REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

PALAWAN COUNCIL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Palawan Center for Sustainable Development
Sta. Monica Heights
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines 5300
Email: oed@pcsds.ph
Tel: (63-48) 434-4235, Fax: 434-4234

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF:
Lualhati E. Tabugon, Aida M. Torres, Virginia B. Catain
Planning and Technical Services Department

TECHNICAL EDITORS:
Karen M. Collins (USPCV), Christina D. Dalusung, Amelyn E.
Dramayo, Rusela A. Suycano, Jose Rene F. Villegas

CONTRIBUTORS:
Briccio T. Abela, Maria Cristina E. Abordo, Glenda M. Cadigal,
Marilou C. Celzo, Delia A. Eleazar, John Francisco A. Pontillas,
Perlita I. Quiling, Apollo V. Regalo, Joy C. Tablazon, Aida M.
Torres, Jose Rene F. Villegas

DESIGN & LAYOUT:

Jacob S. Maentz (USPCV)

COVER PHOTOGRAPHS:
Women & Child: Palawan Tropical Forestry Protection
Program; School of Barracuda and Jack Fish: Jeurgen Freund;
Orchid, Forest, Mangrove Aerial View: PCSDS - Celso Quiling

PHOTO CREDITS:
All photos by PCSDS except Soft Coral with Feather Star (pg.1)
and Bottle-Nosed Dolphins (pg.37) by Katherine Jack

GIS MAPS:
Wilson R. Pambid, Fernando E. Padilla, Ryan T. Fuentes

FUNDING PARTNER:
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO)

ISBN

Philippine Copyright © 2005 by Palawan Council for

Sustainable Development, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

This report can be reproduced as long as the convernors are

properly acknowledged as the source of information.

Reproduction of this publication for sale or other commercial

purposes is prohibited without the written consent of the
publisher.

PRINTED BY:
Futuristic Printing Press, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines.

SUGGESTED CITATION:
PCSDS. 2005. The State of the Environment 2004, Province
of Palawan, Philippines. Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines.

iv
 Table Of Contents

List of Tables ....................................................................................................................... vii

List of Figures ..................................................................................................................... viii
List of Maps ........................................................................................................................ ix
List of Appendices ............................................................................................................. x
Acronyms ............................................................................................................................ xi

I. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 1

II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................... 2

III. LAND RESOURCES

3.1 Rock Formations ........................................................................................ 9

3.2 Geomorphological Features ..................................................................... 9
3.3 Slope ............................................................................................................ 10
3.4 Soil Physical Characteristics ..................................................................... 10
3.5 Soil Chemical Characteristics ................................................................... 12

IV. LAND COVER

4.1 Forest Cover ............................................................................................... 21

4.2 Mangrove Forest and Fishponds ............................................................. 22
4.3 Grasslands, Brushland and Barelands .................................................... 22
4.4 Agricultural and Built-up Area ............................................................... 23

V. FOREST RESOURCES

5.1 Timber Production..................................................................................... 27

5.2 Non-Timber Production ........................................................................... 29

VI. VERTEBRATE WILDLIFE

6.1 Species Composition ................................................................................. 33

6.2 Local Abundance ....................................................................................... 33
6.3 Conservation Status................................................................................... 34
6.4 Species Account ......................................................................................... 34

VII. AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES

7.1 Crop Production ........................................................................................ 41

7.2 Livestock Production ................................................................................ 45
7.3 Poultry Production .................................................................................... 46

v
 VIII. WATER RESOURCES

8.1 Climate ........................................................................................................ 47

8.2 General Water Quality .............................................................................. 50
8.3 Nutrients ..................................................................................................... 59
8.4 Conclusion .................................................................................................. 61
8.5 Recommendations ..................................................................................... 62

IX. COASTAL RESOURCES

9.1 Mangrove Forest ........................................................................................ 67

9.2 Seagrass and Seaweed Communities...................................................... 74
9.3 Coral Reef.................................................................................................... 78
9.4 Reef Fisheries .............................................................................................. 81
9.5 Issues ........................................................................................................... 83

X. HUMAN RESOURCES

10.1 Population Distribution ............................................................................ 89

10.2 Population Density .................................................................................... 89
10.3 Population Growth .................................................................................... 91
10.4 Population Structure ................................................................................. 93
10.5 Dependency Ratio...................................................................................... 93

XI. REFERENCES ....................................................................................................... 99

XII. APPENDICES ....................................................................................................... 103

vi
 List of Tables
TABLE 1. Comparative Data on
Land Cover by Category .................. 23
TABLE 2. Comparison of Wildlife
Composition of Palawan
and the Philippines ........................... 33
TABLE 3. Local Abundance of
Palawan Wildlife ............................... 34
TABLE 4. Summary of Reptilian Fauna
Account in Palawan .......................... 35
TABLE 5. Summary of Amphibian
FaunaAccount in Palawan ............... 35
TABLE 6. Trophic Levels of Avian
Species in Palawan ............................ 36
TABLE 7. Habitat Types and Associated
Numbers of Avian Species .............. 36
TABLE 8. Summary of Avian Fauna
Account in Palawan .......................... 38
TABLE 9. Summary of Mammalian
Fauna Account in Palawan .............. 39
TABLE 10. Area (ha) Devoted to Rice
Production by Municipality,
Palawan 1980 and 2000 .................... 42
TABLE 11. Average Rice Yield, Palawan
1980 and 2000 ..................................... 43
TABLE 12. Area (ha) and Production
of Corn by Year ................................. 44
TABLE 13. Coconut Production Data by
Municipality, 2000 ............................ 45
TABLE 14. Total Livestock and Poultry
Production by Type and Year ......... 46
TABLE 15. Mean Annual Rainfall of
Different Rainfall Stations
in Palawan .......................................... 48
TABLE 16. Seasonal Rainfall Data
by Station, Palawan .......................... 48
TABLE 17. Severe Weather Disturbances
Which Affected Palawan
from 1948-1992................................... 49
TABLE 18. Mangrove Forest Cover,
Palawan .............................................. 68
TABLE 19. Number of True Mangrove
Species Found Per
Municipality, Palawan ..................... 69
TABLE 20. Species Diversity Index (SDI),
Mangrove Forest, Palawan .............. 69
TABLE 21. Species Relative Dominance,
Mangrove Forest, Palawan .............. 70
TABLE 22. Species Relative Density,
Mangrove Forest, Palawan .............. 70
TABLE 23. Tree Density (No. of Trees
Per Hectare) of Mangrove
Forests by Municipality ................... 71
TABLE 24. Average Diameter at Breast
Height (dbh) of Mangroves
by Municipality, Palawan ................ 72
TABLE 25. Seedling Density, Mangrove
Forest, Palawan ................................. 72
TABLE 26. Sapling Density, Mangrove
Forest, Palawan ................................. 73
TABLE 27. Seagrass Status Distribution
by Category, Palawan ...................... 74
TABLE 28. Density (No. of Individuals/m2)
of Seagrass Communities ................. 76
TABLE 29. Species Diversity of Seagrass
Communities, Palawan .................... 77
TABLE 30. Distribution of Condition
Categories of Seaweed
Communities by Municipality ........ 77
TABLE 31. Species Diversity of Seaweed
Communities, Palawan .................... 78
TABLE 32. Coral Reef Status Distribution
by Category, Palawan ...................... 79
TABLE 33. Reef Fish Density (No. of
Individuals Per Hectare
Reef Area) by Municipality ............. 82
TABLE 34. Reef Fish Density vis-a-vis
Reef Condition by Municipality ..... 82
TABLE 36. Population Distribution by
Municipality, Palawan, 2000 ........... 90
TABLE 37. Comparative Data on
Population Density ........................... 90
TABLE 38. Population Growth Rate
by Municipality, Palawan,
1995-2000 ............................................ 92
TABLE 39. Comparative Annual Average
Population Growth Rates in
Percent by Census Period ................ 92
TABLE 40. Population Sex Ratio
by Census Year ................................. 93
TABLE 41. Comparative Percent Distribution
of Population by Age Group,
Palawan .............................................. 94
TABLE 42. Comparative Data on
Age Structure ..................................... 94
TABLE 43. Dependency Ratios by
Municipality, Palawan,
1980-1995 ............................................ 95
vii
 List Of Figures
FIGURE 1. Distribution of Rock FIGURE 20. Turbidity Readings in Water
Formations, Palawan ....................... 10 Samples from River Stations in
FIGURE 2. Relief Features of Palawan ............. 11 Southern Palawan ............................ 52
FIGURE 3. Slope Class Distribution .................. 12 FIGURE 21. Turbidity Readings in Water
Samples from River Stations in
FIGURE 4. Graph Showing Percentage Northern Palawan ............................ 52
Land Cover by Category, FIGURE 22. Temperature Readings in Water
1992-1998, Palawan .......................... 22 Samples from River Stations in
Southern Palawan ............................ 53
FIGURE 23. Temperature Readings in Water
FIGURE 5. Annual Timber Production ............ 28
Samples from River Stations in
FIGURE 6. Annual Manifestation
Northern Palawan ............................ 54
of Confiscated Timber ..................... 28
FIGURE 24. Concentration of Dissolved Oxygen
FIGURE 7. Percentage Distribution of
in Water Samples from River
Total Timber Confiscated
Stations in Southern Palawan ........ 54
from 1990 to 2000, Palawan ............ 28
FIGURE 25. Concentration of Dissolved Oxygen
FIGURE 8. Annual Almaciga Resin
in Water Samples from River
Production, Palawan ....................... 29
Stations in Northern Palawan ........ 54
FIGURE 9. Percentage Distribution
FIGURE 26. Concentration of Total Dissolved
of Total Almaciga Production
Solids in Water Samples from River
from 1999-2000, Palawan ................ 30
Stations in Southern Palawan ....... 55
FIGURE 10. Annual Rattan Production .............. 31
FIGURE 27. Concentration of Total Dissolved
FIGURE 11. Percentage Distribution of
Solids in Water Samples from River
Rattan Production from
Stations in Northern Palawan ........ 55
1990-1999 by District, Palawan ...... 31
FIGURE 28. Values of Color in Water Samples
FIGURE 12. Annual Volume of Rattan
from River Stations in
Confiscated, Palawan ...................... 31
Southern Palawan ............................ 56
FIGURE 13. Percentage Distribution of
FIGURE 29. Values of Color in Water Samples
Rattan Confiscations from
from River Stations in
1990-1997, Palawan .......................... 32
Northern Palawan ............................ 56
FIGURE 30. Concentration of Chloride in
FIGURE 14. Species Composition of Water Samples from River
Palawan and the Philippines ......... 34 Stations in Southern Palawan ........ 57
FIGURE 31. Concentration of Chloride in
FIGURE 15. Rice Production Percentage Water Samples from River S
Distribution, Palawan, 2000 ........... 44 tations in Northern Palawan .......... 57
FIGURE 32. Concentration of Calcium
Carbonate in Water Samples
FIGURE 16. pH Value of Water Samples
from River Stations in
from River Stations in
Southern Palawan ............................ 57
Southern Palawan ............................ 50
FIGURE 33. Concentration of Calcium
FIGURE 17. pH Value of Water Samples
Carbonate in Water Samples
from River Stations in
from River Stations in
Northern Palawan ............................ 51
Northern Palawan ............................ 58
FIGURE 18. Concentration of Total Suspended
FIGURE 34. Total Hardness in Water Samples
Solids in Water Samples
from River Stations in
from River Stations in
Southern Palawan ............................ 58
Southern Palawan ............................ 51
FIGURE 35. Total Hardness in Water Samples
FIGURE 19. Concentration of Total
from River Stations in
Suspended Solids in Water
Northern Palawan ............................ 58
Samples from River Stations in
Northern Palawan ............................ 51

viii
FIGURE 36. Concentration of Nitrogen-Nitrate
in Water Samples from River
Stations in Southern Palawan ....... 59
FIGURE 37. Concentration of Nitrogen-Nitrate
in Water Samples from River
Stations in Northern Palawan ........ 60
FIGURE 38. Concentration of Nitrogen-Nitrite
in Water Samples of River
Stations in Southern Palawan ........ 60
FIGURE 39. Concentration of Nitrogen Nitrite
in Water Samples from River
Stations of Northern Palawan ........ 60
FIGURE 40A.Concentration of Phosphorous
in Water Samples from River
Stations in Southern Palawan ........ 61
FIGURE 40B.Concentration of Phosphorous
in Water Samples from River
Stations in Northern Palawan ........ 62
FIGURE 41. Average Number of Trees/Hectare
of Mangrove Area Per
Municipality, Palawan .................... 71
FIGURE 42. Seedling and Sapling Density of
Mangroves by Municipality .......... 73
FIGURE 43. Condition of Seagrass
Community by Category ................ 75
FIGURE 44. Condition of Seaweed
Community by Category ................ 75
FIGURE 45. Reef Condition by Category ........... 79
FIGURE 46. Distribution of Reef Fish Density
by Municipality, Palawan ............... 81
FIGURE 47. Projected Population of
Palawan, 2000-2020 .......................... 91

List Of Maps
MAP 1. MAP 11.
Broad Landforms Types, Palawan .................... 14 Concentration of Total Dissolved Solids
in Rivers, Palawan, 1998-2003 ........................... 65
MAP 2.
Soil Texture, Palawan ......................................... 15 MAP 12.
Feeding Trenches of Dugongs, Palawan,
MAP 3. 1999-2004 ............................................................... 84
Soil Depth, Palawan ............................................ 16
MAP 13.
MAP 4. Location of Tridacna Invertebrate
Soil Internal Drainage, Palawan ........................ 17 Marine Species, Palawan, 1999-2004 ................ 85

MAP 5. MAP 14.

Soil Organic Matter Content, Palawan ............. 18 Coral Reef Condition, Palawan,
1999-2004 ............................................................... 86
MAP 6.
Soil Phosporous Content, Palawan ................... 19 MAP 15.
Seagrass Condition, Palawan, 1999-2004 ......... 87
MAP 7.
Forest Cover, Palawan, 1998 .............................. 24 MAP 16.
Reef Fish Density, Palawan, 1999-2004 ............ 88
MAP 8.
Land Cover, Palawan, 1998 ................................ 25 MAP 17.
Population Density, Palawan, 2000 .................. 96
MAP 9.
Mean Annual Precipitation, Palwan, MAP 18.
1949-2003 ............................................................... 63 Population of Growth Rate, Palawan,
1995-2000 ............................................................... 97
MAP 10.
Concentration of Total Suspended Solids
in Rivers, Palawan, 1998-2003 ........................... 64

ix
 List Of Appendices
Appendix A-1 ...................................................... 104 Appendix D-1a .................................................... 150
Extent of Different Landforms of Mean Annual Rainfall (mm) by Station,
Palawan Province. Palawan.
Appendix A-2 ...................................................... 105 Appendix D-1b .................................................... 151
Physical Soil Characteristic by Land Mean Monthly Rainfall (mm) by Station,
Management Unit, Palawan. Palawan.
Appendix A-3 ...................................................... 111 Appendix D-2 ...................................................... 152
Chemical Soil Characteristic by Land Data on Water Quality parameters from
Management Unit, Palawan. River Stations in Palawan.

Appendix B-1 ....................................................... 119 Appendix E-1 ....................................................... 165

1992 Land Cover Data by Municipality, List of Mangrove Species, Province of
Palawan. Palawan.
Appendix B-2 ....................................................... 121 Appendix E-2 ....................................................... 167
1998 Land Cover Data by Municipality, List of Seagrass Species, Province of
Palawan. Palawan.
Appendix B-3 ....................................................... 123 Appendix E-3 ....................................................... 168
Comparative Land Cover Data, Palawan. List of Seaweed Species, Province of
Palawan.
Appendix C-1 ....................................................... 128
List of Palawan Wildlife Species with
Conservation Status.
Appendix C-2 ....................................................... 134
List of Reptile Species in the Palawan
Faunal Region.
Appendix C-3 ....................................................... 137
List of Amphibian Species in the Palawan
Faunal Region.
Appendix C-4 ....................................................... 138
List of Avian Species in the Palawan
Faunal Region.

x
 Acronyms
BAS Bureau of Agricultural Statistics IUCN International Union for the
CCGI Cuyo and Calamian Group of Conservation of Nature
Islands JAFTA Japan Forest Technical Association
CEC Cation Exchange Capacity LGU Local Government Unit
CENRO Community Enrironment and NSO National Statistics Office
Natural Resource Office PAGASA Philippine Atmospheric,
CI Conservation International Geophysical and Astronomical
CITES Convention on International Trade Services Adminastration
in Endangered Species of Fauna and PCA Philippine Coconut Authority
Flora PCSD Palawan Council for Sustainable
CRA Coastal Resources Assessment Development
CWQC Classification Water Quality Criteria PCSDS Palawan Council for Sustainable
DBH Diameter at Breast Height Development Staff
DENR Department of Environment and PIADPO Palawan Integrated Area
Natural Resources Development Project Office
DO Dissolved Oxygen PPSRNP Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
ECAN Environmentally Critical Areas National Park
Network PRWU Philippine Revised Water Usage
EEC European Economic Community PTFPP Palawan Tropical Forestry
EMES Environmental Monitoring and Protection Program
Evaluation System RA Republic Act
ENRO Environment and Natural Resource SDI Shannon Diversity Index
Office (Provincal, Municipal or City) SEP Strategic Environmental Plan for
HNP Hydrometric Network Program Palawan
IEP Integrated Environmental Program TDS Total Dissolved Solids
IP Indigenous Peoples TLA Timber License Agreement

Note: This list includes acronyms only

mentioned in the text of this report.

xi
 Executive
II. Executive
I

Summary
INTRODUCTION

Summary
Considered as the nation’s last ecological frontier,
Palawan is endowed with rich natural resources and highly
diverse flora and fauna which are essential to a balance
and stable ecology. It has a vast mangrove stand that
serves as pollutant sink and life support system for a
variety of marine organisms. Also it is blessed with highly
diverse coral reefs which aside from being favorite dive
sites are home to numerous marine fish species including
invertebrates. The Palawan reefs are said to account for
36.30 percent of the total reef area in the Philippines.
Moreover, Palawan’s seagrass meadows which serve as
feeding grounds for the rare and endangered species of
marine turtles and sea cow or dugongs also abound in
Palawan. Endowed with a productive marine ecosystem,
it is thus believed that approximately forty percent (40%)
of the country’s fish production comes from the 176
fishing grounds in Palawan.

Palawan’s unique and fragile environment provided the

basis for the formulation of the Strategic Environmental
Plan/SEP for Palawan and its subsequent adoption as a
law (Republic Act 7611) that would govern the mode of
development in the Province. The main implementing
strategy of SEP is the Environmentally Critical Areas
Network (ECAN). In support to ECAN as a support
mechanism is the Environmental Monitoring and
Evaluation System (EMES).

The EMES under the SEP was the first attempt towards a
comprehensive environmental monitoring and evaluation
system in the Philippines. It is intended to measure
changes in environmental status through a systematic and Top: Soft Coral with Feather Star at Tubbataha Reef.
reliable data generation, identify adverse environmental Bottom: Palawan endemic Calamian Deer in Calauit
Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary.
trends and crisis areas, recommend solutions, assess the
implementation of the SEP and suggest measures to make
the SEP more responsive to the changing needs. Under 1985 and the second was prepared in 1999. Subsequently,
the EMES, environmental reports are prepared to present this report presents the latest information on the status
the environmental condition of Palawan. The first of Palawan’s environment as input to planners and policy
comprehensive environmental report was produced in makers in charting the future of Palawan.

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 1


2.0 LAND RESOURCES
Land resources of Palawan were assessed in terms of rock
composition that is, whether they belong to the
sedimentary, igneous or metamorphic type of rock.
Among the three, igneous rocks constitute the biggest
portion accounting for about forty five percent (45%)
of the aggregate rock formations in Palawan. This type
of rock is economically important because its existence
brought about the occurrence of mineral wealth such as
Distribution of Rock Formations, Palawan
Metamorphic
20%
Igneous
45%
Sedimentary
35%
chromite, nickel, gold, mercury and manganese. However,
in the context of forestry production its presence is
unfavorable as only submarginal forest could thrive in
such formations. Following igneous rocks in terms of
areal coverage are sedimentary rocks which account for
thirty five percent (35%) of the aggregate rock formation
indicating a considerable potential area for agricultural
development. Covering the least area are metamorphic
rocks which constitute approximately twenty percent
(20%). Fortunately, despite the limited extent,
metamorphic rocks are very valuable to Palawan. Their
presence made possible the existence of caves and
underground channels as these occur in association with
metamorphic rocks of the limestone type. Consequently,
such natural formations made Palawan a favorite
ecological destination.
2 PALAWAN
II
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Geomorphological data of Palawan reveal that hills and
mountains constitute a large portion (64%) of the Province
total land mass while only thirty six percent (36%) could
be considered as lowland areas where most of the
development occur. While the extensive hilly portion
which is approximately forty nine percent (49%) may be
utilized for agricultural production, this necessitates the
adoption of intensive conservation measures as upland
cultivation will likely destroy lowland areas. Thus, utmost
care and consideration of Palawan’s landforms have to
be taken into account in planning its sustainable
development.
In terms of soil characteristics, Palawan soils are
generally acidic or have low soil pH wherein
micronutrients such as Fe, Al1, Mn1, Zn, Cn and Cobalt
have their maximum availability but possible toxicity.
There is therefore a need to correct the pH of Palawan
soil or to identify and grow certain crops that will thrive
in soil with low pH. Further, results of the soil survey
showed that in most of the agricultural areas of Palawan,
the cation exchange capacity (CEC) or the ability of soil
to store and release important elements for plant growth
is considered marginal and therefore in its natural state
Relief Features of Palawan
River wash beach
sand plateau
scarpment Coastal Alluvial
Mountains 4.6% 5.8% Plains
14.8% 15.3%
Terraces
7.7%
Plateau
1.9%
Hills
48.9%
 such soils are incapable of enhancing plant growth. Also, devoted for agriculture also expanded by 114,352
the organic matter content of Palawan soils is generally hectares to meet the demand for food by the increasing

characterized as low to medium and its phosphorus
content deficient. Thus application of fertilizers with
the appropriate amount of nitrogen and phosphorus is
necessary to improve soil fertility.
Executive
II. Executive
population. Most of the built-up and agricultural land
transformations were presumed to have occurred in
grasslands which manifested a reduction in area of
212,149 hectares.

Summary
On-going threats to these resources include open pit 2.2 FOREST RESOURCES

mining, quarrying, indiscriminate utilization of fertilizers,
herbicides, insecticides and other chemicals, and slash and
burn farming.
2.1 LAND COVER
Land cover data sourced from satellite imageries reveal
an impressive increase in forest cover from 52 percent in
1992 to 56 percent in 1998. Despite illegal timber
extraction, a complete reversal from forest loss of 19,000
ha/year between 1979 to 1984 to forest increase of
8,402 ha/year was attained between 1992 to 1998. It is
believed that the fast recovery of Palawan forest may be
attributed largely to the imposition of total commercial
log ban in 1992. In addition, environmental education
efforts of locally based government and non-government
organizations to a certain degree are recognized as
contributory to improving forest cover by weaning the
people from their destructive activities and involving them
in protecting the forest.
Percentage Land Cover by Category
60.00
e Area (%)
Summary
Information on forest resources utilization based on
DENR records reveal that since 1992, when total
commercial log ban was enforced in Palawan pursuant to
Republic Act 7611, annual total timber production
manifested a decline. While volume of timber legally
produced went down by 99.55% from 97,000 m3 in 1990
to 435 m3 in 2000, illegal cutting of forest trees has not
yet been totally eliminated as indicated by the total
confiscated timber of 3,487 m3 from 1990-2000. High
demand for wood as a consequence of high population
had possibly led to more illegal timber extraction.
With respect to almaciga resin, data show a similar
declining annual collection from 739,736 kg in 1990 to
184,732 kg in 2000. Loss of almaciga trees due to felling
by past logging concessionaires and improper tapping
were viewed to be the causes of the decline in resin
production.
To sustain the benefits derived from these century old
trees by the indigenous communities in particular, policies
like the total ban in the cutting of almaciga trees and the
granting of preferential rights to indigenous peoples (IP’s)
in the awarding of almaciga resin concessions were

50.00
Percentag

40.00 formulated. Accordingly, in recognition of the rights of

30.00 IP’s over their ancestral lands, applicants of almaciga
20.00
10.00 concessions are now required to secure Prior Informed
0.00 Consent from the affected tribal communities before they
ody
Area

ond
sland
hland

a
st

rea

adow

are granted resin concessions.

a
as
g Are
l Are
Fore

k Are

ter B
up A
Fishp

1992
rove

Gras
Brus

ds/Sh
ultu ra

Minin

In the case of rattan, extraction thereof was reduced by

s/Wa
Built-
/Roc

1998
Mang

38% from 4,053,055 lineal meters in 1990 to 2,512,999

Clou
Agric
Bare

Lake

lineal meters in 2000. The decline may be attributed

Land
Land Category
Category
As to mangrove forest, overall assessment indicates an
increase of 744 hectares in spatial extent from 1992 to
1998 despite the conversion of certain mangrove stands
into fishponds as evidenced by the increase in fishpond
areas from 170 to 1,495 hectares for the same period.
The increase could be attributed to the natural
regeneration of certain undisturbed mangrove areas.
On the other hand, the increase of built-up areas from
1,083 hectares to 13,279 hectares was probably triggered
by high population growth rate in Palawan. Further, land
to the gradual depletion of rattan resources brought about
by failure of licencees to undertake replenishment/
reforestation programs. It appears that rattan
concessionaires are generally dependent upon the naturally
grown rattan which unfortunately cannot sustain their
demand. It was also noted that with the decline in the
annual production of rattan, the total annual confiscations
also decreased.
Destructive practices in the collection of rattan and
almaciga resin such as improper tapping of almaciga trees
and failure of rattan gatherers to plant rattan seedlings
were identified as threat in the sustainability of these
resources. Further, despite the imposition of a total

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 3

 Common species based on occurrence and abundance
Annual Timber Production, Palawan
status include 98 birds, 34 reptiles, 28 mammals, and 12
amphibians. Rare species on the other hand account for
100000 30 reptiles, 26 birds, six amphibians, and two mammal
Total Volume(m3)

80000 species.
60000
Species that are of conservation importance as
40000 determined by the International Union for the
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) are the following:
20000
Philippine Crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis)
0 [Critically Endangered], Philippine Cockatoo (Cacatua
1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 haematuropygia) [Critically Endangered], Palawan
Year Peacock Pheasant (Polypectron emphanum)
[Endangered], Blue-naped Parrot (Tanygnathus
lucionensis) [Endangered], Palawan Montane Tree
Annual Manifestation of Confiscated Squirrel (Sundasciurus juvencus) [Endangered], Palawan
Timber, Palawan Soft-furred Mountain Rat (Palawanomys furvus)
[Endangered], Calamian Deer (Axis calamianensis)
Volume of Confiscated

1600 [Endangered], Palawan Stink-Badger (Mydaus marchei)

1400
[Vulnerable], Palawan Flying Fox (Acerodon leucotis)
Timber (m3)

1200
1000
[Vulnerable], and the Dugong (Dugong dugong)
800 [Vulnerable].
600
400 Species listed under the Convention on International
200 Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
0 (CITES) Appendix 1, totally banned from trade are:
1991 1993 1995 1997 1999
Philippine Crocodile, all marine turtles, Peregrine Falcon
Year (Falco peregrinus), Leopard Cat (Prionailurus
bengalensis), Calamian Deer, all rorquals
(Balaenopteridae), Sperm Whale (Physeter catadon),
Annual Rattan Production, Palawan Finless Porpoise (Neophocaera phocaenoides), and
Dugong.
7,000,000
(lineal meters)

6,000,000 Examples of trade-regulated species listed under CITES

5,000,000 Appendix 2 are the: Monitor Lizard (Varanus salvator),
4,000,000 Reticulated Python (Python reticulatus), Malay Common
3,000,000 Cobra (Naja sumatrana), and the rare King Cobra
2,000,000 (Ophiophagus hannah); all diurnal raptors under Order
1,000,000
Falconiformes, (except the Peregrine Falcon) and all
0
nocturnal raptors under Order Strigiformes; Palawan
1991 1993 1995 1997 1999
Flying Fox, Large Flying Fox (Pteropus vampyrus),
Year Long-tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis), Malayan
Pangolin (Manis javanica), and all dolphin species
(Delphinidae).
commercial log ban in Palawan, illegal cutting of forest
trees for timber remains to be a threat to forest recovery.
No trade restricted/regulated amphibian species are
recorded.
2.3 VERTEBRATE
WILDLIFE RESOURCES Having been endowed with such rich wildlife resources,
Palawan remains to be ground for illegal wildlife hunting,
Palawan’s Faunal diversity comprises 422 species of trading, bioprospecting, and piracy thereby making
terrestrial and marine vertebrate wildlife accounting for Palawan one of the biodiversity hotspots in the
38.6% of the several wildlife species in the entire country. Philippines.
Some of these wildlife are endemic or found only in the
province or have restricted ranges confined in a particular
area or island.

4 PALAWAN
 2.4 AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES
Rice is one of the major crops produced in Palawan and
is generally grown in the uplands and paddy fields.
Available data show that total land area devoted to rice
was reduced by 1,660 hectares from 1980 to 2000. The
reduction was mainly the result of non-production of
upland rice. All island municipalities except Balabac
and all northern municipalities which used to be upland
rice producers ceased to grow upland rice. The ban on
kaingin as well as the increase in environmental
awareness level of farmers are believed to have
contributed to the unpopularity of upland farming thereby
reducing the area under upland rice cultivation. On one
hand, an increase in the extent of paddy fields devoted
to rice was manifested from 1980 to 2000.
In 2000, the yield for irrigated rice was placed at 4.5
tons/ha which is higher than the 1999 regional and
national average of 3.23 and 3.75 tons/ha respectively.
Similarly, average production for rainfed rice was
estimated at 3.12 tons/ha, still higher than the regional
average of 2.28 tons/ha. In its entirety, total rice
production level was placed at 191,663 metric tons (clean
rice) in 2000. On the presumption that the per capita
rice consumption of a Filipino is 125 kg/year, the rice
production level of 191,636.02 was assessed to be
sufficient to feed Palawan’s population of 775,412 in the
said year. However, with the high annual population
growth rate of Palawan for 1990-1995 estimated at 3.66%
(higher than the national or regional average), it is
expected that rice shortage may set in by year 2007 unless
Palawan’s rice production level will be increased through
expansion of farms under existing rice cultivation
complemented by improved rice technology.
Meanwhile corn, also a major crop in Palawan, is mainly
grown for trading outside Palawan as feeds of livestock
and poultry and for local human consumption in the form
of green corn. While records show that the area utilized
for corn production decreased from 20,676 hectares in
1991 to 11,133 hectares in 2001, average production per
hectare was noted to increase from 1.41 mt/ha in 1991 to
2.22 mt/ha in 2001. The national average yield for corn
in 1999 which was placed at 1.74 mt/ha is notably lower
than the level obtained for Palawan in 2001.
Coconut is usually found along the coastal areas of
mainland Palawan. In 2000, the extent of coconut
plantation was placed at 57,440 hectares, 69% (39,702
hectares) were located in southern mainland Palawan, 16%
(9,050 has.) was accounted for by the island municipalities
and the remaining 15% (8,659 hectares) was shared by
the northern mainland municipalities. Brooke’s Point
registered the highest aggregate area planted to coconut
(12,859 hectares), followed by Balabac with 7,053
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
hectares. Cagayancillo has the lowest coconut area with
only 162 hectares. Southern mainland Palawan
Executive
II. Executive
manifested a relatively high production of 1.48 nuts/ha
or 66 nuts/tree. On a per municipality basis, Sofroñio
Española registered the highest average production at
1.78 mt/ha while Araceli the lowest, with 0.87 mt/ha.
Summary
On the basis of nuts/tree, Brooke’s Point manifested the
highest production rate of 71 nuts per tree while
Summary
Magsaysay recorded only 45 nuts per tree.
Aside from crop production, farmers also raise livestock
and poultry both in their backyard and in commercial scale
to supplement their consumption requirement and other
family needs. Livestock commonly raised in the province
are carabao, cattle and hogs. Carabao however is basically
used as draft animals. Available data from various sources
reveal a reduction in carabao population from 27,616 in
1982 to 21,343 in 1991 attributable to the unregulated
sale of carabaos to Manila by declaring them unfit as
working animals. But from 1991 to 1995, carabao
population manifested an upward trend. As to cattle
production, both backyard and commercial scale, there
was a significant increase from 1990 to 1993 indicating
that cattle raising is a growing industry in the province.
The same trend was observed for hog/swine and poultry
population. In a span of 13 years (1982 to 1995) swine/
hog population increased by about 124 percent while
poultry population exhibited an increase of 24% from 1982
to 1995. The huge increase in hog/swine and poultry
population could have been triggered by the demand from
an increasing population and tourism-related
establishments such as hotels and restaurants in Puerto
Princesa City.
2.5 WATER RESOURCES
Water quality monitoring aims to generate baseline and
continuous information on the quality of surface water,
seasonal variations and possible effect of human activities
on the freshwater ecosystem. The water quality
parameters include water temperature, pH, dissolved
oxygen, conductivity, total dissolved solids, color,
turbidity, alkalinity, hardness, chloride and nutrients such
as nitrogen nitrate, nitrogen nitrite, nitrogen ammonia and
phosphorous.
River monitoring conducted in the selected catchments
of Iraan, Calategas, Aramaywan, Labog Tigaplan,
Guineratan, Inandeng and Abongan commenced in
September 1996. Results of the quarterly monitoring using
the aforementioned water quality parameters showed that
the water quality of these rivers did not exceed the
permissible level set by DENR standards for Class A
freshwater. However, on a number of occasions, samples
taken from the sites of Inandeng River manifested pH
5
 value below the minimum limit of 6.5. Likewise, on one Condition of Seagrass Community
sampling period, the suspended solids of water taken from by Category, Palawan
Calategas, Iraan and Labog rivers exceeded the 50 mg/L
permissible level for Class A freshwater, an indication Excellent
of on-going pollution. Further, on several occasions, Poor 2.78%
41.67% Good
Guineratan and Abongan rivers exhibited high turbidity
20.83%
as reflected in the color intensity and concentration of
suspended solids. In particular, Guineratan River located
in the municipality of Roxas appeared to be always turbid,
with average concentration of suspended solids placed at
246.7 mg/L, much higher than the permissible level of 50
mg/L. The poor water quality condition of Guineratan
River is likely affected by open pit gold mining activities
at its upper catchment that commenced in 1993. It is
Fair
recommended that a special study be undertaken to assess
34.72%
the impact of said mining activity so that mitigating
measures be instituted.

In terms of dissolved oxygen, Abongan river manifested Reef Condition by Category, Palawan
the lowest especially when streamflow is nil. This implies
that aquatic organism will have a hard time surviving in Poor Excellent
3.93% Good
Abongan river especially during summer. 17.38%
34.43%

Most of the monitored rivers have been subjected to sand

and gravel quarrying activities specifically Labog river
which has been experiencing riverbank erosion. The
intensive utilization of rivers as source of quarry materials
is possibly due to the high demand for aggregates.
Apparently, the policy on total commercial log ban entailed
the shift from wood to concrete materials thus putting
more pressure on rivers. The institution of stabilization
measures to prevent further erosion of rivers is therefore
a must.
2.6 COASTAL RESOURCES
The mangrove forest of the province was declared a
Mangrove Swamp Reserve in 1982 by virtue of
Presidential Proclamation 2152. Inspite of the law, the
mangrove cover of the province has shown a declining
trend over the years from 1984 until 1992 as shown by its
reduction from 46,000 ha in 1984 to 36,192 ha in 1993
or an average yearly reduction of 1090 ha. However,
from 1992 to 1998, there was an increase of 744 hectares
in the extent of mangrove or an equivalent mangrove
improvement of 124 ha/year despite mangrove forest lost
to fishpond alone was estimated at 1,642 ha from 1992 to
1998. Conversion of mangrove forests into fishponds or
settlements, tree felling for tan debarking and charcoal
making were some of the problems affecting the mangrove
forest of Palawan.
A high degree of species diversity can be found in the
mangrove forest of the province. Data generated from
various coastal resources assessment (CRA) showed a
total of 23 “true mangrove” species belonging to 11
Fair
44.26%
families present in the 18 municipalities of the province.
Rhizophora apiculata (bakawan lalake) and Sonneratia
alba (pagatpat) were the dominant species. This is
comparable to the same number of species under 19
families recorded for the Philippines.
Equally important are the seagrass beds which serve as
nursery, breeding grounds and source of food for fish,
marine turtles, dugong and other aquatic invertebrates.
Physically, they interact with coral reefs and mangroves
in reducing wave energy thus protecting the coastal zone
from erosion. Of the 216 sample sites surveyed in 19
municipalities, 90 or 41.67% were in poor (0-25%
vegetative cover) condition, 75 or 34.72% in fair (26-
50%) condition, 45 or 20.83% were in good (51-75%)
condition, and only 6 or 2.78% were in excellent (above
75%) condition.
A high degree of species diversity was noted among the
seagrass beds of the province. There was a total of 14
species under two families, approximating the 16 species
recorded for the Philippines.

