characterize differentiation among damage, type-2 IgG immune responses, mild stem cells (Wearne et al. 2006) and different allergies and hemagglutination (Eroarome et al. biological activities that include anti-bacterial 1998). It is therefore safe to consume Lagundi, (Raja et al. 2011), anti-fungal (Freire et al. Calamansi and Sambong orally as they 2002), anti-HIV (Hoorelbeke et al. 2010), and exhibited non-agglutination to all blood types. immune-modulative effects (Reis et al. 2008). For Acapulco and Kakawate, their external With the numerous and increasing applications uses as antibacterial and antifungal agents are of lectins, it is crucial and significant to identify known but further studies are needed to prove novel plant sources of lectins especially that them safe to be taken orally for other possible Palawan has mega diverse flora. medicinal uses. For Tuboy, no records yet are available for its medicinal applications. Antibacterial potential of the selected plant For all the plant species that agglutinated leaf crude extracts at least one of the blood types tested, there can The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in be other application for them. Agglutination Table 3 proved that there were highly significant with blood is due to the presence of lectin. differences among the measured zones of Hamid et al.(2013) stated that lectin has inhibition shown by the different leaf crude great contribution on anti-insect, anti-tumor, extracts against the test bacteria (see Figure 6 & antimicrobial and antiviral activities. Although 7). The Makabuhay leaf crude extract showed lectins are identified as potential toxins, there zones of inhibition against the five test bacteria are some lectins that are beneficial to the body. except P. aeruginosa. The Atsuete leaf crude Lectins provide a diverse and an increasing extract showed inhibition against the four test

bacteria except E. coli and P. aeruginosa while its antibacterial effects are lower than those cashew leaf crude extract showed zones of of Makabuhay and Atsuete. This shows that inhibition against S. aureus and B. megaterium. the lectins responsible for agglutination could On the other hand, the Palawan gabi leaf have various effects and different applications, crude extract showed no zone of inhibition and other bioactive compounds are present in against all test bacteria. It was further proven the leaves which caused antibacterial effects. that the antibacterial potential of Makabuhay Among the plant extracts tested for antibacterial and Atsuete are next in rank to the positive property, Makabuhay and Atsuete showed control Amoxicillin (Table 4). It was followed promising effects. Although not comparable by Cashew while Palawan gabi did not differ to positive control, it is worth noting that significantly from the negative control distilled these inhibitory effects were obtained by using water. crude extracts. If extracted with solvents and The antibacterial property of the plant purified by chromatography, these effects extract did not correspond to the number could probably become higher. Makabuhay of blood types agglutinated by it. Although plant contains a bitter principle, colombine Cashew extract agglutinated all blood types, (2.22%), traces of an alkaloid, and a glucoside.

Figure 7. Sample Petri plate showing zones of inhibition exhibited by different leaf extracts and control treatments against Bacillus megaterium.

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 8 Table 4. Tukey HSDa test comparing the effects of all treatments. Treatment N Subset for alpha = 0.5 1 2 3 4 Water (negative) 24 .000 Palawan Gabi 24 .000 Cashew 24 3.708 Atsuete 24 8.958 Makabuhay 24 10.292 Amoxicillin (positive) 24 20.792 Sig. .445 1.000 .986 1.000 Means for groups in homogeneous subsets are displayed. a. Uses Harmonic Mean Sample Size = 24.000

It also contains an amorphous bitter principle, Atsuete and Makabuhay have antibacterial picroretine and traces of berberine similar to potential at varying degrees. glyzirrhizin (Ragasa 2000). Atsuete, on the With the results and limitations of the other hand, contains carbohydrates, steroids, study, it is recommended that another trial be alkaloids, proteins, flavonoids, terpenoids, conducted to verify inconclusive results. Those phenolics, tannins and glycosides (Keong et al. plants used in this study that agglutinated or 2013). The results of this study on the effects did not agglutinate with specific blood types of Cashew leaf extracts on the test bacteria can be used by local people for blood typing supported the findings of Chermahini and Majid purposes. Those than can agglutinate all blood (2011) where its antibacterial potential is only types must not be ingested and toxicity test effective against Gram positive bacteria such must be conducted before it can be used to as S. aureus but not towards Gram negative staunch blood flow from a cut or wound. On such as E. coli. Cashew leaves are a rich source the other hand, those which did not agglutinate of tannins, a group of plant chemicals with any blood type and have been taken orally for documented biological activity (Chermahini medicinal applications are safe to be used. and Majid 2011) such as antimicrobial effects Antimicrobial effects for all the plants studied (Lim and Murtijaya 2007). Flavonoids and can be done for better comparison. It will be other plant phenolics, such as phenolicacids, of great importance to have screening for stilbenes, tannins, lignans, and lignin, are hemagglutination of endemic and native plants especially common in leaves of Cashew plants of Palawan as this information will help in (Larson 1988). The active antibacterial property policy making particularly in the conservation of these three plants, Makabuhay, Atsuete and of our endemic flora and as well as in developing Cashew could probably be attributed to these Palawan’s potential on new material source for phytochemical components. biotechnology.

CONCLUSIONS and LITERATURE CITED RECOMMENDATIONS Balandrin MF, Klocke JA, Wurtele ES The leaf crude extracts of 14 out 20 and Bollinger WH. 1985. Natural plant plants collected in Puerto Princesa City have chemicals: Sources of Industrial and the ability to agglutinate ABO blood groups. Medicinal materials. Science 228: Four species have the capability to determine 1154-1160. specific blood types in the ABO blood group Brady PG, Vannier AM & Banwell JG. 1978. system; Atsuete (Bixa orellana L.) and Ilang- Identification of the dietary lectin, wheat ilang (Cananga odorata Lam.) can determine germ agglutinin, in human intestinal blood type O, Balayong (Cassia nodosa Roxb.) contents. Gastroenterology. 75: 236. for blood type A and Makabuhay (Tinospora Chermahini SH & Abdul Majid FA. 2011. reticulata Miers) for blood type AB. Cashew, Antimicrobial activity of cashew leaves’

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 9 extracts used in cosmetics before and ELISA to measure fucosylated after treatment with activated carbon. haptoglobin in sera of patients with Journal of Medicinal Plants Research pancreatic cancer. Clinical Chemistry Vol. 5(19) : 4740-4746 and Laboratory Medicine. 48: 505-512. Chrispeels MJ and Raikhel NV. 1991. Lectins, McPherson S. 2010. Nepenthes palawanensis: lectin genes and their role in plant another new species of giant pitcher defense. Plant Cell 3:1-9. plant from the Philippines. Carnivorous Eroarome MA, Harinder PSM & Klaus B. Plant Newsletter 39(3): 89–90. 1998. Nontoxic Variety of Jatropha McPherson S, Cervancia J, Lee C, Jaunzems curcas using Latex Agglutination M, Fleischmann A, Mey F, Gironella and Haemagglutination Methods E & Robinson A. 2010. Carnivorous and Inactivation of Lectin by Heat Plants and their Habitats. PALAWAN Treatments. Journal of the Science of (Sultan Peak), 2:1100-1236 Food Agriculture: 77(3), 349-352. Merrill ED. 1912. Notes on the flora of Manila Freire MDGM, Gomes VM, Corsini RE, with special reference to the introduced Machado OLT & de Dimone SG. 2002. element. Philippine Journal of Sciences, Isolation and partial characterization Botany, 7:145-208. of a novel lectin from Talisia esculenta Merrill ED. 1923. An Enumeration of seeds that interferes with fungal growth. Philippine Flowering Plants 2(3):241- Plant Physiology and Biochemistry. 40: 323 61-68. Ongpoy RCJr. 2016. Coagulation and George O, Solscheid C, Bertolo E, Fell J and Hemagglutination Properties of the Lisgarten D. 2011. Extraction and puri- Crude Extract Derived from the cation of the lectin found in the tubers Leaves of Euphorbia Hirta L., Tridax of the lectin found in the tubers of Procumbens L., and Vernonia Cinerea Eranthis hyemalis (winter aconite). (L) Less International Journal of Harmening D. 1999. Modern Blood Banking Scientific & Technology Research 5, and Transfusion Practices 4th Edition, (1): 142- (USA: F. A. Davis Company, 103. Pancho, JV & Gruezo WM. 2006. Vascular flora Hoorelbeke B, Huskens D, Ferir G, Francois of Mt. Makiling and vicinity (Luzon: KO & Takahashi A. 2010. Actinohivin, a Philippines), Part 2. National Academy broadly neutralizing prokaryotic lectin, of Science and Technology (NAST) inhibits HIV-1 infection by specifically Philippines, Department of Science targeting high-manose-type glycans and Technology, Bicutan, University on the gp120 envelope. Antimicrobial of the Philippines Los Banos, College, Agents and Chemotherapy. 54: 3287- Laguna, Philippines (Publishers). 3301. Pancho, JV, Gruezo WM. 2009. Vascular flora Joshi AR & Edington JM. 1990. The use of Mt. Makiling and vicinity (Luzon: of medicinal plants by two village Philippines), Part 3. Philipp Agric Sci communities in the Central Development 92 (Suppl. 1): S1-S496. Region of Nepal. Economic Botany. 44 Pusztai A, Clarke EMW & King TP. 1979. (1): 71-83. The nutritional toxicity of Phaseolus Keong YY, Zakaria Z, Kadir AA, Somchit MN, vulgaris lectins. Proceedings of the Lian GC and Ahmad H. 2013. Chemical Nutrition Society. 38: 115. constituents and antihistamine activity Quisumbing E. 1978. Medicinal Plants of of Bixa orellana leaf extract / BMC the Philippines, Katha Publishing Complementary and Alternative Company, Quezon City Medicine, 13:32 / doi:10.1186/1472- Ragasa CY. 2000. Clerodane Diterpenes 6882-13 from Tinospora rumphii / Journal of Matsumoto H, Shinzaki S, Narisada M, Natural Products, 63 (4): 509–511 DOI: Kawamoto S & Kawamoto K. 2010. 10.1021/np9902946 Clinical application of a lectinantibody Raja SB, Murali MR, Kumar NK & Devaraj

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 10 SN. 2011. Isolation and partial Anita D & Lindeberg S. 2005. Agrarian characterization of a novel lectin from diet and diseases of affluence– Do Aegle marmelos fruit and its effect on evolutionary novel dietary lectins cause adherence. PloS One. 6: e16231-e16231. leptin resistance? BMC Endocrine Reis EAG, Athanazio DA, Cavada BS, Disorders. 5(10), 1-7. Teixeira EH & de Paulo V. 2008. Vasconcelos IM & Oliveira JT. (2004). Potential immunomodulatory effects of Antinutritional properties of plant plant lectins in Schistosoma mansoni lectins. Toxicon. 44(4), 385-403. infection. Acta Tropica. 108: 160-165. Wearne KA, Winter HC, O’Shea K & Goldstein Segen J and Stauffer J. 2004. Medical Tests, IJ. 2006. Use of lectins for probing (New York: Facts On File Inc., differentiated human embryonic stem 2004), 356 in: Ongpoy RCJr. 2016. cells for carbohydrates. Glycobiology. Coagulation and Hemagglutination 16: 981-990. Properties of the Crude Extract Derived Zubcevic N, Damir S, Focak M and Rukavina from the Leaves of Euphorbia Hirta L., D. 2016. Effects of plant lectins on Tridax Procumbens L., and Vernonia human erythrocyte agglutination. Cinerea L. Less International Journal Serbian Journal of Experimental and of Scientific & Technology Research 5, Clinical Research 17 (2): 1-1 DOI: (1): 142-146 10.1515SJECR-2016-0031. Tommy J, Olsson S, Ahren B, Thorkild CB, endemic species of Palawan

Photo Credits: M.Matillano/WWF Philippines Amorphophallus: (Newly Discovered) Through the WWF-Philippines, a new flowering plant species is found in the Municipality of Araceli. This amorphophallus species, with pink and yellow variations were found to be thriving at around 30-40 meters above sea level on the small rocky island. The group recommended further study and proper identification of this flora.