6 PALAWAN
 The coral reef of the province has an approximate area
of 9,900 km2, of which 100 km2 or 1.01% is accounted

Executive
II. Executive
by the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park. This area,
however, does not include the reefs of the Kalayaan Island
Group. The CRA for the coral ecosystem in the province
involving 305 sites in the same 19 municipalities showed

Summary
that only 3.93 % of the reefs are in excellent (75-100%
live coral cover) condition. Most of the reefs (44.26 %)

Summary
are in fair (25-49.9% live coral cover) condition. Reefs
that are in good (50-74.9% live coral cover) condition
constitute 34.43% while 17.38% were in poor (less than
25% live coral cover) condition.

The coastal resources of Palawan have been under threat

from various destructive activities both in the terrestrial
and the coastal areas. In the coral areas, the biggest threat
at present is the live fish industry which thrives on the use
of cyanide to catch the fish alive causing coral death.
Further, dynamite fishing as well as the use of efficient
gears within the municipal waters also contribute to coral
destruction resulting in the decline in fish catch.

2.7 HUMAN RESOURCES

The population of Palawan in 2000 was estimated at

755,412, with Puerto Princesa City registering the highest
count at 161,912 accounting for 21 percent of the
Province’s total population. Except for Kalayaan, the
municipality of Cagayancillo had the least population
count at 6,348 or 0.84 percent of the provincial total.
However, in terms of population density, this municipality
registered the highest at 412 persons/sq.km. San Vicente
municipality was the least dense at approximately 26
persons/sq.km., roughly half of the Province’s estimated
density of 51 persons/sq.km. Palawan is fortunate to have
the lowest population density among the provinces in the
country. However, it consistently exhibited a high
population growth rate, the latest being 3.6 percent per
annum (based on the 1995 to 2000 censuses) which is
generally higher than the regional and national average.

Further, Palawan’s population in 1995 appeared to be

young as indicated by the computed median age placed at
17.34 years which means that more than 50% of the
population is below 18 years of age. Accordingly,
dependency ratio was high at 82 dependents for every 100
productive individuals as compared to the national and
regional estimate of 72 and 71, respectively. With the
high dependency ratio, human productivity in Palawan
will tend to be low due to the increasing economic burden.

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 7


Land is one of the major resources of Palawan.
Understanding the condition of the province’s land
resources is vital in planning for its sustainable
development. Agricultural development for example must
be dictated by soil characteristics and topography while
natural landscape shaped by geological processes could
direct tourism development in Palawan. In fact, even
options to exploit mineral wealth should be based on sound
assessment of the biophysical condition of the mine site.
Thus, characterizing Palawan’s land resources will in
one way or another guide planners in charting the future
of the Province.
3.1 ROCK FORMATIONS
Based on the Geological Map of Palawan prepared by
the Bureau of Soils in 1979, as summarized in Figure 1,
the rock formation of Palawan is composed of
sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Metamorphic rocks made possible the occurence of
caves and underground channels, which are popular
tourist destinations and home to many bat species.
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
II. Executive Summary
Land Resources
III
LAND RESOURCES
Sedimentary rock accounts for 35 percent (35%) of the
total rock formations and its presence indicates potential
area for agricultural development. On the other hand,
igneous rocks constitute about 45 percent (45%). This
type of rock is economically important because its
existence brought about the occurrence of mineral wealth
such as chromite, nickel, gold, mercury and manganese
in Palawan. Its presence, however, is disadvantageous in
terms of forest production because only submarginal not
productive forest could thrive in such formations. Among
the three, metamorphic rocks cover the least area as it
accounts for only 20 percent of the total rock formations
in Palawan. The existence of this type of rock made it
possible the occurrence of caves and underground channels
as these occur in association with metamorphic rocks of
the limestone type. Such natural formations made Palawan
a favorite tourism area.
3.2 GEOMORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES
The whole province of Palawan is divided into broad
landforms based on relief structures namely coastal,
alluvial plains, terraces, plateau, hills, mountains and
miscellaneous landforms. Each landform is further
partitioned into several subdivisions based on the parent
material underlying them. Figure 2 shows the distribution
of different broad landforms (see also Map 1 for the
geographical presentation while details of the
geomorphological data in Palawan is shown on Appendix
A-1).
As can be gleaned from Figure 2, hills and mountains
constitute about 64 percent of Palawan’s total landmass
indicating a very limited area remaining for agricultural
development. Furthermore, of the remaining percentage
area of 36 percent, there exist other areas which are
deemed unsuitable for agricultural production and these
include the swamps and marshes (0.92 percent), the
mangroves (3.9 percent), and other miscellaneous areas
9
 Figure 1. Distribution of Rock Formations, 3.4 SOIL PHYSICAL
Palawan. CHARACTERISTICS

Metamorphic 3.4.1 Soil Texture

20%
Igneous The soil texture is correlated with the soil physical
45% characteristics. It has a direct bearing on the water
holding capacity of the soil. Soils high in sand have
large pore spaces between them hence water percolates
Sedimentary fast. Therefore, they have low water holding capacity.
35% Soils high in clay or silt on the other hand have abundant
but very small pore spaces which account for slow water
movement. They can store large amount of water and
such as river wash, lakes, quarries, beach sand and salt hence have high water holding capacity. The combination
beds (4.7 percent). Constrained with such limitation, of sand, clay or silt of soil result to medium capacity of
intention to utilize the extensive hilly area (which is soil to hold water.
approximately 49 percent) for agriculture would
necessitate the adoption of intensive conservation measures For Palawan, results of the 1988 soil survey show that
to prevent lowland destruction resulting from upland the soils in the alluvial plains, terraces and basaltic hills
cultivation. While Palawan’s topography favors tourism are generally characterized as sandy clay loam to clay
development, it is disadvantageous to agriculture. Thus, while the limestone hills and plains have clay soils. On
in planning for the sustainable development of Palawan the other hand, hills and mountains which are
particularly in the aspect of agriculture, utmost care and metamorphic have sandy clay loam to clay loam soils
consideration of its landforms are essential. while those that are ultrabasic and volcanic have
principally loam to clay soils.
3.3 SLOPE
Map 2 shows the geographical presentation of the texture
Slope refers to the inclination of the surface of the soil of Palawan’s soil for each land management unit while
and is mainly expressed in percent. This land characteristic the corresponding tabular data is depicted in Appendix
is very essential in identifying areas with potential for A-2.
agricultural and non-agricultural development. Palawan’s
area is divided into six (6) slope classes as shown on Figure 3.4.2 Soil Depth
3.
Soil depth is evaluated in terms of its relation to other
Areas belonging to slope classes 0 to 3, 3 to 8, and 8 to 18 properties of soil. The amount of nutrients, water and
percent described respectively as level to nearby level, air that the soil can hold depends upon the soil depth.
nearly level to gently sloping and gently sloping to Hence, it is important in growing deep rooted crops. Soil
undulating constitute about 28 percent and may be devoted
for annuals but with simple to intensive soil management
practices. Undulating to rolling lands falling within the
slope class from 18 to 30 percent comprise about 13
percent only and is recommended for growing economic
tree crops with intensive soil management and conservation
treatment measures. Moreover, slope class from 30 to 50
percent consisting of rolling to moderately steep slope hills
and mountains account for 24 percent of the total land
area. Such areas should be utilized only for agro-forestry
with intensive soil management and conservation
measures. On the other hand, lands above 50 percent
slope which are considered very steep hills and mountains
constitute roughly 26 percent and should be set aside or
retained as forest and wildlife sanctuary. Accordingly,
such areas should be classified as core zones under the
The opening to the Underground River at Puerto
ECAN zoning strategy.
Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

10 PALAWAN
 II. Executive Summary
depth less than 20 cm is considered very shallow, 20 to
50 cm shallow, 50 to 100 cm moderately deep, 100 to

Land Resources
200 cm deep and more than 200 cm very deep.

In the case of Palawan, soil depth varies from deep in

broad and narrow alluvial plains, valleys and fans to
moderately deep in alluvial and residual terraces
including limestone, shale/sandstone and metavolcanic
hills, indicating suitability thereof for deep rooted crops.
On one hand, soil depth is considered shallow in basaltic,
ultrabasic and metamorphic hills and metamorphic and
ultrabasic mountains including plateaus and sediment
hills so that only crops which thrive on shallow soils
could be grown. Geographical presentation of Palawan Hills and mountains constitute about 64 percent of
soil depth in each land management unit is shown on Palawan’s total landmass where as coastal contributes
Map 3 while the corresponding tabular data is presented 5.8 percent.
in Appendix A-2.

3.4.3 Water Holding Capacity

Water holding capacity is the capacity of the soil to hold
water in form available to plants. It is dependent upon
the organic matter content and soil texture. It is
significant in growing rainfed crops which largely depend
upon available soil moisture.
The water holding capacity of Palawan soils is generally
categorized as medium except in plateaus, ultrabasic and
metamorphic hills of high relief, and mountainous areas
where it is largely low; and in fishponds and swamps
and marshes where it is relatively high. This means that
crops which do not require large amount of water may
be grown in Palawan. Details of the water holding
capacity of Palawan soils per land management unit is
illustrated in Appendix A-2.
3.4.4 Internal Drainage
Internal soil drainage is that quality of a soil that permits
the downward flow of excess water through it.
Hydrophytic crops such as rice thrive mostly poorly
drained to moderately well drained soils while well
drained to somewhat excessively drained is favorable to
diversified crops.
As indicated on Appendix A-2, soil internal drainage are
considered poorly drained to moderately well drained in
alluvial plains, in broad alluvial, infilled and enclosed
valleys, collo-alluvial fans and in sloping to undulating
residual terraces. As such, hygrophytic crops could thrive
in such areas. On the other hand, high or low relief hills
have moderately well drained to well drained internal

Figure 2. Relief Features of Palawan.

River wash beach

sand plateau
scarpment Coastal Alluvial
Mountains 4.6% 5.8% Plains
14.8% 15.3%

Terraces
7.7%

Plateau
1.9%

Hills
48.9%

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 11

 Figure 3. Slope Class Distribution, Palawan.
above 50
26%
30-50
24%
drainage and therefore may be suitable for diverse crops.
Mountainous areas manifest well drained to somewhat
excessively drained internal drainage and therefore
unsuitable for growing crops. Map 4 demonstrates the
geographical presentation of the internal soil drainage
for each land management unit while the corresponding
tabular data is shown in Appendix A-2.
3.4.5 External Drainage
External drainage or surface runoff refers to the relative
rate for which water is removed by flow over the surface
of the soil. It is classified as ponded, very slow, slow,
medium, rapid, and very rapid. It is generally correlated
with slope and erosion hazards. Soils which are ponded
or with very slow runoff usually have no erosion hazard
while soils with slow external drainage has little or no
erosion hazard. Soils with medium runoff have slight to
moderate erosion hazard and soils with rapid runoff have
usually moderate to high erosion hazard. In soils with
very rapid runoff, erosion hazard is commonly high or
very high.
A reading of Appendix A-2 shows that external drainage
is generally very slow in coastal zones but becomes rapid
up to the hills and mountain. Considering that almost 64
percent of the land area of Palawan are hills and
mountains, erosion hazards would be moderate to high
in quite an extensive area.
3.5 SOIL CHEMICAL
CHARACTERISTICS
The soil chemical characteristic contributes to the quality
in the growth of plants through the build up of its
biochemical composition, not in rich quantity but in
adequate or sufficient amount. The chemical
12
0-3
23%
3-8
5%
8-18
18-30 9%
13%
characteristics of soil per land management is shown on
Appendix A-3.
3.5.1 Soil Reaction pH
Soil reaction pH is a measure of the degree of alkalinity
or acidity of soil. Its significance depends in influencing
the availability of nutrients for plant growth. A soil of
pH 5.5 to 8.6 gives optimal availability while a pH value
of 5.0 and below allows the micronutrients such as Fe,
Al1, Mn1, Zn, Cn and Cobalt to have their maximum
availability and possible toxicity.
For Palawan, except for limestone hills which has a soil
pH that gives optimal availability of nutrients for plant
growth and the mountains (where no data are available),
the rest of the landforms have low soil pH wherein
The geology of Palawan is varied
which resulted in the forming of
soils with very different
characteristics. The province is
also known to have rich deposits
of metallic and non-metallic
minerals, but no detailed
geological survey has been made.
PALAWAN
 micronutrients have their maximum availability but
possible toxicity. Therefore, there is the necessity to
correct the pH of Palawan soil or to identify and grow
certain crops that will thrive most in soil with low pH.
3.5.2 Cation Exchange Capacity
Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) is the ability of soil to
store and release important elements for plant growth.
It is influenced by the texture and organic content of the
soil. A soil with more than 200 meq/100 g of soil has
adequate CEC but below 10 meg/100 g of soil, the CEC
is deficient.
Referring to Appendix A-3, CEC in Palawan soils is
generally marginal particularly in most agricultural areas
which include broad and narrow alluvial plains, infilled
and broad alluvial valleys, collo-alluvial terraces and
sloping to undulating residual terraces. This means that
soils in the agricultural areas of Palawan in its natural
state is not capable of enhancing plant growth.
3.5.3 Organic Matter Content
Organic matter content of a soil is indicative of the level
of nitrogen present. In general, for upland crops, soil
organic matter content of less than 2.0% is considered
low while from 2.0%-3.5% it is categorized as medium
and more than 4.5% it is adequate. However, for the
lowland or paddy rice areas organic matter content of more
than 3% is generally considered adequate.
As depicted on Appendix A-3, the organic matter content
of Palawan soils is generally characterized as low to
medium except in the sloping to undulating and
undulating to rolling residual terraces and in the level to
undulating undissected plateaus where the organic matter
content is considered adequate. Thus, to improve the
fertility of soils particularly in areas with low to medium
organic matter content, application of fertilizers with the
appropriate amount of nitrogen is necessary thereby
increasing agricultural production.
Map 5 illustrates the level of nitrogent content of
Palawan’s soil in each land management unit.
3.5.4 Phosphorous Content
Phosphorous is the second major soil nutrient necessary
for the growth and development of plants. It stimulates
early root development, hastens maturity of crops,
increases the amount of grains and fruits, stimulates
flowering, aids in seed formation and is essential in
ripening of grain as in the strengthening of cereal straw.
Values of availability index of phosphorous determined
by Olson’s method of less than 3 ppm in soil is considered
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
very deficient, 3-6 ppm in soil as deficient; 6-10 ppm in
II. Executive Summary
soil as possibly deficient and greater than 10 ppm in soil
Land Resources
as adequate. With reference to Map 6 (see details in
Appendix A-3), the soils of Palawan are basically
deficient in phosphorous except for collo-alluvial plains
where the phosphorous content is adequate. Accordingly,
the deficiency in phosphorous may be corrected by the
application of fertilizers with appropriate amount of
phosphorous.
3.5.5 Exchangeable Bases
Exchangeable bases (ca, mg and k) are determined in
initial ammonium acetate leachate from the cation
exchange capacity determination. Calcium and
magnesium are micronutrients needed by the plants in
small quantity. They enhance the availability of plant
uptake of elements such as phosphorous. Calcium is
high if greater than 1 and low if less than 0.5 meq/100g
of soil while magnesium is considered high if greater
than 0.5 and low if less than 0.25 meg/100 g of soil.
Potassium on one hand is a soil nutrient which plays an
important role in plant growth and development especially
in the production of starch, sugar, cellulose and protein.
It increases plant resistance to certain diseases. It
counteracts the effects of too much nitrogen in delaying
maturity and works against induced ripening as influenced
by photosynthesis. Exchangeable potassium of soil is low
if less than 0.15 meg/100 g of soil and is high if greater
than 0.25 meg/100g of soil.
Referring to Appendix A-3, the soils of Palawan is
generally considered high in calcium and magnesium
micronutrients. However, there are certain areas
particularly the metavolcanic hills where said
micronutrients are considered low. In plateaus and
metamorphic hills, calcium and magnesium are
considered low to medium.
On the contrary, potassium is considered low in most of
the low lying areas (i.e. broad plain, narrow alluvial plains
and limestone plains) which are generally devoted to
agricultural production. Accordingly, application of
fertilizers with appropriate amount of potassium in such
areas is necessary to enhance plant growth and increase
resistance of plants to diseases. In other areas like valleys,
alluvial fans, residual terraces and metamorphic and
sandstone hills, potassium micronutrients range from low
to medium or medium to high. There are however certain
areas where potassium micronutrients is basically high
and these include limestone hills, basaltic hills and
metavolcanic hills.
13
 Map 1. Broad Landforms Types, Palawan.
600000 800000

BROAD LANDFORMS
Province of Palawan [
%

Busuanga
%[
Coron

[
%
Culion

20 0 20 40 60 Kilometers
1 : 2,000,000 Linapacan
[
%

El Nido [
%

Taytay

1200000
1200000

[
%

San Vicente Araceli

South China Sea [
%
[
% [
%
Dumaran
[
%
Roxas

[
% Sulu Sea
Puerto Princesa City

[
%
Aborlan
Quezon
%[ %[
Rizal Narra 1000000
1000000

%[
%[
Sofronio Española LEGEND
%[
Geomorphic units
Coastal
%[
Brooke's Point Broad alluvial plains
Minor alluvial plains
Bataraza Terraces
Plains (limestone)
Plateau
Sedimentary hills
Volcanic hills
Metamorphic hills
Mountains
No data on landforms
Balabac
Source: The Physical Environment (Volume 1)
Soil/Resource Evaluation Project
Palawan Province 1988
Bureau of Soils and Management

600000 800000

14 PALAWAN
 Map 2. Soil Texture, Palawan.
600000 800000

SOIL TEXTURE
Province of Palawan

1400000
1400000

#Y

Busuanga
#Y
Coron
30 0 30 60 90 Kilometers

Culion
#Y

1 : 2,500,000

#Y
Linapacan

El Nido #Y
Agutaya Y
#

South China Sea

Taytay

1200000
1200000

Cuyo Y
#

#Y
Y
#
Magsaysay

San Vicente Araceli

#Y

#Y
#Y

Dumaran
#Y

Roxas

Y
#

Puerto Princesa City

Cagayancillo Y
#

Sulu Sea
Y
#

Aborlan
Quezon Y
#
Y
#

Rizal Narra

1000000
1000000

Y
#

Y
#

Sofronio Española
Y
#

Y
#
Brooke's Point
Bataraza

LEGEND
Soil texture
Clay
Clay loam to clay
Loamy sand to clay
Sandy clay loam to clay
#Y
Balabac Sandy clay loam to clay loam
Sandy to silt loam
Silty clay loam to clay
No data on soil texture

Source: The Physical Environment (Volume 1)

800000
800000

Soil/Resource Evaluation Project

Palawan Province 1988
Bureau of Soils and Management

600000 800000

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 15

 Map 3. Soil Depth, Palawan.
600000 800000

SOIL DEPTH
Province of Palawan [
%
Busuanga
Coron
%[

[
%
Culion

20 0 20 40 60 Kilometers

1 : 2,000,000 [
%
Linapacan

El Nido [
%

Taytay

1200000
1200000

[
%

South China Sea San Vicente Araceli

[
%
[
% [
%
Dumaran
[
%
Roxas

[
%
Puerto Princesa City

Sulu Sea
%[
Aborlan
Quezon
%[ %[
Rizal Narra 1000000
1000000

[
%
%[
Sofronio Española
%[
Brooke's Point
[
%
Bataraza LEGEND
Soil depth
Deep
Moderately deep
Shallow
No data on soil depth

Balabac

Source: The Physical Environment (Volume 1)

Soil/Resource Evaluation Project
Palawan Province 1988
Bureau of Soils and Management

600000 800000

16 PALAWAN
 Map 4. Soil Internal Drainage, Palawan.
600000 800000

SOIL INTERNAL DRAINAGE [

%
Province of Palawan Busuanga
%[
Coron

[
%
Culion

20 0 20 40 60 Kilometers [
%
Linapacan

1 : 2,000,000

El Nido [
%

Taytay

1200000
1200000

[
%

San Vicente Araceli

[
%
South China Sea [
% [
%
Dumaran
[
%
Roxas

[
%
Puerto Princesa City

Sulu Sea
[
%
Aborlan
Quezon
%[ %[
Rizal Narra
1000000
1000000

%[
%[
Sofronio Española
%[ LEGEND
%[
Brooke's Point Soil internal drainage
Well drained
Bataraza Somewhat excessively drained
Well drained to somewhat poorly drained
Moderately well drained to well drained
Moderately well drained
Moderately well drained to somewhat poorly drained
Moderately well drained to poorly drained
Somewhat poorly drained
Somewhat poorly drained to poorly drained
Poorly drained
Balabac No data on soil internal drainage

Source: The Physical Environment (Volume 1)

Soil/Resource Evaluation Project
Palawan Province 1988
Bureau of Soils and Management

600000 800000

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 17

 Map 5. Soil Organic Matter Content, Palawan.
600000 800000

SOIL ORGANIC MATTER CONTENT

Province of Palawan [
%

Busuanga
%[
Coron
[
%
Culion

20 0 20 40 60 Kilometers

1 : 2,000,000 [
%
Linapacan

El Nido [
%

1200000
1200000

Taytay
[
%

San Vicente Araceli

South China Sea [
%
[
% [
%
Dumaran
[
%
Roxas

[
%
Puerto Princesa City

Sulu Sea
[
%
Aborlan
Quezon
%[ %[

1000000
1000000

Rizal Narra
%[
%[
Sofronio Española
%[
%[
Brooke's Point
Bataraza LEGEND
Organic matter content
Medium to high
Medium
Low to medium
Low
No data on organic matter content

Balabac

Source: The Physical Environment (Volume 1)

Soil/Resource Evaluation Project
Palawan Province 1988
Bureau of Soils and Management

600000 800000

18 PALAWAN
 Map 6. Soil Phosporous Content, Palawan.
600000 800000

SOIL PHOSPHOROUS CONTENT [

%
Province of Palawan
Busuanga
%[
Coron
[
%
Culion

20 0 20 40 60 Kilometers
[
%
Linapacan
1 : 2,000,000

El Nido [
%

Taytay

1200000
1200000

[
%

South China Sea San Vicente Araceli

[
%
[
% [
%
Dumaran
[
%
Roxas

[
%
Puerto Princesa City

Sulu Sea
[
%
Aborlan
Quezon
%[ %[
Rizal Narra
1000000
1000000

%[
%[
Sofronio Española
%[
%[
Brooke's Point
LEGEND
Bataraza
Phosphorous content
Adequate
Deficient
Somewhat deficient
Very deficient
No data on phosphorous content

Balabac
Source: The Physical Environment (Volume 1)
Soil/Resource Evaluation Project
Palawan Province 1988
Bureau of Soils and Management

600000 800000

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 19


Land cover is an important aspect of Palawan’s
environment. It is a good indicator for assessing the state
of the environment at a macro level. For example, forest
loss is usually an indication of a degraded environment
because of its adverse effect not only on the floral and
faunal biodiversity but also on the hydrology of a
particular area. Likewise, increase in grassland areas
could be reflective also of a deteriorating soil condition
since infertile lands are usually invaded by grass species.
Thus, land cover data could provide the bases for coming
up with sound and sustainable policies geared towards
the sustainable development of Palawan.
Under the EMES, information on land cover are basically
sourced from LandSaT TM imageries although data on
land cover of Palawan are available since 1979. The
reckoning period for monitoring land cover was set in
1992, the year SEP was legitimized. Both the 1992
baseline data and the 1998 monitoring data were derived
from processing and interpretation of LandSat Imageries.
However, interpretation of the 1992 imageries was done
by a separate agency and only the results were made
Forest cover contributes 55.84 percent of the total
land cover in Palawan (1998).
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
II. Executive Summa
Land Cover
IV
LAND COVER
available to PCSDS. As such, comparative analysis of
the 1992 and 1998 data to account for changes was quite
difficult since one has to rely on information that appeared
to be invalidated but could no longer be verified. Further,
information captured from the interpreted images had some
limitations. For one, clouds were inevitably present and
were not totally eliminated from the imageries. Secondly,
due to the position of the Satellite, cloud’s shadow were
likewise present in the imageries thus further increasing
the spatial extent of uncharacterized areas. Nonetheless,
attempts to analyze changes in land cover were made in
this report. However, such comparison did not include
the islands of Cuyo, Agutaya, Magsaysay and
Cagayancillo as these municipalities were not covered by
the 1992 data.
4.1 FOREST COVER
Forest cover is estimated by accounting for the forested
area of Palawan (except mangrove area) in proportion to
the total terrestrial area and is measured in percent. Based
on the interpretation and digital processing of the 1992
LANDSAT TM imageries of Palawan carried out by Japan
Forest Technical Association as part of its wide area
“Tropical Forest Resources Survey” as shown on Table
1, the forest cover of mainland Palawan including the
Calamian Group of Islands municipalities, Balabac and
Dumaran Islands was estimated at 51.79 percent in 1992
(Land cover by municipality in 1992 is presented on
Appendix B-1). On the other hand, the forest cover of
the same area in 1998 was estimated at 55.84 percent as
shown on Appendix B-2.
To account for the changes in forest cover, comparison
of the data set shall exclude the municipalities of Cuyo,
Agutaya, Magsaysay and Cagayancillo as these were not
covered in the 1992 data. Table 1 shows the comparative
data on land cover resulting from the above-cited limited
analysis while Appendix B-3 reflects the comparative
land cover data by municipality.
21
 still exists in Palawan, the volume extracted by them
could not match the quantity being reaped by logging
concessions so as to substantially affect the extent of
forest cover. Illegal extraction of timber are usually
sporadic and thus its impact could not be captured in a
LandSat Image. Additionally, environmental education
efforts of locally based government and non-government
organizations are also recognized as contributory to
improving forest cover by weaning the people from their
destructive activities and involving them in protecting
the forest. A graphical representation of Palawan’s land
cover data for 1992 and 1998 is shown in Figure 4.

4.2 MANGROVE FOREST

Mangrove forest within the Puerto Princesa
Subterranean River National Park,
Puerto Princesa City.
As manifested in Table 1, a forest gain of 50,410 hectares
was achieved from 1992 to 1998 or an equivalent rate of
increase of 8,402 ha/year. The data are rather impressive
for it must be recalled that based on the 1979 and 1984
satellite data, Palawan was experiencing forest loss at the
rate of 19,000 ha/year (IEP). With the new information
at hand it would appear then that deforestation has already
been arrested in Palawan and it is now on its way to forest
recovery. This quantitative increase in forest cover
however does not reflect the qualitative condition of
Palawan’s forest. While spatial extent of forest may have
expanded, the possibility that the forest condition in terms
of stand density and diversity may have deteriorated is
not remote considering that illegal timber extraction has
not been totally eliminated.
Nonetheless, it is believed that the fast recovery of
Palawan forests may be largely attributed to the
imposition of commercial log ban in the Province. This
is so because while illegal logging by private individuals
AND FISHPONDS
Mangrove forest accounts for 3.55 and 3.63 percent of
the total land area in 1992 and 1998 respectively. An
equivalent increase of 744 hectares in the extent of
mangrove areas was manifested for the period despite the
conversion of certain mangrove stands into fishponds as
evidenced by the increase in fishpond areas from 170 to
1,495 hectares. The increase could be attributed to the
natural regeneration of certain undisturbed mangrove
areas.
4.3 GRASSLANDS, BRUSHLANDS
AND BARE LANDS
As indicated on Table 1, brushland increased from 17.21
to 21.03 percent of the total terrestrial area or an increase
of approximately 51,668 hectares. Conversion of certain
grasslands into brushlands is viewed to have contributed
to the expansion. The reduction in grassland areas placed
at 212,149 hectares could be perceived not only as
transformation through time of grasslands into brushlands
but also conversion thereof into croplands, paddy field,
other plantations, or built-up areas. In addition,
misinterpretation of certain paddy fields in 1992 as

Figure 4. Graph Showing Percentage Land Cover by Category, 1992-1998, Palawan.

60.00
50.00 1992
Percentage
Area (%)

40.00
1998
30.00
20.00
10.00
0.00
Area

ond
hland

sland
st

w
rea
a
as

ody
g Are
l Are
Fore

hado
k Are

up A
Fishp

ter B
rove

Gras
Brus

ultu ra

Minin

ds/S
Built-
/Roc

s/Wa
Mang

Clou
Agric

Bare

Lake

Land Category

22 PALAWAN
 II. Executive Summa
Table 1. Comparative Data on Land Cover by Category, Palawan.

Land Cover
1992 1998 Change
Land Cover Area (ha.) Percent Area (ha.) Percent Area (ha.) Percent

Forest 738,886.00 51.79 789,296.00 55.84 50,410.00 4.05

Primary Forest 333,380.00 23.37 534,370.00 37.81 200,990.00 14.44

Mossy Forest 40,864.00 2.86 27,271.00 1.93 -13,593.00 -0.93
Residual Forest 335,893.00 23.54 203,938.00 14.43 -131,955.00 -9.11
Marginal Forest 27,651.00 1.94 19,059.00 1.35 -8,592.00 -0.59
Karst/Limestone 1,098.00 0.08 4,658.00 0.33 3,560.00 0.25

Mangrove Area 50,602.00 3.55 51,346.00 3.63 744.00 0.09

Brushland 245,585.00 17.21 297,253.00 21.03 51,668.00 3.82
Grassland 252,025.00 17.66 39,876.00 2.82 -212,149.00 -14.84
Agricultural Area 91,053.00 6.38 205,405.00 14.53 114,352.00 8.15

Coconut Plantation 26,397.00 1.85 70,463.00 4.99 44,066.00 3.13

Other Plantation 7,942.00 0.56 33,835.00 2.39 25,893.00 1.84
Paddy Field 42,893.00 3.01 80,178.00 5.67 37,285.00 2.67
Cropland 13,821.00 0.97 20,929.00 1.48 7,108.00 0.51

Bare/Rock Areas 9,607.00 0.67 8,943.00 0.63 -664.00 -0.04

Mining Area 1,468.00 0.10 1,090.00 0.08 -378.00 -0.03
Built-up Area 1,083.00 0.08 13,279.00 0.94 12,196.00 0.86
Fishpond 170.00 0.01 1,812.00 0.13 1,642.00 0.12
Lakes/Water Body 1,179.00 0.08 5,187.00 0.37 4,008.00 0.28
Clouds/Shadow 35,138.00 2.46

TOTAL 1,426,796.00 100.00 1,413,487.00 100.00

grasslands accounts for the reduction in grassland areas.

Such misinterpreted paddy fields which were then correctly
interpreted as paddy fields in 1998 also contributed to the
increase in paddy fields. Likewise, bare or rocky land
area which accounts for 0.67 percent of the total terrestrial
area in 1992 was decreased to 0.63 percent in 1998.
Conversion of some of the bare lands into agriculture or
settlement areas as further evidenced by the expansion
thereof may have contributed to the estimated reduction
in bare areas of 664 hectares.

4.4 AGRICULTURAL AND

BUILT-UP AREA

Areas devoted to agriculture appeared to have increased

considerably from 91,053 (6.38%) to 205,405 (14.53%)
hectares. As earlier mentioned, conversion of grasslands
or brushlands into more productive agricultural areas and
misinterpretation of paddy fields as grasslands in 1992
account for most of the increase. In like manner, from
0.076 percent of the terrestrial area of Palawan in 1992,
the proportion manifested by built-up areas rose to 0.94
percent or an equivalent increase of 12,196 hectares. The
expansion of built-up areas may have been due to the
Agricultural lands have increased from 91,053 ha to
205,405 ha in the province from 1992 to 1998. A rice
farmer in southern Palawan.
conversion of certain areas, grasslands and bare lands
into settlements to accommodate the increasing
population in the Province which incidentally is growing
at the rate of 3.6 per year.

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 23

 Map 7. Forest Cover, Palawan, 1998.

MAP OF THE PHILIPPINES FOREST COVER MAP

LOCATION MAP PROVINCE OF PALAWAN
zon
Lu

Busuanga ³#

Coron³#
³#Culion

w
an

la
Pa

³# Linapacan

El Nido³#
Agutaya ³#

Magsaysay
Taytay Cuyo ³# ³#
³#

San Vicente Dumaran

³# ³# Araceli
³#

³#Roxas

³# Puerto Princesa City

Cagayancillo
³#

³# Aborlan

Quezon
³# ³# Narra

20 0 20 40 60 80 Kilometers
Jose Rizal
³# SCALE 1 : 2,500,000
³# Sofronio Espanola UNIVERSAL TRANSVERSE MERCATOR PROJECTION
CLARKE SPHEROID OF 1866
LUZON DATUM
³# Brookes Point
³#Bataraza
LEGEND
³# Municipality
Municipal boundary
Municipal/feeder road
Natinal road
Forested areas
Non-forested areas
Mangrove forest
³#Balabac

Source: Prepared and produced by

1998Source:
LandSat TM Imageries
27 October, 2003
@ wp c:\palawan\palrecan.apr

24 PALAWAN
 Map 8. Land Cover, Palawan, 1998.

LAND COVER MAP

MAP OF THE PHILIPPINES
zon
Lu LOCATION MAP PROVINCE OF PALAWAN

Busuanga ³#

Coron³#
³#Culion

law
an

Pa

³# Linapacan

El Nido ³#
Agutaya ³#

Magsaysay
Taytay Cuyo ³# ³#
³#

San Vicente Dumaran

³# ³# Araceli
³#

³#Roxas

³# Puerto Princesa City

Cagayancillo
³#

³# Aborlan

Quezon 20 0 20 40 60 80 Kilometers
³# ³# Narra
SCALE 1 : 2,500,000
Jose Rizal UNIVERSAL TRANSVERSE MERCATOR PROJECTION
³# CLARKE SPHEROID OF 1866
LUZON DATUM
³# Sofronio Espanola

LEGEND
³# Brookes Point Landcover ( 1998 ) Area (ha)
³#Bataraza ³# Municipality Old-growrth forest 534,370
Municipal boundary Mossy forest 27,271
Municipal/feeder road Residual forest 204,435
Natinal road Marginal forest 19,060
Karst/limestone forest 4,656
Mangrove forest 53,674
Brushland 298,426
Coconut plantation 70,837
Other Plantation 39,223
Grassland 44,968
Paddy field 80,180
Cropland 20,930
³#Balabac Bare/rocky areas 10,839
Mining areas 1,090
Built-up 13,879
Fishpond 1,812
Water body 6,417
Shallow coast 63,447
Source: Prepared and produced by
1998 LandSat TM Imageries
27 October, 2003
@ wp c:\palawan\palrecan.apr

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 25

 II. Executive Summa
Forest Resources
V
FOREST RESOURCES

Monitoring of forest resources under EMES is confined
only to timber and major non-timber products. Timber
products in general cover legally produced/harvested and
confiscated timber or lumber while non-timber products
consist mainly of almaciga resin and rattan derived from
both legal and illegal sources. Data are designed to be
generated through secondary sources mostly from the
Provincial and District Offices of the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources in Palawan.
Unfortunately, available data from DENR are generally
incomplete. Nonetheless, establishment of trends on forest
resources utilization based on information gathered from
the DENR is attempted in this report.
In terms of confiscated timber, no definite time trend
could be drawn from existing data as shown on Figure
6. However, suffice it to say that illegal cutting of
forest trees has not yet been eliminated in Palawan.
As demonstrated on Figure 7, of the seven districts,
District IV-26 covering Puerto Princesa City,
Cagayancillo, Cuyo, Agutaya, Magsaysay and Kalayaan
registered the highest total volume of timber confiscations
at 2,166.45 m3 for the period from 1990-2000 accounting
for 54.89 percent of the total confiscations in Palawan.
District IV-23 covering the Calamian Group of Islands

5.1 TIMBER PRODUCTION

The extent of timber produced in Palawan is being

accounted by recording the volume of timber manifested
by holders of Timber License Agreement (TLA), of Private
Land Timber Permits and of Harvesting Permits in Agro-
Forestry and Integrated Social Forestry Areas including
lumber or timber apprehended and confiscated by law
enforcement agencies of the government. The volume
of timber produced in Palawan from 1990 to 2000 is
illustrated in Figure 5, as shown, a downward trend in
the volume of timber harvested from the forests of
Palawan was manifested. The reduction was particularly
remarkable from 1992 until recently. From as high as
97,000 m3 in 1990, the volume legally produced went
down to as low as 435 m3 in 2000. The decline was
generally brought about by the imposition of a total
commercial log ban in Palawan’s natural forests pursuant
to Republic Act 7611 otherwise known as the Strategic
Environmental Plan for Palawan Act. As a result of the
log ban, all TLA’s in Palawan were cancelled sometime
in 1993. It was likewise observed that from 1994 until
1998, the total volume extracted oscillated around 2,000
m3 but dramatically increased to 8,405 in 1999. The Almaciga (Agathis philippinensis) is a premium
abrupt increase was mainly due to yields from the hardwood tree species that produces a resin
plantations and not from natural forests as in the case of processed into Manila Copal.
the other years.