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 11 Our Palawan The Scientific Journal of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Research Paper This article is also available on-line at www.pkp.pcsd.gov.ph

Ethno-Food Study and Protein Analysis of Lumabeng Beans (Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi & H. Ohashi) from Agutaya Island, Palawan, Philippines

Ronald S. Brillantes1

ABSTRACT Characterization of protein present in Lumabeng beans (Vigna umbellata) from Agutaya Island, Palawan Keywords: was conducted using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Results revealed that Lumabeng Ethno-Food Study bean flour contained 24.4 g protein/100g which is higher Protein Analysis than other local bean varieties. The coliform test supply Characterization value and aerobic plate count supply value of test for the High Performance food samples with lumabeng flour as an additive also passed Liquid Chromatography the safety standards set by the International Commission for Microbiological Specification of Food (ICMF) and the Philippine Food and Drug Authority (FDA). This study shows the viability and potential of lumabeng beans and possible derivatives to be a good source of protein-rich alternatives for the locals in combating malnutrition.

1Department of Education, Puerto Princesa City Division 2San Jose National High School, Puerto Princesa City

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 12 INTRODUCTION with other unrefined plant foods. One-half cup of beans provides between 5.2 and 7.8 g Onis et.al. (1993) described malnutrition of total fiber compared with ~1.7–4 g of fiber as the “cellular imbalance between the supply per one-half cup serving of whole grains. They of nutrients and energy and the body’s demand are also among the best sources of soluble for them to ensure growth, maintenance, fiber (Galisteo et. al., 2008). Reinforced by and specific functions.” Protein‐energy Messina (2014), beans are rich in a number of malnutrition is the most severe nutritional body important micronutrients, including potassium, depletion disorder among infants and young magnesium, folate, iron, and zinc, and are children in developing countries, attributable important sources of protein in vegetarian diets. to inadequate energy and nutrient intake, partly According to Campbell et al. (2001), due to high dietary bulk of weaning and infant the current Recommended Dietary Allowance foods. The gruels fed to children are typically (RDA) for protein at 0.8 g/(kg.day) is set as the of low nutrient and energy density (Ndagire, et safe and adequate intake for virtually all healthy al., 2015). In the Philippines, investigated by men and women aged 19 years and older. The Wieser et. al., (2013) micronutrient deficiencies current harmonized United States–Canadian (MNDs) are a chronic lack of vitamins RDA for protein is 0.8 g/(kg·day) for all adults and minerals and constitute a huge public including older ones (Institute of Medicine health problem. MNDs have severe health 2005). Meanwhile, greater protein intake are consequences and are particularly harmful required in elderly women aged ≥65 years and during early childhood due to their impact on specifically over 80 years. They estimated an the physical and cognitive development. average requirement of 10–11 g/(kg·day), and According to FAO (2001) Protein- thus an RDA of 12–13 g/(kg·day) (Rafii et al. energy malnutrition (PEM) and micronutrient 2015; Tang et al. 2014). deficiencies remain the leading nutritional The aim of this study is to determine problems in the Philippines. The general the protein content and develop a protein-rich declining trend in the prevalence of underweight, and nutritious product using lumabeng beans wasting and stunting among Filipino children commonly found in the Island of Palawan noted in the past 10 years was countered with which can also be commercially produced for the increase in the prevalence rate in 1998. supplementary feeding of children and at the The occurrence of malnutrition, where being same time, promoted for adolescent and adult underweight and chronically energy deficient, population. is exhibited in about 4 million or 31.8% of the total preschool population, 3 million or 19.8% Lumabeng Beans of Palawan of total adolescent population and 5 million Lumabeng bean found in Palawan or 13.2% of total adult population. Studied by (Figure 1) is one of the usual lentils consumed by Detzel and Wieser (2015), the Philippines has the locals. Its name originated from Agutaynen a large percentage of the population suffering and Cuyunon dialect, and no other equivalent from one or more forms of malnutrition could be traced as of the study period. By including micronutrient deficiencies. Among observation, this bean is found to be thriving Filipino children, the four major deficiency abundantly in the Agutaya Island located disorders are protein-energy malnutrition, at north-east of Palawan mainland, though iodine deficiency disorder, vitamin A deficiency there are also areas wherein these leguminous and iron deficiency. Iron deficiency (manifested plants are found such as in the Cuyo Group of as iron deficiency anemia) is the most common Islands, Araceli-Dumaran and Roxas. There form of malnutrition in the Filipino population, are even citations in Puerto Princesa City and especially in children. other claims that these were also planted by Legumes play a prominent role in the the indigenous groups of Southern Palawan. diets of many vegetarians and may contribute Folklores and stories about the ingenuity and to some of the health benefits associated with cleverness of Agutaynens (people of Agutaya) this eating pattern (Haddad and Tanzman, were greatly associated to their consumption 2003). It is also rich in fiber, even compared of lumabeng beans. It was said that since

Figure 1. Lumabeng (Vigna umbellate (Thunb.) Ohwi & H. Ohashi) in Palawan, Philippines. A. Habit of immature plant; B. Phenotypes of bean seeds (Photo taken by R. Brillantes, 2016) the Agutaynens have better access to this local markets but due to its limited supply, the commodity, this folklore has triggered curiosity price is higher than other beans. on the nutritional values of the Lumabeng. Agutaynens and other Palaweños Physically, the lumabeng plant looks usually consume these beans as viand or as an similar to mung bean plant. Its pods are green additive to a viand (as the main ingredient or to violet, containing reddish to brownish as an extender). These beans are treated just beans with white hilum. Currently, the means like any other beans as an alternate to meat for of propagating lumabeng is through seeds source of protein. and harvesting is usually all year round but At the moment, studies on Lumabeng the planting season is mostly done after the beans are very limited. No data is readily slash-and-burn (kaingin) practice of the locals available on its ecology and distribution in wherein lumabeng seeds are planted together the province including its physiology. Being with upland rice. This is intercropped with abundant in Agutaya and in selected areas of rice to assure additional food source in case of Palawan, people even believe that the said calamities such as typhoons or even drought species of beans is endemic to the province but wherein the beans, being resilient enough this is yet to be proven. to withstand such climatic conditions, can provide food for the farmers. Moreover, being MATERIALS AND METHODS a leguminous plant, it has the capability for nitrogen-fixing in soil, therefore improving and A. Acquisition of Samples and Materials sustaining soil fertility. Fresh Lumabeng beans were obtained Since it is not yet mass produced in directly from Agutaynen tribe in Agutaya Palawan, lumabeng beans are not readily Island. Six hundred (600) grams of fresh beans available in the local markets in great were washed with deionized water to free volumes especially in Puerto Princesa City. them from microorganism. Three (3) sterile The produce are usually consumed within aluminum pans were prepared where beans were the community where the plants thrive, distributed for sun drying process. After three reaching other areas only during festivals days of sun drying, five hundred (500) grams of such as Baragatan (celebration of Palawan’s dried beans were then obtained and zip-locked founding anniversary) where representatives in a plastic bag for protein characterization. from different municipalities gather in Puerto Princesa to showcase various local products. B. Preparation of protein characterization Occasionally, these beans can be purchased in Five hundred (500) grams of dried bean

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 14 samples were milled using flour mill. Three Equation 2. moles of base = MV hundred (300) grams bean flour were then where: M = molarity of base prepared and kept into the glass container and V = volume added from burette stored at 4°C prior to use. Characterization of protein was conducted at the Food and Nutrition (a derivation from the standard formula of Research Institute (FNRI) laboratory. The Molarity where: analysis followed the standard protocol using Molarity=moles of solute/volume of solution [in Kjeldahl method and was carefully carried out Liters]; standard formula used by Department in sequence. of Science and Technology)

C. Distillation of the sample The number of grams of nitrogen in The purpose of distillation was to the original sample of protein is determined separate the ammonia (the nitrogen) from the by multiplying the “moles of nitrogen” by the digestion mixture. The pH was raised in the atomic mass of nitrogen (mass of atoms of mixture using sodium hydroxide (45% NaOH nitrogen): solution). This has the effect of changing the ammonium (NH4+) ions (which are dissolved Equation 3. gN = (moles of N)(14.0067) in the liquid) to ammonia (NH3), which is a gas. where: Nitrogen was isolated away from the digestion gms nitrogen = moles nitrogen x atomic mass mixture by distilling the ammonia (converting [Eq. 3] (gN = molesN x 14.0067) it to a volatile gas, by raising the temperature to boiling point) and then the distilled vapor is (Standard formula used by Department of trapped in a special trapping solution of about Science and Technology) 15 ml HCl (hydrochloric acid) in 70 ml of water. The trapping flask was removed and the D. Food preparation of Lumabeng bean condenser was rinsed with water so as to make flour products sure that all the ammonia has been dissolved. Food products from Lumabeng flour The formula below was used to find the were made such as flour for bread and pastries, number of moles of ammonia that have been lumabeng tofu, and lumabeng milk. Tofu and produced and then trapped from the sample(s). lumabeng milk products were prepared through The number of moles of acid in the trapping the help of Palawan Adventist Hospital Food flask originally (before any ammonia was Products personnel. trapped) was determined by multiplying the molarity of the acid solution by the volume of E. Microbiological analysis of Lumabeng the trapping solution. bean flour food products Food products from Lumabeng bean Equation 1. moles of acid = M V flour such as pastry products were subjected where: M = molarity of acid to thorough microbiological testing conducted V = volume of trapping solution used at the Regional Analytical Standard Testing for food at DOST Palawan. (a derivation from the standard formula of Molarity where: i. Aerobic Plate Count (APC) Molarity=moles of solute/ volume of solution [in Following the standard protocol of the Liters]; standard formula used by Department Food and Drug Authority’s Bacteriological of Science and Technology) Analytical Manual (BAM) 1998, the aerobic plate count (APC) was conducted to determine The number of moles of base (NaOH) the amount of microorganism in a product. that was added from the burette to neutralize the remaining acid (that was NOT neutralized ii. Coli plate count by the ammonia), was computed using the Fifty (50) grams of food was weighed following formula: into sterile high-speed blender jar (see Chapter 1 and current FDA compliance programs for

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 15 Table 1. Analysis of Protein on Lumabeng Table 3. Aerobic Plate Count of Food Samples Bean Flour Aerobic Plate Type of Bean Protein Count (Cfu/g) Type of Beans g/100g Lumabeng Bean Pancake 1,000 Lumabeng bean 24.4 (FNRI) Soybeans, mature seeds, 13.09 (USDA) sprouted, raw had less than 1.5 MPN/100 ml which is safe Mung beans, mature seeds, based from the standard limits set by ICMF and 7.02 (USDA) sprouted, raw US FDA (The total coliform test is based on the FDA-BAM). Thus in terms of food safety, Legend: FNRI- Food and Nutrition Research the derived bean flour from lumabeng shows no Institute hazard to the consumers. USDA- United States Department of Table 3 shows the aerobic plate count Agriculture test on food samples made from Lumabeng beans. The Aerobic Plate Count provides an Table 2. Total Coliform Test of Food Samples overview of the colony forming units (Cfu) but does not necessarily differentiate the various Total Coliform, Food bacteria present. The bacterial count gives us MPN/100 ml an idea on how sanitary the food sample is, Lumabeng Bean providing a good indicator of spoilage level and ˂ 1.5 Pancake overall safety of the product. The test revealed that Lumabeng bean flour food sample with Legend: 3 to 100 MPN-Marginal limit by ICMF 1,000 Cfu/g are within the level 1- satisfactory (International Commission for Microbiological limit set by the ICMF and US FDA. Specifications of Food) 9 to 248 MPN – FDA CONCLUSION AND POLICY instructions on sample size and compositing). IMPLICATIONS Frozen samples were softened by storing at <18 h, 2-5°C, but samples should not be thawed. A The Agutaynens and Palaweños have 450 mL of Butterfield’s phosphate-buffered long been consuming lumabeng beans as one water was added and blended for two minutes. of the indigenous source of protein in their diet. With the results from this study, it only showed RESULTS AND DISCUSSION that lumabeng provided essential protein source to the locals of Palawan, having found to contain Table 1 presents the analysis of protein higher protein than the usual beans and lentils on Lumabeng bean flour. The results showed available in the markets. Laboratory results that 24.4 g of protein per 100g were found on Total Coliform and Aerobic Plate Count in Lumabeng beans using High Performance further showed that lumabeng food products Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). This value produced are safe for human consumption. is found to be significantly higher than that of Thus, lumabeng has high potentials to combat the usual beans consume as protein source such MNDs, specifically malnutrition which besets a as soy beans and mung beans. These findings large portion of the Filipino population. show lumabeng bean’s potential in serving With these, the potentials of lumabeng as an alternative protein source, given almost as a local source of protein especially by the double the soya bean’s protein content. island municipalities is highlighted, paving Since lumabeng flour is used as an the road for possible interventions to further additive for the food samples, it is also important explore propagation and commercialization of to know whether it contains harmful bacteria this bean variety for food security. Lumabeng for the consumer. Table 2 shows the total can then be an important alternative for meat coliform test on Lumabeng bean flour used as or other bean and lentil produce shipped from an ingredient for lumabeng bean pancake. The outside of the province, cutting down costs and results of the test revealed that the food sample improving nutrition availability for the public’s

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 16 general welfare. 2001. PDF File Food and Agriculture Organization. 2010. RECOMMENDATIONS Nutrition Country Profiles- Philippines. Available at: http://www.fao.org/ag/ Based on the conclusions, the following agn/nutrition/phl_en.stm recommendations are hereby offered for Food and Drug Authority. 1998. Bacteriological consideration: Analytical Manual (BAM), Edition 8, 1. Further significant analysis should be Revision A. Available at: https://www. conducted to determine the phytonutrients fda.gov/Food/FoodScienceResearch/ present in lumabeng bean flour and its nutrient LaboratoryMethods/ucm063346.htm components. Galisteo M., Duarte J., Zarzuelo A. 2008. 2. Further investigation should be conducted Effects of dietary fibers on disturbances to enhance the efficacy of flour as pastry clustered in the metabolic syndrome. J component. Nutr Biochem ;19:71–84. 3. The local governments have to allocate funds Haddad E.H. and Tanzman J.S. 2003. What do for the improvement and enhancement of the vegetarians in the United States eat? project by assisting the community in adapting Am J Clin Nutr; 78(suppl):626S–32S a better process on how to extract flour and Institute of Medicine. 2005. Dietary Reference manufacture food products derived from Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrates, lumabeng. Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, 4. Nutritional profile of Lumabeng flour Protein and Amino Acids. The National frequently used by the tribal communities Academies Press, Washington, DC, as food are to be analysed for recommended USA. dietary allowance for better nutrition. Messina, V. 2014. Nutritional and health benefits 5. Encourage researches on lumabeng bean’s of dried beans. The American Journal biology and physiology, documenting current of Clinical Nutrition. American Society population and distribution in Palawan. for Nutrition. http://ajcn.nutrition. 6. Study on the taxonomy of lumabeng beans is org/content/100/Supplement_1/437S. encouraged to establish the status of the local full#ref-16 commodity. This can help assure proper future Ndagire, C. T., Muyonga, J. H., Manju, R. interventions for its protection and propagation. and Nakimbugwe, D. 2015. Optimized 7. Explore the faster propagation of lumabeng formulation and processing protocol for which can aid food security especially to island a supplementary bean-based composite municipalities where resources are limited. flour. Food Sci Nutr, 3: 527–538. doi:10.1002/fsn3.244 REFERENCES Onis M. de, Monteiro C., and Clugston G. 1993. The worldwide magnitude of protein- Campbell, W.W, Trappe, T.A., Wolfe, R.R. and energy malnutrition: an overview from Evans, W.J. 2001. The Recommended the WHO Global Database on Child Dietary Allowance for Protein May Growth. Bulletin of the World Health Not Be Adequate for Older People Organization. 71(6): to Maintain Skeletal Muscle. Journal Rafii M., Chapman K., Owens J., Elango R., of Gerontology: Medical Sciences. J Campbell W.W., Ball R.O. 2015. Dietary Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci (2001) protein requirement of female adults 56 (6): M373-M380 doi:10.1093/ >65 years determined by the indicator gerona/56.6.M373 amino acid oxidation technique is higher Detzel P. and Wieser S. 2015. Food Fortification than current recommendations. J. Nutr. for Addressing Iron Deficiency in 145(1): 18-24 CrossRef, Medline. Filipino Children: Benefits and Cost- Tang M., McCabe G.P., Elango R., Pencharz Effectiveness. Ann Nutr Metab 2015;66 P.B., Ball R.O., Campbell W.W. 2014. (suppl 2):35-42 Assessment of protein requirement FAO- Nutrition Country Profile of Philippines. in octogenarian women with use of

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 17 the indicator amino acid oxidation micronutrient deficiencies by socio- technique. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 99(4): economic strata in children aged 6 891-898 CrossRef, Medline. months to 5 years in the Philippines. Wieser, S., Plessow, R., Eichler, K., Malek, BMC Public Health, 13, 1167. http:// O., Capanzana, M. V., Agdeppa, I., doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-13-1167 & Bruegger, U. 2013. Burden of

Photo Credits: CS Philippines Palawan Horned Frog (Megophrys ligayae) Endangered Species under the IUCN Red list

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 18 Our Palawan The Scientific Journal of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Feature Article This article is also available on-line at www.pkp.pcsd.gov.ph

Expert Advice from the Scientific Advisory Panel of PCSDS: Output of the 3rd Meeting on 20 June 2017

Five major issues that affect the management of Palawan’s natural capital were addressed by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development-Scientific Advisory Panel (PCSD-SAP) as they convened for their third meeting on 20 June 2017 in Puerto Princesa Keywords: City.

critical habitats In this year’s meeting, PCSD-SAP, a body composed of renowned Tongka’t Ali scientist and experts from different fields, deliberated matters Mangrove forest concerning designation of critical habitats, harvest of edible bird’s conservation nest, mangrove forest conservation, emergence of Tongka’t Ali Threatened species industry, and management of threatened species in Palawan, along Edible bird’s nest with the PCSD staff providing their expertise as resource persons.

These issues were exhaustively discussed at sub-panel level— 1. ‘Ecological and Biophysical’ and 2. ‘Socio-cultural and Economic’-- where the PCSD-SAP members were distributed according to the respective field of expertise. Before the day ended, the two sub-panels convened to build consensus on the science- based recommendations intended to support management and policymaking. Five sets of recommendations were formalized as Statement and Recommendations on the issues which would eventually be presented to PCSD (Council).

Compiled by: Jenevieve Hara, Luigi Lubrico, Kirsten Sagun, Ciara Dicar and Silvino Alcantara Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Email: [email protected]

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 19 Introduction Mr. Eduardo E. Queblatin from the Philippine Since 2015, the Palawan Council for Watershed Management Coalition; Engr. Sustainable Development Scientific Advisory Roland F. Rodriguez, mine engineer and former Panel or PCSD-SAP convenes annually to PCSDS Executive Director; and Dr. Guillermo tackle issues regarding the environment and R. Tabios III of the University of the Philippines sustainable development of the Province of Institute of Civil Engineering. Palawan. The creation of the PCSD-SAP was For the institutional members, the an initiative of the PCSD staff (PCSDS) as a following also attended the meeting: Mr. Jose collaboration of scientists and experts across Angelo Palma, President and Chief Executive the country who have previous engagements Officer of World Wildlife Fund for Nature in Palawan. It now has a total of 26 members. Philippines; Dr. Elsa P. Manarpaac, President The meetings are held with the ultimate goal of the Western Philippines University; Prof. of producing policy recommendations from Marissa S. Pontillas, OIC President of Palawan experts of different disciplines to serve as a State University; and Prof. Mildred P. Palon guide or a basis of the local policy makers. representing President Pinlyn Dahili, O.P. of Being experts from their own fields and as the Holy Trinity University. professionals who have been engaged in programs and projects or activities in Palawan, Recommendations during the 3rd Meeting the panel members are expected to provide This 2017, the 3rd meeting of the PCSD- their expert opinion/advice based from their SAP was held last June 20 at the Ivywall Hotel, profession and experience in the province. Puerto Princesa City. Four issues were initially Providing sound, science-based prepared for the groups discussion, divided into recommendations and suggestions in resolving 2 sub-themes: the issues currently being faced by Palawan, the panel’s final outputs are deemed essential Ecological/ Biophysical Sub-theme: in shedding light to the local decision makers. 1. Critical Habitats as Core Zone 2. Edible Bird’s Nest Harvesting Members of the Scientific Advisory Panel The recently held meeting was Socio-cultural/ Economic Sub-theme: participated by 16 of its members. Among them 3. Mangrove Forest Conservation were Dr. Angel C. Alcala, a National Scientists 4. Tongkat Ali Industry of the Philippines, former Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) An additional topic which is about Secretary and current Chair of Silliman Palawan’s Threatened Species under the University Angelo King Center for Research Ecological/Biophysical Sub-theme was and Environmental Management; Dr. Perry added during the meeting proper by the Panel S. Ong, wildlife specialist from College members. This was deemed as an important of Biology- University of the Philippines contemporary issue by the member attendees, Diliman; Dr. Benjamin C. Bagadion Jr., former thus adding the said topic in-situ. The 3rd DENR Undersecretary and a retired professor meeting of the panel was chaired by Dr. Tabios of the Asian Institute of Management; Dr. III. For the Ecological/Biophysical Sub-theme, Porfirio M. Aliño of the University of the Dr. Perry Ong was chosen as the chairperson Philippines-Marine Science Institute; Dr. while Mr. Queblatin was elected for the Socio- Rafael P. Creencia, environmental consultant Cultural Sub-theme. and former UPLB professor; Dr. William Sm. Gruezo, botanist and former UPLB professor; By the end of the one-day event, the Dr. Evelyn B. Pantig, former Department of panel was able to produce five sets of policy Tourism Undersecretary and former dean and recommendations. These advices will be director of the Philippine Women’s University; forwarded to the Council and made available to the general public as reference.

Figure 7. PCSD SAP Members during the plenary session.

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 27 Our Palawan The Scientific Journal of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Feature Article This article is also available on-line at www.pkp.pcsd.gov.ph

Facing the Odds: Palawan Battles against Forest Destruction (An Update from the Palawan Biosphere Reserve Periodic Report 2015)

Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff

ABSTRACT As a regular monitoring of the actions and efforts done for the Palawan Biosphere Reserve, the International Co-ordinating Council of the Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB-ICC) wrote UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines requiring an updated Keywords: periodic report for the management authority. This is to highlight the issues forwarded to the province as well as the recommendations Forest Destruction and actions taken by the Palawan BR management. Biosphere Reserve Palawan BR The degradation of Palawan’s natural forest due to bad agricultural Management practices and illegal logging were among the issues raised both by local and international communities. With the issues enumerated by MAB-ICC, the Palawan BR Management provided a report on the latest efforts done to respond to the said issues.

Compiled by: John Vincent B. Fabello, Edwin L. Caabay, Apollo V. Regalo and Arnica D. Mortillero Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines Email: [email protected]

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 28 1. ENHANCED FOREST MANAGEMENT and the general public. TO AVOID BAD AGRICULTURAL The Palawan Agricultural Center PRACTICES AND ILLEGAL LOGGING: serves as the coordinating points for research and development, training and extension of 1.1 BAD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES integrated agricultural resource technologies of the Department of Agriculture in the province In its periodic review report, the Palawan BR of Palawan. Within the Center are several submitted the following proposed action on this laboratories: issue: development of Sustainable Agriculture 1. Palawan Soils Laboratory – regional Policy and Plan for Palawan BR incorporating facility responsible for analysis of soil for organic and traditional farming technologies. proper fertilizer recommendation. As early as 2013, collaborative efforts 2. Tissue Culture Laboratory – it is involved from the government, non-government in the collection of stocks, plant materials, and organizations and peoples’ organizations is preparation of culture media and construction being done in Palawan to abate bad agricultural of a greenhouse. practices. Though the Palawan Council for 3. Seed Testing Laboratory – is responsible Sustainable Development has not yet adopted for testing the seeds for purity, germination, a policy on sustainable agriculture, its partner variety and moisture content to meet quality agencies like the Department of Agriculture, standard. the Palawan Provincial Agriculturist’s Office The Center also houses the Department and the Puerto Princesa City Agriculturist’s of Agriculture-Research Outreach Station Office promote ‘organic farming’ pursuant to (DA-ROS) which is mandated to promote Republic Act No. 10068 or “ An Act Providing Palawan’s agricultural growth through research for the Development and Promotion of Organic and development. Its efforts are focused on the Agriculture in the Philippines and for Other upliftment of the quality of life of small farmers Purposes” on this sustainable agriculture on the sustainability of resources viability over practice. Nevertheless, the PCSD has identified longer term. the need of adopting the national policy on Meanwhile, the City Government sustainable and organic agriculture for Palawan of Puerto Princesa adopted the Organic BR. Examples of initiatives in the Palawan BR Agricultural Program for 2015 by virtue of in response to this issue/concern: the City Ordinance No. 688 (An Ordinance Adopting the Puerto Princesa Organic Promotion of Organic Agriculture Agriculture Program of 2015). The said The Palawan Research and Experiment ordinance particularly envisions to integrate Station of the Department of Agriculture, the organic farming as means of livelihood in Provincial Agricultural Center and the City rural barangays of the city and eventually Agriculturist Office promote sustainable enhance sustainable food production in the agriculture through agricultural intensification said areas to provide the needed support and organic farming. This is consistent to the for continuous agri-tourism development. established policy of the national government Through the City Agriculturist’s Office, the as mandated through Republic Act no. 10068. city government continuously conducts The said policy clearly declares the intent of trainings and establishment of demo farms. the government which Palawan BR and the Most of the trainings conducted focused Provincial Government of Palawan uphold by on diversified farming technology, organic promoting, propagating, developing further and vegetable production, nursery establishment implementing the practice of organic agriculture and development of good agricultural practices in the Philippines that will cumulatively for banner products in Puerto Princesa City. improve its condition and enrich the fertility The trainings were participated by the residents of the soil, increase farm production, reduce from the barangays of the city. pollution and destruction of the environment, An example of organic agricultural prevent the depletion of natural resources and endeavor in Puerto Princesa City is the Aloha further protect the health of farmers, consumers Natural Farm, which was established on a 2.8