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 27

 Figure 5. Annual Timber Production, Palawan.

100000
90000
80000
Total Volume

70000
(m3)

60000
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
Year

Figure 6. Annual Manifestation of Confiscated Timber, Palawan.

1600

1400
Volume of Confiscated

1200
1000
Timber
(m3)

800

600
400

200

0
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
Year

Figure 7. Percentage Distribution of Total Timber Confiscated from 1990 to 2000, Palawan.

District IV-23
District IV-29
0.73%
6.44% District IV-24
District IV-28
9.64% 18.52%
District IV-25
District IV-27 5.06%
4.67%

District IV-26
54.89%

28 PALAWAN
 exhibited the least volume of confiscated timber at 28.65
m3 or equivalent to 0.73 percent of the total confiscations
for the same period mentioned. While high demand
for wood as an offshoot of high population count could
possibly lead to more illegal timber extraction, the
presence of more law enforcers in the City of Puerto
Princesa may also have contributed to an increase in
confiscations at said district. Moreover, availability of
adequate communication systems particularly in Puerto
Princesa City could also be a factor to effective
apprehensions and confiscations.
5.2 NON-TIMBER PRODUCTION
Rattan and almaciga resin are the major non-timber
products extracted on a large scale from the forests of
Palawan. Under the law, exploitation of these two
valuable products is allowed only under a valid permit
issued by the State thru the DENR. In Palawan, with the
enactment of RA 7611 in 1992, SEP Clearance has to be
secured first prior to DENR’s issuance of a permit. A
permit is renewable annually.
5.2.1 Almaciga
Almaciga resin is being collected only in areas where
almaciga trees are abundant. Data reveal that almaciga
resin production was recorded only in five of the seven
CENRO-districts in Palawan. For the period from 1990
to 2000, as indicated on Figure 8 the greatest volume on
record of almaciga resin collected in one year was
1,678,604 kg. This was manifested in year 1997. The
least at 184,732 kg was recorded in year 2000. On the
average, the annual rate of almaciga resin production in
Palawan was placed at 751,276 kgs. While data would
show a reduction in the total volume collected from
739,736 in 1990 to 184,732 in 2000, no time series trend
could be established. Nonetheless, the decline could be
attributed to the depletion of almaciga trees due to
Figure 8. Annual Almaciga Resin Production, Palawan.
1,800,000
Annual Almaciga Resin
1,600,000
Production (kg)
1,400,000
1,200,000
1,000,000
800,000
600,000
400,000
200,000
0
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
indiscriminate felling thereof by past logging
II. Executive Summa
concessionaires. Moreover, as disclosed by some resin
Forest Resources
gatherers, their periodic collection have reduced due to
loss of almaciga trees resulting from improper tapping.
Thus, in consideration of the sustained financial benefits
that could be derived from almaciga trees particularly by
the indigenous communities, policies have been formulated
to protect this already endangered tree species from
extinction. A ban on the cutting of Almaciga trees have
been imposed by the DENR. The State, as a matter of
policy also grants preferential rights to indigenous
communities in the awarding of almaciga resin
concessions. Accordingly, applicants for almaciga
concessions are now required to secure Prior Informed
Consent from the affected tribal communities.
In terms of distribution as manifested in Figure 9, District
IV-26 exhibited the highest aggregate production from
1999-2000 at 1,261,462 kg to account for 52.16 percent
of the total for Palawan. The least share of 8.42 percent
was recorded in District IV-27. (Narra and Aborlan).
5.2.2 Rattan
Data on annual production of rattan from 1990 to
1999 as shown in Figure 10 reveal that the highest yield
was 6,235,743 lineal meters and was recorded in 1993.
The ten year average annual production of rattan in
Palawan was placed at 3,347,200 lineal meters. While
there was no clear trend on the intensity of rattan
production from year to year, data reveal that the annual
production of rattan reduced from 4,053,055 in 1990 to
2,512,999 lineal meters in 1999. The decline may be
attributed to the gradual depletion of rattan brought about
by failure of licensees to undertake replenishment or
reforestation programs.
District IV-25 comprising the municipality of Roxas, San
Vicente, Araceli and Dumaran as illustrated in Figure 11
Year
29
 Figure 9. Percentage Distribution of Total Almaciga Production from 1999-2000, Palawan.

District
District
IV-29
IV-25
10.35%
District 13.99%
IV-28
15.08%

District
IV-27
8.42% District
IV-26
52.16%

manifested the highest ten year aggregate production at

Marketable timber trees such as
high-priced dipterocarps are
relatively scarce in Palawan’s
forest. Commercial loggers focused
their interest in the island only after
the forests elsewhere in the
Philippines have been exploited. In
1992, a total commercial log ban in
Palawan was imposed pursuant to
the SEP Law (RA 7611).
12,607,852 lineal meters to account for 37.67 of
Palawan’s total production while District IV-29 (Brooke’s
Point, Bataraza and Balabac) contributed the least share
of 1.45 percent in the total rattan production for the said
period.
In terms of confiscated rattan as indicated in Figure 12,
the aggregate volume confiscated from 1990 to 1997
totalled to 709,609 lineal meters. The highest annual
confiscation was placed at 374,681 kg and was
reflected in 1992. Except for the 1992 figure, data
also reveal a declining trend for annual volume of
confiscated rattan. As the annual production also decline
from 1990 to 1999, the total volume confiscated also
decreased from 152,451 to 13,073 lineal meters in the
same period. The presence of environmental groups
whether organized by LGUs or by non-government
entities and the vigilance of the community and law
enforcers in tracking down illegal activities are viewed
to have deterred environmental law violators from
engaging in illegal activities.

The district which registered the highest aggregate

confiscations from 1990 to 1997 placed at 229,242 lineal
meters was District IV-26. As presented in Figure 13,
District IV-26 contributed the highest share of 32.30
percent in the total confiscations. Again it may be
inferred that confiscations tend to be highest in areas
with greater number of law enforcers as in this district.
The least confiscations accounting for only 1.13 percent
of the total was manifested by District IV-28. (Quezon
and Rizal).

Ipil (Intsia bijuga)

30 PALAWAN
 II. Executive Summa
Figure 10. Annual Rattan Production, Palawan.

Forest Resources
7,000,000

6,000,000
Annual Rattan Production

5,000,000
(lineal meters)

4,000,000

3,000,000

2,000,000

1,000,000

0
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
Year

Figure 11. Percentage Distribution of Rattan Production from 1990-1999 by District, Palawan.

District District District District

IV-28 IV-29 IV-23 IV-24
21.32% 1.45% 1.93% 10.5%

District
IV-27
9.38%

District District
IV-26 IV-25
17.75% 37.67%

Figure 12. Annual Volume of Rattan Confiscated, Palawan.

400,000
Volume of Confiscated

350,000
Rattan (lineal meters)

300,000
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
0
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1997
Year

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 31

 Figure 13. Percentage Distribution of Rattan Confiscations from 1990-1997, Palawan.

District
District District
IV-28
IV-29 IV-23 District
1.13%
12.9% 1.84% IV-24
District
IV-27 27.05%
14.92%

District
District
IV-25
IV-26
9.86%
32.3%

32 PALAWAN
 II. Execuve Summary
Vertebrate Wildlife
VI
VERTEBRATE
WILDLIFE

Palawan and its associated islands and island groups The forests of Palawan have also unique features as
comprise a unique biotic composition as compared to other compared to other Philippine forests. This terrestrial
islands and island-provinces in the Philippines. ecosystem has adapted to relatively low rainfall, higher
Zoogeographical studies have revealed that the Palawan altitudes, and varied substrates, which are mostly
sub-archipelago is a separate faunal subregion as limestone. Generally, these forests have an open-canopy
delineated by the Wallacean biogeographical line. ceiling, allowing a high rate of biomass turnover. This
process thus creates more habitat-niches that can support
Palawan has a rich faunal biodiversity comprising 422 several plant and animal species.
species of terrestrial and marine vertebrate wildlife
accounting for 38.6% of the several wildlife species in 6.1 SPECIES COMPOSITION
the entire country. Some of these wildlife are endemic or
found only in the province or have restricted ranges The following table lists the vertebrate classes of species
confined in a particular area or island. Herpetofaunal found in Palawan and its associated islands and island
studies were conducted in the last two to five years, but groups. Also reflected is the percentage composition in
further verification and checklist updates are needed. For relation to records of wildlife species in the Philippines.
mammalian and avifaunal data, several studies were also
conducted. A consolidation of these data is imperative to Table 2. Comparison of Wildlife Composition of
come up with a general listing of wildlife for the Palawan Palawan and the Philippines.
mainland and its associated islands.
Vertebrate
Palawan Philippines Percent
Class
Mammals 67 201 33.3%
Birds 261 572 45.6%
Reptiles 72 240 30.0%
Amphibians 22 81 27.1%

The preceding table shows that avian species are most

abundant having 261 species and a percentage composition
of 45.6% from the 572 avian species in the Philippines.
This is followed by mammals having 67 terrestrial and
marine species and a 33.3% composition from the 201
mammals in the country. Figure 14 shows a graphical
representation of these data.

Two Palawan Bearcats (Arctictis binturong) raised in 6.2 LOCAL ABUNDANCE

captivity on Calauit Island.
Table 3 characterizes each vertebrate group based on local
abundance. It is however presumed that these data are

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 33

 Figure 14. Species Composition of Palawan and the Philippines

22
Amphibians
81
Vertebrate Group

72
Reptiles
240
Palawan
Philippines
261
Birds
572

67
Mammals
201

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

No. of Species

relative as these may vary from one particular area to
another.
Table 3 shows that there are 98 species of birds, 34
species of reptiles, 28 species of mammals, and 12 species
of amphibians common in the province. Rare species on
the other hand account for 30 reptiles, 26 birds, six
amphibians, and two mammal species.
6.3 CONSERVATION STATUS
Species that are of conservation importance as
determined by the International Union for the
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna
and Flora (CITES) are discussed per vertebrate group.
Appendix C-1 presents a summary of their conservation
and ecological status.
6.4 SPECIES ACCOUNT
6.4.1 Herpetofaunal Community
6.4.1.1 Reptiles
There are 72 recorded reptilian species for the province,
accounting for 30% out of the 240 reptile species in the
Philippines. This vertebrate group is represented by four
orders: (1) TESTUDINATA (Turtles), with two families
and five species; (2) CROCODILIA (Crocodiles, Caimans
and Alligators), with one family and two species; (3)
SAURIA (Lizards), with five families and 24 species; and
(4) SERPENTES (Snakes), with eight families and 40
species. Racers and rot snakes emerged to be the largest
family consisting of 29 species.
Out of these 72 reptilian species, 63 are terrestrial,
including the two species of Crocodiles: Philippine
Crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) and Estuarine
Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), which are also aquatic
in habits. The former is an endangered and endemic
species, while the latter though delisted from the 2000
IUCN list is still banned for trade under CITES Appendix
1. Both species have only a limited number in the wild
due to persecution and habitat loss. Also included with

Table 3. Local Abundance of Palawan Wildlife.

Vertebrate Total FC
C LC U Ra LU Unc Unk
Class Species MC
Mammals 67 28 7 7 10 2 0 1 12
Birds 261 98 12 33 90 26 2 0 0
Reptiles 72 34 5 1 1 30 0 0 1
Amphibians 22 12 0 0 4 6 0 0 0

Note: C = Common, LC = Locally Common, FC/MC = Fairly-Moderately Common,

U = Uncommon, Ra = Rare, LU = Locally Uncommon, Unc = Uncertain,
Unk = Unknown.

34 PALAWAN
 terrestrial and semi-aquatic habits are two species of the
Family Emydidae (Freshwater Turtles). These are the
Malayan Freshwater Turtle (Cuora amboinensis), and
the Serrate-Shelled Leaf Turtle (Cyclemys dentata) which
was recorded in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
National Park (PPSRNP) in 1999.
Other marine reptiles include the endangered sea turtles
of the Chelonidae family: Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas),
Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Olive Ridley
Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), and Loggerhead Turtle
(Caretta caretta). These turtles are also banned for trade
under CITES Appendix 1. Sightings have been recorded
at El Nido, Tubbataha Reef, and Malampaya Sound
among others. Further, Trade-regulated species listed
under CITES Appendix 2 are the following: Monitor
Lizard (Varanidae: Varanus salvator), Reticulated Python
(Boidae: Python reticulatus), Malay Common Cobra
(Elapidae: Naja sumatrana), and the rare King Cobra
(Elapidae: Ophiophagus hannah).
The following table summarizes the reptilian fauna
account for Palawan. (Please see below Table 8 for
definations of table headings). A detailed list and
biological information of recorded reptiles in Palawan
is found in Appendix C-2.
Table 4. Summary of Reptilian Fauna Account
in Palawan.
72
65 (terrestrial/
Total Species:
semi-aquatic)
7 (marine)
30%
Percentage from
(from 240
Philippine Species:
species)
Restricted Range Endemic
Species (found only in 14
Palawan)
Local Endemic Species
(found in Palawan and 12
other provinces):
Restricted Range
Non-Endemic Species 5 Philippine Species:
(found only in Palawan):
Non-Endemic Species: 41
6.4.1.2 Amphibians
There are 22 recorded amphibian species for the province,
accounting for 27.1% out the 81 amphibian species in
the Philippines. This vertebrate group is represented by
two orders: (1) GYMNOPHIONA (Limbless
Amphibians), with 1 family and one species; and (2)
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
ANURA (Tailless Amphibians, Frogs and Toads), with
II. Execuve Summary
six families and 22 species.
Vertebrate Wildlife
The dominant Family Taxon is of the Family Ranidae
(True Frogs), having 8 representative species. This group
comprises the majority of Philippine Frogs having spindle-
shaped or tapered bodies, smooth and slimy skins,
protruding eyes, and webbed toes. They inhabit bodies
of water and wet to moist situations, occupying mostly
forested areas.
Three Philippine endemic species are found only in
Palawan. These are: Philippine Discoglossid Frog
(Discoglossidae: Barbourula busuangensis), Palawan
Toadlet (Bufonidae: Pelophryne albotaeniata), and
Mary’s Frog (Ranidae: Micrixalus mariae). The
Philippine Discoglossid Frog inhabits primary forests and
feeds on aquatic invertebrates. It is a rare and aquatic
frog inhabiting clean, cool mountain streams at lower
elevations. It has been recorded in Busuanga, Culion
Island, PPSRNP, and mainland Palawan. The Palawan
Toadlet is a terrestrial-arboreal bufonid that inhabits
primary forests. This rare species has been recorded from
Thumb Peak and Mt. Balabag in mainland Palawan.
Meanwhile, Mary’s Frog is a rare aquatic frog that also
inhabits forested areas. The species has been recorded
at 850masl from Mt. Balabag along the Mantalingajan
Range in mainland Palawan.
There are also four rare and uncommon non-endemic
species that are restricted only in the province. These
are: Southeast Asian Wood Frog (Ranidae: Rana
sanguinea); and three of the Rhacophoridae family,
Peter’s Tree Frog (Nyctixalus pictus), Rough-Skinned
Tree Frog (Philautus longicrus), and Everett’s Tree rog
(Rhacophorus everetti).
Table 5. Summary of Amphibian Fauna
Account in Palawan.
Total Species: 22
Percentage from 27.1% (from
81 species)
Restricted Range
Endemic Species 3
(found only in Palawan)
Local Endemic Species
(found in Palawan and 3
other provinces):
Restricted Range
Non-Endemic Species
4
(found only in
Palawan):
Non-Endemic Species: 12
35
 Table 6. Trophic Levels of Avian Species in Palawan.

Relative
# of
Trophic Level Proportion
species
(%)
Graminivore 7 2.7
Frugivore 12 4.6
Graminivore-Frugivore 7 2.7
Faunivore 35 13.4
Faunivore-Herbivore 17 6.5
Faunivore-Frugivore 3 1.1
Raptorial 23 8.8
Piscivore 9 3.4
Insectivore 64 24.5
Insectivore-Larvae Feeders 10 3.8
Insectivore-Frugivore 24 9.2
Invertebrate Feeders 40 15.3
Invertebrate-Fruit Feeders 2 0.8
Invertebrate Feeders-Pollinators 6 2.3
Omnivore-Scavengers 2 0.8

Table 7. Habitat types and associated number of avian species in Palawan.

# of
Habitat Type associated
species
Forests: Old Growth, Residual, Secondary Growth, Patches 130
Forest Edge: Marginal types near other ecosystems 66
Clearings: small to medium open spaces 21
Grasslands: extensive tracts of monotypic or dual species of grass
31
species including pastures.
Scrub: woody shrubs, herbs, stunted trees, and thickets 36
Open Areas: extensive general type without canopy cover 39
Orchards / Plantations: monocrop plant species like coconut or
17
mango
Mixed Cultivation / Settlements: multicrop species including
31
agricultural areas and human habitations
Ricefields: type specific either pre- or post- planting, and flooded
56
conditions
Inland Waters: rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams outside forest areas 38
Fishponds: type specific may or may not be in agricultural areas 13
Wetlands / Marshes: water-logged land including swamps and bogs 50
Estuaries: confluence of the sea and lower ends of rivers 11
Mangroves: may be inland or along the coast 37
Coast/Coral-Sandy Flats: coastline with or without sandy substrate
51
and exposed coral reefs
Coral-Sandy-Rocky Islets: exposed coral reefs away from the coast
10
that may or may not be covered with sand
Small Islets with Vegetation: offshore land with clumped or sparse
10
trees and other vegetation

36 PALAWAN
 No threatened and trade-restricted species are recorded.
Table 5 summarizes the amphibian fauna account for
Palawan. (Please see below Table 8 for definitions of table
headings). A detailed list and biological information of
recorded amphibians in Palawan is found in Appendix C-3.
6.4.2 Avian Community
6.4.2.1 Local Abundance
There are 261 recorded avian species with 276 subspecies
or races for the province, accounting for 45.6% out the
572 avian species in the Philippines. This conspicuous
and abundant vertebrate group is represented by 17
orders.
The dominant Family Taxa are Family Scolopacidae
(Sandpipers and Snipes = 22 species) and Family
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets and Bitterns = 17 species)
which consists mostly of migratory species like the Green
Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus), Common Snipe (Gallinago
gallinago), Chinese Egret (Egretta eulophotes), and Great
Egret (Egretta alba) among others. The relatively
undisturbed condition of some islands and islets of
Palawan is contributory to the migration of avian species
in the province as to resident breeders, the Family
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) is well-represented by
14 species.
6.4.2.2 Residency Status and Trophic Levels
Out of the 261 recorded avian species, the following will
be based on the 276 races since there are cases where
one race is confined to a specific island as compared to
its syntype found in another locality or island; or that,
one race is a resident breeder while its syntype is
migratory.
Four Philippine Endemic species are recorded in the
province: Philippine Cockatoo (Cacatua
haematuropygia), Philippine Coucal (Centropus viridis),
Bottle-Nosed Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
II. Execuve Summary
Vertebrate Wildlife
Blue-Naped Parrot (Tanygnathus lucionensis).
Philippine Swiftlet (Collocalia mearnsi), and Pygmy
Swiftlet (Collocalia troglodytes). These species are found
in Palawan and other Philippine provinces only. There
are 21 restricted range endemic species like the Palawan
Peacock Pheasant (Polyplectron emphanum) and
Palawan Hornbill (Anthracoceros marchei), among
others. These species are found only in Palawan and no
other localities. There are also 12 restricted-range non-
endemic species like the Banded Bay Cuckoo
(Cacomantis sonneratii schlegeli) and the Ashy Drongo
(Dicrurus leucophaeus leucophaeus). Although found in
other parts of the world, such species can also be found
only in Palawan. For migratory species and passage
visitors, 93 races have been recorded.
Varieties of feeding guilds were exemplified, indicative
of a wide variety of food sources that determine
ecosystem quality in the province.
Table 6 shows that among the trophic levels reflected,
the 64 generalist insectivores (24.5% of total avian
species) were most dominant, indicating the abundance
of insect species in the diverse ecosystems of the
province. This is followed by 40 invertebrate-feeders at
15.3% due to the coastline and riverine bird species that
rely on such food sources in those areas. Faunivores
rank third at 13.4% as these 35 species feed on various
vertebrate or invertebrate animals.
6.4.2.3 Habitat Distribution
Table 8 shows the distribution of avian species based on
habitat preferences. The numbers do not total to 261
species since some have overlapping habitats and feeding
areas.
The habitat types presented in Table 7 show that the
forested areas yielded the most number of associated
37
 species, having 130 representative species. This is
followed by the forest edge type having 66 associated
species. Most avian species also prefer ricefields,
wetlands, and scrub vegetation. Shoreline birds also
occupy coasts, and offshore exposed coral reefs.
However, some species tend to overlap habitat
preferences as previously stated.
-the species (Ninox scutulata) has a range from Siberia, Japan,
and China
Restricted Range Non-Endemics = Species or subspecies that
are not endemic but can be found only in Palawan.
Ex. Copper-throated Sunbird (Nectarinia calcosthetha)
-can be found in the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, and
Palawan.

Threatened species as classified by the International Parrot (Tanygnathus lucionensis) [Endangered], and
Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) are the Palawan Scops-Owl (Otus fuliginosus) [Vulnerable]
following: Philippine Cockatoo [Critically Endangered], among others. Trade-regulated species listed under
Palawan Peacock Pheasant [Endangered], Blue-Naped CITES Appendix 2 are the following: all diurnal raptors
under Order Falconiformes, except the Peregrine Falcon
(Falco peregrinus), which is under CITES Appendix 1
Table 8. Summary of Avian Fauna
Account in Palawan. [totally banned from trade]; and all nocturnal raptors
under Order Strigiformes, among others.
Total Species: 261
Total Subspecies or Races 276 The following table summarizes the avian fauna account
Percentage from 45.6% (from for Palawan. A detailed list and biological information of
Philippine Species: 572 species) recorded avifauna in Palawan is found in Appendix C-4.
Philippine Endemics: 4
Restricted Range
Philippine Endemics:
21 6.4.3 Mammalian Community
Endemic Races
31 There are 67 recorded terrestrial and marine mammals
(Indigenous):
Restricted Range for the province, accounting for 33.3% out the 201
Endemic Races 44 mammalian species in the Philippines. This vertebrate
(Indigenous): group is represented by ten orders.
Restricted Range
12
Non-Endemics:
The dominant Family Taxon is of the Family
Non-Endemic Resident
Breeders including 71 Vespertilionidae (Vesper and Evening Bats), having 12
Migratory Forms: representative species. This group consists of small to
medium sized insectivorous bats, and having the
Note: characteristic echolocation ability to maneuver and catch
prey in low-light situations. One such species is the
Phil. Endemics = only in the Philippines (Palawan and Other Lesser Asian House Bat (Scotophilus kuhlii), commonly
Provinces)
Ex. Philippine Cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia) found in urban and agricultural areas, buildings, and
- can also be found in Guimaras, Leyte, Luzon, Polillo, among secondary forests as well.
others.
Out of the 67 mammal species, 57 are terrestrial in habits,
Restricted Range Phil. Endemics = also as Palawan Endemics,
found only in Palawan.
while ten are found in the marine environment. This would
Ex. Palawan Hornbill (Anthracoceros marchei) include the three representative species of Family
- found in Mainland Palawan, Balabac, Busuanga, and Calauit Balaenopteridae, or Rorquals. These are large whalebone
whales having the skin of the throat marked with deep
Endemic Races = Subspecies that are found in Palawan and longitudinal furrows. One such species is the rare
other provinces, there may be other subspecies that are found
in other provinces or countries. Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)-sightings
Ex. Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis chinensis) of which have been documented in Taytay, Roxas, and
-can be found in Palawan, Mindoro, Luzon, Negros, among El Nido. Other marine species would include the four
others dolphin species of the Family Delphinidae, the Sperm
-another race (Oriolus chinensis suluensis) is also endemic
but found only in Sulu Province.
Whale (Physeteridae: Physeter catodon), Finless
-the species (Oriolus chinensis) has a range from the Malay Porpoise (Phocoenidae: Neophocaena phocaenoides),
Peninsula to Borneo and the Dugong (Dugongidae: Dugong dugon).

Restricted Range Endemic Races = Subspecies that are found
only in Palawan, there may be other subspecies that are found
in other provinces or countries.
Ex. Brown Hawk-Owl (Ninox scutulata palawanensis)
-another race (Ninox scutulata randi) is also endemic and found
in Basilan, Cebu, Luzon, and Marinduque.
A total of 16 restricted-range Philippine endemic species
are found only in Palawan. These include: Palawan
Shrew (Soricidae: Crocidura palawanensis), Palawan
Flying Squirrel (Sciuridae: Hylopetes nigripes), and
Palawan Porcupine (Hystricidae: Hystrix pumila) among

38 PALAWAN
 others. Still, there are also seven non-endemic species Table 9. Summary of Mammalian Fauna
that are restricted only in the province. Some of these Account in Palawan.

II. Execuve Summary

Vertebrate Wildlife
are: Oriental Small-Clawed Otter (Mustelidae: Amblonyx
cinereus), Binturong or Palawan Bearcat (Viverridae: 67
Arctictis binturong), and Greater Mouse-Deer Total Species: 57 (terrestrial)
(Tragulidae: Tragulus napu), among others. 10 (marine)
33.3% (from all
201 species)
Threatened species as classified by the IUCN are as
Percentage from 31.8% (from 179
follows: Palawan Montane Tree Squirrel (Sciuridae: Philippine Species: terrestrial species)
Sundasciurus juvencus) [Endangered], Palawan Soft- 45.4% (from 22
Furred Mountain Rat (Muridae: Palawanomys furvus) marine species)
[Endangered], CalaMian Hog-Deer (Cervidae: Axis Philippine Endemics: 2 terrestrial
calamianensis) [Endangered], Palawan Stink-Badger Restricted Range
(Mustelidae: Mydaus marchei) [Vulnerable], Palawan 16 terrestrial
Philippine Endemics:
Flying Fox (Pteropodidae: Acerodon leucotis) Restricted Range
[Vulnerable], and the Dugong [Vulnerable] among others. Endemic Races 3 terrestrial
(Indigenous):
Species totally banned from trade under CITES Appendix Restricted Range
7 terrestrial
1 are the following: Leopard Cat (Felidae: Prionailurus Non-Endemics:
bengalensis), Calamian Hog-Deer, all rorquals Non-Endemic 29 terrestrial
(Balaenopteridae), Sperm Whale, Finless Porpoise, and Species: 10 marine
Dugong. Meanwhile, trade-regulated species under CITES
Appendix 2 are as follows: Palawan Flying Fox, Large dolphin species (Delphinidae). The following table (Table
Flying Fox (Pteropodidae: Pteropus vampyrus), Long- 9) summarizes the mammalian fauna account for Palawan.
Tailed Macaque (Cercopithecidae: Macaca fascicularis), A detailed list and biological information of recorded
Malayan Pangolin (Manidae: Manis javanica), and all mammalian species in Palawan is found in Appendix C-5.

The following species have been encountered and/or recorded from different surveys or
inventories by Conservation International Philippines (CI) and the Katala Foundation
Incorporated which will be added to the Central Database of the PCSDS:

Birds
Halcyon smyrnensis White-throated Kingfisher
Numenius madagascariensis Far-eastern Curlew
Numenius tahitiensis Bristle-thighed Curlew

Mammals
Rhinolophus macrotis
Rhinolophus creaghi
Murina cyclotis
Haeromys pusillus
Big-eared Horseshoe Bat
Creagh’s Horseshoe Bat
Round-eared Tube-nose Bat
Pygmy Tree Mouse

Reptiles
Dogania subplana
Dibamus argenteus
Dibamus novaeguinae
Hemiphyllodactylus insularis
Lepidodactylus lugubris
Mabuya indeprensa
Sphenomorphus victoria
Gerarda prevostiana
Natrix (Rhabdophis) spilogaster
Naja naja meolepis
Soft-shelled Freshwater Turtle
Philippine Blind-earless Lizard
Blind-earless Lizard
Small Smooth-scaled Gecko
Mourning Gecko
Four-striped Mabuya
Victoria’s Sphenomorphus
Gerard’s Water Snake
Northern Water Snake
Philippine Common Cobra

Amphibians
Rana cancrivora Asian Brackish Water Frog
Rhacophorus pardalis Gliding Tree Frog
Rana vittigera Common Ricefield Frog

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 39


Despite Palawan’s limited potential area for agricultural
development brought about by unfavorable landforms
and soil characteristics, farming remains to be the
primary occupation of many Palaweños. Crop
production complemented with backyard livestock and
poultry raising are the main activities of the farmers.
As agricultural resources are an important aspect not
only of Palawan’s economy but also of its environment,
acquisition of relevant information thereof is important
in planning for the sustainable development of Palawan.
The lack of opportunities in agricultural areas usually
results in overexploitation of forest resources thus
degrading the environment.
A number of crops are grown in Palawan, but for
purposes of monitoring only rice, corn, cashew, mango
and coconut as the major crops, are considered in this
report. As to animal production only carabao, cattle,
hogs and chicken are commonly raised in the province
and therefore form part of the monitoring scheme.
However, in terms of data availability, the latest
information on livestock and poultry is rather old
compared to crop data.
7.1 CROP PRODUCTION
7.1.1 Rice
Rice is generally grown in paddy fields, rainfed areas
and uplands. In 1980, the total area under rice
cultivation for the whole province was 49, 793 hectares.
However, in 2000 the area was narrowed down to
48,126.70 hectares as shown in Table 10. As further
indicated, the reduction of 1,666.30 hectares comes
mainly from the regulated utilization of upland areas
for rice production. In 1980, of the total area under
rice cultivation, 30,218 hectares were irrigated, 1,093
hectares were rainfed areas and 7,482 hectares were in
the uplands. Incidentally, Narra has the largest area
devoted to rice cultivation.
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Agricultural Resources
II. Executive Summa
VII
AGRICULTURAL
RESOURCES
Further analysis of the data on Table 10 indicates that
some municipalities manifest an increasing trend in
spatial extent of paddy fields particularly Narra where a
marked expansion of 11,587.3 hectares from the 1980
figure of 8,795 was realized in 2000. The massive
construction of irrigation projects in Narra during the
last quarter of the 21st century has enticed farmers to go
into paddy rice cultivation thereby increasing the areal
extent of irrigated areas in said municipality. Moreover,
the municipalities of Taytay and Dumaran also exhibited
an increase of 668 hectares or 52.39 percent and 323
hectares or 62.48 percent respectively over the 1980
record. The same increasing trend was manifested in
the southern municipalities of Palawan. In contrast,
however, northern and island municipalities showed a
decreasing trend in the extent of paddy rice areas. With
respect to lands under rainfed rice production, the
Southern and Northern Municipalities in the mainland
exhibited an increasing trend while the island
municipalities showed a decreasing trend as revealed in
Table 10.
A rice paddy field in Northern Palawan. The top four
rice producing municipalities in the province include
Narra, Taytay, Rizal, and Quezon.
41
 Table 10. Area (ha) devoted to Rice Production by Municipality, Palawan 1980 and 2000.

IRRIGATED RAINFED UPLAND TOTAL

MUNICIPALITY 1980*** 2000 1980*** 2000 1980*** 2000 1980*** 2000

PALAWAN 30218.00 30397.12 12093.00 17357.77 7482.00 371.26 49793.00 48126.15

Mainland 27437.00 30075.12 9849.00 16732.77 5892.00 230.26 38998.00 47038.15

Southern 20254.00 25459.37 5741.00 10814.91 2575.00 230.26 19499.00 36504.54

Municipalities

Puerto Princesa City 759.00 179.90 0.00 204.91 1001.00 25.01 1760.00 409.82
Aborlan 1698.00 435.00 946.00 378.00 275.00 0.00 2919.00 813.00
Narra 8795.00 20382.00 172.00 4737.90 0.00 0.00 8967.00 25119.90
Quezon 3717.00 1787.17 1361.00 1333.90 775.00 0.00 5853.00 3121.07
Rizal* 0.00 985.30 0.00 2619.20 0.00 0.00 0.00 3604.50
Sofronio Espanola** 0.00 230.00 0.00 952.00 0.00 112.00 0.00 1294.00
Brooke's Point 4828.00 936.00 2640.00 110.00 167.00 0.00 7635.00 1046.00
Bataraza 457.00 524.00 622.00 479.00 357.00 93.25 1436.00 1096.25

Northern Municipalities 7183.00 4615.75 4108.00 5917.86 3317.00 0.00 14608.00 10533.61

Roxas 3500.00 600.00 1202.00 1266.50 401.00 0.00 5103.00 1866.50

San Vicente 1107.00 1028.00 650.00 218.60 617.00 0.00 2374.00 1246.60
Taytay 1275.00 1943.00 1140.00 3375.00 807.00 0.00 3222.00 5318.00
El Nido 784.00 204.75 764.00 431.76 1000.00 0.00 2548.00 636.51
Dumaran 517.00 840.00 352.00 626.00 492.00 0.00 1361.00 1466.00

Island Municipalities 2781.00 322.00 2244.00 625.00 1590.00 141.00 6615.00 1088.00

Agutaya 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Araceli 340.00 0.00 654.00 332.50 335.00 0.00 1329.00 332.50
Balabac 415.00 0.00 654.00 0.00 356.00 141.00 1425.00 141.00
Busuanga 180.00 83.00 320.00 80.00 377.00 0.00 877.00 163.00
Cagayancillo 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Coron 1846.00 239.00 616.00 140.00 272.00 0.00 2734.00 379.00
Cuyo 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 250.00 0.00 250.00 0.00
Linapacan 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Magsaysay 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Culion 0.00 0.00 0.00 72.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 72.50
Kalayaan 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

ras/riceprod/emesari
* Barangay of Quezon
** Barangay of Brooke's Point
*** BAEX Socio-Economic Profile, Palawan, 1980

Source: 1980 Census of Agriculture, National Summary Volume I, Final Report

National level 3,640,882 hectares
Regional level 406,067 hectares
Palawan level 51,493 hectares

As to the expanse of land devoted to upland rice
cultivation, a reduction of 2,344.49 hectares from the
1980 record of 7,482 hectares was documented in 2000.
The decline could be attributed to the strict enforcement
of environmental laws in the Province especially during
the nineties. Records also show that in 2000, except for
Balabac, all island municipalities as well as
municipalities in Northern Palawan have ceased to
produce upland rice. On the other hand, all southern
municipalities of mainland Palawan remained to be
upland rice producers.

42 PALAWAN
 The manner by which rice is grown determines the
Agriculture in Palawan is
quantity produced per hectare. In general, irrigated lands generally more difficult than

Agricultural Resources
produce more compared to rainfed areas and uplands as elsewhere in the Philippines

II. Executive Summa

supply of water is usually adequate. For Palawan, 2000 because the soils are poor in
data as shown on Table 11 reveal that yield in irrigated nutrients. Hence, sites for growing
rice was placed at 4.50 tons/ha. and is relatively higher crops have to be selected more
than the regional and national 1999 average production carefully.
level placed at 3.23 and 3.35 metric ton per hectare
respectively. In like manner, the average production for
rainfed rice in Palawan estimated at 3.12 mt/ha is higher
than the regional average of 2.28 metric tons per hectare.
As to upland rice, the average yield realized by farmers
in 2000 was 1.97 mt/ha.

Further analysis of the 1980 and 2000 rice production

data (see Table 11) also shows that on an annual basis,
there is a marked difference in the average yield for
irrigated rice. In the span of twenty (20) years, there was
an increase of 1.79 tons/ha or about 66.05 percent over
the 1980 average annual production rate. Similarly, yield
of rainfed rice increased by 0.64 mt/ha. or about 25.81
percent of the 1980 figure. Increase in the use of fertilizers
and pesticides may have contributed to the improvement
in production. Filipino estimated at 125 kg/year, the estimated rice
production level is deemed sufficient to feed 996,507
Palawan produced a total of 191,636 metric ton of palay persons which is relatively lower than the actual
in 2000. If the population carrying capacity of Palawan population of 775,412 in said year. This means that for
will be based on the per capita rice consumption of a now, Palawan is generally sufficient in rice. However,

Table 11. Average Rice Yield, Palawan, 1980 and 2000.