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 29 hectares of land. Farming began ten years ago close monitoring of the TLA operations and on denatured, demineralized soil infested with for other purposes)was the PCSD’s immediate cogon grass, Imperata cylindrica. Before the response to protect Palawan’s remaining intervention made by Aloha House, a non- forests. This action led to reduction of almost stock, non-profit, NGO (Non-Government three-fourths of the total operable logging Organization) and charitable mission serving area of the commercial logging operators and the community of Palawan and the Philippines, further resulted to the demise of TLA holders the agricultural practices which are widely used in the province. in the area are: mono-cropping practice, use of The PCSD acknowledges that the exotic varieties in farming, use of inorganic increase in population as well as the inevitable fertilizers, proliferation of wastes or garbage development in Palawan, considering the need which were dumped and produces negative for habitation, will put pressure on its natural impact to agriculture and conversion of the capital. To be able to address the pressing agricultural lands into industrial or residential needs of population increase and inherent areas. Crops grown at Aloha Farm include 55 demand for wood by the increasing population, vegetables, 33 herbs and diverse fruits. Intensive a policy on the establishment of a production raised-bed vegetable production is a mixture forest or communal forest was pushed to give of annual and perennial plants. A closed-loop way for a legal source of timber/wood in each mushroom production program with an on- municipality in the province. farm culture laboratory is another example of their sustainable agriculture philosophy. Communal Forest and the National Greening Livestock includes pastured poultry eggs Program and meat, natural pork, cow and goat milk, On 28 November 2008, the PCSD tilapia and earthworm. Crop rotation, legume passed Resolution No. 08-376 “Adopting usage, companion planting, composting, green the Guidelines on the Establishment and fertilizers, mulching, cover cropping, minimal Management of Communal Forests (CnF) tillage, insect habitat, and livestock integration in the Province of Palawan”. Said resolution were also introduced. was guided by the Joint PCSD-DENR Administrative Order No. 01 Series of 2008 1.2 ILLEGAL LOGGING which aims to pilot test for one (1) year the proposed CnF guidelines to gain experience on In its periodic review report, the Palawan its establishment and implementation. Results BR submitted the following proposed action of the pilot testing activities will serve as input on this issue: development of policy on legal in the crafting of the final CnF guidelines to source of timber through the implementation of ensure success in its province-wide application. the Communal Forest Policy. CnF establishment in Palawan is a policy that Forest is a principal natural resource took several years in the making to make sure of Palawan. Having the largest forest cover that the forest resources of the Province will not among the provinces of the country (689,161 be put at stake once it is “legally” opened for hectares both terrestrial forest and mangrove), harvesting in the objective of providing legal Palawan contributes significant portion to the wood sources. Philippines’ entire forest cover, comprising Initially, four (4) local government 10% of its total forest cover. units (LGUs) were identified as pilot test areas: Since the approval of the RA 7611 Busuanga to represent the environment of (Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan Act), island municipalities, San Vicente in the north, the passage of the PCSD Resolution No. 92- Puerto Princesa City in central Palawan and 11 (A Resolution to call for a limited operation Quezon in the south. However, as of 2015, due for a period of three years by the Timber to the CnF site identification and declaration License Agreement (TLA) holder in Palawan procedures and budget requirements, only in the areas which had been agreed upon by the the Municipality of San Vicente was able to Palawan Council for Sustainable Development complete the formulation of a Forest Land Use with DENR and the TLA holders subject to Plan (FLUP), a prerequisite for CnF declaration.

LOCATION/ Area and number of seedlings planted MUNICIPALITIES Area (Hectares) No. of Seedlings CORON 1,044 487,100 ROXAS 619 294,000 TAYTAY 1,114 815,280 PUERTO PRINCESA CITY 728 440,800 NARRA 477 557,002 QUEZON 614 1,002,475 BROOKES POINT 780 2,573,200

Table 2. Summary of Maintenance and Protection of Established Plantations. 2016 2015 (Actual, in hectares) (Actual, in hectares) AREA Mangrove Regular NGP Regular NGP Beach Forest CENRO PPC 558 CENRO Quezon 90 160 542 CENRO Brooke’s Point 100 940 CENRO Roxas 400 550 CENRO Taytay 200 550 CENRO Coron 100 560 Source: Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, DENR, 2015.

The Municipality of Quezon has only started creating the national convergence of DA-DAR- the initial FLUP preparation in 2012; the DENR for the establishment of the National Municipality of Busuanga has not identified a Greening Program (NGP) with the aim of conflict-free suitable area given that the bulk planting 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares of their substantially forested lands is within for a period of six (6) years (2011-2016) in all the Yulo-King Ranch (YKR) managed by the available public lands. Bureau of Animal Industry of the Department Aside from being a reforestation of Agriculture. The City of Puerto Princesa, on initiative, the NGP is also seen as a climate the other hand, is yet to revalidate its outdated change mitigation strategy as it seeks to enhance timber stand inventory. The process for FLUP the country’s forest stock to absorb carbon formulation and approval was not anticipated dioxide, which is largely blamed for global to go beyond the initial one (1) year pilot testing warming. It is also designed to reduce poverty, period, as such, the implementation was stalled. providing alternative livelihood activities for Until then, nearly three (3) years after marginalized upland and lowland households the PCSD adoption of the CnF Pilot Testing relating to seedling production and care and Guidelines, Executive Order No. 23 “Declaring maintenance of newly-planted trees. As a a Moratorium on the Cutting and Harvesting of convergence initiative among the Departments Timber in the Natural and Residual Forests and of Agriculture, Agrarian Reform and DENR, Creating the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force” half of the targeted trees to be planted under was signed by the President of the Republic the program would constitute forest tree of the Philippines on 01 February 2011. A few species intended for timber production and days later, Executive Order No. 26 was passed protection as well. The other half would

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 31 comprise agroforestry species. Areas eligible happening and close monitoring of these areas for rehabilitation under the program include all were done to limit and arrest illegal activities. lands of the public domain. Specifically, these In 2015, the enforcement team apprehended include forestlands, mangrove and protected and seized illegal log shipment in Culion Island areas, ancestral domains, civil and military consisting of 100,000 board feet of premium reservation, urban greening areas, inactive and hardwood species of timber. Intelligence abandoned mine sites and other suitable lands. gathering and doing arrests on illegal logging With the continuing implementation of the and wildlife trade in the province is consistently National Greening Program involving multi- being improved. PCSD’s partnership with the sectoral stakeholders, the future supply of Bantay Kalikasan Enforcement Team of the timber and other forest resources can be ensured Provincial Government of Palawan further through proper monitoring and implementation strengthened the resolve to stop the proliferation of appropriate silvicultural practices within the of illegal logging activities. planted areas. REFERENCES Timber Poaching PCSD. Palawan Biosphere Reserve Together with DENR-Palawan, the (Philippines) Periodic Report 2015 PCSD is continuously seeking alternative (Progress-Update Report) on the solutions in combating timber poaching in Periodic Report Recommendations of the province. Its PCSD Wildlife Enforcement 2012 Endorsed by the International Team is actively doing its role in arresting Co-ordinating Council of the Man and illegal logging activities. Hotspots/areas the Biosphere Programme (MAB-ICC) were identified where illegal wildlife trade is UNESCO. 2015.

endemic species of Palawan

Photo Credits: CS Philippines Palawan Bearded Pig (Sus ahoenobarbus) “near threatened” species under the IUCN Red list

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 32 Our Palawan The Scientific Journal of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Feature Article This article is also available on-line at www.pkp.pcsd.gov.ph

Managing Palawan Biosphere Reserve’s Wildlife and their Habitats (An Update from the Palawan Biosphere Reserve Periodic Report 2015) Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff

ABSTRACT Among the various issues and concerns raised to the Keywords: management of the Palawan Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme International Wildlife Co-ordinating Council (MAB-ICC) are matters concerning Habitat its wildlife and their habitats. These are but only some of the Man and Biosphere pressing issues being faced by Palawan, but despite these, the Programme International Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), the Co-ordinating onsite Biosphere Reserve management authority, continuously Council sets the mechanisms and exerts efforts to reduce these issues’ impacts to the environment.

Compiled by: Niño Rey Estoya, Levita A. Lagrada and Arnica D. Mortillero Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Email: [email protected]

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 33 1.1 ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE 1.1.1 Surveillance and Apprehension Intelligence and surveillance activity is In its periodic review report, the very significant and necessary in order to ensure Palawan BR submitted the following proposed effective enforcement and sustained information actions on this issue: intensify law enforcement, gathering on the ground, and where incentives/ engagement of communities, training and allowances must be provided to all concerned. deputation of Wildlife Enforcement Officers; This is one of the strategies employed in order revitalization of the community listening post to level up the enforcement of wildlife laws and and quick response system. related policies. As a result, the operations of Illegal wildlife trade is being addressed existing national and international organized/ through intensification of law enforcement by syndicated wildlife trading of Palawan wildlife engaging local communities in surveillance and species have been tracked down. The structure apprehension especially in providing reliable of organized and syndicated trade of Palawan on-the-ground and real-time information wildlife is illustrated in Figure 1. about illegal activities, strong partnerships/ Further, during the period 2010- 2015, collaboration among different government 39% of apprehended persons were foreign agencies, training and deputation of Wildlife nationals and against whom cases were filed. Enforcement Officers (WEOs), establishment This would imply that an improved capacity of Wildlife Traffic Monitoring Units of Palawan’s enforcement groups were able (WTMUs), capability-building training of to track down even the tactics of these foreign WEOs, and forward planning for revitalization nationals with complex established network of the Community Listening Post and Quick (refer to Figure 2). Response System (CLP-QRS).

Figure 1. The Structure of Organized/Syndicated Trade of Palawan Wildlife Species. (Source: Palawan Biosphere Reserve [Philippines] Periodic Report 2015)

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 34 1.1.2 Active Participation of Other 1.1.3 Training & Deputation of Wildlife Enforcement Agencies in Combating Enforcement Officers Wildlife Poaching There are 189 individuals deputized There is a strong collaboration among as Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs) the PCSD and other government enforcement and 12 volunteers in the entire province as of agencies in combating wildlife poaching. July 2017. These WEOs come from different These agencies include the Philippine National entities such as the local government units of Police–Maritime Special Boat Unit (PNP- El Nido, San Vicente, Aborlan, MMPL Area, Maritime-SBU), Philippine Navy, Philippine Roxas and Puerto Princesa City as well as from Coast Guard and Western Command. Efforts of different government agencies such as PCSDS, the said collaboration resulted to apprehension Bureau of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources from 2012 to 2014 of foreign nationals and (BFAR), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), confiscation of subject wildlife species. Office of Transport Security (OTS), Baywatch Appropriate disposition methods were and NGOs. employed on the confiscated dead and live wildlife specimens in accordance with the 1.1.4 Establishment of Wildlife Traffic related PCSD guidelines. Live marine turtles Monitoring Units (WTMU) were released back to open seas while dead WTMUs assigned in airports and ones were either buried or preserved. All sea ports inspect cargoes to ensure that of these disposition methods were properly persons involved in illegal wildlife trade documented to ensure that these evidences can are apprehended, and at the same time, deter still be presented in court whenever necessary individuals from illegal wildlife transport/trade. and/or as ordered or requested by the same The photographs in the succeeding figures show (Figure 3). the WTMUs (in blue polo-shirt uniform) doing inventory of confiscated wildlife from airports and seaports.