Average Yield (tons/ha)

Type of Southern Northern Island Average Regional National
Rice Fields Municipalities Municipalities Municipalities Average* Average*

Irrigated

1980 2.706 2.720 2.701 2.709 3.250

2000 4.730 3.280 3.450 4.500 3.230 3.350

Rainfed

1980 2.500 2.500 2.410 2.480 2.000

2000 2.950 2.910 3.630 3.120 2.28

Upland

1980 2.020 2.02 1.804 1.970 no data 2.000

2000 1.750 no data 2.280 1.970 no data no data

* 1999

Source: Economic Potentials and Development Constraints of Palawan pp. 77.

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 43

 Figure 15. Rice Production Percentage Distribution, Palawan, 2000.
All other Municipalities 19.24%
Quezon 3.70%
Rizal 5.11%
Taytay 8.06%
Table 12. Area (ha) and Production of Corn by Year, Palawan.
Year Total Area (ha) Total Production (mt)
1991 20,676.00
2000 12,085.50
2001 11,133.33
with the high annual population growth rate of 3.66%,
rice shortage may set in by year 2007 if increase in rice
production shall not take place. Thus, in order to prevent
possible rice deficiency resulting from increase in
population, more lands should be devoted to rice
complemented with improved rice technology.
The top four rice producing municipalities in the province
in year 2000 include Narra (122,442.80 metric ton),
Taytay (15,452.10 metric ton), Rizal (9,798.41 metric
ton) and Quezon (7,092.61 metric ton). As shown on
Figure 15, Narra, as the rice granary of the Province
accounts for 63.88 percent of the total rice production in
Palawan.
7.1.2 Corn
Corn is another major crop grown in the province primarily
for trading outside of Palawan and secondarily for
livestock and poultry feeds as well as for local human
consumption in the form of green corn.
In 1991, the total area under corn cultivation was 20,676
hectares and this was decreased to 11,133.33 hectares in
2001 attributed to the shift of certain farmers from corn
production to orchard development. Nonetheless, as
reflected in Table 12, despite the reduction in the area
planted with corn, there was an increase in the average
yield of corn from 1.41 mt/ha in 1991 to 2.22 mt/ha in
2001. This was due to the introduction of high-yielding
44
Narra 63.89%
Yield/ha. (mt/ha)
20,676.00 1.41
22,479.00 1.86
24,716.00 2.22
corn varieties. Interestingly, the average yield per hectare
obtained for Palawan remains to be higher than the
national average of 1.74 mt/hectare in 1999.
Based on the 1991 records, the top corn producing
municipalities in the province are Brooke’s Point with
7,613 hectares and Quezon with 4,293 hectares.
7.1.3 Coconut
Coconut is likewise another crop which is largely grown
in the province. On record, 311 out of 430 barangays
have coconut vegetation. Most coconut plantations are
found along the coastal areas of mainland Palawan.
Referring to Table 13, as of year 2000, the extent of
coconut plantation in Palawan is placed at 57,440.96
hectares, sixty nine percent (69%) of which or 39,702.07
hectares are located in southern mainland Palawan. The
remaining 31 percent or 17,738.89 ha is accounted for
by the island municipalities (16% or 9,050.13 ha) and
the municipalities of northern mainland (15% or 8,688.76
ha). Among the various municipalities, Brooke’s Point
registered the highest aggregate area planted to coconut
with 12,859.00 hectares under its domain, followed by
Balabac with 7,053.30 hectares. Cagayancillo has the
lowest coconut area with only 162 hectares.
In terms of production, the average annual rate in the
municipalities of southern mainland Palawan was
relatively high at 1.48 mt/ha or 66 nuts per tree compared
PALAWAN
 Table 13. Coconut Production Data by Municipality, Palawan, 2000.

Agricultural Resources
# of Coconut Area Planted to Copra Avg. Copra Avg. # of

II. Executive Summa

Municipality Producing. Coconut (ha) Production. Production. nuts/tree
Bgys. (metric ton) (mt./ha) (pcs.)

Palawan 311 57,440.96 82,447.76 1.44 57

Mainland 215 48,390.83 69,729.43 1.44 62
Southern Municipalities 145 39,702.07 58,729.10 1.48 66

Puerto Princesa City 36 5,780.57 7,825.95 1.35 68

Aborlan 18 4,062.40 5,094.22 1.25 56
Narra 18 5,627.00 8,021.73 1.43 61
Quezon 14 5,176.20 5,253.12 1.02 69
Rizal 11 2,251.20 2,056.47 0.91 69
Sofronio Espanola 9 1,467.70 2,605.08 1.78 65
Brooke's Point 27 12,859.00 24,821.18 1.93 71
Bataraza 12 2,478.00 3,051.35 1.23 68

Northern Municipalities 70 8,688.76 11,000.33 1.27 55

Roxas 25 4,118.16 6,626.17 1.61 69

San Vicente 10 882.60 1,232.57 1.40 60
Taytay 16 1,433.00 977.65 0.68 45
El Nido 5 1,235.00 1,210.44 0.98 54
Dumaran 14 1,020.00 953.50 0.93 48

Island Municipalities 96 9,050.13 12,718.33 1.41 50

Agutaya 8 48.23 45.05 0.93 48

Araceli 13 327.00 265.13 0.81 51
Balabac 15 7,053.30 10,611.11 1.50 64
Busuanga 15 202.60 238.19 1.18 52
Cagayancillo 5 162.00 165.55 1.02 46
Coron 8 226.00 234.07 1.04 44
Cuyo 11 342.00 387.37 1.13 47
Linapacan 10 229.00 239.02 1.04 52
Magsayasay 11 460.00 532.84 1.16 45
Culion - - - - -
Kalayaan - - - - -

Source; Coconut Industry Profile, PCA, Palawan

to Island Municipalities which registered only 1.41 mt/
ha or 50 nuts per tree. On a per municipality basis,
average production rate in terms of metric tons per
hectare is highest in Brooke’s Point at 1.93 and lowest
in Taytay at 0.68. On one hand, on the basis of nuts per
tree, Brooke’s Point manifested the highest average
annual rate at 71 while Coron depicted the least annual
harvest placed at 44 nuts per tree. This means that
coconut trees in Brooke’s Point are generally productive
compared to other municipalities.
7.2 LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION
Aside from crop production, farmers are also engaged
in livestock and poultry raising to supplement their
consumption requirement and other family needs.
As of 1995, livestock and poultry population in the
province are being raised both in the backyards and in
commercial scale. As to livestock, there are generally
only three types of livestock which are raised largely in
Palawan and these are carabao, cattle and hogs. Carabao
however are basically used as draft animals. Aggregate
provincial data on livestock and poultry production from
1982 to 1995 is presented on Table 14.
As indicated, 1982 record shows that there were 27,616
heads of carabao in the province, but was increased to
32,483 in 1995. However, during the intervening years,
a reduction in carabao population was manifested from
time to time. This situation could be attributed to the
unregulated sale of carabao to Manila by declaring them
unfit as working animals.

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 45

 Table 14. Total Livestock and Poultry Production by Type and by Year.

P O P U L A T I O N (# Heads)
LIVESTOCK POULTRY
Year Carabao Cattle
Backyard Commercial Swine Goat Chicken Ducks

1982 a/ 27,616 17,552 - 46,814 - 482,006 -

1983 a/ 27,914 18,304 - 48,321 - 511,473 -
1984 a/ 28,485 17,748 - 43,807 - 47,350 -
1992 b/ 20,211 14,000 1,024 82,204 20,150 641,953 22,826
1993 c/ 27,855 16,978 14,055 93,085 22,873 584,660 20,075
1994 c/ 20,720 18,204 12,258 98,808 24,525 586,164 20,842
1995 d/ 32,483 19,502 104,768 24,939 599,294 21,309

Source: a/ BAEcon: Ministry of Agriculture, Economic Potentials and Development Constraints

of Palawan, PIADPO, November 1986
b/ Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, Central Officer: PCSDS, Palawan, Statistics A1.02
c/ Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, Palawan
d/ Provincial Planning and Development Office

In the case of cattle, they are being raised both in the
backyard and in commercial scale since 1980. However,
available data in the said year do not reflect segregation
of the population into backyard and commercial scale. It
was only from 1992 up to 1994, where concerned agencies
started to segregate census on commercial and backyard
scale cattle raising in the province. Due to limited data
as shown in Table 14, no trend in commercial scale cattle
production was obtained. Nonetheless, an unusual
increase in cattle population from 1,024 heads in 1992 to
14,055 heads in 1993 was manifested. Unexpectedly
however, the following year commercial production
decreased by 1,797 heads or about 12.79% of 1993.
7.3 POULTRY PRODUCTION
As in the preceding trends, data show that chicken
production had also rose tremendously from 482,006 in
1982 to 599,294 in 1995. Again, the increase could also
have been triggered by the demand for more poultry
products arising from increase in population and in the
number of tourism related establishments such as hotels
and restaurants particularly in Puerto Princesa City
which serves as a ready market for the said commodity.

In terms of backyard production, the trend was observed

to fluctuate from 1982 to 1995. It was further noted that
the aggregate population of cattle raised in backyards is
generally high compared to those raised on a commercial
scale. Nonetheless, the rise in the inventory of cattle
heads from 1882 to 1995 is an indication that cattle raising
is a growing industry in the province.

In the case of hog/swine population, the general trend

showed an increase. In 1982, hog population was
estimated to be 46,814 heads while in 1995 it increased
to 104,768 heads. The rise in swine production could be
attributed to high demand for pork consumption brought
about by the increase in population as well as the number
of tourism related establishments (hotels and restaurants)
in the province especially in Puerto Princesa City which
serves as a ready market for the said commodity.

46 PALAWAN

Water is an important resource to the people of Palawan,
both for today and future generations. The growing trend
of population accounts for the increasing demand for
domestic water consumption. While the people are mainly
dependent on groundwater for their domestic water
requirements, the area with available groundwater
(shallow and deep well area) is only 2,242 sq km or
15.05% of the province’s total land area. The rest are
considered difficult areas because supply of groundwater
is scarce. On the other hand, the agriculture sector is the
main user of the surface water. There are 43 existing
communal irrigation systems with a service area of 10,492
hectares. However, only 47% is considered functional.
Monitoring of Palawan’s water resources is one of the
on-going activities of PCSDS. Currently, a total of
fourteen rivers (10 in Southern Palawan namely: Iraan,
Aborlan, Batang-Batang, Calategas, Aramaywan, Labog,
Pulot, Tigaplan, Tamlang and Panitian; and four in
Northern Palawan: Bacungan, Guinaratan, Inandeng and
Abongan) are being monitored in terms of water quality.
The aim is to generate information as bases for planning
and policy formulation as well as to detect pollution and
other environmental hazards at an early stage. Regular
monitoring was scheduled quarterly.
Water samples collection was done by manual grab
method. The general water quality parameters being
measured in-situ include pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and
temperature, while those that are determined in the
laboratory consist of nitrate and nitrite content, turbidity,
conductivity, total dissolve solids, suspended solids,
alkalinity and hardness. Stream flow of the rivers are
also being measured using Valeport current meter.
8.1 CLIMATE
Palawan is generally typhoon-free except for northern
towns which are occasionally visited by storms. Heavy
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
II. Executive Summa
Water Resources
VIII
WATER RESOURCES
rainfall often accompanied by the southwest monsoon is
usually experienced in July and August.
The province has 2 types of climate. The western section
experiences 2 pronounced dry and wet seasons (Type I)
while the eastern section has no pronounced seasons
(Type III).
8.1.1 Rainfall
There are five PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric,
Geophysical and Astronomical ServicesAdministration)
stations in Palawan namely Puerto Princesa City (where
first rainfall observations started in 1949). Other
PAGASA stations are in Aborlan, Brooke’s Point, Cuyo
and Coron. Other stations were established in Bataraza
by the Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation and in
Tagbita, Rizal by another mining firm.
The Hydrometric Network Program (HNP) implemented
by the Palawan Integrated Area Development Project
Office (PIADPO) and funded by the European Economic
Tigaplan River, Brookes Point, one of the rivers in
Palawan which has excellent general water quality.
47
 Table 15. Mean Annual Rainfall of Different Rainfall Stations in Palawan.

Rainfall Stations Duration Mean Annual

Rainfall (mm)
Puerto Princesa a/ 1949-2003 1334.2
Aborlan a/ 1977-1999 3083.3
Brooke's Point a/ 1956-1989 1558.0
Coron a/ 1961-2002 2290.6
Cuyo a/ 1961-1995 2104.4
Rio Tuba b/ 1983-1999 1712.4
Tagbita c/ 1973-1984 3323.0
Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa d/ 1997-2003 3986.9
Poblacion, El Nido d/ 2001-2003 4601.0
Poblacion, Quezon d/ 1997-2003 2929.7 Source:
Magara, Roxas d/ 1998-2003 3372.2 a/ PAGASA
b/ Rio Tuba Nickel Mines Co.
Abongan, Taytay d/ 1998-2003 2739.7 c/ Soriano Mining Co.
Mainit Brooke' Point d/ 1998-2003 2909.4 d/ PCSDS Rainfall Stations

Table 16. Seasonal Rainfall Data by Station, Palawan.

Number of
Period of Data Number of Number of
Station Intermediate
Capture Dry Months Wet Months
Month
Puerto Princesa 1999 to 2003 5 7 0
Aborlan 1977 to 1999 1 4 7
Brooke's Point 1956 to 1989 4 8 0
Coron 1961-92/1997-2002 5 2 5
Cuyo 1962 to 1965 5 3 4
Rio Tuba, Bataraza 1985 to 2003 4 7 1
Tagbita 1973 to 1984 1 4 7
Cabayugan, PPC 1997 to 2003 2 2 8
Poblacion, El Nido 2001 to 2003 5 0 7
Poblacion, Quezon 1997 to 2003 2 4 6
Magara, Roxas 1998 to 2003 2 4 6
Abongan, Taytay 1998 to 2003 3 2 7
Mainit, Brooke's Pt. 1998 to 2003 1 6 5

Notes: dry months - less than 100 mm rainfall

intermediate months - from 101-250 mm rainfall
wet months - greater than 250 mm rainfall

Community (EEC) had installed rainfall stations in 1985.
However, collection of data was disrupted when the
automatic rainfall equipment malfunctioned in 1986.
To date, the PCSDS operates and maintains six (6)
manually operated rain gauges in six (6) different
municipalities. The five (5) automatic weather stations
installed by the Palawan Tropical Forest Protection
Program (PTFPP) the previous years were all non-
operational.
8.1.2 Annual Rainfall
The mean annual rainfall from the different rainfall
monitoring stations in the province is shown in Table
15. Of the 13 stations (5 PAGASA, 6 PCSDS and 1
mining company), El Nido registered the highest mean
annual rainfall at 4601.0 mm followed by Cabayugan in
Puerto Princesa City at 3986.9 mm. The least mean annual
rainfall was manifested by Puerto Princesa City with
1334.2 mm. The average annual rainfall of all stations is

48 PALAWAN
 Table 17. Severe Weather Disturbances Which Affected Palawan from 1948-1992.

II. Executive Summa

Water Resources
Year Tropical Depression Date Affected Area

1948 Tropical Depression of Rena Nov. 30-Dec. 1 Puerto Princesa

1949 Storm Nov. 10-13 Cuyo, Calamian Group
Storm Nov. 4-8 Cuyo, Calamian Group
Typhoon Oct 31-Nov. 3 Cuyo, Calamian Group
Typhoon Betty Dec. 2-7 Cuyo, Calamian Group
1950 Typhoon Delilah Nov. 18-22 Cuyo, Calamian Group
1951 Typhoon Amy Dec. 5-16 Cuyo, Calamian Group
1954 Typhoon Elsie May 5-9 Cuyo, Calamian Group
Typhoon Tilda Nov. 27-30 Cuyo, Calamian Group
Tropical Storm Dec. 23-27 Puerto Princesa
1955 Typhoon Patsy Nov. 26-Dec. 2 Puerto Princesa
1958 Tropical Depression Nov. 19-24 Northern Palawan
1960 Typhoon Karen Apr. 20-26 Cuyo, Calamian Group
Tropical Storm Moning Nov. 27-29 Cuyo, Calamian Group
1967 Typhoon Bebeng Mar. 2-5 Cuyo, Calamian Group
Typhoon Yayang Nov. 6-8 Puerto Princesa
1968 Typhoon Reming Nov. 13-21 Puerto Princesa
1969 Typhoon Titang Oct. 16-22 Northern Palawan
Tropical Storm Uding Oct. 24-27 Northern Palawan
1972 Typhoon Undang Dec. 1-8 Cuyo & Rest of Northern
Palawan
1977 Typhoon Kuring Jun 13-14 Whole Province
1979 Tropical Storm Karing May 10-16 Northern Palawan
1981 Tropical Storm Unsing Oct. 12-14 Puerto Princesa & Cuyo
1985 Tropical Depression Rubing Oct. 12-13 Puerto Princesa
Typhoon Saling Oct. 16-19 Puerto Princesa
Tropical Storm Edeng Jun. 26-28 Calamian Group
Typhoon Unsang Oct. 21-26 Calamian Group
Tropical Storm Welpring Nov. 1-2 Whole of Palawan
Nov. 4-5 Whole of Palawan
Typhoon Yoning Nov. 5-8 Whole of Palawan
1989 Tropical Depresson Ibiang Jul. 20-21 Whole of Palawan
Typhoon Saling Oct. 9-11 Calamian Group
1990 Typhoon Marian May 19 Crossed Mindanao & Palawan
as a low pressure area
Tropical Depression May 22-23 Crossed Palawan as a low
pressure area
1991 Tropical Storm Bebeng Apr. 24-26 Whole Palawan
Tropical Storm Thelma Nov. 2-7 Southern Palawan
1992 Typhoon Osang Oct. 16-18 Whole Palawan
Typhoon Paring Oct. 18-27 Calamian Group

estimated at 2,734.4 mm. Map 9 shows the geographic correspond when soil moisture deficits can be expected
location of the rainfall station and the corresponding to be insignificant, important for short periods or
computed mean annual rainfall. Details of the total annual pronounced for long periods. Data on mean monthly
rainfall of Palawan are indicated in Appendix D-1a. rainfall by station is reflected in Appendix D-1b.

8.1.3 Seasonal Rainfall
Seasonal rainfall of Palawan consists of wet, intermediate
and dry months. Months with mean monthly precipitation
(mmp) of more than 250 mm are considered wet while
those with mmp of less than 100 mm are categorized as
dry. Those with mmp of 100 mm to 250 mm are classified
as intermediate months. These definitions are vital in terms
of agricultural production because they roughly
Based on available data as shown on Table 16, Cabayugan
manifested the highest number of wet months placed at
eight (8) months in one year, followed by Aborlan, Tagbita,
El Nido and Taytay with seven (7) months. Puerto
Princesa and Brooke’s Point have no defined wet months.
8.1.4 Weather Disturbances
From the period 1948-1992, 24 typhoons, 13 tropical
storms and five tropical depressions hit Palawan. Most

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 49

 occurrences were on the northern part, particularly in
Cuyo and Calamian Group of Islands (CCGI) (see Table
17) with 19 attacks of weather disturbances. Following
CCGI is Puerto Princesa with eight (8) weather
disturbances on the record. Disturbances usually occur
in the months of October to December and some during
the wet months of May and June.
8.2 GENERAL WATER QUALITY
which is between pH 6.5 to pH 8.5 except for two sites.
The Inandeng River has a pH value of 5.9 on March
2000 while Iraan River has a pH of 6.4 and 6.25 for
December 1999 and May 2000 respectively. Based on
the 1988 Soil and Land Resources Evaluation Study made
on the chemical properties of the soil within the catchment
areas, the pH values range from 4 to 6. The said acidic
characteristics of the soil possibly influenced the low pH
values on several occasions in some of the catchments.

Interpretation of data pertaining to the general water
quality of rivers in Palawan consists of comparative
analysis between the results of both on-site measurements
and laboratory tests performed on samples taken from
monitoring sites and the standards set in the Philippine
Revised Water Usage and Classification Water Quality
Criteria (PRWU and CWQC) as provided in
Administrative Order No. 34, series of 1990 issued by
Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Since
water sampling was done only for at least once or twice a
year, average annual concentration was not computed.
Instead the average concentration based on data generated
is used in the discussion. Data on the water quality
parameters are shown in Appendix D-2.
8.2.1 pH
The pH value represents the hydrogen ion activity in
water. Most natural waters have a pH ranging from pH
5 to pH 9 and are often slightly acidic or basic due to the
presence of carbonates and bicarbonates. Any deviation
from the normal pH for a given water indicates
contamination of acidic or basic wastes.
The results of the on-site measurements of pH (Appendix
D-2) during wet and dry season for all of the sampling
sites are within the PRWU and CWQC for freshwater
During the August 2000 sampling the pH values of rivers
were within the 6.5 to 8.5 range. Figures 16 and 17
illustrate in graphical form the pH values obtained from
the samples in southern and northern Palawan respectively.
8.2.2 Suspended Solids
Suspended solids are materials that float in suspension in
water which could possibly come from natural soil erosion,
organic matter within the body of water or waste from
human activities. These materials are carriers of organic
and inorganic pollutants including heavy metals, pathogens
and nutrients.
As shown on Figure 18, the amount of suspended solids
in samples taken from the rivers of Southern Palawan
were within the 50 mg/L maximum limit for Class A
freshwater of the PRWU and CWQC except for few
occasions which occurred during the wet season of 1998
and 2000 for Calategas, Iraan, Aramaywan, and Labog
Rivers.
In the case of Northern Palawan as indicated on Figure
19, samples taken from Guineratan River exhibited the
highest concentration of suspended solids with an average
of 246.7 mg/L followed by Abongan River which has 77
mg/L. Except for Bacungan River, the sample

Figure 16. pH Value of Water Samples from River Stations in Southern Palawan.

10.00
pH Level (standard: 6.5-8.5)

9.00
8.00
7.00
6.00 Lowest
5.00 Average
4.00 Highest
3.00
2.00
1.00
0.00
an

lan
lan

g
lot
ian
as

bo
n

lan
Ira

wa

Pu
tan
eg

ap

or
La

nit

m
ay

Ab
lat

Pa
Tig

Ba

Ta
am
Ca

g-
Ar

tan
Ba

Municipality

50 PALAWAN
 Figure 17. pH Value of Water Samples from River Stations in

II. Executive Summa

Northern Palawan.

Water Resources
9.00
pH Level (standard: 6.5-8.5)
8.00
7.00
6.00
Lowest
5.00
Average
4.00
Highest
3.00
2.00
1.00
0.00
Guineratan Inandeng Abongan Bacungan

Municipality

Figure 18. Concentration of Total Suspended Solids in Water

Samples from River Stations in Southern Palawan.
Suspended Solids, mg/L (standard:

250.00

200.00

150.00 Lowest
max. of 50)

Average
100.00 Highest

50.00

0.00
an

lan

lan

lot

g
ian
as

bo

lan
Ira

wa

Pu
tan
ap
eg

or
La

nit

m
ay

Ab

Ba
lat

Tig

Pa

Ta
am
Ca

g-
Ar

tan
Ba

Municipality

Figure 19. Concentration of Total Suspended Solids in Water

Samples from River Stations in Northern Palawan.
Solids, mg/L (standard: max. of 50)
Concentration of Total Suspended

1,400.00

1,200.00

1,000.00
Lowest
800.00
Average
600.00
Highest
400.00

200.00
0.00
Guineratan Inandeng Abongan Bacungan

Municipality

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 51

 Figure 20. Turbidity Readings in Water Samples from River
Stations in Southern Palawan.

250

200
Lowest
150
FTU

Average
100
Highest
50

0
an

lan
n

g
lot
ian
as

bo

lan
pla
Ira

wa

Pu
tan
eg

or
La

nit

m
ga
ay

Ab
lat

Ba

Pa

Ta
Ti
am
Ca

g-
Ar

tan
Ba
Municipality

Figure 21. Turbidity Readings in Water Samples from River

Stations in Northern Palawan.
800

700

600

500
Lowest
FTU

400 Average

300 Highest

200

100

0
Guineratan Inandeng Abongan Bacungan
Municipality

High values of suspended solids and turbidity of water at the Guineratan River were due to the gold mining activities at the
upper part of the catchment. Stripping of the top soil to extract the ore and the subsequent neglect to rehabilitate and
restore the mined out areas brought about the degradation of the river water resulting in the high values of suspended
solids and turbidity obtained from the samples. Findings of the investigation conducted by the Environment and Natural
Resources Office (ENRO) of the Provincial Government of Palawan showed that said gold mining operation which started
in 1993 have not ceased even up to the present despite the expiration of the small scale gold panning permits issued to gold
panners.

concentration obtained from the other rivers exceeded the
DENR standards of 50 ppm set for Class A freshwater at
least once during the survey period. The average
concentration of total suspended solids in each river station
is indicated in Map 10.
8.2.3 Turbidity
Turbidity is a measure of water cloudiness due to
suspended solids. Just as Guineratan River registered the
highest concentration of suspended solids, it likewise
exhibited the highest value of turbidity as manifested
in Figures 20 and 21. Again, Abongan River ranked
second in terms of turbidity.
Generally , the concentration of solids and values of
turbidity are higher during wet season compared to dry
season. It can be explained by the sediments that go
with the run off water during wet season.

52 PALAWAN
 8.2.4 Temperature Southern Palawan are within the PWRU and CWQC for

II. Executive Summa

freshwater except for 1999 sampling while Iraan,

On-site temperature readings depend on the amount of
sunlight and time of measurement. As shown in Figures
22 and 23, the temperature readings range from 23.36 ºC
to 34.8 ºC and 26.1 ºC to 30.1 ºC for the sampling sites
in Southern and Northern Palawan respectively. The
highest and lowest values were taken at noontime and early
morning at Aramaywan River.
8.2.5 Dissolved Oxygen
Water Resources
Calategas and Aramaywan Rivers manifested values less
than the standard of 5 mg/L of DO.
During the sampling period on March 2000, the DO levels
of Guineratan River and Inandeng River were 2.8 and 3.0
mg/L respectively. The low levels can be attributed to
the decomposition of organic substances observed in the
river and very slow river flow. Nonetheless, the DO levels
went back to normal during the succeeding wet season.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) is a very important indicator
for the survival of aerobic organisms in water. The
PRWU and CWQC has set a minimum standard
concentration of 5 mg/L DO for Class A freshwater.
Concentration of DO is higher during wet season compared
to dry season because of greater stream flow that gives
more aeration to the river water as indicated on Figure
24 and 25. The DO levels at the monitoring sites in
8.2.6 Conductivity and Total
Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Conductivity is a measurement of water’s capacity for
conveying electrical conductance and is directly related
to the concentrations of ionized substances in water.
Conductivity is commonly used to determine the TDS
in water.

Guineratan River, Roxas, contains high

values of suspended soil and turbidity brought
about by gold mining activities at the upper
catchment.

Figure 22. Temperature Readings in Water Samples from River

Stations in Southern Palawan.
40.0
Celsius

35.0
30.0
25.0 Lowest
o

20.0 Average
Temperature Readings

15.0 Highest
10.0
5.0
0.0
an

lan

lot

g
ian
as

bo

pla

lan
Ira

wa

Pu
tan
eg

or
La

nit

m
ga
ay

Ab
lat

Pa
Ba

Ta
Ti
am
Ca

g-
Ar

tan
Ba

Municipality

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 53

 Figure 23. Temperature Readings in Water Samples from River
Stations in Northern Palawan.
Temperature Readings, o Celsius

35.0
30.0
25.0
Lowest
20.0
Average
15.0
Highest
10.0
5.0
0.0
Guineratan Inandeng Abongan Bacungan

Municipality

Figure 24. Concentration of Dissolved Oxygen in Water Samples

from River Stations in Southern Palawan.
Concentration of Dissolved Oxygen

12.00
10.00
mg/L (standard: min. of 5)

8.00 Lowest
6.00 Average
4.00 Highest
2.00
0.00
an

lan

lan

lot

g
ian
as

bo
n

lan
Ira

wa

Pu
tan
ap
eg

or
La

nit

m
ay

Ab

Ba
lat

Pa
Tig

Ta
am
Ca

g-
Ar

tan
Ba

Municipality

Figure 25. Concentration of Dissolved Oxygen in Water Samples

from Stations in Northern Palawan.
Concentration of Dissolved Oxygen mg/L

10.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
(standard: min. of 5)

6.0 Lowest
5.0 Average
4.0 Highest
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
Guineratan Inandeng Abongan Bacungan

Municipality

54 PALAWAN
 Except for Labog River which is affected by saline water units. At the time of the samplings, traces of river bank

II. Executive Summa

from the coastal area particularly during high tide, the erosion were noted and gravel and sand extraction at the

Water Resources
conductivity and TDS measurements obtained from upstream, thereby affecting the color values. Moreover,
southern (Figure 26) and northern (Figure 27) Palawan decomposing organic matter such as leaves, trunks and
monitoring stations were found to be within the PWRU mangrove bark left at the river bank under the bridge
and CWQC standard of 1,000 ppm for Class A freshwater. could also have affected the values obtained.

8.2.7 Color As to the other sites, Calategas River has values of color
ranging from 37 to 1,022 units; Aramaywan River with
Color in water results from leaching of organic debris, color units ranged from 42 to 720, and of Iraan River
metallic salts and dissolved or suspended materials. The with color ranged from 29 to 281 units.
apparent color includes not only the color due to
substances but also that of suspended matter. The nature Only Tigaplan River with color values ranging from 0 to
of the soil within the catchment area also affects the color 101 units or an average value of 34.39 units had met the
of the water that drains to the river being sampled. 50 units PWRU and CWQC for Class A freshwaters.

As illustrated in Figure 28, Labog River has the highest In case of Northern Palawan as manifested in Figure 29,
values of color compared to other rivers in Southern all sampling sites exhibit values that exceeded the 50
Palawan. The valued obtained ranged from 54 to 523 color units set by the PRWU and CWQC for Class A

Figure 26. Concentration of Total Dissolved Solids in Water Samples

from River Stations in Southern Palawan.
Total Dissolved Solids, mg/L

50000
(standard: max. of 1,000)

45000
40000
35000
30000 Lowest
25000 Average
20000 Highest
15000
10000
5000
0
an
g

lan

lan

lot

g
ian
as

n
bo

lan
Ira

wa

Pu
an
ap
eg

or
La

nit

m
ay

Ab

at
lat

Pa
Tig

Ta
-B
am
Ca

ng
Ar

ta
Ba

Municipality

Figure 27. Concentration of Total Dissolved Solids in Water Samples

from River Stations in Northern Palawan.
Total Dissolved Solids, mg/L

500
(standard: max. of 1,000)

450
400
350
300 Lowest
250 Average
200 Highest
150
100
50
0
Guineratan Inandeng Abongan Bacungan

Municipality

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 55

 Figure 28. Values of Color in Water Samples from River Stations
in Southern Palawan.

(standard: max. of 50)

1,200
1,000
Pt-Co Units

800 Lowest
600 Average
400 Highest
200
0
an

lan
n

lot

g
ian
as

bo
n

pla

lan
Ira

wa

Pu
tan
eg

or
La

nit

m
ga
ay

Ab
lat

Pa
Ba

Ta
Ti
am
Ca

g-
Ar

tan
Ba
Municipality

Figure 29. Values of Color in Water Samples from River Stations

in Northern Palawan.
3500
(standard: max of 50)

3000
Pt-Co Units

2500
Lowest
2000
Average
1500
Highest
1000
500
0
Guineratan Inandeng Abongan Bacungan

Municipality

freshwater. Results of analysis show that Guineratan 8.2.9 Total Alkalinity

River has manifested the highest vale of color at 3,303
units obtained during the November 1998 sampling
following several days of heavy rains caused by weather
disturbances.
8.2.8 Chloride
Chloride is present in water as metallic salt but in low
concentrations. The chloride concentrations of the
samples from the monitoring stations ranged from 1 to
53 mg/L except for Labog River which manifested
exceedingly higher values as it is being affected by
oceanic tides. Figures 30 and 31 illustrates
concentrations of chloride in samples obtained from
monitoring stations in Southern and Northern Palawan
respectively.
Alkalinity is a characteristic of water which refers to the
capability of water to neutralize acid by its bicarbonate,
carbonate or hydroxide content. Natural water usually
contains less alkaline than wastewater or polluted waters.
The alkalinity of water samples from monitoring sites
ranges between 11 to 215 mg/L CaCO3 wherein Iraan
River has the highest value. On the other hand, Calategas
and Labog rivers exhibited the highest average value of
alkalinity which is 144 mg/L in calcium carbonate
concentration while Inandeng River had the lowest which
is only 15.6 mg/L. Total alkalinity of water samples
drawn from monitoring sites in Southern and Northern
Palawan is shown on Figures 32 and 33 respectively.

56 PALAWAN
 Figure 30. Concentration of Chloride in Water Samples

II. Executive Summa

from River Stations in Southern Palawan.

Water Resources
Chloride, mg/L
2,000
1,500 Lowest
1,000 Average
500 Highest
0 an

lan
n
as

bo
n

g
pla
Ira

wa

an
eg

or
La

ga
ay

Ab

at
lat

Ti

-B
am
Ca

ng
Ar

ta
Ba
Municipality

Figure 31. Concentration of Chloride in Water Samples from River

Stations in Northern Palawan.
45.0
40.0
35.0
Chloride, mg/L

30.0
Lowest
25.0
Average
20.0
Highest
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0
Guineratan Inandeng Abongan Bacungan

Municipality

Figure 32. Concentration of Calcium Carbonate in Water Samples

from River Stations in Southern Palawan.
250.0
Calcium Carbonate, mg/L

200.0

150.0 Lowest
Average
100.0 Highest

50.0

0.0
an

lan
n

lot

g
ian
as

bo
n

lan
pla
Ira

wa

Pu
tan
eg

or
La

nit

m
ga
ay

Ab
lat

Pa
Ba

Ta
Ti
am
Ca

g-
Ar

tan
Ba

Municipality

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 57

 Figure 33. Concentration of Calcium Carbonate in Water Samples
from River Stations in Northern Palawan.
300.0
Calcium Carbonate, mg/L
250.0

200.0
Lowest
150.0 Average
Highest
100.0

50.0

0.0
Guineratan Inandeng Abongan Bacungan

Municipality

Figure 34. Total Hardness in Water Samples from River Stations

in Southern Palawan.
800
Total Hardness, mg/L

700
600
500 Lowest
400 Average
300 Highest
200
100
0
an

lan
lan

lot

g
ian
as

bo

ng

lan
Ira

wa

Pu
ap
eg

or
La

nit
ta

m
ay

Ab
lat

Pa
Tig

Ba

Ta
am
Ca

g-
Ar

tan
Ba

Municipality

Figure 35. Total Hardness in Water Samples from River Stations

in Northern Palawan.
250

200
Total Hardness, mg/L

150 Lowest
Average
100 Highest

50

0
Guineratan Inandeng Abongan Bacungan

Municipality

58 PALAWAN
 8.2.10 Total Hardness

II. Executive Summa

Water Resources
Hardness represents the total concentration of calcium
and magnesium expressed as their calcium carbonate
equivalent. When other polyvalent metal ions are present
in significant amounts, they also are determined and
reported as hardness.

Based on the results of analysis as shown on Figures 34

(Southern Palawan) and 35 (Northern Palawan),
Calategas and Iraan River had the highest value which is
238 mg/L calcium carbonate and Guineratan River had
the lowest value which is 8 mg/L. Further, as indicated,
the hardness of water is lower during wet season compared
to the dry season because of dilution from rainfall.
Batang-Batang River, Narra, partially supplies the
water requirments of the Narra alluvial plains,
8.3 NUTRIENTS Palawan’s widest paddy ricefield.

Nitrogen and phosphorous are major nutrients that move

from land to bodies of water where they become part of
the aquatic food chain. These nutrients are essential for
growth but excessive inputs will cause eutrophication that
trigger algal blooms.
8.3.1 Nitrogen Nitrate and Nitrite
Nitrogen occurs in water as nitrate and nitrite ions and
in cationic form as ammonium. Ammonium cations are
strongly absorbed on mineral surfaces while anionic
species such as nitrate are readily transported in water
and are stable over a considerable range of conditions.
Water samples from the sampling sites as illustrated in
Figures 36, 37, 38 and 39 have nitrate concentrations
ranging from 0.00 to 7. 5 mg/L. Inandeng River had the
highest value of nitrate (7.5 mg/L) while Iraan and
Guineratan Rivers had the lowest (0 mg/L). Iraan,
Inandeng and Abongan Rivers had the lowest value with
0 mg/L nitrite concentration while Guineratan River had
the highest value which is 0.119 mg/L. Higher
concentration of nitrate and nitrite were observed during
wet season possibly caused by the carabao and cows
using the river as a temporary corral and leaving the
leaching waste behind.