Figure 2. Percentage of Persons Arrested/and Filed with Criminal Cases (Source: Palawan Biosphere Reserve [Philippines] Periodic Report 2015)

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 35 Figure 3. Photos of Illegal Wildlife Poaching Cases in Palawan. Top Row: In 2012, 43 heads of marine turtles and assorted marine shells were confiscated from Vietnamese fishers aboard a fishing vessel; 2nd Row: approximately 10,000 marine turtle eggs were confiscated from Malaysians in 2013; 3rd Row: In 2014, 500 marine turtles (dead and alive) were confiscated from Chinese fishers aboard a fishing vessel; Bottom Row: In 2014, 20 tons of different shark species were confiscated from Vietnamese fishers aboard a fishing vessel. (Source: Palawan Biosphere Reserve [Philippines] Periodic Report 2015)

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 36 Figure 4. Wildlife Enforcement Officers’ Training. Left: Training of Philippine Navy Personnel in 2013; Right: WEO Training in Taytay, Palawan in 2014.

Figure 5. Confiscated wildlife being inventoried by the Wildlife Traffic Monitoring Units.

From 2010 to 2015, Wildlife Traffic Monitoring involving deputized WEOs in order to formulate Units have been established in Coron, El Nido, strategies to address the most pressing needs Roxas, Quezon, Brooke’s Point and Puerto of wildlife enforcement to which WEOs can Princesa City (refer to Figure 6) especially in be of significance. The conference resulted exit/entry points (e.g. airports and seaports). to: 1) identification of current challenges, These are identified as “Hotspot Areas” in gaps and needs of wildlife enforcement the province because of the high occurrence and corresponding actions or solutions, 2) or intensity of illegal wildlife trade. In these identification and development of the necessary areas also, WEOs have been functioning and procedures/protocol in wildlife enforcement complementing with the WTMUs in their involving deputized WEOs which shall later enforcement-related activities. on be integrated into the WEO manual of operations (eg. information/intelligence report 1.1.5 Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEO) handling; actual enforcement operation), and 3) Conference performance evaluation of deputized WEOs. On November 24, 2015, a WEO Further, the development and Conference was conducted by the PCSDS which revitalization of Community Listening Post and was participated by deputized WEOs from the Quick Response System using short messaging local government units of Roxas, El Nido and system (SMS) was discussed in the conference Puerto Princesa City, as well as representatives and shall form part of the WEO operations from other government agencies in Palawan. manual that will be produced. The conference aimed to understand the status of Wildlife Enforcement in Palawan especially

1.1.6 Capability-Building Training of WEOs, and Detection Group (CIDG), PNP-Maritime WTMUs and PCSD Staff Special Boat Unit, Western Command, Naval WEOs, WTMUs as well as PCSD staff Forces West, 570th Composite Tactical Wing, were not only trained on how to conduct and Philippine Coast Guard, Bantay Palawan Task accomplish the required forms necessary in Force, Municipal/City Gov’t, and Palawan the surveillance activities, apprehension and NGO Network, Inc. filing of appropriate cases in court but also on the required technical skills. Thus, in 2012 1.1.8 International Cooperation and 2014, trainings on wildlife identification, In 2013 and 2014, PCSDS participated restraining and handling were conducted in in the so-called “Operation Cobra” organized order to facilitate confiscation procedures and by China, USA, South Africa, ASEAN Wildlife minimize possible stresses to wildlife involved. Enforcement Network (ASEAN-WEN), South Experts were tapped to give hands-on training Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SA- as shown in figure 7. WEN) and Lusaka Agreement Task Force (LATF) which aimed to: 1) prevent, detect, 1.1.7 Creation of Multi-Partite Enforcement suppress and apprehend criminals and disrupt Teams/Bodies criminal networks that exploit elephants, The Provincial Law Enforcement Task rhinos, pangolins, big cats, Tibetan antelope Force, Anti-illegal Logging Task Force and and great apes in Africa, North America and Environmental Enforcement Program were Asia, 2) gather information and intelligence created during the period 2012-2015 to address on the illegal exploitation of elephants, rhinos, illegal logging issues, and illegal wildlife trading pangolins, big cats, great apes, Tibetan antelope and poaching. Members of these teams are and other wildlife, and 3) build wildlife law composed of representatives from the different enforcement capacity nationally and regionally, enforcement entities such as BFAR, Provincial/ among others. City Police Office, Criminal Investigation

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 38 Figure 7. Demo-Training on Wildlife Handling and Ivory Identification. Top: Mr. Salvador Guion (left side), a wildlife handler of the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC) and Dr. Rebong (right side) demonstrating proper wildlife restraining and handling; Bottom: Training of selected PCSD Staff by the USAID on Ivory identification.

As a result, Philippine authorities including implementation of the Wildlife Act. PCSDS that participated in the said operation In the implementation of the Wildlife were able to seize 65 pangolins, 2 giant clams, Act, there is a special consideration for Palawan 6,985 Trochus sp., 8 Triton sp., 157 Turbo sp., since the Palawan Council for Sustainable 496 Pinctada maxima, 55 Cassis cornuta, 124 Development is mandated to implement Cypraea tigris and 42.05 kg parts of other the said law instead of the Department of different CITES specimens as shown in Figure Environment and Natural Resources and the 8. Department of Agriculture. Under Section 4, it is clearly stated that the jurisdiction on the 1.2 CONSERVATION AND management and protection of the terrestrial MANAGEMENT OF THREATENED and aquatic flora and fauna is vested on PCSD. SPECIES AND THEIR HABITATS Under Section 19, the same office will be the lead in the designation of Management and In its periodic review report, the scientific authorities for International Trade in Palawan BR submitted the following proposed Endangered Species of wild flora and fauna of actions on this issue: declaration of Critical Palawan. To further empower the management Habitats as Core Zones under ECAN; of these resources through the help of the establishment of Biodiversity Monitoring complementing agencies of the government, System; implementation of the programme the PCSD has adopted and approved the PCSD on adoption of flagship species; operation as Administrative Order No. 12, series of 2011 or CITES Management Authority for Palawan;

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 39 Figure 8. Seized wildlife species. Left: Pangolins, Right: Other CITES specimens. he “Detailed Guidelines in the Implementation Board” (CHMB) will be created. This will be of RA 9147 & Joint DENR-DA-PCSD AO #1 responsible for the formulation of a “Critical As May Be Made Applicable in the Province of Habitat Management Plan”. The PCSD will Palawan.” exhaust effort to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) or Partnership Agreement 1.2.1 Habitat Protection And Management: with concerned local government units, Critical Habitats as Core Zones under ECAN people’s organization (PO), non-government The Legal Framework organizations (NGO), indigenous peoples/ The PCSD declared Critical Habitats indigenous cultural communities (IP/ICC), as Core Zones under ECAN pursuant to private sector or other concerned entities for PCSD Resolution No. 13-481. The guidelines the management of critical habitat ensuring embodied in this resolution prescribe the shared governance/responsibility in managing requirements and procedures how the identified natural resources. and established “Critical Habitats” shall be declared as “Core Zones” under the ECAN Critical Habitats in the Province of Palawan Zoning in accordance with the provisions of In accordance with the aforementioned RA 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation guidelines, certain areas in the municipality of and Protection Act) and the SEP Law. Dumaran, Palawan were already declared as Moreover, the existing “Core Zone” Critical Habitat in 2014. Cleopatra’s Needle, which can be identified through scientific which is adjacent to the Puerto Princesa methods as habitats of threatened species may Underground River, was recently declared in be declared as Critical Habitats to ensure strict 2016. In order to strengthen the enforcement of protection. Penal provisions prohibit activities wildlife laws and policies within the Dumaran such as dumping of waste products detrimental Critical Habitat, trainings for the deputation to wildlife, squatting or otherwise occupying of Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs) any portion of the critical habitat, mineral were conducted through the collaboration of exploration and/or extraction, burning, logging the Dumaran Municipal Government, Katala and quarrying. An imprisonment of one (1) Foundation, Inc. (KFI) and PCSDS. There month to eight (8) years and/or a fine of Five were a total of fourteen (14) KFI personnel Thousand Pesos (PhP 5,000.00) to Five Million deputized as WEOs who can police within Pesos (PhP 5,000,000.00) shall be imposed to the range of the Dumaran Critical Habitat. By those who will violate these. virtue of the Wildlife Act, they were already To ensure the protection of the critical empowered to enforce existing wildlife laws, habitats, the “Critical Habitat Management rules and regulations.

Victoria-Anepahan Mountain Threats analysis conducted; Logical framework formulated; Range (VAMR). Coordinating body created such as follows: • PNNI: Ms. Loreto Cagatulla • IDEAS : Mr. Roger Garinga • WPU: Dr. Lita Sopsop • NTFP-EP Philippines: Mr. Manuel Uy • PCSDS: Merlinda Hilario and Levita Lagrada • UNDP: Dr. Ma. Teresa Aquino • ELAC: Atty. Gerthie Anda

Lake Tagbungsaing in Quezon, Community resource mapping conducted Palawan Lake Manguao in Taytay, Palawan Biodiversity assessment conducted;

Declared already as Local Conservation Area (LCA) by the Municipality of Taytay, Palawan Crocodile Sanctuaries in the Confirmed already the presence of crocodiles through actual municipality of Balabac and Rizal, field surveys and community interviews. Surveys were and province of Palawan conducted in partnership with CPPI and PNNI Within Ancestral Domain Claim of Resource and biodiversity assessments conducted; Batak Tribe in Roxas, Palawan consultation with the barangay and municipal LGUs and awaiting their response;

Other identified areas will likewise be 1.2.2 Species Management Policy declared as critical habitats. Initial works related Development: Adoption of Flagship to these areas have been done already by several Species entities such as PCSDS, local government units Policies in the adoption of flagship concerned, Western Philippines University, species by LGUs is now being developed Department of Environment and Natural to ensure the conservation of these species. Resources (DENR), Palawan NGO Network The draft “Guidelines on the Selection and Inc. (PNNI), Environmental Legal Assistance Management of Flagship Species by the Local Center (ELAC), Institute for the Development Government Units” has been reviewed by the of Educational and Ecological Alternatives Palawan Wildlife Management Committee Incorporated (IDEAS), Crocodylus Porosus (PWMC) which recommended the same to the Philippines, Inc. (CPPI) and Non-Timber Forest PCSD for the latter’s subsequent adoption and Products Inc. (NTFP-EP). These proposed approval. The guidelines aim to ensure that critical habitats include the “Victoria-Anepahan species selected by LGUs shall be effective Mountain Range (VAMR), Lake Tagbungsaing and that private entities are engaged in the in Quezon, Palawan; Lake Manguao in Taytay, conservation and management of the subject Palawan; crocodile sanctuaries in Balabac and species including their habitats. In the same Rizal, Palawan; and portions of the ancestral guidelines, all LGUs at the municipal level domain claim of Batak Tribe in Roxas, Palawan. are required to submit their respective selected Specific actions conducted in the proposed sites flagship species for the latter’s approval and in relation to the guidelines for the declaration subsequent declaration as such by the PCSD. of “Critical Habitats” are already identified. After which, LGUs are required to formulate “Conservation Strategies” for the management