Figure 36. Concentration of Nitrogen-Nitrate in Water Samples

from River Stations in Southern Palawan.
5.0
4.5
4.0
(standard: max. of 10)
Nitrogen-Nitrate, mg/L

3.5
3.0 Lowest
2.5 Average
2.0 Highest
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
an

lan
lan

lot

g
ian
as

bo
n

lan
Ira

wa

Pu
tan
ap
eg

or
La

nit

m
ay

Ab
lat

Ba

Pa
Tig

Ta
am
Ca

g-
Ar

tan
Ba

Municipality

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 59

 Figure 37. Concentration of Nitrogen-Nitrate in Water Samples
from River Stations in Northern Palawan.
8

7
Nitrogen-Nitrate, mg/L
(standard: max. of 10)
6

5
Lowest
4 Average
3 Highest

0
Guineratan Inandeng Abongan Bacungan

Municipality

Figure 38. Concentration of Nitrogen-Nitrite in Water Samples

of River Stations in Southern Palawan.
0.12

0.10
(standard: max. of 10)
Nitrogen-Nitrite, mg/L

0.08
Lowest
0.06 Average
Highest
0.04

0.02

0.00
an

lan
lan

lot

g
ian
as

bo

ng

lan
Ira

wa

Pu
ap
eg

or
La

nit
ta

m
ay

Ab
lat

Pa
Tig

Ba

Ta
am
Ca

g-
Ar

tan
Ba

Municipality

Figure 39. Concentration of Nitrogen-Nitrite in Water Samples

from River Stations of Northern Palawan.
0.120
(standard: max. of 10)
Nitrogen-Nitrite, mg/L

0.100

0.080
Lowest
0.060 Average
Highest
0.040

0.020

0.000
Guineratan Inandeng Abongan Bacungan

Municipality

60 PALAWAN
 As indicated the observed nitrate concentration of water Palawan has 28 rivers, 15 lakes, 44
waterfalls and countless small

II. Executive Summa

samples were still within the 10 mg/L maximum level

Water Resources
for Class A freshwater. streams. Potential volume of water
for domestic and industrial use is
assumed high throughout the
8.3.2 Phosphorous mainland.

Like nitrogen, phosphorous is also essential to the growth

of organisms and may limit the primary productivity of a
body of water. It occurs in natural water and wastewater
as phosphates and usually comes from urban and
agricultural sewage, detergents and fertilizers applied in
agricultural and residential lands. Soil erosion can be a
possible source of suspended phosphate in river water.

As depicted on Figure 40 and 41, the concentration levels

of phosphorous found in water samples taken were not
within the PRWU and CWQC standard for Class A
freshwater which is 0.1 mg/L except for Inandeng River
which had an average of 0.09 mg/L.

8.4 CONCLUSION

The baseline information on water quality include
parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen,
conductivity, total dissolved solids, suspended solids,
color, turbidity, alkalinity, hardness, chloride, nitrogen
nitrate, nitrogen nitrite, nitrogen ammonia and
phosphorous. Stream flow was measured at the time of
sampling.
Based on the analysis of water samples taken from the
different monitoring rivers, significant findings are
enumerated as follows:
a. The pH levels of samples from Inandeng and Iraan
Rivers were below 6.5 minimum limit on few occasions.
b. The suspended solids of samples from Aramaywan,
Aborlan, Calategas, Iraan and Labog rivers exceeded the
50 mg/L permissible level of Class A freshwater once
during the sampling period from September 1996 to
August 2000 while Panitian, Abongan and Guineratan
River had exceeded twice or thrice. Guineratan River
exhibited the highest average concentration of suspended
solids especially after heavy rainfall in the catchment
area.

Figure 40a. Concentration of Phosphorous in Water Samples

from River Stations in Southern Palawan.

0.50
0.45
(standard: max. of 0.1)
Phosphorous, mg/L

0.40
0.35
0.30 Lowest
0.25 Average
0.20 Highest
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.00
an

lan
n

g
lot
ian
as

bo
n

g
pla

lan
Ira

wa

Pu
tan
eg

or
La

nit

m
ga
ay

Ab

Ba
lat

Pa

Ta
Ti
am
Ca

g-
Ar

tan
Ba

Municipality

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 61

 Figure 40b. Concentration of Phosphorous in Water Samples
from River Stations in Northern Palawan.
0.70
(standard: max. of 0.1)
0.60
Phosphorous, mg/L

0.50

0.40 Lowest
Average
0.30
Highest
0.20

0.10

0.00
Guineratan Inandeng Abongan

Municipality

c. Guineratan and Inandeng Rivers had very low
dissolved oxygen levels which occurred during the March
2000 sampling where the river flow was almost nil.
d. Guineratan and Abongan Rivers samples had the
most turbid and highest color intensity.
e. The conductivity of river water is generally low
during wet season compared to the dry season.
f. The sampling site at Labog River is affected by
oceanic tide as evidenced by the high conductivity and
chloride concentration of sample.
contains high concentration of suspended solids. It is
hereby recommended that special study will be conducted
regarding the on-going operations of gold mining
activities at the catchment area of Guineratan located in
Barangay Magara, Roxas, Palawan. The operators should
be compelled to manage and mitigate the adverse
environmental impacts of their mining activities.
b. Implementation of riverbank stabilization program
particularly along Labog River.
c. Continuous water quality monitoring to generate more
information.

g. Guineratan River had the poorest water quality of

all the monitoring sites. This might be an impact of on
going gold mining activities at the catchment area.

h. Most of the monitoring rivers have been subjected

to sand and gravel quarrying activities. Labog river has
been experiencing severe river bank erosion near the
sampling site.

8.5 RECOMMENDATIONS

Despite limited funds for laboratory operations, water

quality monitoring was continuously undertaken. The staff
had generated baseline information on water quality.
Based on the results of the program, the following are the
recommendations for consideration of the PCSDS
management and concerned LGUs :

a. Initial water quality data gathered showed impact of

the gold mining activities at the upper catchment area of
Guineratan. The river water has been very turbid and

62 PALAWAN
 Map 9. Mean Annual Precipitation, Palawan, 1949-2003.
600000 800000

MEAN ANNUAL PRECIPITATION

Province of Palawan

1400000
1400000

30 0 30 60 Kilometers
#Y

1 : 2,500,000

!9
Busuanga
#Y
Coron

Culion
#Y

#Y
Linapacan

El Nido
!9 #Y
Agutaya Y
#

1200000
1200000

South China Sea Magsaysay

Taytay
#Y
Cuyo
!9
Y
#
Y
#

San Vicente
#Y
!9 Araceli
#Y

#Y

9
Dumaran

!
!9
#Y

Roxas

Sulu Sea
!9 Puerto Princesa City
#Y

Cagayancillo

!9
Y
#

!9
Aborlan

1000000
1000000

Quezon Y
#
Y
#

Rizal Narra
Y
#

LEGEND
!9!9
Y
#

Sofronio Española

!9
Mean annual rainfall (mm)
!9
Y
#

Brooke's Point 1001 - 1500

!9
Y
#

1501 - 2000
!9 Bataraza
!9 2001 - 2500

!9 2501 - 3000

!9 3001 - 3500

!9 3501 - 4000
Balabac
!9 4501 - 5000

Source: Rainfall stations operated by PAGASA,

RTNMC, Soriano Mining Co., and PCSDS.
800000
800000

600000 800000

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 63

 Map 10. Concentration of Total Suspended Solids in Rivers, Palawan, 1998-2003.
600000 800000

CONCENTRATION OF TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS IN RIVERS

Province of Palawan

1400000
1400000

%[

Busuanga
%[
Coron
30 0 30 60 90 Kilometers
Culion
%[

1 : 2,500,000

%[
Linapacan

El Nido %[
Agutaya %[

Magsaysay
Taytay Cuyo

1200000
1200000

%[
%[
%[

South China Sea San Vicente

$ Araceli
$
%[

%[
%[

Dumaran

$ %[

Roxas
$
$
$ %[

Puerto Princesa City

Cagayancillo
Sulu Sea
%[

$$
%[

Aborlan
Quezon
%[ $ $$Narra$
%[

Rizal
$
1000000
1000000

%[

$%[

Sofronio Española
$
$
%[

%[
Brooke's Point
Bataraza LEGEND
Total suspended solids (ppm)
Within standard: 50 ppm
$ 0 - 10
$ 10 - 20
$ 20 - 30

Balabac $ 30 - 40

$ 40 - 50
Not within standard

$
#

220 - 230

$ Incomplete data
800000
800000

Source: PCSDS River stations

600000 800000

64 PALAWAN
 Map 11. Concentration of Total Dissolved Solids in Rivers, Palawan, 1998-2003.
600000 800000

CONCENTRATION OF TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS IN RIVERS

Province of Palawan

1400000
1400000

#Y

Busuanga
#Y
Coron
30 0 30 60 90 Kilometers
Culion
#Y

1 : 2,500,000

#Y
Linapacan

El Nido #Y
Agutaya Y
#

South China Sea Magsaysay

Taytay

1200000
1200000

Cuyo Y
#
Y
#

#Y

# Araceli
San Vicente #Y

#
#Y
#Y

Dumaran
#Y

# Roxas
#

#
# Y
#

Puerto Princesa City

Cagayancillo Y
#

##
Y
#
Sulu Sea
Aborlan
Quezon
# ##Narra# Y
#

#
Y
#

Rizal

1000000
1000000

Y
#

# Sofronio Española
Y
#

#
Y
#

# Brooke's Point
LEGEND
Y
#

Bataraza
Total dissolved solids (ppm)
# Within standard (1,000 ppm)
# 50 - 100
# 100 - 150
# 150 - 200
# 250 - 300

#Y
Balabac ## 300 - 350
Not within standard
# 5,500 - 5,550
# Incomplete data
800000
800000

Source: PCSDS River stations

600000 800000

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 65


9.1 MANGROVE FOREST
9.1.1 Importance of Mangroves
Mangroves are plants specially adapted to grow well in
estuarine environments in their peculiar environment niche.
Mangroves provide an array of benefits. They act as
buffers during storms providing storm shelter from strong
winds and wave action. They also act as filters, absorbing
noxious contaminants. Silt from floods and run-offs settle
at the base of these wetlands preventing siltation of oceans,
rivers and lakes. As a life support system, mangrove
swamps also support a wide variety of fish and other
marine life, almost sixty-six percent (66%) of the seafood
we eat are produced by this wetland (Tan 1992).
Mangrove wetlands also serve as shelter for a variety of
waterfowl and other birds.
Mangroves are likewise economically important.
Traditionally, mangrove wetlands are not given much
importance and were considered nuisance to be eliminated.
Today, people are more aware that mangroves have
economic importance and are now considered a valuable
resource that ought to be protected and conserved. In
Palawan, mangrove trees are commonly utilized by local
communities as materials for house and fence construction
and fishing gear fabrication, and as firewood and charcoal.
The bark is also used as tuba wine clarifier and as a source
of tannin and turpentine.
9.1.2 Mangrove Forest Cover
The Landsat data for the mangrove cover of the province
excluding Cuyo, Magsaysay, Agutaya, and Cagayancillo
between 1979 to 1998 is shown in Table 18. As indicated,
from 1992 to 1998, an overall increase of 744 hectares
was observed. Some areas registered increase in mangrove
cover during the intervening years from 1984 to 1998.
Between the years 1979 and 1984, 450 ha of mangrove
forest was lost which can be attributed to fishpond
development, a major cause of mangrove forest decline.
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
II. Executive Summary
Coastal Resources
IX
COASTAL RESOURCES
In 1992 the mangrove forest for mainland Palawan was
estimated at 36,193 hectares (Landsat Images, JAFTA,
1992), a decline of 9,808 ha or 21.32% from that of the
mangrove forest cover in 1984 computed at 46,000.00
ha (Satellite Images, 1984), Table 18. The rate of
reduction was placed at 1226/ha. A decline in the
mangrove forest cover between the years 1984 to 1992
was recorded in the municipalities of Bataraza 4,4112
ha (40.10%), Puerto Princesa 3,248 ha (44.50%),
Brooke’s Point. 2,466 ha (91.35%), Quezon 1,908 ha
(57.81%), Rizal 1,448 ha (38.10%), and El Nido 343
ha (12.69%). However, there was an increase in the
mangrove areas in the municipalities of Espanola,
Taytay, San Vicente, Narra, Aborlan, Roxas, and
Dumaran.
A slowdown in the destruction of mainland Palawan’s
mangrove forest was recorded after 1992 when the
Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan was signed into
law and began to be implemented. Data showed that
mangrove forests in Palawan has improved from a
Mangrove forest of Malunao Island, Barangay San
Juan, Aborlan.
67
 Table 18. Mangrove Forest Cover, Palawan.

MANGROVE FOREST COVER CHANGE IN COVER

1979- 1984- 1992-

Municipality 1979 1984 1992 1998 1984 1992 1998
Fish Fish Fish
Mangrove Mangrove pond Mangrove pond Mangrove pond Ha. Ha. Ha.

MAINLAND 46,450 46,000 450 36,193 170 38,278 1,812 -450 -9,807 2,085

Bataraza 11,100 11,000 6,588 5,738 -100 -4,412 -850

Brooke's Pt. 2,350 2,700 150 234 524 23 350 -2,466 291
Rizal 3,800 2,352 3,066 3,800 -1,448 714
Espanola 834 67 1,499 340 834 665
Pto. Prin. 8,050 7,300 150 4,052 103 5,995 530 -750 -3,248 1,943
Taytay 6,340 6,400 6,510 5,466 125 60 110 -1043
San Vicente 1,400 800 995 1,469 43 -600 195 474
Narra 1,200 600 100 859 1,031 152 -600 259 172
Aborlan 1,000 900 1,183 1,391 78 -100 283 208
Quezon 5,350 3,300 1,392 2,753 287 -2050 -1,908 1,361
-
Roxas 3,000 2,900 50 3,512 2,028 0.09 -100 612 -1484
El Nido 3,110 2,700 2,357 2,381 -410 -343 24
Dumaran 3,550 3,600 5,325 4,937 234 50 1,725 -388

ISLAND 14,409 13,068 -1,341

-1340

Culion 2,558 2,251 -306

Coron 2,051 2,139 88
Busuanga 1,405 1,512 107
Araceli 2,735 2,680 -55
Linapacan 2,798 375 -2423
Balabac 2,862 4,111 1,249

GRAND
TOTAL 46,450 46,000 450 50,602 170 51,346 1,812 -450 -4,601 744
747

Sources: Satellite Images, 1979 and 1985, Mainland Palawan

Landsat Images, JAFTA,1992
Landsat Images, 1998

declining rate of 1,266ha/yr from 1984 to 1992 (mainland
Palawan) to an increasing rate of 124 ha/yr. from 1992
to 1998 (whole Province except Cuyo, Agutaya,
Magsaysay and Cagayancillo). However, there are
certain municipalities that manifested reduction in cover
and these include Araceli 55 ha (2%), Bataraza 850 ha
(16.3%), Culion 307 ha (13.6%), Dumaran 388 ha
(7.3%), Linapacan 2,423 ha (86.6%), Roxas 1,484 ha
(42.2%) and Taytay 1,044 ha (16%). Related fishpond
areas which are usually converted mangrove forests
increased to 1,812 in 1998 from only 170 ha in 1992.
9.1.3 Species Composition and Diversity
While there are a total of 47 “true mangrove species”
and associated species belonging to 26 families (Melana

68 PALAWAN
 and Gonzales 1996), the Philippines has around 28 “true Appendix E-1 shows the list of mangrove species found

II. Executive Summary

mangrove species” (Field Guide to the Identification of in each municipality surveyed.

Coastal Resources
Some Mangrove Plant Species in the Philippines-
Ecosystem Research and Development Service, Region The species diversity was further measured using the
7. Fishery Sector Program-DENR) under 19 families. The Shannon Weiner Index (SDI). As indicated in Table 20,
resource inventory for the mangrove forest of the province the municipality of Aborlan has jurisdiction over Apo-
involving eighteen (18) out of the twenty four (24) aporawan River where the highest SDI at 2.09 was
municipalities revealed a total of 23 “true mangrove” recorded. On the other hand, the municipality of Narra
has site Mainland III with the lowest level of species
diversity having an SDI of zero, indicating that only one
Table 19. Number of True Mangrove Species mangrove species was encountered in the site. Generally,
Found Per Municipality, Palawan. most of the survey sites have relatively high species
diversity indicating stability in the face of man-made
Municipalities Number of Species
natural perturbations since stability is more correlated
Aborlan 15
with diversity than productivity.
Busuanga 16
Araceli 13
Coron 13 9.1.4 Relative Dominance
Culion 14
Dumaran 17 Based on the total area occupied by a species as indicated
Española 16 by the computed stand basal area, the species Rhizophora
Narra 15 apiculata (bakawan-lalake), Sonneratia alba (pagatpat)
Roxas 17 and Brugueira gymnorrhiza (Busain) dominate the true
San Vicente 12 mangrove flora of Palawan. In particular, as illustrated
Brooke's Point 10 in Table 21, Aborlan (26.52%), Quezon (71.60%),
Quezon 9 Dumaran (56.38%), Bataraza (42.64%), El Nido
Magsaysay 8 (60.27%) and Culion (48.31%) municipalities are
El Nido 13 dominated by Rhizophora apiculata while the
Bataraza 14
municipalities of Cuyo (40.47%) and Magsaysay
Cuyo 10
(75.15%) were dominated by Sonneratia alba. The
Rizal 13
municipalities of Roxas, Sofroñio Española and Narra
Taytay 16
were dominated by Brugueira gymnorrhiza at 23.29%,
20.69% and 20.29% respectively.
species belonging to 11 families. As shown in Table 19,
the maximum number of true mangrove species in a single 9.1.5 Relative Density
municipality was recorded at seventeen (17), found in
the Municipalities of Dumaran and Roxas while the Referring to Table 22 the species with the highest relative
lowest at eight (8) was documented in Magsaysay. density per site include R. apiculata for the municipalities

Table 20. Species Diversity Index (SDI), Mangrove Forest, Palawan.

Shannon Weiner Index (SDI)

Municipality Highest Value Location Lowest Value Location

Aborlan 2.0900 Apo-aporawan River 0.0700 Calver Point

Bataraza 1.6923 Iwahig I 0.6852 Rio Tuba
Culion 1.5310 Piday 0.0030 Ugnisan
Cuyo 1.9868 San Carlos Bay 0.2771 Maringien
Dumaran 1.5313 Danleg 0.3350 Baras Bay
El Nido 1.7896 Teneguiban 0.2905 Devil River
Espanola 2.0551 Punang I 0.3768 Isumbo
Magsaysay 1.4153 Adunbrat Island 0.6193 Los Angeles
Narra 1.9400 Raza Island II 0.0000 Banking Island
Quezon 1.3480 Tagusao River 0.1990 Iwahig River
Rizal 1.4793 Campung Ulay 0.8314 Culasian
Roxas 2.0700 Tumarabong 0.4700 Flat Island I

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 69

 Table 21. Species Relative Dominance, Mangrove Forest, Palawan.

Relative Dominance, %
Municipality Highest Species Lowest Species

Aborlan 26.5200 R. apiculata 0.03 B. cylindrica

Bataraza 42.6400 R. apiculata 0.03 H. littoralis
Culion 48.3051 R. apiculata 0.21 B. cylindrica
Cuyo 40.4655 S. alba 0.01 C. tagal
Dumaran 56.3800 R. apiculata 0.02 F. sylvatica
El Nido 60.2700 R. apiculata 0.03 H. littoralis
Magsaysay 75.1500 S. alba 0.17 C. tagal
Narra 20.2900 B. gymnorrhiza 0.07 H. littoralis
Quezon 71.6000 R. apiculata 0.01 A. corniculatum
Rizal 55.5100 R. apiculata 0.01 B. cylindrica
Roxas 23.2880 B. gymnorrhiza 0.01 B. parviflora
Sofronio Espanola 20.6900 B. gymnorrhiza 0.03 H. littoralis

of Rizal (56.33%), Quezon (73.74%), Dumaran
(63.09%), Aborlan (33.73%), Culion (50.97%), S.
Española (19.19%), El Nido (60.76%), Roxas (29.64%)
and Bataraza (48.84%); C. tagal for the municipality of
Narra (32.14%); Sonneratial Alba for the municipality
of Magsaysay (37.43%) and Aviscenia marina for Cuyo
(34.091%).
9.1.6 Tree Density
Palawan mangrove forests are not only rich in species
composition but are also thick in stands. Of the ten
municipalities surveyed, Dumaran exhibited the highest
average tree density placed at 4,910 trees/hectare while
Rizal has the lowest at 1,171 trees/hectare. Barangay
Bohol, the site with the highest density placed at 8,500
trees/hectare is located in Dumaran while Ransang, the
site with the lowest density at 112 trees/ha, is found in
Rizal.
Figure 41 demonstrates the comparative average tree
density per hectare mangrove forest stand in the
municipalities covered by the survey while Table 23 shows
the sites with the highest and lowest tree density in each
municipality covered by the survey.
In terms of tree sizes as indicated by the average diameter
at breast height (dbh) of the mangrove trees contained in
the survey plots, Quezon municipality exhibited the
highest average dbh at 16.23 cm indicating that the
mangroves therein are relatively older and more mature.
The lowest average dbh of 7.77 cm was registered in the
municipality of Culion indicating that the mangrove therein
are relatively young. Among the eighty (80) survey sites,
Aporawan River of Aborlan manifested the highest average
dbh at 29.73 cm. while the lowest dbh of 4.93 cm. was
registered by site Tagpait of Aborlan. Table 24 illustrates
the average diameter at breast height of mangroves trees
in each municipality covered by the survey.

Table 22. Species Relative Density, Mangrove Forest, Palawan.

Municipality Highest Species Lowest Species

Aborlan 33.73 R. apiculata 0.040 A. marina

Bataraza 48.84 R. apiculata 0.060 L. racemosa
Culion 50.97 R. apiculata 0.002 B. sexangula
Cuyo 34.09 Avicennia marina 0.150 Aegiceras floridum
Dumaran 63.09 R. apiculata 0.050 F. sylvatica; A. corniculatum
El Nido 60.76 R. apiculata 0.040 H. littoralis
Magsaysay 37.43 S. alba 0.520 C. tagal, X. granatum
Narra 32.14 Ceriops tagal 0.130 H. littoralis,
A. corniculatum
Quezon 73.74 R. apiculata 0.174 S. alba, A. corniculatum, C.
tagal
Rizal 56.33 R. apiculata 0.140 B. cylindrical
Roxas 29.64 R. apiculata .0344 B. parviflora
S. Española 19.19 R. apiculata 0.040 Avicennia officinalis,
Xylocarpus moluccensis

70 PALAWAN
 II. Executive Summary
Figure 41. Average Number of Trees/Hectare of Mangrove Area

Coastal Resources
Per Municipality, Palawan.

6000

5000
Number ofTrees/ hectare

4000

3000

2000

1000

yo
rra

l
an

s
za

n
do
ay

n
la

za
zo
xa
la

lio
no

Cu
ra
ar
ys
Na

Ni

Ri
or

ue
Ro
Cu
ta
m
pa

sa

Ab
El

Q
Ba
Du
Es

ag
M
S.

Table 23. Tree Density (No. of Trees Per Hectare) of Mangrove Forests by Municipality, Palawan.

Municipality Average Highest Location Lowest Location

Aborlan 1236 1737 Calver Pt. 550 Apo-Aporawan

River
Bataraza 1372 1850 Taratak II 717 Iwahig II
Culion 3632 5120 Pachari 2429 Manggahan
Cuyo 2938 3800 Nabitasan 1760 Kanila,
Manamoc
Dumaran 4910 8500 Bohol 2677 Capayas

El Nido 1766 2375 Mount of Devil 1325 Teneguiban

River
Magsaysay 1194 1950 Los Angeles 942 Lucbuan
Narra 1422 2287 Cagnisan II 525 Banking
Quezon 2227 4182 Matugbong 958 Panitian
Rizal 1171 1675 Taburi 112 Ransang
Roxas 2653 6200 Minara River 876 Stanlake Island
S. Espanola 1323 2062 Labog 4 512 Punang
(Ingiaran Pt.)

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 71

 Table 24. Average diameter at breast height (dbh) by Municipality, Palawan.

Average Diameter at Breast Height, cm

Grand
Municipality Highest Site Lowest Site Mean

Aborlan 29.73 Aporawan River 4.93 Tagpait 14.95

Bataraza 16.64 Iwahig II 9.01 Rio Tuba I 11.89
Culion 11.92 Koring-Koring 6.44 Ditopiac 7.77
Cuyo 26.58 Balading 7.12 San Carlos Bay, 11.30
Tandol
Dumaran 15.17 Danleg 8.66 Poblacion 12.03
El Nido 12.84 Teneguiban 8.63 Devil River 9.73
Magsaysay 18.04 Adumbrat Is. 7.06 Lucbuan 11.64
Narra 22.09 Banking Island 8.39 Caguisan 12.09
Quezon 24.57 Tagdarangin 8.34 Malanot II 16.23
Odiong Creek
Rizal 23.32 Puntabaja 10.80 Taburi 15.86
Roxas 28.57 Barbacan R. 8.78 Minara R. 13.44
S. Espanola 14.93 Punang I 7.37 Pulot Shore 10.32

Table 25. Seedling Density, Mangrove Forest, Palawan.

Municipality Highest Location Lowest Location Average

Aborlan 108,750 Tagpait 8750 Puntog Island 57,500

Bataraza 32,500 Igang-Igang 1,667 Rio Tuba II 17,807
Culion 14,073 Chindonan 400 Kabulihan II 4,867
Cuyo 10,067 Maringian 300 Nabitasan 3,282
Dumaran 5,665 Pulain Bay 0 Bohol 3,048
El Nido 162,500 Teneguiban 0 San Fernando, 2,097
Barok and
Pinamudian
Magsaysay 12,500 Los Angeles 6,667 Adumbrat River 11,875
Poblacion
Narra 72,500 Cagnisan II 2,000 Linda Island 23,644
Quezon 11,894 Matugbong I 145 Matugbong II 909
Rizal 65,833 Puntabaja 5,500 Canipaan 14,597
Roxas 12,160 Taradungan 0 Tumarbong 3,867
S. Española 106,250 Pulot Shore 0 Gardener 37,634

9.1.7 Seedlings and Saplings individuals/ha was registered in site Teneguiban of El

Findings of the resource assessment as indicated in Figure
42 also show that seedlings and saplings density are
relatively high in Aborlan, Narra, S. Española,
Bataraza, Magsaysay and Rizal suggesting a disturbed
state of most mangrove communities therein. The
underlying principle is that disturbed conditions of
mangroves due to cutting and clearing directly
contributes to seedlings and sapling count as propagules
are able to recolonize these areas because of the low level
of competition for sunlight and root space.
On one end, mangrove areas of Dumaran, Cuyo, Roxas,
Quezon and Culion municipality having relatively low
seedling and sapling densities may be said to be less
disturbed. Highest seedling density at 162,500
Nido while the lowest at zero was documented in sites
Bohol in Dumaran; Tumarabong in Roxas; Gardener in
Espanola; and San Fernando, Barok and Pinamudian in
El Nido. In terms of sapling density, highest at 29,733
individuals/ha was in Pinataray River in Sofroñio
Española while that lowest at zero was documented in
12 sites (see Table 26).
Seedling and sapling count also indicate ability of
mangrove stands for natural regeneration. As survey
results show, the disturbed mangroves of Aborlan, Narra,
Rizal, Magsaysay, Bataraza and Española have in general
better potential for natural regeneration. Thus,
intervention such as reforestation may no longer be
necessary provided such degraded areas be protected

72 PALAWAN
 About 40% of the 117,000

II. Executive Summary

Coastal Resources
hectares (DENR 1995) of
remaining mangrove forest
cover of the Philippines occur in
Palawan.

Figure 42. Seedling and Sapling Density of Mangroves by Municipality, Palawan.

70000
60000
50000
Seedling
40000
Sapling
30000
20000
10000
0
rra

yo

l
lan
n
do

on
s
za

za
la

lio
ay

xa
ra
Na

Cu
no

ez
Ni

ra

Ri
Cu
or
ys

ma

Ro
ta
pa

Qu
Ab
El
sa

Du

Ba
Es

ag
M

Table 26. Sapling Density, Mangrove Forest, Palawan.

Municipality Highest Location Lowest Location Average

Aborlan 15,400 Tagpait 0 Calver 2,670

Point/Aporawan
River
Bataraza 4,133 Iwahig II 0 Buliluyan, 1,046
Malunao Island
Culion 4,686 Korin II 0 Kabulihan II 1,351
Cuyo 2,400 Kaniki 36 Balading 602
Dumaran 4,389 Ilian River 0 Banas Bay 1,764
El Nido 7,467 San Fernando 133 Pinamudian 3,910
Magsaysay 2,400 Rizal 2,267 Lucbuan, 1,050
Adumbrat
Narra 25,200 Cagnisan II 400 Rasa II 6,312
Quezon 6,568 Matugbong I 0 Marikit Island 405
Rizal 3,300 Panalingaan 0 Canipaan 1,277
Roxas 3,733 Minara River 0 Tumarbong 2,305
S. Española 29,733 Pinataray River 0 Bessie, Gardiner, 6,257
Isumbo

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 73

 Table 27. Seagrass Status Distribution by Category, Palawan.

Total No. of
Site Survey Site Excellent Good Fair Poor Year

Aborlan 7 0 2 3 2 2003
Agutaya 10 1 4 3 2 2002
Araceli 10 0 4 4 2 2003
Bataraza 12 1 1 4 6 2003
Brooke’s Point 6 0 3 2 1 2001
Busuanga 15 0 1 5 9 1999
Coron 2 0 1 1 0 1999
Culion 21 0 0 3 18 1999
Cuyo 11 0 7 4 0 2003
Dumaran 16 1 3 7 5 2001
El Nido 14 0 4 3 7 2002
Magsaysay 10 1 2 4 3 2002
Narra 12 0 1 8 3 2002
Quezon 13 0 2 2 9 2001
Rizal 17 0 5 5 7 2003
Roxas 8 0 1 3 4 2004
S. Española 6 0 2 2 2 2001
San Vicente 10 1 2 1 6 2000
Taytay 16 1 0 11 4 2001
Total 216 6 45 75 90
PERCENTAGE 100 2.78 20.83 34.72 41.67

from further destructive activities and be allowed to
recover naturally without disturbance.
9.1.7 General Observations
Despite the declaration of Palawan as a Mangrove
Swamp Reserve, human-induced perturbations were
observed during the surveys. Evidence of mangrove
cuttings and clearings to give way to fishpond
development were noted in certain survey sites. Also,
signs of mangrove natural regeneration were evident in
certain disturbed mangrove communities as indicated by
the high sapling and seedling count reaching as high as
162,500 per hectare obtained in these areas. Mangrove
stands having close canopies, an indication of its good
condition, were also encountered during the assessment.
Sighting of saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus)
at numerous sites i.e. Panitian River (Narra), Dipuyai
River (Busuanga), Bolog River (Araceli), Decala River
(San Vicente), Buding River (San Vicente) and Darapitan
River (San Vicente) were also reported.
coastal areas and are adapted to live in a saline medium.
Seagrass are ecologically important for they serve as
nursery and breeding grounds and source of food for fish,
turtles, dugong and other aquatic invertebrates. They
interact with coral reefs and mangroves in reducing wave
energy and regulating water flow. Due to the thickness
of their underground root systems, they are effective
sediment retainers and binders hence serving as buffer
against wave action and storm surges (Fortes 1995).
Economically, seagrass are also important because they
are used as upholstery and packing materials, stuffing of
mattresses, compost for fertilizers, materials for weaving
baskets and many others.

9.2 SEAGRASS AND SEAWEEDS

COMMUNITY

9.2.1 Importance of Seagrass and Seaweeds

Seagrass are submerged flowering plants of the marine Syringodium isoetijolium, Cymodacea totundata, and
Thalassia hemprichii. Barangay Binudac, Culion.
environment which generally thrive in shallow water

74 PALAWAN

Thalassodendron ciliatum. Barangay Bonog, Rizal.
Seaweeds like seagrass are similarly important marine
resources. They perform a vital role in primary
production and growth of the reef system. They serve as
habitats to lots of marine organisms and as food not only
to fish and aquatic invertebrates but also to man.
Economically, seaweeds are good source of chemicals
and gels and are used in manufacturing some of our daily
commodities.
9.2.2 Seagrass
9.2.2.1 Vegetative Cover
Seagrass meadows are one of the marine resources of
Palawan that is vital to the preservation of the dugongs
(Dugong dugon), already an endangered species as listed
in the IUCN and CITES. The protection of this important
resource is paramount not only to maintain biodiversity
but also to sustain fishery production.
Figure 43. Distribution of Seagrass Community
Condition by Category, Palawan.
Excellent
Poor
2.78%
41.67% Good
20.83%
Fair
34.72%
STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Results of the analysis of the percent vegetative cover using
II. Executive Summary
the Quadrat Sampling method is illustrated in Figure 43
Coastal Resources
below. As shown in Table 27, out of the 216 sites,
only 6 sites or 2.78% were in excellent condition (76-
100% percent vegetative cover), 45 sites or 20.83 percent
in good condition (51-75% vegetative cover), and 75 sites
or 34.72 percent considered in fair vegetative cover. The
remaining 90 sites or 41.67% were classified as poor in
condition (0-25% vegetative cover). Notwithstanding the
general poor condition of the seagrass beds covered by
the survey, Dugongs are still believed to graze thereon as
evidenced by the presence of their feeding trenches in
certain sites. Map 12 shows the location of the seagrass
beds where feeding trenches of Dugong were noted.
9.2.2.2 Density
The density measured in terms of the number of
individuals per square meter was computed for all the
sample sites. As illustrated in Table 28, the most
dense sites include Maraquit in Araceli with 12,946
individuals/m2, Mambalot in Brooke’s Point with 12,392
individuals/m2. Least dense sites comprise Isugod in
Quezon at 6 individuals/m2, Albaguen Island in San
Vicente with 13 individuals/m2, Batacalan in El Nido
with 34 individuals/m2, Mariquit in Aborlan with 37
individuals/m2.
9.2.2.3 Species Composition and Diversity
The Philippines has sixteen (16) identified seagrass
species of which thirteen (13) were found in the survey
sites under two families with two unidentified species
under the genera Halophila. However, the number of
species found in each seagrass community or sample site
ranged only from one (1) to ten (10). Incidentally, there
were two species Thalassodendron ciliatum and
Halophila decipiens which were recorded only in the
Figure 44. Condition of Seaweeds Community
by Category, Palawan.
Excellent Good
Fair
0.51% 2.57%
7.18%
Poor
89.74%
75

Seagrasses are particularly more
vulnerable as a resource than are
seaweeds. They respond to the
negative impacts of eutrophication,
siltation and toxic chemicals.
(14) sites or 7.18% were considered fair in vegetative
cover. The remaining 175 sites or 89.74% were classified
as poor in vegetative cover.
Figure 44 is a graphical presentation of the percentage
distribution across condition categories of seaweed
communities in Palawan.

municipality of San Vicente. Seagrass species found in
the different municipalities covered by the surveys are
listed in Appendix E-2.
In the context of species diversity as measured using the
Shannon Diversity Index (SDI), the best site is Casian in
Taytay municipality which registered the highest SDI
computed at 2.09. Sixteen of the sites registered zero
SDI which indicate the presence of only one (1) species.
Table 29 shows the highest and lowest diversity indices
of the seagrass communities in each of the municipalities
covered by the various surveys.
9.2.3 Seaweeds
9.2.3.1 Vegetative Cover
Seaweeds can be found to occur in seagrass beds although
at times such associations were absent. Results of
assessment in 195 sites where seaweeds were present as
shown on Table 30 indicate that only one site (Tagusao in
Quezon municipality) or 0.51% was classified as excellent
in terms of relative abundance measured as percent
vegetative cover. Also, five sites (Sta. Monica, Sibaltan,
Buluang and Palabuayan of El Nido; and B. Honda Pt.
in Quezon) or 2.57% were classified as good and fourteen
9.2.3.2 Species Composition and Diversity
A total of 69 species belonging to 20 families and 4 classes
were recorded for the nineteen surveyed municipalities.
The highest number of species encountered in one site
was 29 and was documented at Binolican in Taytay and
Siabtabon in Araceli. Two species namely Halimeda
macroloba and H. opuntia were notably present in all of
the survey sites. Appendix E-3 lists the seaweed species
encountered during the surveys in the different
municipalities of Palawan.
The most diverse sites as indicated by the computed
Shannon Diversity Index (SDI) were Binolican in Taytay
with SDI of 2.86, Bantayan in Busuanga with SDI of
2.39 and Pangolasian in Dumaran with SDI of 2.36. The
least diverse sites with SDI of zero (only one species
was encountered) were: Gardiner’s Island and Labog in
S. Espanola; Salvacion and Punda in Busuanga; Cabuyao,
Baldat, and Lamud in Culion; Poblacion in Araceli;
Poblacion, Port Barton, Albaguen Is., and Gawid in San
Vicente; Tagusao, B. Honda Pt., Tinagong Pati, Mariquit
and Tabon in Quezon; Linda Island and Caguisan in
Narra; Central in Agutaya; and Lucbuan in Magsaysay,
Caponayan in Cuyo and Tagpait and Cutter Point in
Aborlan (Refer to Table 31).