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 41 and conservation of their chosen flagship establish its own center but it can accredit centers species. that would qualify to the standards indicated therein. Criteria for the disposition of wildlife Policy Development: Adopt-A-Wildlife housed at the rescue and/or rehabilitation Species Program centers are set in the same guidelines which In order to provide avenues for a guide PCSD/S in the disposition of donated, public-private-partnership among the LGUs, turned over or confiscated wildlife. the private sector, NGOs, POs, academic and scientific institutions and other interested Policy Development: Threatened Species individuals and pursuant to the government’s List international commitment to conserve In order to guide all entities working biodiversity and prevent species extinction, towards the conservation and protection of the PCSD approved on 28 May 2015 the Palawan’s rich wildlife resources, the PCSD Adopt-A-Wildlife Species Program, (A-Wild Resolution No. 10-413 (Updated List of Pro), through PCSD Resolution No. 15-527 Terrestrial/ Marine Wildlife in Palawan and (“Establishing the Adopt-A-Wildlife Species their Categories Pursuant to Republic Act 9147) Program, A-Wild Pro, for the Conservation was updated in 2014 through PCSD Resolution of Threatened Species and Its Habitats in No. 15-521 (A Resolution Approving the 2014 the Province of Palawan and Providing the Terrestrial and Marine Wildlife in Palawan Guidelines Thereof”) . and their Categories pursuant to Republic It is expected that through this Act 9147, otherwise known as the Wildlife program, conservation actions can be pursued Resources Conservation and Protection Act). in collaboration with private entities without In summary, the list included wildlife species making any additional costs to them in which are classified as Critically Endangered accordance with Section 34 of RA 9147 and (CR), Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (Vu) as Section 101 of RA 8424 or the Tax Code of shown in Table 2. 1997 which specifically provide for exemption from donor’s tax and allowable deduction Establishment of Biodiversity Monitoring from taxable income, respectively, the said System conservation actions. In relation thereto, a In order to monitor the status of mechanism is being worked out with the Bureau biodiversity for conservation and management of Internal Revenue (BIR) to prepare guidelines purposes, the Puerto Princesa Underground that will identify and describe procedures that River (PPUR) started in 2015 to employ will facilitate the implementation of PCSD’s Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) in 2015 A-Wild Pro. It is expected that contributions and will continue it on an annual basis. The or donations to “Adopt-a-Wildlife Species Palawan Flora, Fauna and Watershed Reserve Program” would ensure the protection and Puerto Princesa City likewise plan to establish conservation of certain wildlife species. monitoring plots within the area in 2016. The Dumaran Critical Habitat (a local conservation Policy Development: Disposition of area in the municipality of Dumaran, Palawan), Turned Over, Donated and/or Confiscated through its forest wardens, performs regular Wildlife patrolling within the designated areas which Pursuant to Section 8 of PCSD form part of the BMS methods. AO # 12 which provides for the PCSD to establish wildlife rescue centers in Palawan, International Celebration PCSD Resolution No. 13-480 (“Approving In accordance with the declaration of the Guidelines for the Establishment and the “World Wildlife Day”, the celebration in Management of Wildlife Rescue and the province started in 2014. An exhibit aimed Rehabilitation Center in the Province of to promote people’s knowledge and awareness Palawan”) was adopted and approved for of Palawan’s very rich wildlife resources both implementation in the province. In the said terrestrial and aquatic as well as to encourage guidelines, it is not necessary for the PCSD to them to protect and conserve these resources

Critically Terrestrial and Endangered Endangered Vulnerable Total Marine Wildlife Species Species Birds 10 28 39 77 Reptiles 8 6 4 18 Mammals 5 9 16 30 Amphibians 3 10 13 Insects 2 2 Freshwater Fish 4 1 5 Marine Fishes 2 10 12 Bivalves 8 1 9 Gastropods 5 1 6 Crustaceans 1 8 9 Flora 26 45 186 257 Sharks and Rays 1 1 14 16 Mangroves 1 3 4 Sea Cucumber 4 4 TOTAL 56 114 292 462 was held at Robinson’s Place Palawan. It discussions about wildlife and conservation was the same reason why the exhibit featured as well as relevant games and workshops are marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Palawan conducted. as shown in Figure 9. All wildlife specimens utilized or 1.2.3 Regulation displayed in the exhibit were either confiscated, RA 9147 or the “Wildlife Act” does not donated or turned over to PCSDS during the prohibit the utilization of wildlife resources period 2012-2014 for proper custody. These for economic purposes to contribute to the displays were witnessed/viewed by students sustainable development goals. However, from different academic institutions in the city it must ensure that these resources are not as well as the general public who visited the exploited. Thus, in order to sustainably manage mall during the exhibit period. and regulate the collection and utilization of The celebration of the World Wildlife wildlife resources, the PCSDS issues different Day for the succeeding years until 2017 was permits as provided for in the Act (RA 9147), through the Kiddie Wildlife Summits wherein depending on the type of uses. These permits PCSDS, in partnership with various agencies include Wildlife Farm Permit (WFP), Wildlife and institutions such as the Western Command Collector’s Permit (WCP), Wildlife Gratuitous (WesCom), Department of Environment and Permit (GP), Local Transport Permit (LTP) and Natural Resources (DENR), JCI Peacock, Wildlife Special Use Permit (WSUP). Arena Island, Katala Foundation Inc. (KFI) As can be observed in Figure 10, and World Wide Fund Philippines (WWF), there was an increase in the issuance of LTP, conduct information campaign. Schools are WCP and WSUP which started in 2014 until invited to participate on a chosen venue where 2015 owing to the implementation of the

Revised PCSD Administrative Order No. 5, which, “Export Permit, Import Permit” and series of 2014 (Guidelines for the Regulation export/import certifications were issued by and Monitoring of Catching, Culture, Trade, the PCSDS. Figure 11 shows that in a 3-year Transport and Export of Reef-fish-for-food period of issuing export and import permits/ in Palawan). Although this order allows the certifications, PCSDS issued the highest collection of economically important marine number in 2014 specifically for non-CITES fishes for economic purposes, specifically species. It was due to the operation in 2014 of for Plectropomus leopardus, Epinephelus Malaysian Airlines from Malaysia to Palawan coioides and E. fuscoguttatus, it provides for and vice versa which carried individuals with size and seasonal restrictions to ensure that edible birds nest permitted by the Malaysian these resources are sustainably managed. The government to be brought/traded to the issuance of WCP allows for the catching of Philippines. Eventually, it decreased in 2015 the above-indicated species, WSUP allows with the suspension of Malaysian Airlines’ individuals to engage in the buying and selling flight to Palawan. or trading of the same fishes, while LTP allows Export and import of CITES-listed WSUP holders to bring these marine fishes species were issued with “Export and Import from the province to anywhere else in the Permits” with CITES logo, respectively, while Philippines. non-CITES species were issued with “Export Further, PCSD, being the CITES and Import Certifications without CITES logo,” Management Authority as stipulated under respectively. Chapter III, Article 1, Section 19 of the Wildlife Act, for both terrestrial and coastal-marine 1.2.4 Local and International Cooperation areas in Palawan as recognized by the CITES In order that the global perspectives on Secretariat in 2012, regulates the exportation wildlife resources conservation and protection and importation of wildlife specimens and for including their habitats are implemented at the

Figure 11. Permits issued for export and import of wildlife specimens.

national and local level, as well as share the local Last September 2016, the PCSD as the experiences to global partners, the PCSD/S CITES Management Authority in Palawan, and its partners/stakeholders in the province prepared a proposal presented during the participated in the different international fora Conference of Parties (CoP) meeting in such as, IUCN-SSC-Pangolin Specialist Group Africa. The proposal was about the uplisting Conference in Singapore in 2012, ASEAN of the endemic Palawan Pangolin (Manis Meeting on the Protection of Marine Turtles culionensis) from Appendix II to Appendix I. Foraging Habitats in Malaysia in 2012, CITES Due to the rampant illegal trade and poaching Conference of the Parties (CoP) in Thailand of these species, the proposal was crafted to in 2013 and South Africa in 2016, COBRA further intensify enforcement and protection in Thailand in 2013 and First Pangolin Range to the pangolins. According to CITES, the said States Meeting in Vietnam in June 2015. species’ new proposed category would mean

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 45 Figure 12. Participants of the Province-wide Consultation Workshop for the Development of a Wildlife Management Program of Palawan held on 23 October 2015. that these animals are “…the most endangered Provincial Philippine National Police (PNP). among CITES-listed animals and plants. They Lately, a Consultation Workshop for are threatened with extinction and CITES the Development of a Wildlife Management prohibits international trade in specimens Program of the province was held at the Palawan of these species except when the purpose of Sustainable Development Training Institute the import is not commercial for instance for (PSDTI) in Puerto Princesa City (Figure 12). It scientific research…” Eventually, the proposal was participated by different stakeholders and was approved. aimed to identify the gaps and pressing needs At the provincial level, the Palawan for wildlife management attuned to sustainable Wildlife Management Committee (PWMC) development agenda of the province and created under PCSD Administrative Order No. the State. The conduct of the said workshop 12 was reactivated in 2015 to provide technical was funded by the Philippine Tropical assistance to the PCSD in its implementation Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF) in of the Wildlife Act. The PWMC is composed partnership with the Katala Foundation, Inc of the heads of offices of the Department of (KFI). Environment and Natural Resources –Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office REFERENCE (DENR-PENRO), Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources PCSD. Palawan Biosphere Reserve (DA-BFAR), Palawan State University (PSU), (Philippines) Periodic Report 2015 Western Philippines University (WPU), Holy (Progress-Update Report) on the Trinity University (HTU), Provincial ENRO, Periodic Report Recommendations of Port Manager of the Philippine Ports Authority 2012 Endorsed by the International (PPA), Airport Manager of the Civil Aviation Co-ordinating Council of the Man and Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Chairman the Biosphere Programme (MAB-ICC) of the League of Municipal Mayors of Palawan, UNESCO. 2015. Palawan NGO Network, Inc. (PNNI) and

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 46 Our Palawan The Scientific Journal of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Forum/Conference Paper This article is also available on-line at www.pkp.pcsd.gov.ph

A Review of Palawan’s Coral Reefs

Carlos Alfredo A. Castillo

ABSTRACT Palawan’s coral reefs has an expanse of about 11,000 square kilometers. This represents 42% of the total Philippines’ reefs estimated at 26,000 square kilometers. This aggregate total reef area implies large potentials for fisheries. However, due to natural stressor, such as storms, increasing seawater temperature, and strong waves, as well as anthropogenic Keywords: pressures such as illegal fishing practices, pollution, sedimentation, pressures from coastal development, tourism-related activities, Corals infestations, and especially the direct and indirect impacts of climate Assessment change, the coral reefs are degrading. This makes it necessary for coral Monitoring reefs, as well as their surrounding communities, to be monitored and Coastal assessed regularly. Regular monitoring is a vital activity so as to determine Resource management reef status as well as in identifying the stressors in the area which will serve as the basis in coming up with protective measures for the reefs. Based on the results of PCSDS coastal resource assessments and coastal resource monitoring reports, majority of the coral reefs of Palawan are in fair condition. However, monitoring survey reports revealed that the coral cover has decreased to 36.3%. Most of the monitoring sites in Palawan were observed to have been affected by dynamite and cyanide fishing while natural factors such as strong wave actions and rise of sea surface also contribute.