2
Table 28. Density (No. of Individuals/m ) of Seagrass Communities, Palawan.

Municipality Average Highest Location Lowest Location

Value Value
Aborlan 385 681 Sombrero Is. 37 Mariquit
Agutaya 806 1744 Central 466 Algeciras
Araceli 2932 12946 Maraquit 112 Capansanlan
Bataraza 434 1580 Tagbila 66 Taratak
Brooke’s Point 7598 12392 Mambalot 680 Oring-oring
Busuanga 888 3885 Punda 24 Sagrada
Coron 1497 2303 North Bulalakaw 692 Colbi
Culion 594 3114 Deborda 46 Baldat
Cuyo 794 1758 Caponayan 385 Manamoc
Dumaran 456 1219 Capayas 60 Pangolasian
El Nido 540 946 Buluang 34 Batacalan
Magsaysay 780 1403 San Carba 247 Los Angeles
Narra 626 1841 Cudil 222 Aramaywan
Quezon 119 415 Tabon 6 Isugod
Rizal 1275 3236 Tabionan 120 Sinadayang
Roxas 1440 4256 South Verde Is. 88 Flat Island
S. Española 417 927 Gardiner 206 Bintangan Is.
San Vicente 717 2662 Boayan Is. 13 Albaguen Is.
Taytay 3694 16236 Poblacion 122 Canique

76 PALAWAN
 Table 29. Species Diversity of Seagrass Communities, Palawan.

II. Executive Summary

Coastal Resources
Shannon Weiner Index
Municipality Highest Location Lowest Location
Value Value

Aborlan 1.90 Malunao 1.43 Puntog

1.91 Puntog 0.00 Marikit Pt.

Agutaya 1.51 Central 0.47 Villasol

Araceli 1.77 Dagman 0.00 Capansanlan

Bataraza 1.73 Sapa 0.10 Gull Reef
Brooke's Point 1.29 Maasin 0.38 Oring-oring
Busuanga 1.73 Punda 0.00 Coral Bay, Sagrada,
Cuyo 1.86 Basacar 0.75 Capanayan
Dumaran 1.72 Bacao 0.30 Cagsaleng
El Nido 1.95 Sta. Monica 0.11 Batacalan
Magsaysay 1.7 Canipo 0.94 Bodavan
Narra 1.91 Rasa Is. 0.61 George Island

Quezon 1.89 Nakoda Island 0.00 Double Is., Mariquit, Hummock Pt.,
Isugod and Tagusao
Rizal 1.79 Tinugpan 0.00 Sinadayang
Roxas 1.75 Green Island 0.00 Flat Island
S. Española 1.67 King's Paradise/ 0.39 Sand Bar
Arrecife Island
Taytay 2.09 Casian 0.00 Canique, Langnayan

Table 30. Distribution of Condition Categories of Seaweed Communities by

Municipality, Palawan.

Total No. of
Site Survey Site Excellent Good Fair Poor Year

Coron 2 0 0 0 2 1999
Busuanga 9 0 0 0 9 1999
Culion 19 0 0 0 19 1999
Roxas 8 0 0 0 8 2004
Araceli 9 0 0 2 7 2000
San Vicente 9 0 0 2 7 2000
Taytay 15 0 0 1 14 2000
Brooke’s Point 7 0 0 2 5 2000
Dumaran 14 0 0 1 13 2001
Sofroñio Española 6 0 0 0 6 2001
Quezon 10 1 1 2 6 2001
Narra 12 0 0 0 12 2002
El Nido 14 0 4 3 7 2002
Magsaysay 10 0 0 0 10 2002
Agutaya 10 0 0 1 9 2002
Bataraza 10 0 0 0 10 2003
Cuyo 11 0 0 0 11 2003
Aborlan 6 0 0 0 6 2003
Rizal 14 0 0 0 14 2003
Total 195 1 5 14 175
Percentage 0.51 2.57 7.18 89.74

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 77

 9.3 CORAL REEF

9.3.1 Importance of Corals

Corals are communities of small animals called polyps

which feed on algae and bacteria found in tropical waters.
Coral reefs are made up of calcium carbonate skeletons
that are cemented together by calcareous algae and other
organisms. Corals need warm, clear water to develop
such as those waters found in the Philippines.

Most corals found around Palawan are in shallow water

fringing reefs not reaching depth greater than 35 meters.
Putog Reef, Roxas.
Many are in near shore tidal areas with lower visibility
than is expected for thriving reefs. Water temperature
in coral reefs found in Palawan have been recorded from
25C-28C. 9.3.2 Benthic Cover

Coral reefs are considered among the most biologically
productive ecosystem in the world and supply the main
food source for the Philippine Islands. They are
ecologically important because they serve as fish habitat,
breeding and nursery grounds and as wave breakers to
protect inland shores. Corals are also considered a
habitat link between mangroves and seagrasses that are
highly productive and biologically diverse.
Results of the coral reef assessment conducted in Palawan
employing Line Intersect Method, Reef Check and Manta
Tow manifested a gloomy picture of the Provinces’ coral
reef ecosystem as shown on Figure 45. Assessment of
the best sites in terms of benthic life forms in 305 sites
covering nineteen (19) municipalities showed that only
12 sites or 3.93 percent were considered in excellent
condition (75-100% live coral cover) and these are
located at Middle Rock in San Vicente; Renambakan in

Table 31. Species Diversity of Seaweed Communities, Palawan.

Shannon Weiner Index

Municipality Highest Site Lowest Site
Value Value

Aborlan 1.87 Malinao Island 0 Tagpait, Cutter Point

Agutaya 2.27 Algeciras 0 Central
Araceli 2.25 Taloto 0.00 Poblacion
Brooke's Point 1.44 Maasin 0.19 Oring-oring
Busuanga 2.39 Bantayan 0.00 Salvacion, Punda
Coron 1.57 Bulalakaw 0.99 Colbi Island
Culion 1.84 Botnongan 0.00 Lamud, Cabuyao, Baldat
Cuyo 2.38 Balading 0 Caponayan
Dumaran 2.36 Pangolasian 0.21 Capayas
El Nido 1.91 Sibaltan Island 0.11 Batcalan
Magsaysay 2.19 Caymamis; Cocoro 0 Lucbuan
Narra 1.86 Burirao; Aramaywan 0 Linda and Caguisan
Quezon 0.81 Nakoda Island 0.00 Tagusao, B. Honda Pt.,
T. Pati, Mariquit and Tabon
Rizal 1.43 Tinagpan 0 Tabionan
Roxas 2.12 Stanlake Island 0.51 Punao Island
S. Española 2.5 Bintaugan 0.00 Gardiner's Island, Labog
San Vicente 1.62 Kemdeng 0.00 Poblacion, Port Barton,
Gawid and Albaguen Island
Taytay 2.86 Binolican 0.19 Batas I

78 PALAWAN
 Table 32. Coral Reef Status Distribution by Category, Palawan.

II. Executive Summary

Coastal Resources
Total No. Excellent Good Fair Poor
of
Site Survey No. % No. % No. % No. % Year
Sites

Aborlan 20 0 0.00 12 60.00 8 40.00 0 0.00 2003

Agutaya 21 1 4.76 4 19.05 8 38.10 8 38.10 2002
Araceli 3 0 0.00 1 33.33 2 66.67 0 0.00 2000
Bataraza 24 1 4.17 16 66.67 7 29.17 0 0.00 2003
Brooke's Point 7 0 0.00 3 42.86 3 42.86 1 14.29 2001
Busuanga 9 0 0.00 0 0.00 7 77.78 2 22.22 1999
Coron 6 1 16.67 1 16.67 0 0.00 4 66.67 1999
Culion 9 0 0.00 0 0.00 7 77.78 2 22.22 1999
Cuyo 21 2 9.52 6 28.58 2 9.52 11 52.38 2003
Dumaran 17 1 5.88 6 35.29 10 58.82 0 0.00 2001
El Nido 11 0 0.00 0 0.00 5 45.45 6 54.55 2002
Magsaysay 18 0 0.00 5 27.78 12 66.67 1 5.56 2001
Narra 18 0 0.00 10 55.56 8 44.44 0 0.00 2003
Quezon 17 2 11.76 7 41.18 8 47.06 0 0.00 2001
Rizal 21 0 0 10 47.62 10 47.62 1 4.76 2003
Roxas 22 2 9.09 11 50.00 9 40.91 0 0.00 2004
S. Espanola 26 1 3.85 9 34.62 16 61.54 0 0.00 2001
San Vicente 22 1 4.55 3 13.64 12 54.55 6 27.27 2000
Taytay 13 0 0.00 1 7.69 1 7.69 11 84.62 2001
OVERALL 305 12 3.93 105 34.43 135 44.26 53 17.38

Dumaran; Nakoda Island and Mariquit in Quezon;

Colby in Coron; Iwahig in Bataraza; Inamukan I in S.
Española; Diit in Agutaya; Pandan Island I and Pandan
Island II in Cuyo; and Submerged I and Puntog in Rizal.
As excellent live coral cover is considered crucial for
coral recruitment and fishery production, it is expected
that fish catch will be high in these areas.

Further, Figure 45 also shows that 135 sites or 44.26

percent of all the reef sites surveyed were rated to be in
fair condition (25-49.9% live coral cover) while those
that were assessed to be in good condition (50-74.9 %
live coral cover) represents 34.43 percent (105 sites).
Coral reefs with poor cover (25 percent live coral cover) Coral bleaching in Priate Island, Barangay Igang-Igang,
constitute 17.38 percent (53 sites) of the total number Bataraza.

Figure 45. Reef Condition by Category, Palawan.

of survey sites. Status of coral reefs in Palawan by
Excellent municipality is shown on Table 32.
Poor
17.38% 3.93%
Good Most of the survey sites can be characterized as largely
34.43% covered by dead corals with algae. This is an indication
that coral death had occurred for sometime because algae
were able to colonize the coral skeleton. The survey also
showed that certain sites have high percentage of dead
corals or rubbles, an indication of rampant blast and
Fair cyanide fishing activities. Further, large amounts of algae
44.26% (Halimeda sp. and Padina sp.) were noted in numerous

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 79

 About 40% of the nation’s coral
reefs can be found in Palawan
and are still in better condition
compared to the rest in the
Philippines.

Giant Clam (Tridacna gigaws)

Barangay Mabini, El Nido.

Soft corals of Barangay Sarong,

Bataraza.

Foliose and massive corals in

Paga-paga Island, Barangay
Malitud, Bataraza.

80 PALAWAN
 sites, a manifestation of a heavily degraded reef. Signs

II. Executive Summary

of coral bleaching brought about by cyanide fishing

Coastal Resources
and other natural causes such as increased in sea water
temperature were also evident in some shallow reef sites
particularly in Bataraza, Roxas, Culion, Araceli,
Busuanga and San Vicente municipalities. Moreover,
invertebrate species which are considered indicators
of healthy reef ecosystems and local fisheries were
found to be extremely low in numbers and in fact were
absent in some sites particularly in the municipalities of
Roxas. The presence of extremely high numbers of
pollution and threat indicators such as Diadema setosum
urchin and the crown of thorns starfish were also noted
in a number of sites in the municipalities of Busuanga. Damsels and Catfish. Submerged reef, Roxas.

Nonetheless, despite the ailing condition of Palawan’s

coral reefs, important marine animals such as sea turtles
and dugong and associated invertebrates species like
Tridacna are still observed in Palawan waters specifically
in Taytay, Roxas, Dumaran and Busuanga (Map 13 shows
the location of the survey sites where Tridacna species
were encountered). Further, certain reef sites of Coron,
Busuanga, Taytay and El Nido are being tapped as dive
sites of tourists, ecotourism being one of the promising
industries in Palawan.
commercial importance of reef fish communities for local
fisheries and tourism is immeasurable. Therefore, the
health and productivity of reef and fisheries are critical
from both the ecological and commercial perspective. A
simple fish census concentrating on the target fishery
species in an area and certain indicators of reef health
can be used to assess the status of the coral reef and its
associated fish community, monitor changes and assess
levels of fishing pressure.

9.4 REEF FISHERIES 9.4.2 Reef Fish Abundance

9.4.1 Importance of Reef Fish Communities
Fish communities are major resources playing an
important role in coral reef ecosystems. They serve as
grazers to control growth of algae on coral habitat. The
Assessment of coral reef fish abundance using visual fish
census showed that most survey sites revealed low fish
count compared to healthy reefs such as Tubbataha and
a serious lack of commercial important species. As shown
in Table 34 among the municipalities surveyed, Culion

Figure 46. Distribution of Reef Fish Density by Municipality, Palawan.

45,000
Avg. No. of Individuals/Ha.

40,000

35,000

30,000

25,000
20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

0
bb y
Du yo

l
Q a
n

Es as
ya
Ag n

sa o
an
ga

za
Br Bat li
ke aza

a
ay

Tu yta
la
nte
zo
e

lio

rr
ro
Bu int
la

M Nid

ah
Cu

S. Rox
ac

Sa año
Na
uta

Ri
ar
an

ys
Co
or

ue
Cu
Po

Ta
ce
oo ar

at
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Ar
Ab

su

El

Vi
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ag

Municipality

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 81

 Table 33. Reef Fish Density (No. of Individuals Per Hectare Reef Area) by Municipality, Palawan.

Municipality Average Highest Location Lowest Location

Aborlan 4,857 9,900 Sombrero II 760 Tigman

Agutaya 3,871 7,840 Mandit IV 1,260 Quinluban Island
Araceli 14,400 23,440 Mantulali Island 7,520 Casiran
Bataraza 6,986 37,840 Arreciffe I 1,040 Segyam
Brooke’s Pt. 900 3,320 Kalaparan 480 Pangobilian
Busuanga 11,087 27,600 Balagbagan 8,640 Kadius
Culion 23,093 34,040 Chindonan Island I 11,040 Chindonan Island II
Cuyo 4,428 6,660 Pamalican Island 2,000 Pandan Island II
Dumaran 8,071 20,240 Talataen 840 Kapayas II
El Nido 3,746 11,940 Bangkaloyan 1,200 Pinamantayan Pt.
Magsaysay 3,350 5,280 Cocoro Island II 1,480 Taguayen Island
Narra 4,414 8,160 San Isidro 460 Emelina
Quezon 3,514 8020 Double Island 1,040 Tinagong Pati
Rizal 1,929 4,600 Tinagpan 540 Gandan Point
Roxas 4,086 13,640 Submerged Reef III 1,420 Flat Island
S. Espanola 3,474 17,920 Kings II 200 Near Malalong
San Vicente 20,789 93,920 Oyster 400 Alimanguan
Taytay 6,200 10,400 Talakanen 1,920 Apulit
Tubbataha 40,000

Table 34. Reef Fish Density vis-a-vis Reef Condition by Municipality, Palawan.

Indicator Target
Average Species Speices Coral Cover
Municipality No. of No. of No. of (%) Category Survey
Ind./Ha. Ind./Ha. Ind./Ha. Year

Aborlan 4,857 2,433 2,424 52.94 Good 2003

Agutaya 3,781 1,943 1,838 32.73 Fair 2002
Araceli 14,400 10,148 4,252 51.67 Good 2000
Bataraza 6,986 3,063 3,923 56.62 Good 2003
Brooke’s Point 900 900 49.87 Fair 2001
Busuanga 11,087 10,028 1,059 31.03 Fair 1999
Coron 13,840 10,240 3,600 1999
Culion 23,093 17,675 5,418 31.99 Fair 1999
Cuyo 4,428 2,264 2,164 48.42 Fair 2003
Dumaran 8,071 3,711 4,360 37.02 Fair 2001
El Nido 3,746 2,159 1,587 26.85 Fair 2002
Magsaysay 3,350 1,891 1,459 42.69 Fair 2002
Narra 4,414 2,478 1,936 50.48 Good 2002
Quezon 3,514 1,428 2,086 55.38 Good 2001
Rizal 1,929 959 970 49.15 Fair 2003
Roxas 4,086 2,534 1,552 47.13 Fair 2004
S. Española 3,474 1,423 2,051 46.06 Fair 2001
San Vicente 20,798 2,311 18,487 47.92 Fair 2000
Taytay 6,200 2,335 3,865 19.21 Poor 2001
Tubbataha 40,000 11,140 1992

showed the highest average fish density placed at 23,093
individuals per hectare. Next to Culion were San Vicente
(20,700 individual/ha), Araceli (14,400 individual/ha),
Coron (13,840 individual/ha) and Busuanga (11,087
individual/ha). Municipalities that manifested low fish
densities were Rizal (1,929 individual/ha) and Brooke’s
Point (900 individual/ha). On a per site basis, the highest
fish density so far was estimated at 93,900 individual/
ha and was documented in Oyster Bay in the municipality
of San Vicente. The lowest fish density of 200 individual/
ha on the other hand was manifested by site Near
Malalong in the municipality of S. Española.
Relating the results of the fish census to the reef condition
of the survey sites in terms of coral cover as shown on
Table 34 it was observed that in some cases, sites with
relatively good coral cover have low fish count for
commercially important species, an indication of
overfishing. Thus, it would then appear from the data
that coral reefs of Quezon, Narra and Aborlan are

82 PALAWAN
 relatively overfished as the general condition is rated

II. Executive Summary

good but the density of the target or commercially

Coastal Resources
important fish species is rather low. Figure 46 illustrates
in graphical form the reef fish density in each
municipality surveyed.

Meanwhile, the overall status of reef fisheries in most of

the survey sites is dominated by damsels, an indicator of
a degraded reef, which account for 28.1% of the total
fish count. Second in rank in fish abundance are fusiliers
(planktivores) at 21.19%. It must be noted also that
butterfly fish (4.10%), an indicator of a healthy reef
community were low in numbers and in fact were missing
in other sites. The absence of large predators such as
groupers (2.17%) and sweetlips (0.16%) were likewise
observed in most sites. Overall findings therefore
indicate heavy harvesting of marine species and over
fishing. Fish density for each species in each
municipality surveyed is shown in Appendix E.4.

9.5 ISSUES

The coastal resources of Palawan have been under threat

from various destructive activities both in the terrestrial
and the coastal areas. In the coral reef, the biggest threat
at present is the live fish industry which thrives on the
illegal use of cyanide to catch fish alive causing coral
death. Further, dynamite fishing as well as the use of
efficient gears within the municipal waters also contribute
to coral destruction resulting in the decline in fish catch.

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 83

 Map 12. Feeding Trenches of Dugongs, Palawan, 1999-2004.

600000 800000

1400000
1400000

FEEDING TRENCHES OF DUGONGS Busuanga %[

Province of Palawan
%[
Coron
20 0 20 40 Kilometers %[
Culion
Scale 1 : 2,500,000

%[ Linapacan

El Nido
F
""F
%[
"F Agutaya %[

Magsaysay %[%[

1200000
1200000

Taytay Cuyo
%[

San Vicente
S o u t h C h i n a S e a
%[ # %[ "F%[ Araceli
Dumaran
%[
Roxas

%[ PUERTO PRINCESA CITY

Cagayancillo %[

Quezon
[
% "F Aborlan
[
% [
% "FNarra S u l u S e a
Jose Rizal

1000000
1000000

[
%
[ Sofronio Español
%

"F"F [
%
Brookes Point
"F Bataraza
[
%

"F

LEGEND
%[ Municipalities
%[ # Presence of Tridacna
Map of Palawan

Source of Info:
800000
800000

Coastal Resource Assessment Report

PCSDS

600000 800000

84 PALAWAN
 Map 13. Location of Tridacna Invertebrate Marine Species, Palawan, 1999-2004.

600000 800000

1400000
1400000

LOCATION OF TRIDACNA INVERTEBRATE

MARINE SPECIES Busuanga %[
Province of Palawan %[
Coron
20 0 20 40 Kilometers %[
Culion
Scale 1 : 2,500,000

%[ Linapacan

El Nido
F
""F
%[
"F Agutaya %[

Magsaysay %[%[

1200000
1200000

Taytay Cuyo
%[

San Vicente
S o u t h C h i n a S e a
%[ # %[ "F%[ Araceli
Dumaran
%[
Roxas

%[ PUERTO PRINCESA CITY

Cagayancillo %[

Quezon
[
% "F Aborlan
[
% [
% "FNarra S u l u S e a
Jose Rizal

1000000
1000000

[
%
[ Sofronio Español
%

"F"F [
%
Brookes Point
"F Bataraza
[
%

"F

LEGEND
%[ Municipalities
%[ # Presence of Tridacna
Map of Palawan

Source of Info:
800000
800000

Coastal Resource Assessment Report

PCSDS

600000 800000

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 885

 Map 14. Coral Reef Condition, Palawan, 1999-2004.

600000 800000

1400000
1400000

#
#
#
### #
Busuanga %[
CORAL CONDITION ###

Province of Palawan
## #
# ## %[ Coron
%[
Culion
20 0 20 40 Kilometers
Scale 1 : 2,500,000

%[ Linapacan
# #
# ## #
# ##
El Nido # # # #
%[ ##
#### #
# Agutaya #%[#
###
# ## ###
# ##
# Magsaysay ### #

1200000
1200000

# Taytay # %[%[##
# ## ##
%[# ### # Cuyo #
# ##
# # # # #
## #
## ## ### #
San Vicente # # # # #
##
## # #%[ #######
## [##### #
#%
###%[ ######
# ###### # # # Araceli
S o u t h C h i n a S e a ## ### ## # # #
# Dumaran
#
# %[## ######
## ##
### # ###
## ## Roxas
##
###
##
#
#

%[ PUERTO PRINCESA CITY

Cagayancillo %[
# #
%[ # Aborlan
#
### ##
Quezon
#
#
##
# # # #
## #
# ## % [# %[### ## Narra
# # ## S u l u S e a
#### ## #
Jose Rizal # ## #######

1000000
1000000

#
#%
# [ ####
#
## #
# %[ # Sofronio Español
## #
# ####
#####
#
#
# #
# [######
###%
#
### Brookes Point
# %[## # #
##
# #
# #
## ### ## Bataraza
##
#
#
## # LEGEND
#
#
##
#
%[ Municipalities
#
CORAL CONDITION
# Excellent
# Good
# Fair
# Poor
%[ Map of Palawan

Source of Info:
800000
800000

Coastal Resource Assessment Report

PCSDS

600000 800000

86 PALAWAN
 Map 15. Seagrass Condition, Palawan, 1999-2004.

600000 800000

1400000
1400000

SEAGRASS CONDITION
# #
###
Busuanga #%[#
Province of Palawan #
##
# # %[
Coron
20 0 20 40 Kilometers %[
Culion
Scale 1 : 2,500,000

%[ Linapacan ## ####
#
### ##
El Nido ##
#
#
##
#
#
%[ ### #
# Agutaya#%[##
## #
# ###
# ###
# #
# #
Taytay Magsaysay %[###%[#### #

1200000
1200000

#
Magsaysay

# #
%[# # Cuyo#### ###
#

San Vicente #
# # # ## #
# #
%[ # ###
[
% ## ##%
[### Araceli
## # # ##
#
S o u t h C h i n a S e a # # # ### ###
# Dumaran
#
[% # Roxas
#
## #

##
#

%[ PUERTO PRINCESA CITY

Cagayancillo %[
#
#
%[ # # Aborlan
## #
Quezon
#### ##
### %[ %[ #
Narra S u l u S e a
# ## ##
###
#####

1000000
1000000

Jose Rizal #%[ #### ##

#
## %[ Sofronio Español
##
# #
##
# #
## #%
[
## # Brookes Point
### %[
# #
#### #
Bataraza
#
#
# #
# # ##

LEGEND
%[ Municipalities
SEAGRASS CONDITION
# Excellent
%[ # Good
# Fair
# Poor
Map of Palawan

Source of Info:
800000
800000

Coastal Resource Assessment Report

PCSDS

600000 800000

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 87

 Map 16. Reef Fish Density, Palawan, 1999-2004.
600000 800000

REEF FISH DENSITY

Province of Palawan

1400000
1400000

30 0 30 60 90 Kilometers "E "F [

%
1 : 2,500,000 Busuanga Coron

"F "
E
[
%

"E "F
Culion [
%

Linapacan
"E "F "F "
[
%
E
El Nido [
% Agutaya [
%

"F "E Magsaysay

"E "F
Taytay

"F E
Cuyo %[ %[
"F "
South China Sea

1200000
1200000

"E
San Vicente
[
%
E
"F " Araceli
[
%
[
% [
%

"F "E
Dumaran
[
%
Roxas
"F "E
Sulu Sea
%[
Puerto Princesa City Cagayancillo
%[

F
"E "
"F "E
%[
Aborlan
Quezon
%[ %[
"F "
E LEGEND
"E "F Rizal Narra 1000000
1000000

[
% Indicator species (individual per hectare)
%[ "E 900 - 1,500
"F "E "E
Sofronio Española
1,500 - 2,500
"E
[
%
Brooke's Point 2,500 - 4,000
"E
[
%
Bataraza "F 10,000 - 18,000

"F "E Target species

"F 900 - 1,000
"F 1,000 - 2,000
"F2,000 - 2,500
"F2,500 - 5,500
Balabac
"F 18,000 - 18,500

Source: PCSDS Coastal resource assessments.

600000 800000

88 PALAWAN
 II. Executive Summary
Human Resources
X
HUMAN RESOURCES

Human resource is a very valuable resource in the
sustainable development of Palawan. Trends in population
growth are important in assessing population carrying
capacity of the Province especially since Palawan is
generally mountainous and therefore any increase in
population is feared to adversely affect the uplands and
other ecologically sensitive areas for lack of opportunities
in the lowlands. Likewise, population structure is viewed
to be relevant in economic development as young
population tend to be less productive because of a high
dependency ratio. Thus, monitoring of the Province’s
human resources will enable planners to formulate
strategic plans and programs to accommodate the
growing population without necessarily compromising
the fragile environment of the Province.
Other municipalities with relatively low population count
are Linapacan (9,198), Agutaya (10,422), Magsaysay
(10,885) and Araceli (10,894).
10.2 POPULATION DENSITY
The overall population density for Palawan in 2000 is
estimated at 51 persons/sq km, an increase of 8 persons/
sq km from the 1995 estimate of 43 persons/sq km
Referring to Table 36, Cagayancillo registered the highest
population density at 412 persons/sq.km., followed by
Magsaysay (393), Agutaya (321) and Cuyo (319). Except
for Cuyo, these municipalities happen to be those which
also registered the least population. The municipality of

In describing the population of Palawan, the discussion

will be mainly focused in Puerto Princesa City and the
twenty three (23) municipalities excluding Kalayaan. This
is because Kalayaan is a special municipality in the sense
that its inhabitants are all military personnel and therefore
could not be characterized in the same manner as the other
municipalities.

10.1 POPULATION DISTRIBUTION

Results of the 2000 Population Census Survey carried

out by the National Statistics Office is reflected on Table
36. As indicated, the total population of Palawan in 2000
was 755,412. Puerto Princesa City, the capital of
Palawan registered the highest population at 161,912
accounting for 21.43 percent of the province’s total
population. Among the municipalities of Palawan, the
top five in terms of population are Narra (56,845), Taytay
(53,657), Brooke’s Point (48,928), Roxas (47,242) and
Quezon (41,669). Except for Kalayaan with population
count of 223, the Municipality of Cagayancillo
manifested the least population at 6,348 accounting for
only 0.84 percent of Palawan’s aggregate population

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 89

 Table 36. Population Distribution by Municipality, Palawan, 2000.

Percent Land Area Population Density

Municipality Population Population (sq.km.) (Persons/sq.m.)

Aborlan 25,540 3.38 908.80 28.10

Agutaya 10,422 1.38 32.50 320.68
Araceli 10,894 1.44 176.80 61.62
Balabac 25,257 3.34 581.66 43.42
Bataraza 41,458 5.49 957.00 43.32
Brooke's Point 48,928 6.48 857.42 57.06
Busuanga 16,287 2.16 392.90 41.45
Cagayancillo 6,348 0.84 15.40 412.21
Coron 32,243 4.27 951.49 33.89
Culion 14,302 1.89 262.91 54.40
Cuyo 18,257 2.42 57.30 318.62
Dumaran 16,616 2.20 435.00 38.20
El Nido 27,029 3.58 465.10 58.11
Kalayaan 223 0.03 0.25 892.00
Linapacan 9,198 1.22 155.20 59.27
Magsaysay 10,885 1.44 27.70 392.96
Narra 56,845 7.53 700.00 81.21
Puerto Princesa City 161,912 21.43 2,106.70 76.86
Quezon 41,669 5.52 812.80 51.27
Rizal 31,745 4.20 1,100.00 28.86
Roxas 47,242 6.25 1,220.30 38.71
San Vicente 21,654 2.87 842.50 25.70
Sofronio Espanola 26,801 3.55 445.98 60.09
Taytay 53,657 7.10 1,390.50 38.59

TOTAL 755,412 100.00 14,896 50.71

Table 37. Comparative Data on Population Density (persons/sq. km).

Census Region/ Philippines/

Year Palawan Region IV Philippines Palawan Palawan

1970 15.9 95.0 122.3 5.97 7.69

1975 20.1 111.1 140.2 5.53 6.96
1980 25.0 130.4 160.3 5.22 6.41
1990 35.5 176.1 202.3 4.96 5.7
1995 43.0 211.9 228.7 4.93 5.32
2000 50.71

90 PALAWAN
 II. Executive Summary
San Vicente exhibited the least density although it ranks Comparison of the annual growth rates based on the 1995

14th in population count.
Palawan’s population density remains to be the lowest
among the provinces in the country notwithstanding its
high annual population growth rate. As shown on
Table 37, there are approximately five times more
persons per square kilometer in the Philippines or in
other Southern Tagalog provinces than in Palawan.
However, this should not make planners complacent
about the growing population of the Province.
Constrained with its mountainous topography which is
generally incomparable with other areas in the country,
Palawan’s capacity to absorb population increase is
nonetheless very much restricted even if its population
density is far below the national or regional figure.
Human Resources
and 2000 population census with the exclusion of
Brooke’s Point, Sofroñio Espanola, Coron and Culion
shows that eleven municipalities (including Puerto
Princesa City) manifested increased growth rates while
eight exhibited reduced rates. As for Brooke’s Point
and Coron, no comparison of growth rates was attempted
because of the artificial reduction in population thereof
brought about by the creation of Española and Culion
whose population were previously accounted for in
Brooke’s Point and Coron respectively. Noticeable
though is the abrupt reduction in the annual growth rate
of Puerto Princesa City from 7.06 (the highest so far in
the 1995 Census) to 4.89 percent in the 2000 census. It
is believed that migration to Puerto Princesa City has
slowed down during the second half of the nineties.

10.3 POPULATION GROWTH Meanwhile, historical data as depicted in Table 39 showed

Annual population growth rate per municipality based
on the 2000 population census is presented on Table 38.
As shown, the Municipality of Rizal exhibited the
highest annual growth rate at 8.31 percent while the least
at -1.20 percent was manifested by Cagayancillo (again
except Kalayaan which shows -8.57 annual growth rate)
which incidentally, exhibited a negative growth rate
implying a declining population. Noteworthy are Rizal
and Agutaya which showed exceedingly high annual
growth rates placed at 8.31 and 8.09 percent respectively
as compared to the other areas with rates ranging only
from 0.34 to 4.9 percent. Extremely low annual growth
rates are documented in Magsaysay (0.34%) and Araceli
(0.68%).
a decreasing trend in the annual population growth rate
for the last five census periods.
Notwithstanding such trend, the annual population growth
rates in Palawan for the past three decades continued to
be higher than the regional and national average. Previous
studies have shown that such high growth rates are
attributable to in-migration. Accordingly, at the average
annual growth rate of 3.60 percent as computed based on
the 1995 and 2000 population censuses, it is projected
that the population of Palawan will reach the one (1)
million mark in about eight years time or by 2008 and
will double around year 2020. Figure 47 shows the
projected population of Palawan from 2000 to 2020.

Figure 47. Projected Population of Palawan, 2000-2020.

1800000

1600000

1400000
Projected Population

1200000

1000000

800000

600000

400000

200000

0
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17

19
20
18
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20

20
20
20

Year

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 91

 Table 38. Population Growth Rate by Municipality, Palawan, 1995-2000.

1995 2000 Percent Growth Rate

Municipality
Population Population Population (%)

Aborlan 21650 25,540 10.1480 3.6043

Agutaya 7250 10,422 9.2517 8.0872
Araceli 10556 10,894 9.2960 0.6777
Balabac 21677 25,257 10.1369 3.3296
Bataraza 33303 41,458 10.6324 4.8055
Busuanga 15843 16,287 9.6981 0.5940
Cagayancillo 6717 6,348 8.7559 -1.2035
Coron 27040 32,243 10.3811 3.8431
Culion 13024 14,302 9.5682 2.0261
Dumaran 13980 16,616 9.7181 3.7709
El Nido 21948 27,029 10.2047 4.5632
Kalayaan 349 223 5.4072 -9.1517
Linapacan 7269 9,198 9.1267 5.1729
Magsaysay 10714 10,885 9.2951 0.3399
Narra 48339 56,845 10.9481 3.5344
Puerto Princesa City 129577 161,912 11.9948 4.8896
Quezon 36856 41,669 10.6375 2.6650
Rizal 21876 31,745 10.3655 8.3058
Roxas 44370 47,242 10.7630 1.3531
San Vicente 19449 21,654 9.9829 2.3280
Sofronio Espanola 22986 26,801 10.1962 3.3452
Taytay 47095 53,657 10.8904 2.8347

TOTAL 640,486 755,412 13.5350 3.5998

Table 39. Comparative Annual Average Population Growth Rates in

Percent by Census Period.

Census Palawan Region IV Philippines

Period Province Southern
Tagalog

1970 - 1975 4.86 3.19 2.78

1975 - 1980 4.38 3.25 2.71
1980 - 1990 3.58 3.05 2.35
1990 - 1995 3.67 3.53 2.32
1995 - 2000 3.60

Source: NSO Census of Population of 1975, 1980, 1990, 1995 and 2000

92 PALAWAN
 10.4 POPULATION STRUCTURE

II. Executive Summary

Table 40. Population Sex Ratio on by Census Year.

Human Resources
Unlike population count, data on population structure Census Year
contained in this report are based on the 1995 population
Area
census as the results of the 2000 census regarding 1980 1990 1995
population structure are not yet released. Although not
the latest, this information still provides the general Palawan 115.6 107.5 106.95
picture of Palawan’s population structure which does not
change much with time as data herein would show. Region IV 102.4 102.1 101.5

10.4.1 Sex Structure Philippines 100.7 101.1 101.5

The provincial sex ratio based on the 1995 Population

Census as demonstrated on Table 40 was computed at
106.95 males per 100 females and is low relative to the
1980 and 1990 Census figures recorded at 115.6 and 107.5
respectively. A further examination of Table 40 also
reveals that the computed sex ratios for Palawan are
relatively higher compared with the regional and national
figures for all census years mentioned. This means that
the excess of males over females in Palawan is to a certain
extent greater than with the other provinces of Region IV
or of the whole country.
10.4.2 Age Structure
Records of the 1995 population census as presented in
Appendix F-1 show that the province’s population is
relatively young with the child group comprising about
42.34 percent of the total population. San Vicente
municipality has the highest percentage (45.77%) of child
group while Cuyo has the lowest placed at 35.97. On the
other hand, the highest percentage of elderly population
was recorded in Magsaysay (7.05%) while the lowest is in
Balabac at 1.15 percent. The median age or the value which
divides the age distribution into two equal parts was
estimated to be 17.34 or below 18 years which is an
indication further that the population of Palawan as a whole
is relatively young.
Meanwhile, for the past 15 years (1980 to 1995) there
was no significant alteration in the age structure of
Palawan’s population as illustrated on Table 41. Data
show that changes in the percentage of household
population belonging to the child age group, elderly
group and the working age group over the same period
are barely 0.45, 0.26 and 0.71 percent respectively. Such
changes are nil compared to the size of the population.
It is therefore expected that the population will remain
to be young in the coming decades.
In relation to the regional (Southern Tagalog) and the
national age distribution, Palawan’s population is said to
be younger since the percentage of its child age group is
higher by 4% as reflected on Table 42. The relatively
young population of Palawan is further reflected by the
fact that its median age of 17.34 is lower than the regional
figure of 19.7 and national figure of 19.43.
10.5 DEPENDENCY RATIO
Dependency ratio refers to the ratio of the dependent
population over the productive age group. A high
dependency ratio is not a good indicator of a growing or

Palawan has become a target for settlers with the

depletion of natural resources all over the country.
In 1995, population growth in the province was
pegged at 3.93% due largely to migration. It slipped
to 3.6% in 2000. 61% of the total population of
Palawan were migrants.

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 93

 Table 41. Comparative Percent Distribution of Population
by Age Group, Palawan.

Census Year
Age Group
1980 1990 1995
Dependent Age Group 44.64 45.54 44.91
0-14 42.32 43.09 42.34
65 and over 2.32 2.45 2.58
Working Age Group 55.36 54.46 55.09
15-24 20.34 19.59 19.33
25-64 35.02 34.87 35.76

Source: NSO, Census of Population for 1980, 1990 & 1995

Table 42. Comparative Data on Age Structure

Age Category Philippines Region IV Palawan

Dependent Age Group 41.85 41.36 44.92
0 - 14 38.33 38.05 42.34
65 and over 3.52 3.31 2.58

Working Age Group 58.15 58.64 55.09

15 - 24 20.02 19.81 19.33
25 - 64 38.13 38.83 35.76

Median Age 19.43 19.7 17.34

Dependency Ratio 71.97 70.53 81.52

developing economy. Productivity will tend to be low Palawan’s population manifests a more dependent
due to increase in economic burden. population compared to Region IV and of the country
as a whole. Thus, economic development would be even
Table 43 illustrates the dependency ratios in each more difficult in Palawan than any other area in the
municipality of Palawan from 1980 to 1995. As Philippines.
indicated in 1995, Coron, Linapacan and San Vicente
have the highest dependency ratio with 92 dependents
for every 100 productive population. Dumaran
municipality ranks second with 91 dependents for every
100 economically active individuals. The municipalities
of Busuanga and Cuyo manifested the lowest
dependency ratio placed at 72 dependents for every 100
productive individuals. Taking the province as a whole,
the dependency ratio is placed at 82 dependents for every
100 productive individuals.

A comparison of the 1980, 1990 and 1995 population

data shows an insignificant change in dependency ratios.
However, compared with the dependency ratios in
Southern Tagalog and in the Philippines placed at 70.53
and 71.97 respectively, the difference is quite considerable
as indicated on Table 42. It may be inferred then that

94 PALAWAN
 II. Executive Summary
Human Resources
Table 43. Dependency Ratios by Municipality, Palawan, 1980-1995.

Municipality 1980 1990 1995

Palawan 84:100 85:100 82:100

Aborlan 95:100 84:100 83:100

Agutaya 87:100 75:100 80:100
Araceli 79:100 80:100 80:100
Balabac 61:100 87:100 90:100
Bataraza 86:100 86:100 84:100
Brooke's Point 61:100 88:100 88:100
Busuanga 50:100 137:100 72:100
Cagayancillo 89:100 76:100 80:100
Coron 90:100 89:100 92:100
Cuyo 81:100 74:100 72:100
Dumaran 121:100 92:100 91:100
El Nido 87:100 86:100 90:100
Linapacan 112:100 95:100 92:100
Magsaysay 79:100 81:100 76:100
Narra 87:100 83:100 83:100
Quezon 79:100 85:100 86:100
Roxas 89:100 86:100 81:100
San Vicente 92:100 87:100 92:100
Sofronio Espanola 90:100
Taytay 90:100 188:100 89:100
Rizal 79:100 82:100

Source: NSO, 1980, 1990, 1995 Census of Population.

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 95

 Map 17. Population Density, Palawan, 2000.

600000 800000

POPULATION DENSITY
Province of Palawan

1400000
1400000

[
%
20 0 20 40 60 Kilometers Busuanga
Coron
[
%
1 : 1,275,000
Culion [
%

[ Linapacan
%

El Nido
[
% Agutaya [
%

South China Sea Taytay

% %[ Magsaysay

1200000
1200000

Cuyo [
[
%

San Vicente Araceli

[
%
[
% [
%
Dumaran
[
%
Roxas

[
%
Puerto Princesa City
Cagayancillo
%[

%[ Sulu Sea
Aborlan
Quezon
%[ %[
Rizal Narra

1000000
1000000

%[
%[
Sofronio Española
%[
Brooke's Point
%[
Bataraza

LEGEND
Population density (persons/sq km)
< 26
26 - 50
51 - 75
% Balabac
[ 76 - 100
301 - 325
376 - 400
401 - 425
800000
800000

Source: National Statistics Office, 2000

600000 800000

96 PALAWAN
 Map 18. Population of Growth Rate, Palawan, 1995-2000.
600000 800000

POPULATION GROWTH RATE

Province of Palawan

1400000
1400000

[
%
Busuanga
Coron
[
%
20 0 20 40 60 Kilometers

Culion [
%
1 : 1,275,000

[ Linapacan
%

El Nido
[
% Agutaya [
%

Taytay
% %[ Magsaysay

1200000
1200000

Cuyo [
South China Sea [
%

San Vicente Araceli

[
%
[
% [
%
Dumaran
[
%
Roxas

[
%
Puerto Princesa City
Cagayancillo
%[

%[
Aborlan
Quezon
%[ %[ Sulu Sea
Rizal Narra

1000000
1000000

%[
%[
Sofronio Española
%[
Brooke's Point
%[
Bataraza

LEGEND
Population growth rate (%)
<0
% Balabac
[ 0-1
1-2
2-3
3-4
4-5
5-6
8-9
800000
800000

Source: National Statistics Office, 2000

600000 800000

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 97

 References

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Resources Mgt. Center and University of the Philippines, Quezon City.

Alcala, A.C. and W.C. Brown. 1998. Philippine Amphibians. An Illustrated Field Guide. Bookmark, Inc.

BAEcon: Ministry of Agriculture. Economic Potentials and Development Constraints of

Palawan. PIADPO. November 1986.

BAEX Socio-Economic Profile, Palawan. 1980.

Bureau of Agricultural Statistics. Central Officer: PCSDS, Palawan, Statistics A1.02.

Bureau of Soils and Management. 1988. The Physical Environment (Volume I). Soil/Resource Evaluation Project.
Palawan Province.

Bureau of Soils. 1979. Geological Map of Palawan.

Census of Agriculture, 1980. National Summary Volume 1, Final Report.

CITES. www.cites.org

Coastal Resource Assessment Report of the Municipality Brooke’s Point. 2000. Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development Staff (PCSDS).

Coastal Resource Assessment Report of the Municipality of Araceli. 2000. Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development Staff (PCSDS).

Coastal Resource Assessment Report of the Municipality of Bataraza. 2003. Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development Staff (PCSDS).

Coastal Resource Assessment Report of the Municipality of Busuanga. 1999. Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development Staff (PCSDS)

Coastal Resource Assessment Report of the Municipality of Coron. 1999. Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development Staff (PCSDS).

Coastal Resource Assessment Report of the Municipality of Culion. 1999. Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development Staff (PCSDS).

Coastal Resource Assessment Report of the Municipality of Cuyo. 2000. Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development Staff (PCSDS).

Coastal Resource Assessment Report of the Municipality of Dumaran. 2001. Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development Staff (PCSDS).

Coastal Resource Assessment Report of the Municipality of El Nido. 2002. Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development Staff (PCSDS).

Coastal Resource Assessment Report of the Municipality of Magsaysay. 2002. Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development Staff (PCSDS).

Coastal Resource Assessment Report of the Municipality of Quezon. 2001. Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development Staff (PCSDS).

Coastal Resource Assessment Report of the Municipality of Rizal. 2003. Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development Staff (PCSDS).

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 99

 Coastal Resource Assessment Report of the Municipality of San Vicente. 2000. Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development Staff (PCSDS).

Coastal Resource Assessment Report of the Municipality of Taytay. 2000. Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development Staff (PCSDS).

Coastal Resource Monitoring Report of the Municipality of Aborlan. 2003. Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development Staff (PCSDS).

Coastal Resource Monitoring Report of the Municipality of Narra. 2002. Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development Staff (PCSDS).

Coastal Resource Monitoring Report of the Municipality of Roxas. 2004. Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development Staff (PCSDS).

Coastal Resource Monitoring Report of the Municipality of S. Española. 2001. Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development Staff (PCSDS).

Coconut Industry Profile, PCA, Palawan.

Crombie, R.I. 1994. A working list of the currently recognized species of amphibians and reptiles found in the Philippines
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Dickinson, E.C., R.S. Kennedy, and K.C. Parkes. 1991. The Birds of the Philippines. British Ornithologists’ Union
Checklist No. 12.

Fortes, M.D. 1995. Seagrasses of East Asia: Environmental and Management Perspectives. UNEP. Bangkok.

Heaney, L.R., D.S. Balete, M.L. Dolar, A.C. Alcala, A.T.L. Dans, P.C. Gonzales, N.R. Ingle, M.V. Lepiten, W.L.R.
Oliver, P.S. Ong, E.A. Rickart, B.R. Tabaranza, Jr., and R.C.B. Utzurrum. 1998. A synopsis of the Mammalian
Fauna of the Philippine Islands. Fieldiana: Zoology Series.

Hunting Technical Services Limited. 1983. Final Report of Water Resources Annex.

Hunting Technical Services Limited. 1985. Environment Monitoring Evaluation System (EMES) Annual Report.

Ingle, N.R. and L.R. Heaney. 1992. A Key to the Bats of the Philippine Islands. Fieldiana Zoology, 69:1-44.

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. www. redlist.org

Japan Forest Technical Association. 1992. Tropical Forest Resources Survey.

Kennedy, R.S., P.C. Gonzales, E.C. Dickinson, H.C. Miranda, Jr., and T.H. Fisher. 2000. A Guide to the Birds of
the Philippines. Oxford University Press.

Melana and Gonzales. 1996. Field Guide to the Identification of Some Mangrove Plant Species in the Philippines.
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National Statistics Office. 1975. Census of Population.

National Statistics Office. 1980. Census of Population

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PAGASA. 1949-2003.

100 PALAWAN
 PCSDS Rainfall Stations. 1997-2003.

PCSDS. 1996. LANDSAT Images.

PCSDS. 2000. Land Cover Map of Palawan.

PCSDS. 1996-2003. Laboratory Reports.

Philippine Coconut Authority. Coconut Industry Profile, Palawan.

Rabor, D.S. 1986. Guide to Philippine Flora and Fauna Vol. XI. Birds and Mammals. Nat. Res. Mgt. Center and
University of the Philippines.

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Soriano Mining Company. 1973-1984.

Tan. J.M.L. 1995. A Field Guide to Whales and Dolphins of the Philippines (reprinted 1997). Bookmark, Inc.

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STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 101

 APPENDICES

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 103

 APPENDIX A-1. The Different Geomorphic Units and Land Management Units
and their Extent of Palawan Province, 1988-89

AREA
LANDFORM TYPES LAND MANAGEMENT UNITS (HA) PERCENT

01 Fishpond 525 0.04

COASTAL 02 Mangrove and/or nipa 26070 3.9
03 Beach ridges and swales build-up 26594 1.85
06 River Levee 1410 0.1
07 River terrace 6595 0.46
09 Broad Plain 26799 1.87
BROAD ALLUVIAL PLAINS 10 Swamp and marshes, tree types 4555 0.32
11 Swamp and marshes, grass types 8629 0.6
16 Infilled valley/localized valley 21276 1.48
17 Inland valley/enclosed valley 31438 2.19
18 Collu-alluvial valley 30008 2.09
19 Narrow alluvial plains 17736 1.24
MINOR ALLUVIAL PLAINS 20 Broad alluvial valley 31545 2.19
21 Alluvial terrace 39422 2.74
22 Level to gently sloping 23532 1.63
TERRACES (Residual Soils) 23 Gently sloping to undulating 44357 3.08
24 Undulating to rolling 42935 2.98
PLAINS 36 Limestone Plain 1560 1.10
45 Plateau undissected 11115 0.77
PLATEAU 46 Plateau dissected 13672 0.95
52 Undulating to rolling, dissected upper volcanic
plateau, steep side slope and dissected scarp 2542 0.17
64 Limestone hills, low relief 5501 0.38
65 Limestone hills, high relief 9217 0.64
HILLS (Sedimentary) 69 Shale/sandstone hills, low relief 14996 1.04
70 Shale/sandstone hills, hig relief 31724 2.21
80 Complex, unconsolidated sediments hills, low
and high relief 31015 2.16
83 Basaltic hills, low relief 11483 0.8
HILLS (Volcanic) 84 Basaltic hills, high relief 9591 0.66
89 Ultrabasic hills, low relief 11557 0.8
90 Ultrabasic hills, high relief 28012 1.95
104 Metamorphic hills, low relief 85302 5.94
HILLS (Metamorphic) 105 Metamorphic hills, high relief 190902 13.29
110 Meta-volcanic hills, low relief 228889 15.93
111 Meta-volcanic hills, high relief 43813 3.05
118 Karstic limestone mountain, rocky 66660 4.64
131 Metamorphic mountain 15978 1.11
MOUNTAINS 132 Ultrabasic mountain 144804 1.03
136 Low, meta-volcanic mountain 69978 4.87
137 High, meta-volcanic mountain 44570 3.1
169 Beach sand 22094 1.54
170 River wash 2088 0.15
MISCELLANEOUS 172 Plateau scarpment 40621 2.83
174 Lakes 80 0.01
178 Quarry 1692 0.117
182 Salbed 52 0.003
mm/annexA_1/emes manual (2001)

104 PALAWAN
 APPENDIX A-2. Physical Soil Characteristic by Land Management Unit, Palawan.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Water
Land Management Unit Texture Depth Holding Internal External
(cm) Capacity Soil Soil
(%) Drainage Drainage

01 FISH POND

This land unit occupies the smallest area Sandy Moderately High Poorly Ponded
located in the municipality of Roxas and Puerto clay loam deep drained
Princesa City. They were formerly mangrove to clay
area and developed into fishponds. The area is
approximately 525 hectares or 0.04 percent.

02 MANGROVE

This land management unit is sporadically Loamy Moderately Medium Poorly Ponded
located along the beach and mostly along sand to deep drained
mouth of rivers and creeks. The biggest area is clay
found at the head of the Malampaya Sound and
in the municipality of Roxas. The approximate
area is 56,070 hectares or equivalent to 3.9%.

03 BEACH RIDGES AND SWALES

This land unit was classified along the Sandy to Shallow Low Somewhat Rapid
seashore of Palawan Islands. It covers 26,594 silt loam excessively
hectares or 1.85%. drained

06 RIVER LEVEE

This land unit was identified in Barangay Silt loam Deep Medium Moderately Slow
Abongan, municipality of Taytay and covers to silty well drained
1,410 hectares or 10%. clay loam to some-
what poorly
drained

07 RIVER TERRACE

The area of this soil unit was classified in Sandy Deep Medium Moderately Slow
Brgy. Bacungan, Puerto Princesa City and in clay loam well drained
the municipality of Quezon and Narra. It has to clay
an approximated area of 6,595 has. or loam
equivalent to 0.46%.

09 BROAD PLAIN

It was mapped in the municipality of Sandy Deep Medium Moderately Slow

Bataraza, Brooke's Point, Quezon, Rizal, clay loam well drained
Narra, Aborlan,Taytay and Puerto Princesa to clay to poorly
City. The area is approximately 26,799 drained
hectares or 1.87%.

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 105

 APPENDIX A-2. Physical Soil Characteristic by Land Management Unit, Palawan (continued).

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Water
Land Management Unit Texture Depth Holding Internal External
(cm) Capacity Soil Soil
(%) Drainage Drainage

16 INFILLED VALLEYS

This landscape was sporadically classified Sandy Deep Medium Moderately Slow
in all the municipalities of the mainland and clay loam well
some islands municipalities except Agutaya, to clay drained to
Cuyo and Magsaysay. The area covered is poorly
approximately 21,279 has. or equivalent to drained
1.48%.

17 ENCLOSED VALLEYS

This land unit was mapped in the municipalities Sandy Deep Medium Moderately Slow to
of Busuanga, Coron, El Nido, Taytay, San clay loam well drained moderate
Vicente, Dumaran, Roxas, Quezon, Rizal, to clay to poorly
Brooke's Point, Aborlan and Puerto Princesa drained
City. It has an aggregate area of 31,438 has.
or 2.19 percent.

18 COLLO-ALLUVIAL FAN

This LMU was mapped in the municipalities Sandy Deep Medium Moderately Slow
of Narra, Brooke's Point and Bataraza with a clay loam well drained
total area of 30,008 has. or 2.09 percent. to clay to some-
what poorly
drained

19 NARROW ALLUVIAL PLAINS

Mapped in the municipality of Busuanga, Silty clay Deep Low Somewhat Slow
Coron, El Nido, Taytay, Cuyo, Araceli, San loam to poorly
Vicente, Dumaran, Roxas, Aborlan, Quezon, clay drained to
Rizal, Brooke's Point, Bataraza and Puerto poorly
Princesa City. It covered an aggregate area of drained
17,736 has. or equivalent to 1.24%.

20 BROAD ALLUVIAL VALLEY

This land management unit is widely spread Sandy Deep Medium Moderately Slow
in most of the municipalities of Palawan except clay loam well drained
Cuyo, Magsaysay and Agutaya. The area is to clay to poorly
31,545 hectares or equivalent to 2.19 percent. drained

21 ALLUVIAL TERRACE

Classified in the municipalities of Aborlan, Clay loam Moderately Medium Moderately Slow to
Narra, Brooke's Point and Bataraza with an to clay Deep well drained Medium
aggregate area of 39,422 hectares or 2.74%. to some-
what poorly
drained

106 PALAWAN
 APPENDIX A-2. Physical Soil Characteristic by Land Management Unit, Palawan (continued).

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Water
Land Management Unit Texture Depth Holding Internal External
(cm) Capacity Soil Soil
(%) Drainage Drainage

22 LEVEL TO GENTLY SLOPING, RESIDUAL

TERRACE

Classified in most of the municipalities of Sandy moderately Low Well Slow

Palawan and Puerto Princesa City except clay loam deep drained to
Narra and Aborlan. The area covered is to clay somewhat
approximately 23,532 hectares or equivalent to poorly
1.63%. drained

23 SLOPING TO UNDULATING RESIDUAL

TERRACE

Sporadically classified in most municipalities Sandy Moderately Medium Moderately Slow to

of the province except Narra and Aborlan. It has clay loam deep well drained Medium
an approximate area of 44,357 hectares or to clay to some-
3.08%. what poorly
drained
24 UNDULATING TO ROLLING, RESIDUAL
TERRACE

Mapped in the municipalites of El Nido, Clay loam Moderately Medium Well Medium
Taytay, Cuyo, Magsaysay, San Vicente, to clay deep drained to
Araceli, Dumaran, Roxas, Aborlan, Narra, moderately
Quezon, Brooke's Point, Bataraza and Puerto well drained
Princesa City with an aggregate area of 42,935
hectares or 2.98%.

36 LIMESTONE PLAIN

This land facet is located in the municipalities Clay Moderately High Somewhat Slow
of Quezon, Rizal and Puerto Princesa City with a deep poorly
total area of 15,860 hectares or 1.10%. drained

45 PLATTEAU, UNDISSECTED

Identified in the municipality of Coron with an Sandy Moderately Low Moderately Slow to
aggregate area of 11,115 hectares or 0.77%. clay loam deep well medium
to clay drained
loam

46 PLATTEAU, DISSECTED

Located in the municipality of Busuanga, Sandy Shallow Low Moderately Slow to

Coron, Quezon, Bataraza and Puerto Princesa clay loam well drained medium
City. It has an aggregate area of 14,672 hectares to clay to well
or 0.9%. loam drained

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 107

 APPENDIX A-2. Physical Soil Characteristic by Land Management Unit, Palawan (continued).

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Water
Land Management Unit Texture Depth Holding Internal External
(cm) Capacity Soil Soil
(%) Drainage Drainage

64 LIMESTONE HILLS, LOW RELIEF

The area of this land management was Clay Moderately High Moderately Rapid
mapped in the municipality of Quezon, Rizal, deep well drained
Brooke's Point, Bataraza. It has an aggregate to some-
area of 5,501 hectares or equivalent to 0.38%. what poorly
drained
65 LIMESTONE HILLS, HIGH RELIEF

This land management unit is found in the Clay Moderately Medium Moderately Rapid
municipality of Quezon, Rizal, Brooke's Point deep well drained
andBatarazawith an approximate area of 9,217 to well
hectares or 0.64%. drained

69 SHALE/SANDSTONE HILLS, LOW RELIEF

Classified in the municipality of Roxas, Clay loam Moderately Medium Moderately Rapid
Quezon, Rizal, Brooke's Point, Bataraza and to clay deep well drained
Puerto Princesa City. The area is approximately
14,996 has. or 1.04%.

70 SHALE/SANDSTONE HILLS, HIGH RELIEF

Located in the municipality of Quezon, Clay loam Moderately Medium Moderately Rapid
Rizal, Bataraza, Brooke's Point and Puerto to clay deep well drained
Princesa City. It has an approximate area
31,724 has. or equivalent to 2.21%.

80 UNCONSOLIDATED COMPLEX SEDIMENT

HILLS, LOW AND HIGH RELIEF

Classified in the municipality of Bataraza, Sandy Shallow Low Well Medium

Brooke's Point, Rizal, Quezon, Narra, Aborlan clay loam drained
and Puerto Princesa City. The area is to clay
approximately 31,015 hectares or equivalent to
2.16%.

83 BASALTIC HILLS, LOW RELIEF

Identified in the municipality of Magsaysay, Sandy Shallow Medium Well Rapid

Cuyo and Agutaya with an approximate area of clay loam drained
11,438 hectares or 0.80%. to clay

84 BASALTIC HILLS, HIGH RELIEF

Found in the municipality of Agutaya, Cuyo Sandy Shallow Medium Well Rapid
and Magsaysay with an aggregate area of 9,591 clay loam to high drained
hectares equivalent to 0.66 percent. to clay

108 PALAWAN
 APPENDIX A-2. Physical Soil Characteristic by Land Management Unit, Palawan (continued).

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Water
Land Management Unit Texture Depth Holding Internal External
(cm) Capacity Soil Soil
(%) Drainage Drainage

89 ULTRABASIC HILLS, LOW RELIEF

This land unit was classified in the municipality Clay loam Moderately Medium Moderately Rapid
of Bataraza, Brooke's Point, Quezon, Narra, to clay deep well drained
Aborlan and Puerto Princesa City. The area is to well
approximate 11,557 has. or 0.80 percent. drained

90 ULTRABASIC HILLS, HIGH RELIEF

The unit was identified in the municipality of Clay Shallow Medium Moderately Rapid
Aborlan, Narra, Brook'es Point, Quezon, Rizal, well drained
Bataraza and Puerto Princesa City. It has an to well
approximate area of 28,012 has. or 1.95 percent. drained

104 METAMORPHIC HILLS, LOW RELIEF

This land unit occupies the low relief hills from Sandy Shallow Low Well Rapid
the municipality of Busuanga, Coron, El Nido, clay loam drained
Taytay, San Vicente, Araceli, Dumaran to Roxas to clay
and the northern portion of Puerto Princesa City. loam
It is approximately 85,302 has. or 5.94 percent.

105 METAMORPHIC HILLS, HIGH RELIEF

This unit occupies the highest hills from Sandy Shallow Low Well Rapid
Busuanga to northern portion of Puerto Princesa clay loam drained
City. It has an aggregate area of 190,902 has. or to clay
13.29 percent. loam

110 METAVOLCANIC HILLS, LOW RELIEF

Mapped in the municipality of El Nido, Roxas, Clay loam Moderately Low Well Rapid
San Vicente, Quezon, Brooke's Point, Rizal, to clay deep drained
Bataraza and Puerto Princesa City with a total
area of 228,889 hectares or 15.96%.

111 METAVOLCANIC HILLS, HIGH RELIEF

Classified in the municipality of Bataraza, Clay loam Moderately Low Well Rapid to
Rizal, Brooke's Point, Quezon, Roxas, San to clay deep drained very rapid
Vicente, El Nido and Puerto Princesa City. The
area is about 43,813 hectares or equivalent to
3.05%.

131 METAMORPHIC MOUNTAINS

Mapped in the municipality of Roxas, Brooke's Sandy Shallow Low Well drainedRapid to
Point and Puerto Princesa City. It has an clay loam rapid very rapid
aggregate area of 15,978 has. or 1.11 percent. to clay
loam

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 109

 APPENDIX A-2. Physical Soil Characteristic by Land Management Unit, Palawan (continued).

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Water
Land Management Unit Texture Depth Holding Internal External
(cm) Capacity Soil Soil
(%) Drainage Drainage

132 ULTRABASIC MOUNTAIN

This unit classified in the municipality of Clay loam Shallow Low Moderately Rapid to
Bataraza, Rizal, Brooke's Point, Quezon, Narra, to clay well drained very rapid
Aborlan and Puerto Princesa City. It is to well
represented by Mt. Calibugon, Scapado Peak, drained
Tripal Top, Central Anipahan Peak, Bulian Peak,
Paltate Range and Victoria range with highest
elevation of more or less 1600 meters. The area
covered is approximately 14,804 hectares or
equivalent to 1.03%.

136 LOW, META-VOLCANIC MOUNTAIN (LMU)

This LMU occupies an elevation from 500 to Clay loam Moderately Well drainedRapid
1000 meters mapped widely in the municipality of to clay deep
Brooke's Point and small area in El Nido and also
found in the mountain boundary of Roxas and
Puerto Princesa City toward south direction. It is
represented by Addisonand Strip Peak. It has an
approximate area of 69,978 hectares or equivalent
to 4.87%.

137 HIGH, META-VOLCANIC MOUNTAIN (LMU)

This represent the Mantalingan range from Clay loam Moderately Well drainedRapid
1000 to more than 2200 meters highest elevation to clay deep
found in the municipality of Brooke's with an
approximate area of 44,473 hectares or 3.10
percent.
mm/annexA_2/emes report 1999
Source: The Physical Environment (Volume I)
Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Soils and Management
Manila, 1998

110 PALAWAN
 APPENDIX A-3. Chemical Soil Characteristics by Land Management Unit, Palawan.

CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Cation Organic EXCHANGEABLE BASES
Land Management Unit Reaction Exchange Matter Available
(pH) Capacity Content Phospho- Potas- Manga- Cal-
(meq/100g) (%) rous sium nese cuim

01 FISH POND

This land unit occupies 3.5; maximum Adequate Medium Possibly High to High High
the smallest area located in availabilityand Deficient Low
the municipalities of Roxas possible
and Puerto Princesa City. toxicity of
They were formerly mangrove micro-nutrients
area and developed into
fishponds. The area is
approximately 525 hectares
or 0.04 percent.

02 MANGROVE

This land management 4.2 to 5.2; Adequate Medium Very High High High
unit is sporadically located maximum Deficient
along the beach and mostly availability and
along mouth of rivers and possible
creeks. The biggest area is toxicity of
found at the head of the micro-nutrients
Malampaya Sound and in the
municipality of Roxas. The
approximate area is 56,070
hectares or equivalent to
3.9%.

03 BEACH RIDGES AND

SWALES

This land unit was 4.7 to 7.9; Marginal Low Deficient Low High High
classifief along the seashore optimal
ofPalawan Islands. It covers availability of
26,594 hectares or 1.85%. nutrients

06 RIVER LEVEE

This land unit was 4.1 to 4.6; Adequate Low Deficient Low High High
identified in Barangay maximum
Abongan, Municipality of availability and
Taytay to covers 1,410 possible
hectares or 0.10%. toxicity of
micro-nutrients

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 111

 APPENDIX A-3. Chemical Soil Characteristics by Land Management Unit, Palawan (Continued).

CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Cation Organic EXCHANGEABLE BASES
Land Management Unit Reaction Exchange Matter Available
(pH) Capacity Content Phospho- Potas- Manga- Cal-
(meq/100g) (%) rous sium nese cuim

07 RIVER TERRACE

The area of this soil unit 5.8 to 6.1; Adequate Medium Deficient Medium toHigh High
was classified in Brgy. optimal Low
Bacungan, Puerto Princesa availability of
City and in the municipality of nutrients
Quezon and Narra. It has an
approximate area of 6,595
has. or equivalent to 0.46%.

09 BROAD PLAIN

It was mapped in the 3.9 to 6.7; Marginal Medium Deficient Low High High
municipality of Bataraza, marginal
Brooke's Point, Quezon, availability of
Rizal, Narra, Aborlan, Taytay nutrients
and Puerto Princesa City.
The area is approximately
26,799 hectares or it
represents 1.87%.

16 INFILLED VALLEYS

This landscape was 4.1 to 6.5; Marginal Medium Deficient Medium High High
sporadically classified in all marginal to low
the municipalities of the availability of
mainland and some island nutrients
municipalities except
Agutaya, Cuyo and
Magsaysay. The area
covered is approximately
21,279 has. or equivalent to
1.48%.

17 ENCLOSED VALLEYS

This land was mapped 4.2 to 4.7; Adequate Medium Possibly High to High High
in the municipalities of maximum deficient medium
Busuanga, Coron, El Nido, availability and
Taytay, San Vicente, possible
Dumaran , Roxas, Quezon, toxicity of
Rizal, Brooke's Point, Aborlan micro-nutrients
and Puerto Princesa City. It
has an aggregate area of
31,438 has. or 2.19 percent.

112 PALAWAN
 APPENDIX A-3. Chemical Soil Characteristics by Land Management Unit, Palawan (Continued).

CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Cation Organic EXCHANGEABLE BASES
Land Management Unit Reaction Exchange Matter Available
(pH) Capacity Content Phospho- Potas- Manga- Cal-
(meq/100g) (%) rous sium nese cuim

18 COLLO-ALLUVIAL FAN

This LMU was mapped 4.7 to 6.6; Adequate Medium Adequate High to High High
in the municipalities of Narra, marginal medium
Brooke's Point and Bataraza availabilityof
with a total area of 30,008 has. nutrients
or 2.09 percent.

19 NARROW ALLUVIAL
PLAINS

Municipality of Busuanga, 4.6 to 5.9; Marginal Low Deficient Low High High
Coron, El Nido, Taytay, Cuyo, maximum
Araceli, San Vicente, availability and
Dumaran, Roxas, Aborlan, possible
Quezon, Rizal, Brooke's toxicity of
Point, Bataraza and Puerto micro-nutrients
Princesa City. It covered an
aggregate area of 17,736 has.
or represent 1.24%.

20 BROAD ALLUVIAL
VALLEY

This land management 4.2 to 5.6; Marginal Medium Deficient Medium High High
unit is widely spread in most maximum to low to low
of the municipalities of availability and
Palawan except Cuyo, possible
Magsaysay and Agutaya. toxicity of
The area is 31,545 hectares micro-nutrients
or equivalent to 2.19 percent.

21 ALLUVIAL TERRACE

Classified in the 5.4; marginal Marginal Medium Possibly Low High High
municipalities of Aborlan, availability of Deficient
Narra, Brooke's Point and nutrients
Bataraza with an aggregate
area of 39,422 hectares or
equivalent to 2.74%.

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 113

 APPENDIX A-3. Chemical Soil Characteristics by Land Management Unit, Palawan (Continued).

CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Cation Organic EXCHANGEABLE BASES
Land Management Unit Reaction Exchange Matter Available
(pH) Capacity Content Phospho- Potas- Manga- Cal-
(meq/100g) (%) rous sium nese cuim

22 LEVEL TO GENTLY
SLOPING, RESIDUAL
TERRACE

Classified in most of the 4.2 to 5; Marginal Medium Deficient High to High High
municipalities of Palawan and maximum medium
Puerto Princesa City except availability and
Narra and Aborlan. The area possible
covered is approximately toxicity of
23,532 hectares or equivalent micor-nutrients
to 1.63%.

23 SLOPING TO UNDULATING
RESIDUAL TERRACE

Sporadically classified in 4.0 to 5.9; Marginal Medium Possibly Medium High High
most municipalities of the maximum deficient
province except Narra and availability and
Aborlan. It has an possible
approximate area of 44,357 toxicity of
hectares or 3.08%. micro-nutrients

24 UNDULATING TO ROLLING,
RESIDUAL TERRACE

Mapped in the 4.2 to 6.9; Adequate Medium Possibly High High High
municipalities of El Nido, optimal deficient
Taytay, Cuyo, Magsaysay, availability of
San Vicente, Araceli, nutrients
Dumaran, Roxas, Aborlan,
Narra, Quezon, Brooke's
Point, Bataraza and Puerto
Princesa City with an
aggregate area of 42,935
hectares. It represents
2.98%.

36 LIMESTONE PLAIN

This land facet is located 5.4 to 6.1; Marginal Hight to Possibly Low High Hiigh
in the municipalities of optimal medium deficient
Quezon, Rizal and Puerto availability of
Princesa City with a total area nutrients
of 15,860 hectares or 1.10%.

114 PALAWAN
 APPENDIX A-3. Chemical Soil Characteristics by Land Management Unit, Palawan (Continued).

CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Cation Organic EXCHANGEABLE BASES
Land Management Unit Reaction Exchange Matter Available
(pH) Capacity Content Phospho- Potas- Manga- Cal-
(meq/100g) (%) rous sium nese cuim
45 PLATTEAU, UNDISSECTED

Identified in the munci- 4.7; maximum Marginal Medium Possibly Medium Low to Low to
pality of Coron with an availability and deficient to Low Medium Medium
aggregate area of 11,115 possible
hectares or 0.77%. toxicity of
micro-nutrients
46 PLATTEAU DISSECTED

Located in the munici- 4.5 to 4.8; Deficient to Medium Deficient Low Low Low
pality in Busuanga, Coron, maximum marginal to low
Quezon, Bataraza and Puerto availability and
Princesa City. It has an possible
aggregate area of 14,672 toxicity of
hectares or 0.95%. micro-nutrients
64 LIMESTONE HILLS,
LOW RELIEF

The area of this land 7.1 to 7.3; Adequate Medium Possibly High High High
management was mapped in optimal deficient
the municipality of Quezon, availability of
Rizal, Brooke's Point, nutrients
Bataraza. It has an
aggregate area of 5,501
hectares or equivalent to
0.38%.

65 LIMESTONE HILLS,
HIGH RELIEF

This land management 5.8 to 6.1; optimal

Adequate High to Possibly High to High High
unit is found in the availability of medium Deficient low
municipality of Quezon, Rizal, nutrients
Brooke's Point and Bataraza
with an approximate area of
9,217 hectares or 0.64%.

69 SHALE/SANDSTONE
HILLS, LOW RELIEF

Classified in the munici- 5.8 to 6.1; Adequate Medium Deficient Low Medium Medium
pality of Roxas, Quezon, optimal to low to high to high
Rizal, Brooke's Point, availability of
Bataraza and Puerto Princesa nutrients
City. The area is
approximately 14,996 has.
representing 1.04%.

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 115

 APPENDIX A-3. Chemical Soil Characteristics by Land Management Unit, Palawan (Continued).

CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Cation Organic EXCHANGEABLE BASES
Land Management Unit Reaction Exchange Matter Available
(pH) Capacity Content Phospho- Potas- Manga- Cal-
(meq/100g) (%) rous sium nese cuim

70 SHALE/SANDSTONE
HILLS, HIGH RELIEF

Located in the munici- 4.5 to 5.00; Adequate Medium Very High to High High
pality of Quezon, Rizal, maximum to low deficient medium
Bataraza, Brooke's Point and availability and
Puerto Princesa City. It has possible
an approximate area of toxicity of
31,724 has. or equivalent to micro-nutrients
2.21%.

80 COMPLEX UNCON-
SOLIDATED SEDIMENT
HILLS, LOW AND HIGH
RELIEF

Classified in the munici- 4.9; maximum Deficient Medium Very Low High High
pality of Bataraza, Brooke's availability and deficient
Point, Rizal, Quezon, Narra, possible
Aborlan and Puerto Princesa toxicity of
City. The area is micro-nutrient
approximately 31,015
hectares. It represents
2.16%.