ECAN Zones Management – Coastal/Marine Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Email: [email protected]

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 47 INTRODUCTION to this exclusion, some municipalities have no data to be presented or compared. Coral reefs are vital component of the RESULTS AND DISCUSSION coastal-marine ecosystem and is an equally important resource. They serve as habitats As seen in Table 1, based on the and nursery grounds for a wide range of PCSDS baseline and monitoring surveys marine organisms such as fish, crustaceans, conducted for 1997- 2016, the coral reefs in the cephalopods, and algae. The organisms in coral province were in fair condition. With the most reefs are considered as resources so it can be recent data available, the municipalities of said that reefs contribute greatly to fishery Quezon, Busuanga and Roxas have the highest production. According to McAllister (1988), percentage coral cover while Cuyo, Agutaya reefs in excellent condition may provide up to and Magsaysay had the least. However, even 180 kg/ha/yr of fish, those in good condition if both baseline and monitoring surveys may provide up to 130 kg/ha/yr, and those in indicated that the corals are in fair condition, fair and poor condition provide only 80 and trend analysis shows that the percentage of 30 kg/ha/yr of fish, respectively. Coral reefs coral cover was apparently decreasing. Figure also reduce the strength of incoming waves, 1. shows that the average percentage cover of preventing erosion and damage to areas along the baseline survey was 42.38% while that of the coast. the monitoring survey conducted was 36.30%. The Palawan Council for Sustainable This shows that an average decrease in coral Development (PCSD) is one of the agencies cover of about 6.08% occurred. It is also that monitor the status of the coastal-marine worthy to note that ten (10) of the twenty-four resources, which includes coral reefs. There (24) municipalities experienced a decrease have been many different methods used to in coral cover while only seven (7) had an monitor coral reefs, such as the manta tow, increase, the other seven (7) municipalities reef check, and line intersect transect method. had no data available. Majority of the reports This paper concentrates on those reports made mentioned that destructive fishing practices which used the line intersect transect method. such as dynamite and cyanide fishing were evident in the monitored sites, contributing to METHODOLOGY the decrease in coral cover. Other activities like farming were noted to be possible contributors Secondary data gathering was used in while natural phenomena is also considered as this paper. The data was obtained from Coastal an influencing factor in coral reef deterioration. Resource Assessment and Coastal Resource The alarming decrease in coral cover Monitoring Reports conducted by PCSDS. has a disastrous effect to the food security Both hard and soft copies of the reports were of the local communities as well as to the analyzed to ensure the accuracy of the data. health of the coastal-marine ecosystem. The reports analyzed date from 1997 to 2016. Since corals serve as the habitat and nursery The two sets of data for each municipality that for many marine organisms, the decrease in were compared were the initial baseline data cover would in turn decrease the population and the monitoring data obtained from the most of the marine organisms in the area, thereby recent coastal resource monitoring activity. It reducing maximum sustainable productivity. is important to note that the data used in this Species that should be abundant in that area paper are only those which were obtained may become scarce, affecting the livelihood of using the Line Intercept Transect method (LIT) the surrounding communities which may lead established by English et al. (1997). The data to small conflicts or resorting to more efficient obtained using the Manta Tow method was but destructive fishing practices. Areas with excluded because the two different methods degraded reefs are also more prone to erosion due produce data that are not comparable. The to increased exposure to wave motion. To avoid LIT method requires accurate measurement of this outcome, the reefs must be protected and benthic cover using a transect while the Manta allowed to recover. The reefs can be protected Tow method employs visual estimations. Due through the establishment of MPAs, which will

Baseline Monitoring Municipality Percentage Percentage Change Year Condition Year Condition Cover (%) Cover (%) 1 Aborlan 2003 52.74 Good 2013 44.56 Good -8.18 2 Agutaya 2002 31.47 Fair 2009 11.26 Poor -20.21 3 Araceli 2000 51.67 Good 2005 27.63 Fair -24.04 4 Balabac 2012 31.03 Fair No data No data No data No data 5 Bataraza 2003 55.51 Good 2012 41.33 Fair -14.18 6 Brooke's Point 2000 48.83 Fair 2008 40.59 Fair -8.24 7 Busuanga 1999 30.82 Fair 2003 50.52 Good 19.7 8 Cagayancillo 2007 54.77 Good No data No data No data No data 9 Coron 2000 No data Poor No data No data No data No data 10 Culion 1999 33.80 Fair No data No data No data No data 11 Cuyo 2003 46.22 Fair 2010 6.03 Poor -40.19 12 Dumaran 2001 37.64 Fair 2010 39.06 Fair 1.42 13 El Nido 2002 22.57 Poor 2004 37.37 Fair 14.8 14 Jose Rizal 2003 49.14 Fair 2011 49.44 Fair 0.3 15 Kalayaan No data No data No data No data No data No data No data 16 Linapacan No data No data No data No data No data No data No data 17 Magsaysay 2002 41.69 Fair 2009 15.98 Poor -25.71 18 Narra 1997 51.81 Good 2013 42.16 Fair -9.65 19 Puerto Princesa City 2016 46.00 Fair No data No data No data No data 20 Quezon 2005 55.38 Good 2015 50.75 Good -4.63 21 Roxas 2000 45.81 Fair 2014 50.34 Good 4.53 22 San Vicente 2000 36.23 Fair 2015 37.38 Fair 1.15 23 Sofronio Española 2001 46.06 Fair 2011 32.21 Fair -13.85 24 Taytay 2001 20.85 Poor 2014 40.54 Fair 19.69 AVERAGE - 42.38 Fair - 36.30 Fair -6.08

Figure 1. Average Coral Cover Condition of Palawan

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 49 allow the coral reefs to begin and continue their PCSDS (2003): Coastal Resource Assessment: natural recovery. Coral rehabilitation programs Municipality of Rizal, Province that are scientifically proven may also be used of Palawan. Palawan Council for to increase coral cover. Sustainable Development Staff. Puerto Princesa City, Philippines. CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATIONS PCSDS (2005): Coastal Resource Monitoring: AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS Municipality of Araceli, Province of Palawan. Palawan Council for Based on the given data, current Sustainable Development Staff. Puerto practices and conditions, it is highly likely Princesa City, Philippines. that the coral reefs of Palawan will continue PCSDS (2006): In-Depth Coastal/Marine to degrade at a rate that is noticeable. Each Survey Report for El Nido Municipality hectare of coral reefs lost has an ecological and Palawan Council for Sustainable economic effect. With the loss of habitat and Development, Puerto Princesa City, food, marine organisms may leave the area or Philippines. die out, lowering the diversity of the area and PCSDS (2006): In-Depth Coastal/Marine destabilizing the ecosystem. Fish population Resources Survey Report for Busuanga will also decrease, leading to a decrease in fish Municipality. Palawan Council for production, increase in the prices of fish, and Sustainable Development, Puerto problems for those who rely on the fisheries Princesa City, Philippines. sector for their sustenance and/or income. PCSDS (2007): Coastal Resource Assessment: With the exception of the natural Municipality of Cagayancillo, Province occurrences, the problem of degrading of Palawan. Palawan Council for coral reefs may be addressed through the Sustainable Development Staff. Puerto complimentary activities such as IEC, Princesa City, Philippines. community consultations and community- PCSDS (2009): Coastal Resource Monitoring: based management. Curtailing the illegal Municipality of Agutaya, Province fishing practices will contribute much to of Palawan. Palawan Council for coral reef recovery. Activities such as coral Sustainable Development Staff. Puerto rehabilitation may also aid in the recovery of the Princesa City, Philippines. coral reefs, however, this must be implemented PCSDS (2009): Coastal Resource Monitoring: with caution based on sound research in order Municipality of Brooke’s Point, to pursue the balance of the concerned reef. Province of Palawan. Palawan Council Protecting the coral reefs by declaring certain for Sustainable Development Staff. areas as MPAs will greatly reduce the stress on Puerto Princesa City, Philippines. the reefs, allowing nature to take its course and PCSDS (2009): Coastal Resource Monitoring: begin the process of recovery. Municipality of Magsaysay, Province of Palawan. Palawan Council for REFERENCES Sustainable Development Staff. Puerto Princesa City, Philippines. English, S., Wilkinson, C., Baker, V. 1997. PCSDS (2010): Coastal Resource Monitoring: Survey Manual for Tropical Marine Municipality of Cuyo, Province Resources 2nd Edition. ASEAN- of Palawan. Palawan Council for Australia Marine Science Project: Sustainable Development Staff. Puerto Living Coastal Resources, Australian Princesa City, Philippines. Institute of Marine Science, PMB No. PCSDS (2011): Coastal Resource Monitoring: 3, Townsville Mail Centre, Australia Municipality of Dumaran, Province 4810. of Palawan. Palawan Council for McAllister, D.E. 1988. Environmental, Sustainable Development Staff. Puerto Economic and Social Costs of Coral Princesa City, Philippines. Reef Destruction in the Philippines. PCSDS (2011): Coastal Resource Monitoring: Galaxea 7:161-178. Municipality of Sofronio Española,

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 50 Province of Palawan. Palawan Council of Palawan. Palawan Council for for Sustainable Development Staff. Sustainable Development Staff. Puerto Puerto Princesa City, Philippines. Princesa City, Philippines. PCSDS (2012): Coastal Resource Assessment: PCSDS (2014): Coastal Resource Monitoring: Municipality of Balabac, Province Municipality of Taytay, Province of Palawan. Palawan Council for of Palawan. Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff. Puerto Sustainable Development Staff. Puerto Princesa City, Philippines. Princesa City, Philippines. PCSDS (2012): Coastal Resource Monitoring: PCSDS (2015): Coastal Resource Monitoring: Municipality of Bataraza, Province Municipality of Quezon, Province of Palawan. Palawan Council for of Palawan. Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff. Puerto Sustainable Development Staff. Puerto Princesa City, Philippines. Princesa City, Philippines. PCSDS (2013): Coastal Resource Monitoring: PCSDS (2015): Coastal Resource Monitoring: Municipality of Narra, Province Municipality of San Vicente, Province of Palawan. Palawan Council for of Palawan. Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff. Puerto Sustainable Development Staff. Puerto Princesa City, Philippines. Princesa City, Philippines. PCSDS (2014): Coastal Resource Monitoring: Municipality of Roxas, Province

endemic species of Palawan

Photo Credits: M.Matillano/WWF Philippines Beach Thick Knee (Esacus magnirostris) A nesting pair of beach thick knee was found in a small island off of Araceli, Palawan. This is the first documented nesting of the said species in the country. This bird species is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN.

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 51 Our Palawan The Scientific Journal of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Forum/Conference Paper This article is also available on-line at www.pkp.pcsd.gov.ph

The Zero Carbon Resorts for Sustainable Tourism Project: Promoting Biodiversity Friendly Enterprise

Atty. Adelina B. Benavente-Villena1

Paper presented during the 1st Biodiversity Congress organized by the Biodiversity Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on 22-24 May 2017 in Manila, Philippines

ABSTRACT Keywords: The Zero Carbon Resorts for Sustainable Tourism Project is a foreign-assisted project implemented in Palawan, Philippines. It Zero Carbon Resorts Project aims to promote sustainable production and focusing on reduction Sustainable Tourism of resource consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Based Biodiversity Friendly from the learnings with the implementation of ZCR in the province, Enterprise it was estimated that the current members have saved around PhP 304 Million within a year which is already a promising amount for the small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It was also estimated that their resource savings by adopting the green technologies and concepts from ZCR were significant, thus promoting less pressure on resource extraction and use from the environment.

1Deputy Executive Director Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Email: [email protected]

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 52 INTRODUCTION (GrAT) or Centre for Appropriate Technology based in the University of Vienna in Austria. Our country is blessed by a bounty of The Green Leaf Foundation and Healthy Public natural resources. Our lands and seas are haven Policy Foundation of Thailand and Centro de of unique flora and fauna which could only Investigaciones Energeticas, Mediombientales be found within our domains. These are the y Tecnologicas, Spain are the project partners. country’s treasures which draws more tourists Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism (DOT), thus contributing to the economic boom of Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone the Philippines. But with the current trend of Authority (TIEZA), Department of Energy technological advancement, development and (DOE), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and urbanization, these resources are placed at risk. Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) People tend to choose over destructive practices are the associates. The Palawan Council for to be able to achieve economic growth, giving Sustainable Development implements the ZCR less priority to the environment. But it is in the Palawan with the key tourism sites in El arguable that development would always mean Nido, Coron-Busuanga, San Vicente and Puerto environmental destruction because there are Princesa City. hundreds of means and ways to balance our ecological assets with the aspired economic ZCR Strategy and Methodology growth and one way is to realign tourism- ZCR Project aims to contribute to related enterprises to become pro-environment sustainable development of the tourism sector industries. and its value chain in the Philippines and Thailand with focus on reduction of resource consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. The Zero Carbon Resorts Project It also promotes sustainable production and Zero Carbon Resorts (ZCR) for consumption. To attain such, the following Sustainable Tourism Project is a 4-year project strategies and methodologies are used by ZCR: funded by the European Union’s SWITCH-Asia 1. Reduce, 2. Replace and 3. Redesign (Figure Program led by Gruppe Angepasste Technologie 1).