83 BASALTIC HILLS, LOW

RELIEF

Identified in the munici- 4.9 to 5.2; Adequate Medium Deficient High High High
pality of Magsaysay, Cuyo marginal
and Agutaya with an availability of
approximate area of 11,438 nutrients
hectares or 0.80%.

84 BASALTIC HILLS, HIGH

RELIEF

Found in the municipality 6.0 to 6.2; Adequate Medium Deficient High High High
of Agutaya, Cuyo and optimal
Magsaysay with an aggregate availability of
area of 9,591 hectares or nutrients
equivalent to 0.66 percent.

116 PALAWAN
 APPENDIX A-3. Chemical Soil Characteristics by Land Management Unit, Palawan (Continued).

CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Cation Organic EXCHANGEABLE BASES
Land Management Unit Reaction Exchange Matter Available
(pH) Capacity Content Phospho- Potas- Manga- Cal-
(meq/100g) (%) rous sium nese cuim

89 ULTRABASIC HILLS,
LOW RELIEF

This land unit was classi- 4.6 to 6.0; Adequate Medium Deficient Low High High
fied in the municipality of marginal
Bataraza, Brooke's Point, availability of
Quezon, Narra, Aborlan and nutrients
Puerto Princesa City. The
area is approximate 11,557
has. or 0.80 percent.

90 ULTRABASIC HILLS,
HIGH RELIEF

This unit was identified 4.7 to 6.0; Adequate Medium Possibly Low High High
in the municipality of Aborlan, marginal deficient
Narra, Bataraza and Puerto availability of
Princesa City. It has an nutrients
approximate area of 28,012
has. or 1.95 percent.

104 METAMORPHIC HILLS.

LOW RELIEF

The land unit occupies 4.1 to 4.9; Deficient Medium Deficient Medium Medium
the low relief hills from the maximum to low
municipality of Busuanga, availability and
Coron, El Nido, Taytay, San possible
Vicente, Araceli, Dumaran to toxicity of
Roxas and the northern micro-nutrients
portion of Puerto Princesa
City. It is approximately
85.302 has. or 5.94 percent.

105 METAMORPHIC HILLS,

HIGH RELIEF

The unit occupies the 4.2 to 4.9; Marginal Medium Deficient Medium Low Low
highest hills from Busuanga maximum to low
to northern portion of Puerto availability and
Princesa City. It has an possible
aggregate area of 190,902 toxicity of
has. or 13.29 percent. micro-nutrients

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 117

 APPENDIX A-3. Chemical Soil Characteristics by Land Management Unit, Palawan (Continued).

CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Cation Organic EXCHANGEABLE BASES
Land Management Unit Reaction Exchange Matter Available
(pH) Capacity Content Phospho- Potas- Manga- Cal-
(meq/100g) (%) rous sium nese cuim

110 METAVOLCANIC HILLS,

LOW RELIEF

Mapped in the munici- 4.9; maximum Deficient Medium Possibly High Low Low
pality of El Nido, Roxas, San availability and deficient
Vicente, Quezon, Brooke's possible
Point, Rizal, Bataraza and toxicity of
Puerto Princesa City with micro-nutrients
total area of 228,889 hectares
or 15.93%.

111 METAVOLCANIC HILLS,

HIGH RELIEF

Classified in the munici- 4.9; maximum Deficient Medium Possibly High Low Low
pality of Bataraza, Rizal, availability and deficient
Brooke's Point, Quezon, possible
Roxas, San Vicent, El Nido toxicity of
and Puerto Princesa City. micro-nutrients
The areas is about 43,813
hectares or equivalent to
3.0%.
mm/annexA_3/emes report 1999
Source: The Physical Environment (Volume I)
Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Soils and Management
Manila, 1998

118 PALAWAN
 APPENDIX B-1. 1992 Land Cover by Category by Municipality, Palawan.

Municipality Province Abor- Ara- Balabac Bata- Brooke's Bu- Coron Culion Duma- El Lina- Narra Puerto Quezon
Category lan celi raza Point suanga ran Nido pacan Princesa
Forest Cover 738,886 46,395 112 14,742 22,813 25,940 21,047 26,212 18,333 18,281 23,502 4,253 46,509 155,832 56,992

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Primary forest 333,380 21,008 0 5,731 8,927 8,958 6,244 5,298 4,534 12,735 5,200 854 14,344 82,354 20,260
Mossy forest 40,864 4,924 493 1,834 5,546 6,156 11,748 5,248
Residual forest 335,893 18,260 112 8,487 12,225 14,481 14,803 16,727 13,799 17,546 2,863 19,456 52,450 30,700
Marginal forest 27,651 2,203 524 1,163 667 4,187 754 6,551 8,746 773
Karst/limestone 1,098 5 2 536 2 534 11
Mangrove areas 50,602 1,183 2,735 2,862 6,588 234 1,405 2,051 2,558 5,325 2,357 2,798 859 4,052 1,392
Brush land 245,585 8,920 5,349 14,102 14,441 7,791 6,792 6,333 8,609 18,769 12,801 5 8,403 29,945 15,169
Coconut plantation 26,397 1,235 28 9,731 1,781 1,637 1,099 142 203 73 33 1,473 3,151 2,388
Other plantation 7,942 496 358 376 6,712
Grassland 252,025 11,159 8,605 5,856 18,216 16,668 10,299 25,803 10,708 12,416 14,471 5 17,687 14,560 10,239
Paddy field 42,893 3,764 222 65 1,015 6,151 440 534 1,116 1,061 740 3 5,151 3,581 1,676
Cropland 13,821 421 8 1,987 385 1,860 658 874 694 68 956 718 1,236
Bare/rocky areas 9,607 55 400 53 14 22 2,301 3 9 2,109 209 385 90
Mining area 1,468 708 708 52
Built-up area 1,083 61 112 169 1 25 23 77 176 17
Fishpond 170 103
Clouds/shadow 35,138 956 316 5,694 1,167 1,690 701 1,787 206 861 6,272 13 2,794 1,268 2,006
Lakes 1,179 481 76
Total 1,426,796 74,088 17,375 55,500 67,279 62,862 42,960 66,901 42,829 56,795 62,285 13,857 84,170 213,771 91,281

119
 APPENDIX B-1. 1992 Land Cover by Category by Municipality, Palawan (continued).

Municipality Roxas Rizal San Sofronio Taytay

Category Vicente Espanola
Forest Cover 47,402 91,359 50,058 15,198 53,906
Primary forest 29,772 42,715 38,105 5,556 20,785
Mossy forest 31 4,131 28 725
Residual forest 17,599 43,396 11,912 8,837 32,240
Marginal forest 1,109 13 80 881
Karst/limestone 8
Mangrove areas 3,512 2,352 995 834 6,510
Brush land 28,758 16,614 10,487 11,560 20,737
Coconut plantation 1,017 797 492 1,117
Other plantation
Grassland 13,233 13,600 7,437 12,423 28,640
Paddy field 3,501 1,534 2,246 3,538 6,555
Cropland 1,064 559 53 2,060 220
Bare/rocky areas 37 153 302 18 3,447
Mining area
Built-up area 262 22 25 101 12
Fishpond 67
Clouds/shadow 1,127 479 1,225 4,423 2,153
Lakes 622
Total 99,913 127,469 73,320 51,339 122,802

Source: 1992 LANDSAT TM

Tropical Forest Resources Survey
Japan Forest Technical Association

120 PALAWAN
 APPENDIX B-2. 1998 Land Cover Data by Category by Municipality, Palawan.

Land Cover (1998) Province Abor- Ara- Balabac Bata- Brooke's Bu- Coron Culion Duma- El Lina- Narra Puerto Quezon
lan celi raza Point suanga ran Nido pacan Princesa

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Forest Cover 483,095 44,255 407 13,773 26,074 30,684 19,527 27,884 16,132 19,625 24,114 5,283 41,300 153,762 60,275
Primary forest 317,226 27,178 8,904 11,512 21,974 14,876 17,582 11,114 14,134 11,934 2,986 23,482 109,031 42,519
Mossy forest 18,568 32 6,335 5,864 2,317 4,020
Residual forest 124,442 14,961 407 4,869 13,419 2,303 4,651 8,428 5,018 5,491 12,170 2,297 5,405 32,012 13,011
Marginal forest 19,011 2,112 1,036 6,544 8,649 670
Karst/limestone 3,848 4 75 72 1,874 10 5 1,753 55
Mangrove areas 37,818 1,391 2,680 4,111 5,738 524 1,512 2,139 2,251 4,937 2,381 375 1,031 5,995 2,753
Brushland 200,299 9,472 9,372 13,307 14,816 6,741 13,333 15,484 14,872 19,459 24,399 3,709 11,788 27,459 16,088
Coconut plantation 51,201 3,407 1,315 11,543 4,910 9,024 483 1,324 495 1,422 2,021 772 4,339 4,149 5,997
Other plantation 31,395 2,631 625 1,779 1,438 4,724 6,692 4,642 640 207 2,209 788 4,305 715
Grassland 36,047 3,614 2,392 2,312 3,187 1,177 2,657 8,204 4,515 459 374 1,379 2,269 3,084 424
Paddy field 50,395 5,841 497 929 3,831 10,047 58 322 343 2,884 2,108 31 15,592 4,484 3,428
Cropland 17,341 1,625 2,346 2,909 59 152 269 181 1,302 57 245 7,274 922
Bare/rocky areas 7,275 326 2,526 589 1,191 26 993 1,211 413
Mining area 1,090 1,009 1 80
Built-up area 10,962 239 289 322 3,117 1,606 189 783 660 145 665 108 1,001 957 881
Fishpond 1,304 78 23 234 152 530 287
Water body 2,358 96 2 287 340 53 31 394 4 114 199 583 255

TOTAL 930,580 72,975 ##### 51,456 68,299 62,567 42,666 63,495 44,091 49,601 57,919 13,923 79,698 213,873 92,438

121
 APPENDIX B-2. 1998 Land Cover Data by Category by Municipality, Palawan (continued).

Land Cover (1998) Roxas Rizal San Sofronio Taytay

Vicente Espanola
Forest Cover 52,671 104,538 57,916 19,270 71,806
Primary forest 32,495 71,102 52,934 12,203 48,410
Mossy forest 572 6,898 16 1,217
Residual forest 19,537 26,240 4,577 5,750 23,392
Marginal forest 6 29 13
Karst/limestone 61 269 376 100 4
Mangrove areas 2,028 3,066 1,469 1,499 5,466
Brushland 30,846 7,080 5,811 21,760 31,457
Coconut plantation 3,794 5,800 1,823 2,416 5,429
Other plantation 561 810 397 628 44
Grassland 308 710 533 856 1,422
Paddy field 7,095 3,005 3,337 2,840 13,506
Cropland 631 1,171 296 1 1,489
Bare/rocky areas 304 345 487 136 396
Mining area
Built-up area 77 1,098 90 491 561
Fishpond 43 340 125
Water body 28 144 129 38 2,490

TOTAL 98,343 127,767 72,331 50,275 134,191

Source: 1998 LANDSAT TM

Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS)

122 PALAWAN
 APPENDIX B-3. Comparative Land Cover Data by Municipality, Palawan.

Aborlan Araceli Balabac Bataraza

Municipality 1992 1998 Change 1992 1998 Change 1992 1998 Change 1992 1998 Change
Category

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Forest Cover 46,395 44,255 -2,140 112 407 295 14,742 13,773 -969 22,813 26,074 3,261
Primary forest 21,008 27,178 6,170 5,731 8,904 3,173 8,927 11,512 2,585
Mossy forest 4,924 -4,924 493 32 -461
Residual forest 18,260 14,961 -3,299 112 407 295 8,487 4,869 -3,618 12,225 13,419 1,194
Marginal forest 2,203 2,112 -91 524 -524 1,163 1,036 -127
Karst/limestone 4 4 5 75 70
Mangrove areas 1,183 1,391 208 2,735 2,680 -55 2,862 4,111 1,249 6,588 5,738 -850
Brushland 8,920 9,472 552 5,349 9,372 4,023 14,102 13,307 -795 14,441 14,816 375
Coconut plantation 1,235 3,407 2,172 28 1,315 1,287 9,731 11,543 1,812 1,781 4,910 3,129
Other plantation 2,631 2,631 625 625 1,779 1,779
Grassland 11,159 3,614 -7,545 8,605 2,392 -6,213 5,856 2,312 -3,544 18,216 3,187 -15,029
Paddy field 3,764 5,841 2,077 222 497 275 65 929 864 1,015 3,831 2,816
Cropland 421 1,625 1,204 8 -8 1,987 2,346 359 385 2,909 2,524
Bare/rocky areas 55 326 271 400 2,526 2,126 53 589 536
Mining area 708 1,009 301
Built-up area 239 239 289 289 61 322 261 112 3,117 3,005
Fishpond 78 78
Lakes/Water Body 96 96 2 2 287 287 340 340
Clouds/shadow 956 -956 316 -316 5,694 -5,694 1,167 -1,167

Total 74,088 72,975 -1,113 17,375 17,579 204 55,500 51,456 -4,044 67,279 68,299 1,020

123
124
APPENDIX B-3. Comparative Land Cover Data by Municipality, Palawan (continued).

Brooke's Point Busuanga Coron Culion

Municipality 1992 1998 Change 1992 1998 Change 1992 1998 Change 1992 1998 Change
Category
Forest Cover 25,940 30,684 4,744 21,047 19,527 -1,520 26,212 27,884 1,672 18,333 16,132 -2,201
Primary forest 8,958 21,974 13,016 6,244 14,876 8,632 5,298 17,582 12,284 4,534 11,114 6,580
Mossy forest 1,834 6,335 4,501
Residual forest 14,481 2,303 -12,178 14,803 4,651 -10,152 16,727 8,428 -8,299 13,799 5,018 -8,781
Marginal forest 667 -667 4,187 -4,187
Karst/limestone 72 72 1,874 1,874
Mangrove areas 234 524 290 1,405 1,512 107 2,051 2,139 88 2,558 2,251 -307
Brushland 7,791 6,741 -1,050 6,792 13,333 6,541 6,333 15,484 9,151 8,609 14,872 6,263
Coconut plantation 1,637 9,024 7,387 1,099 483 -616 142 1,324 1,182 203 495 292
Other plantation 1,438 1,438 496 4,724 4,228 358 6,692 6,334 376 4,642 4,266
Grassland 16,668 1,177 -15,491 10,299 2,657 -7,642 25,803 8,204 -17,599 10,708 4,515 -6,193
Paddy field 6,151 10,047 3,896 440 58 -382 534 322 -212 1,116 343 -773
Cropland 1,860 59 -1,801 658 152 -506 874 269 -605 694 181 -513
Bare/rocky areas 14 1,191 1,177 22 -22 2,301 -2,301 3 -3
Mining area 708 -708
Built-up area 169 1,606 1,437 1 189 188 25 783 758 23 660 637
Fishpond 23 23
Lakes/Water Body 53 53 31 31 481 394 -87
Clouds/shadow 1,690 -1,690 701 -701 1,787 -1,787 206 -206

Total 62,862 62,567 -295 42,960 42,666 -294 66,901 63,495 -3,406 42,829 44,091 1,262

PALAWAN
 APPENDIX B-3. Comparative Land Cover Data by Municipality, Palawan (continued).

Dumaran El Nido Linapacan Narra

Municipality 1992 1998 Change 1992 1998 Change 1992 1998 Change 1992 1998 Change
Category

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Forest Cover 18,281 19,625 1,344 23,502 24,114 612 4,253 5,283 1,030 46,509 41,300 -5,209
Primary forest 12,735 14,134 1,399 5,200 11,934 6,734 854 2,986 2,132 14,344 23,482 9,138
Mossy forest 5,546 -5,546 6,156 5,864 -292
Residual forest 5,491 5,491 17,546 12,170 -5,376 2,863 2,297 -566 19,456 5,405 -14,051
Marginal forest 754 -754 6,551 6,544 -7
Karst/limestone 2 10 8 536 -536 2 5 3
Mangrove areas 5,325 4,937 -388 2,357 2,381 24 2,798 375 -2,423 859 1,031 172
Brushland 18,769 19,459 690 12,801 24,399 11,598 5 3,709 3,704 8,403 11,788 3,385
Coconut plantation 73 1,422 1,349 33 2,021 1,988 772 772 1,473 4,339 2,866
Other plantation 640 640 207 207 6,712 2,209 -4,503 788 788
Grassland 12,416 459 -11,957 14,471 374 -14,097 5 1,379 1,374 17,687 2,269 -15,418
Paddy field 1,061 2,884 1,823 740 2,108 1,368 3 31 28 5,151 15,592 10,441
Cropland 1,302 1,302 68 57 -11 956 245 -711
Bare/rocky areas 9 26 17 2,109 -2,109 209 993 784
Mining area 52 1 -51
Built-up area 145 145 665 665 108 108 77 1,001 924
Fishpond 234 234 152 152
Lakes/Water Body 4 4 114 114 199 199
Clouds/shadow 861 -861 6,272 -6,272 13 -13 2,794 -2,794

Total 56,795 49,601 -7,194 62,285 57,919 -4,366 13,857 13,923 66 84,170 79,698 -4,472

125
126
APPENDIX B-3. Comparative Land Cover Data by Municipality, Palawan (continued).

PPC Quezon Roxas Rizal

Municipality 1992 1998 Change 1992 1998 Change 1992 1998 Change 1992 1998 Change
Category
Forest Cover 155,832 153,762 -2,070 56,992 60,275 3,283 47,402 52,671 5,269 91,359 104,538 13,179
Primary forest 82,354 109,031 26,677 20,260 42,519 22,259 29,772 32,495 2,723 42,715 71,102 28,387
Mossy forest 11,748 2,317 -9,431 5,248 4,020 -1,228 31 572 541 4,131 6,898 2,767
Residual forest 52,450 32,012 -20,438 30,700 13,011 -17,689 17,599 19,537 1,938 43,396 26,240 -17,156
Marginal forest 8,746 8,649 -97 773 670 -103 6 6 1,109 29 -1,080
Karst/limestone 534 1,753 1,219 11 55 44 61 61 8 269 261
Mangrove areas 4,052 5,995 1,943 1,392 2,753 1,361 3,512 2,028 -1,484 2,352 3,066 714
Brushland 29,945 27,459 -2,486 15,169 16,088 919 28,758 30,846 2,088 16,614 7,080 -9,534
Coconut plantation 3,151 4,149 998 2,388 5,997 3,609 1,017 3,794 2,777 797 5,800 5,003
Other plantation 4,305 4,305 715 715 561 561 810 810
Grassland 14,560 3,084 -11,476 10,239 424 -9,815 13,233 308 -12,925 13,600 710 -12,890
Paddy field 3,581 4,484 903 1,676 3,428 1,752 3,501 7,095 3,594 1,534 3,005 1,471
Cropland 718 7,274 6,556 1,236 922 -314 1,064 631 -433 559 1,171 612
Bare/rocky areas 385 1,211 826 90 413 323 37 304 267 153 345 192
Mining area 80 80
Built-up area 176 957 781 17 881 864 262 77 -185 22 1,098 1,076
Fishpond 103 530 427 287 287
Lakes/Water Body 583 583 76 255 179 28 28 144 144
Clouds/shadow 1,268 -1,268 2,006 1,127 -1,127 479 -479

Total 213,771 213,873 102 91,281 92,438 3,163 99,913 98,343 -1,570 127,469 127,767 298

PALAWAN
 APPENDIX B-3. Comparative Land Cover Data by Municipality, Palawan (continued).

San Vicente Sofronio Espanola Taytay

Municipality 1992 1998 Change 1992 1998 Change 1992 1998 Change
Category
Forest Cover 50,058 57,916 7,858 15,198 19,270 4,072 53,906 71,806 17,900
Primary forest 38,105 52,934 14,829 5,556 12,203 6,647 20,785 48,410 27,625

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Mossy forest 28 16 -12 725 1,217 492
Residual forest 11,912 4,577 -7,335 8,837 5,750 -3,087 32,240 23,392 -8,848
Marginal forest 13 13 0 80 -80 881 -881
Karst/limestone 376 376 100 100 4 4
Mangrove areas 995 1,469 474 834 1,499 665 6,510 5,466 -1,044
Brushland 10,487 5,811 -4,676 11,560 21,760 10,200 20,737 31,457 10,720
Coconut plantation 492 1,823 1,331 1,117 2,416 1,299 5,429 5,429
Other plantation 397 397 628 628 44 44
Grassland 7,437 533 -6,904 12,423 856 -11,567 28,640 1,422 -27,218
Paddy field 2,246 3,337 1,091 3,538 2,840 -698 6,555 13,506 6,951
Cropland 53 296 243 2,060 1 -2,059 220 1,489 1,269
Bare/rocky areas 302 487 185 18 136 118 3,447 396 -3,051
Mining area
Built-up area 25 90 65 101 491 390 12 561 549
Fishpond 43 43 67 340 273 125 125
Lakes/Water Body 129 129 38 38 622 2,490 1,868
Clouds/shadow 1,225 -1,225 4,423 -4,423 2,153 -2,153

Total 73,320 72,331 -989 51,339 50,275 -1,064 122,802 134,191 11,389.00

Source: 1992 LANDSAT TM

Tropical Forest Resources Survey
Japan Forest Technical Association
1998 LANDSAT TM
Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS)

127
128
APPENDIX C-1. List of Palawan Wildlife Species with Conservation Status.

Conservation
Species Common Name Status

Mta

VAR
Rasa

Coron

Culion
Ursula

Calauit
El Nido
SVRTF

RESTR
Balabac
Mainland

PPSRNP

Busuanga
IUCN CITES
Class Aves Tubbataha
Order Ciconiiformes
Family Ardeidae
Egretta eulophotes Chinese Egret VU * * * * * *
Gorsachius goisagi Japanese Night-Heron EN * *
Order Falconiformes
Family Pandionidae
Pandion haliaetus Osprey II * * *
Family Accipitridae
Aviceda jerdoni Jerdon's Baza II *
Pernis ptilorhynchus Oriental HoneyBuzzard * II * *
Elanus caeruleus Black-shouldered Kite II *
Haliastur indus Brahminy Kite II * * * * * *
Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea Eagle II * * * * * * * * *
Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus Grey-headed Fish-Eagle II records reflect Calamianes only, no specific area mentioned
Circus spilonotus Eastern Marsh-Harrier II *
Accipiter gularis Japanese SparrowHawk II * * *
Accipiter soloensis Chinese Goshawk II *
Accipiter trivirgatus Crested Goshawk * II * * * * * * *
Butastur indicus Grey-faced Buzzard II * * *
Spilornis cheela Crested Serpent-Eagle * II * * * * *
Hieraaetus kienerii Rufous-bellied Eagle II *
Spizaetus cirrhatus Changeable Hawk-Eagle II * * * *
Family Falconidae
Falco tinnunculus Eurasian Kestrel II * *
Falco severus Oriental Hobby II * * *
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon I * *
Order Galliformes
Family Megapodiidae
Megapodius cumingii * Tabon ScrubFowl II * * * * * * * * * *
Family Phasianidae
Polyplectron emphanum Palawan Peacock Pheasant * VU I * * * * * *
Order Charadriiformes
Family Charadriidae
Charadrius peronii Malaysian Plover NT * * *

PALAWAN
 APPENDIX C-1. List of Palawan Wildlife Species with Conservation Status (continued).

Conservation
Species Common Name Status

Mta

VAR
Rasa

Coron

Culion
Ursula

Calauit
El Nido

Busuang
SVRTF
Mainland

RESTR
PPSRNP
Balabac
IUCN CITES Tubbatah
Family Burhinidae
Esacus magnirostris Beach Thick-Knee NT *
Order Columbiformes
Family Columbidae
Ducula pickeringii Grey Imperial-Pigeon VU * * * * *
Caloenas nicobarica Nicobar Pigeon NT I * * * * *

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae
Cacatua haematuropygia Philippine Cockatoo CR I * * * * * * * * * *
Tanygnathus lucionensis Blue-naped Parrot** NT II * * * * * * * * *
Prioniturus platenae Blue-headed Racquet-tail * VU II * * * * * * * * * *
Order Strigiformes
Family Tytonidae
Tyto capensis Grass Owl II * *
Family Strigidae
Otus mantananensis Mantanani Scops-Owl * NT II * * *
Otus fuliginosus Palawan Scops Owl * NT II * * * *
Ninox scutulata Brown Hawk-Owl * II *
Strix seloputo Spotted Wood-Owl * II * * * *
Order Coraciiformes
Family Bucerotidae
Anthracoceros marchei Palawan Hornbill * VU II * * * * * * * * * * *
Order Passeriformes
Family Campephagidae
Pericrotus cinnamomeus Small Minivet * NT * * *
Family Oriolidae
Oriolus xanthonotus Dark-throated Oriole * NT * * *
Family Paridae
Parus amabilis Palawan Tit * NT * * * * * * * *
Family Timaliidae
Malacopteron palawanense Melodious Babbler*** * NT * * * * * *
Ptilocichla falcata Falcated Ground-Babbler * VU * * * * *
Stachyris hypogrammica Palawan Striped-Babbler * NT * *

129
130
APPENDIX C-1. List of Palawan Wildlife Species with Conservation Status (continued).

Conservation
Species Common Name Status

Mta

VAR
Rasa

Coron

Culion
Ursula

Calauit
El Nido

Busuang
SVRTF
Mainland

RESTR
PPSRNP
Balabac
Tubbatah
IUCN CITES
Family Muscicapidae
Ficedula platenae Palawan Flycatcher * EN * * * * *
Cyornis lemprieri Palawan Blue Flycatcher * NT * * * * * * * * *
Terpsiphone atrocaudata Japanese Paradise-Flycatcher NT *
Terpsiphone cyanescens Blue Paradise-Flycatcher * NT * * * * * * * *
Family Sturnidae
Gracula religiosa Hill Myna * II * * * * * *

Class Mammalia
Order Insectivora
Family Soricidae
Crocidura palawanensis Palawan Shrew * VU * * *
Order Scandentia
Family Tupaiidae
Tupaia palawanensis Palawan Tree Shrew * VU II * * * * * * *
Order Chiroptera
Family Pteropodidae
Acerodon leucotis Palawan Flying Fox * VU II * * * * *
Pteropus vampyrus Large Flying Fox II * *
Family Rhinolophidae
Rhinolophus virgo Yellow-faced Horseshoe Bat NT * * *
Family Vespertilionidae
Myotis macrotarsus Philippine Large-footed Myotis NT *
Family Molossidae
Cheiromeles torquatus Greater Naked Bat * NT *
Mops sarasinorum Sulawesi Mastiff Bat NT *
Order Primates
Family Cercopithecidae
Macaca fascicularis Long-tailed Macaque NT II * * * * * * *
Order Pholidota
Family Manidae
Manis javanica Malayan Pangolin NT II * * * * *

PALAWAN
 APPENDIX C-1. List of Palawan Wildlife Species with Conservation Status (continued).

Conservation
Species Common Name Status

Mta

VAR
Rasa

Coron

Culion
Ursula

Calauit
El Nido

Busuang
SVRTF
Mainland

RESTR
PPSRNP
Balabac
Tubbatah
IUCN CITES
Order Rodentia
Family Sciuridae
Hylopetes nigripes Palawan Flying Squirrel * NT * * *
Sundasciurus juvencus Northern Palawan Tree Squirrel * EN * * *
Sundasciurus moellendorffi Culion Tree Squirrel * NT *
Sundasciurus rabori Palawan Montane Tree Squirrel * VU * * * *

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Sundasciurus steerii Southern Palawan Tree Squirrel * NT * *
Family Muridae
Haeromys sp. A Palawan Pygmy Tree Mouse * VU * *
Maxomys panglima Palawan Spiny Rat * NT * * * * * *
Palawanomys furvus Palawan Soft-furred Mountain Rat * EN *
Order Carnivora
Family Felidae
Prionailurus bengalensis Leopard Cat I * *
Family Mustelidae
Amblonyx cinereus Oriental Small-clawed Otter * NT II * * * *
Mydaus marchei Palawan Stink-Badger * VU * * * * * * *
Family Viverridae
Arctictis binturong whitei Binturong / Palawan BearCat * VU * * * * *
Order Artiodactyla
Family Suidae
Sus barbatus ahoenobarbus Bearded Pig * VU * * * * * *
Family Tragulidae
Tragulus napu nigricans Balabac Chevrotain * EN * *
Family Cervidae
Axis calamianensis Calamian Deer * EN I * * *
Order Cetacea
Family Balaenopteridae
Balaenoptera acutorostrata Minke Whale NT I *
Balaenoptera edeni Bryde's Whale DD I *
Megaptera novaeangliae Humpback Whale VU I * *
Family Delphinidae
Globicephala macrorhynchus Short-finned Pilot Whale CD II *
Stenella attenuata Pantropical Spotted Dolphin CD II *

131
132
APPENDIX C-1. List of Palawan Wildlife Species with Conservation Status (continued).

Conservation
Species Common Name Status

Mta

VAR
Rasa

Coron

Culion
Ursula

Calauit
El Nido

Busuang
SVRTF
Mainland

RESTR
PPSRNP
Balabac
Tubbatah
IUCN CITES
Stenella longirostris Spinner Dolphin CD II * *
Tursiops truncatus Bottlenose Dolphin DD II * * * * *
Family Physeteridae
Physeter catodon Sperm Whale VU I * *
Family Phocoenidae
Neophocaena phocaenoides Finless Porpoise DD I * *
Order Sirenea
Family Dugongidae
Dugong dugon Dugong VU I * * * * *

Class Reptilia
Order Testudinata
Family Chelonidae
Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle EN I *
Chelonia mydas Green Turtle EN I * * * * *
Eretmochelys imbricata Hawksbill Turtle EN I * * * * *
Lepidochelys olivacea Olive Ridley Turtle EN I *
Dermochelys coriacea**** Leatherback CR I *
Order Crocodilia
Family Crocodylidae
Crocodylus mindorensis Philippine Crocodile***** CR I *
Crocodylus porosus Estuarine Crocodile I * * * *
Order Sauria
Family Varanidae
Varanus salvator Monitor Lizard II * * * * *
Order Serpentes
Family Boidae
Python reticulatus Reticulated Python II * * *
Family Elapidae
Naja sumatrana Malay Common Cobra II *
Ophiophagus hannah King Cobra II *

PALAWAN
 APPENDIX C-1. List of Palawan Wildlife Species with Conservation Status (continued).

Conservation
Species Common Name Status

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Mta

VAR
Rasa

Coron

Culion
Ursula

Calauit
El Nido

Busuang
SVRTF
Mainland

RESTR
PPSRNP
Balabac
Tubbatah

IUCN CITES
Class Amphibia
Order Anura
Family Discoglossidae
Barbourula busuangensis Philippine Discoglossid Frog * VU * * * *
Family Bufonidae
Pelophryne albotaeniata Palawan Toadlet * VU * *
Family Ranidae
Micrixalus mariae Mary's Frog * VU *

NOTE: NOMENCLATURE FOLLOWS THAT OF KENNEDY, ET AL., 2000 FOR AVIFAUNA; HEANEY, ET AL., 1998 FOR MAMMALS; AND AFUANG AND GONZALES, 1995 FOR REPTILES.

* The PCSD in 1993 passed resolution no.93-22 declaring the Tabon bird as an endangered species in Palawan
** The Blue-naped Parrot was classified by the IUCN as Endangered in 1996, but the 2000 listing re-classifies the species as Near-threatened,
which is rather inappropriate for the Palawan Faunal Region
*** The Melodious Babbler was classified by the IUCN as Endangered in 1996, but the 2000 listing re-classifies the species as Near-threatened
**** The Leatrherback was reported and sighted at Taritien, Bacungan, Puerto Princesa in 2001
*****The Philippine Crocodile is reported to be locally extinct in the wild, but the CFI has bred the species in captivity

133
134
APPENDIX C-2. List of Reptile Species in the Palawan Faunal Region.

Species Common Name Type Locality Endemicity Occ Habitat

CLASS REPTILIA
Order Testudinata
Family Emydidae
Cuora amboinensis Malayan Freshwater Turtle Mainland NE C Streams, Swampy or Moist Areas
Cyclemys dentata Serrate-shelled Leaf Turtle SPSRNP LE LC Terrestrial
Family Chelonidae
Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle Mainland Waters NE LC Marine Waters
Busuanga, El Nido, Malampaya, Tubbataha,
Chelonia mydas Green Turtle NE Ra Marine Waters
Ursula, Rasa
Balabac, Busuanga, El Nido, Malampaya,
Eretmochelys imbricata Hawksbill Turtle NE LC Tropical and Sub-tropical Seas
Tubbataha, Rasa
Lepidochelys olivacea Olive Ridley Turtle El Nido NE
Order Crocodilia
Family Crocodylidae
Crocodylus mindorensis Philippine Crocodile Busuanga LE Ra Inland lakes and Headwaters
Crocodylus porosus Estuarine Crocodile Balabac, Busuanga, Malampaya NE Ra Brackish and Freshwater River Systems
Order Sauria
Family Gekkonidae
Cosymbotus platyurus Flat-bodied House Gecko Mainland NE C Human Habitations, Gardens, Coconut Groves

Cyrtodactylus annulatus Small Bent-toed Gecko Mainland LE C Forested Areas (0-1200 masl), Limestone Caves

Cyrtodactylus redimiculus Palawan Bent-toed Gecko Thumb Peak PE-Pwn Ra Forested Areas (300-1000 masl)
Human Habitations, Mangroves, Brushlands, Coconut
Gehyra mutilata Tender-skinned House Gecko Mainland NE C
Groves, Lowland Forests (0-500 masl)
Gekko athymus Smooth-scaled Narrow-disked Gecko Thumb Peak PE-Pwn Ra Forested Areas
Human Habitations, Mangroves, Brushlands, Coconut
Gekko gecko Tokay Gecko Mainland, Rasa NE C
Groves, Lowland Forests
Gekko monarchus Variable-backed Narrow-disked Gecko Mainland LE C Forested Areas

Gekko palawanensis Palawan Narrow-disked Gecko Mainland PE-Pwn Ra Lowland Forests, Small Caves, Dry Stream Beds

Hemidactylus frenatus Common House Gecko Mainland, Rasa NE C Human Habitations, Gardens, Coconut Groves
Luperosaurus palawanensis Palawan Flap-legged Gecko Coron, Thumb Peak PE-Pwn Ra Forested Areas
Family Agamidae

Calotes cristatellus Indonesian Calotes SPSRNP, Mainland NE C Forested Areas, Streams, Gardens, Coconut Groves

Draco volans volans Malay Flying Lizard SPSRNP, Mainland NE C Forested Areas, Coconut Groves
Gonyocephalus semperi White-spotted Anglehead Calamianes Group LE Ra Forested Areas (0-1000 masl)
Family Scincidae
Dasia griffini Griffin's Keel-scaled Tree Skink SPSRNP, Mainland PE-Pwn Ra Lowland Forests
Emoia atrocostata Gray Swamp Skink Mainland NE C Rock Crevices at Mangrove Areas
Forested Areas, Gardens, Coconut Groves (0-666
Lamprolepis smaragdina Spotted Green Tree Skink SPSRNP, Mainland NE C
masl)

PALAWAN
 APPENDIX C-2. List of Reptile Species in the Palawan Faunal Region (continued).
Species Common Name Type Locality Endemicity Occ Habitat
Cultivated Areas, Coconut Groves, Palms, Forested
Lipinia quadrivitatum Black-striped Slender Tree Skink Mainland NE C
Areas (0-760 masl)

Lygosoma quadrupes Oriental Slender Skink Cuyo NE-Pwn Ra Cultivated Areas, Coconut Groves, Forested Areas

Mabuya m. multicarinata Two-striped Mabouya SPSRNP, Mainland NE C Cosmopolitan (0-733 masl)

Mabuya multifasciata Common Mabouya SPSRNP, Mainland NE C Cosmopolitan (0-1333 masl)
Sphenomorphus palawanensis Palawan Sphenomorphus Victoria-Anapalan Range PE-Pwn Ra Forested Areas
Sphenomorphus wrighti Wright's Sphenomorphus Mainland PE-Pwn Ra Forested Areas
Family Dibamidae
Dibamus leucurus Malay Blind-Earless Skink Mainland NE Ra Cultivated Areas, Forested Areas (0-600 masl)

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Family Varanidae
Coron, Mainland, Malampaya, SPSRNP, Mangroves, Cultivated Areas, Forested Areas (0-1166
Varanus salvator Monitor Lizard LE LC
Ursula, Rasa masl)
Order Serpentes
Family Typhlopidae
Ramphotyphlops braminus Brahminy Blind Snake Mainland NE C Cultivated Areas, Forested Areas
Family Xenopeltidae
Xenopeltis unicolor Sunbeam Burrowing Snake