Figure 1. The Zero Carbon Resorts Strategy and 3R Methodology

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 53 ZCR aims to make tourism industries Solar System. to be energy efficient in a sustainable and As a model of the ZCR Strategy, a ZCR competitive way, thus utilizing the 3Rs on a Showcase Cottage is built at Irawan, Puerto progressive approach for the stakeholders. Princesa City (Figure 2). The model cottage was built using local building materials, Reduce off-the-grid system with cool roofing ang This level includes the implementations breathing walls. Energy demand is supplied by of activities with zero or low investment costs. a photovoltaic solar system while water supply This includes the simplest change in guest and is from rainwater harvesting technique. Green staff behavior which can further contribute to technologies which can be seen within the the lowering of resource consumption. This cottage are low flow water closet, shower head involves establishment of easy to achieve and faucet, solar cooker, solar lightings, solar measures yet remarkable improvement in water heater and natural waste water treatment. resource efficiency. Membership Replace As of May 2017, ZCR Project in In this strategy, establishments are Palawan has a total of 331-member SMEs encouraged to switch to renewable resources (Small-Medium Enterprises). The Muncipality or materials. It also includes the substitution of of El Nido, which is one of the most sought- outdated and inefficient technologies with the after tourist spot in the provice, has the most updated ones, including the implementations number of members (80) as seconded by Puerto with medium to high investment costs. Princesa City (75). Membership for the ZCR Project also expands to the island municipalities Redesign such as Busuanga, Culion and Coron. This includes the highest level which Being members of the ZCR, the can be attained by establishments in adopting management of these establishments have the ZCR concepts. It includes the development been briefed and oriented to the existing green of energy and water autonomous establishments technologies which an be utilized in line with and adoption of knowledge from ZCR learning their industry. Other tourism related SMEs centers. For instance, this may include the shift are also invited to join the project from the of the tourism establishment’s sole dependence smallest souvenir shops up to high end hotels. on the usual energy power supplied by the local Regular monitoring is conducted to assure the electric company to use of photovoltaic (PV) implementation of the ZCR concepts while

Figure 2. The Zero Carbon Resorts Showcase Cottage.

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 54 Table 1. Tally of the ZCR member SMEs in Palawan Location No. of SMEs Core Areas Puerto Princesa City 75 El Nido 80 Coron 66 San Vicente (Port Barton) 63 Other Areas Busuanga 14 Culion 2 Linapacan 2 Brooke’s Point 3 Narra 3 Bataraza 7 Quezon 3 Roxas 11 Taytay 2 TOTAL 331 trainings and technical seminars for local policy resources from Palawan’s watersheds and makers are also organized. other sources. In the long run, exploitation and exhaustive extraction of these freshwater Going Green and Gaining More resources which serves as an important habitat By adopting the technologies and or component for our wildlife can be decreased. green strategies from the ZCR Project, it was Meanwhile, reduced carbon dioxide estimated that member enterprises in Palawan emissions can mean mitigation of climate have already had high savings due to their change’s aggravation. By cutting down carbon shift of resource use. In terms of Energy, there dioxide emissions, there will be higher chances have been about 22,554,778.37 kWh saved per of lowering the environmental abnormalities year which is equivalent to the consumption such as increase of temperature and climate of 53,320 homes. For the water resources, pattern fluctuations which may further disturb 593,306,279.48 liters are saved in a year which our ecological systems if not resolved. can provide for the needs of 4,850 households. In fuel use, 2,156,924.60 liters saved which can CONCLUSIONS be compared to the average annual consumption of 2,630 cars. For the carbon dioxide emissions, Development is already an undeniable 15,760,973.36 kilograms of carbon dioxide cut fact but this does not necessarily mean giving down which is comparable to the emissions for up the environment for our economy’s sake. one year of 7,500 cars. Through green innovations and interventions In terms of economic gain for the such as the Zero Carbon Resorts Project, enterprise, the current ZCR members all in we can further prove that we can still aim all can save around Php 304 Million which is for a sustainable kind of development. The already a promising amount for the business experiences of Palawan in the Zero Carbon sectors involved. But aside from the potential Resorts Project implementation have provided savings of the establishments, the reduced a new venue to be explored by the province and impacts of their altered resource use can the rest of the country in creating green jobs with already be translated into reduce environmental promising returns. By supporting these kinds damage. For instance, with the estimated saved of interventions, we can now create enterprises water resource, less demand for freshwater that are biodiversity and environment friendly. and its production is already implied which may mean less pressure from drawing water

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 55 Our Palawan Research Bits Developing Sustainable Alternative Livelihoods in Coastal Fishing Communities in the Coral Triangle: Indonesia and Philippines

I. Duration/Area of Coverage 36 months Balabac, Palawan, Philippines

II. Funding Institution: Foreign/Local Asian Development Bank – Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction

III. Implementing Partners Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff Center for Environment and Sustainable Development Foundation, Incorporated

IV. Project Objective Develop alternative livelihoods by pilot-testing support mechanisms that will involve women and indigenous people.

VI. Updates on Activities (January to June 2017) Component A – Social Preparation • Rolling out of business plan and skills training for the Balabac communities • IEC Campaigns and community organizing • Interfaith group mangrove tree planting Component B – Livelihood Development and Implementation • Coordination with TESDA and PPSAT on Skills Development Training • Conduct of the skills training, producing 20 graduates on mat and basket weaving and 39 graduates on welding and masonry Component C – Project Management • Close collaboration with partners through meetings • Conduct of team writeshop • Online social marketing of the Molbog handicraft

VII. Contact Person PCSDS Glenda Cadigal [email protected] [email protected] Tel. No. (63)-(48)-434-4235/434-4234

CESDFI Josefina Ma. Ferriols-Pavico Executive Director Center for Environment and Sustainable Development Foundation, Inc. Unit 504 Manila Luxury Condominium 30 Pearl Drive Ortigas Center, Pasig City1600 Tel. 02 5421202; +659062431272; +639298657318 Mobile No. +639062431272 Email: [email protected]

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 56 Our Palawan Research Bits Philippine Wealth Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services (Phil-WAVES) – Development of Ecosystem Accounts for Southern Palawan Pilot Area

I. Duration/Area of Coverage

2013-2017 covering Southern Palawan

II. Funding Institution: Foreign/Local

World Bank/Department of Environment and Natural Resources

III. Implementing Partners

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), National Irrigation Administration-Provincial Irrigation Management Office (NIA-PIMO), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Provincial Government of Palawan- Provincial Planning and Development Office (PGP-PPDO), Western Philippines University (WPU), Palawan State University (PSU), Holy Trinity University (HTU), Municipality of Sofronio Espanola, Municipality of Brooke’s Point, Municipality of Bataraza, Municipality of Quezon, Municipality of Rizal, Conservation International (CI), Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD)

IV. Project Objectives

The Phil-WAVES project aims to inform decision makers on the sustainable use of key natural resources by developing and constructing ecosystem accounts for Southern Palawan, and analyzing the trade- offs associated with different natural resource and ecosystem service use scenarios through policy analysis.

VI. Updates on Activities (January to June 2017)

• Participated in the Phil-WAVES Spatial Modelling (Recreational Opportunity Spectrum for Palawan Workshop) at the World Bank Office Manila, One Global Place, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, March 7-8, 2017. • Presentation of the Phil-WAVES report to the Technical Working Group and production of the Technical Report

The Phil-WAVES Project has officially ended last April 2017.

VII. Contact Person

BMB: Zenaida B. Munoz [email protected]; [email protected]

PCSDS: John Francisco A. Pontillas Tel. No. (63)-(48)434-4235/434-4234

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 57 Our Palawan Research Bits Zero Carbon Resorts Towards Sustainable Development of the Tourism Sectors in the Philippines and Thailand (ZCR for Sustainable Tourism)

I. Duration/Area of Coverage May 2014 to MAY 2018, being implemented in Palawan, Philippines and Thailand

II. Funding Institution: Foreign/Local

The project is financially supported by the European Union under the SWITCH-Asia Program, and is being implemented by GrAT- Center for Appropriate Technology, Austria (Project Lead); CIEMAT, Plataforma Solar de Almeria (PSA), Spain; Green Leaf Foundation (GLF), Thailand; Healthy Public Policy Foundation (HPPF), Thailand; and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), Palawan, Philippines.

III. Objectives

This project will not only continue the replication of ZCR Phase 1 strategies in many regions of the Philippines but expand and adapt the method to Thailand. With additional focus on access to finance and match with Green Hotel certification, a cross country exchange of best practices will be facilitated through exchange visits and strong policy dialogue. The project aims to contribute to the sustainable development of the tourism sector and its value chain in the Philippines and Thailand with focus on reduction of resource consumption and CO2 emissions. In both countries, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will demonstrate the value of green tourism by increasing resource efficiency and using renewable energy.

IV. Updates on Activities (January to June 2017)

For this period, the following were the activities conducted under the Zero Carbon Resorts Project: • Continuous assessment of establishments for the 2017 ZCR Green CertificationA ward • Awarding of the 2016 Zero Carbon Resorts Awards Towards Green Certification: • Two (2) Technical Seminars for policy makers conducted in Coron and El Nido, Palawan

2016 ZCR Award 2016 ZCR Special Award 2016 ZCR Special Citation 1. Sangat Island Resort 1. Asia Grand View Hotel 1. Balay Tuko Garden Inn (PPC) (Coron) (Coron) 2. Palanca Guest House (Coron) 2. Daluyon Beach and 3. Secret Paradise Resort (San Vicente) Mountain Resort (PPC) 4. Puerto Pension Inn (PPC)

• Conducted Technical Sharing Session and Training on On-Site Energy Assessment in El Nido and Puerto Princesa City • Participation of the Zero Carbon Resorts Project on the SEP Caravans in various municipalities of Palawan, promoting the project’s objectives and progress • Participation in the First National Biodiversity Congress, presenting “The Zero Carbon Resorts for Sustainable Tourism Project: Promoting Biodiversity Friendly Enterprise.”

© 2017 Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 58 • Participation to local events and exhibits such as the (1) Love Affair with Nature – Mangrove Reforestation Activity, (2) World Environment Day celebration – with mangrove planting activity, (3) PCSD Photo Exhibit – Opening of SEP Silver Anniversary Celebration at Robinson’s Place Palawan, (4) 3rd World’s Best Island Tourism Sympo at Robinson’s Place Palawan and (5) Perlas de Hunyo exhibit at Robinson’s Place Palawan. Official ZCR videos are played and brochures distributed during exhibits while project information were disseminated through tarpaulins for other events.

V. Contact Person

Atty. Adelina B. Villena Deputy Executive Director, PCSD and Project Lead, PCSD-ZCR [email protected] Tel. No. (63)-(48)-434-4235/434-4234 Website: www.ZeroCarbonResorts.eu

Dr. Jhonamie A. Mabuhay-Omar is an Associate Professor in the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences of the Western Philippines University. Some of the subjects she teaches are General Microbiology and Parasitology, Microbial Ecology, Animal Morphoanatomy and Physiology, Marine Microbiology, and Environmental Management and Protection. She has been engaged in researches on agglutination of blood groups using leaf crude extracts and antimicrobial potentials of various aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna of the province. She had her Master’s Degree on Developmental Science (Ecology), PhD in Developmental Science Major in Environmental Microbiotechnology and Post Doctorate Studies on Molecular Biodiversity at the Graduate School for International Development and Cooperation- Hiroshima University, Japan

Mr. Ronald S. Brillantes was a former high school teacher handling science and research subjects for almost fifteen years. He was awarded as Best High School Science Teacher in the Division of Palawan (2010) and a recipient of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Palawan Chapter Judge Felomino Vergara Award in the field of Education. Mr. Brillantes is taking his Doctor of Education degree major in Educational Management at Palawan State University and is a holder of a Master’s Degree in Teaching Science and Supervision and Instruction. He is currently an Education Program Supervisor in the Department of Education MIMAROPA Region, Pasig City.

Mr. Carlos Alfredo Castillo is currently a Research Analyst for the Coastal and Marine Unit of the ECAN Zones Management Division of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development. He focuses on coastal resource monitoring and coral assessments in Palawan. He is a licensed open water diver and a graduate of BS Biology major in Marine Biology from Palawan State University and a volunteer of Scubasurero, a youth-initiated project intended for coastal clean-ups engaging scuba divers in collecting solid wastes found in coral reefs.

Atty. Adelina B. Benavente-Villena attained her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Agribusiness at the Aquinas University of Legazpi as Magna Cum Laude and obtained Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Major in Economics at the University of Nueva Caceres. She has completed her Bachelor of Laws with Silver Medal for Academic Excellence in the Study of Law at the Palawan State University in Puerto Princesa City and passed the Philippine Bar Examination in 1997. She holds a Masters Degree on Urban and Regional Planning. She served in the ECAN Zones Management and Enforcement Division (EZMED) of PCSD. She was previously the ECAN Operations Department Chief in 2015, and at present, she is the Deputy Executive Director of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff.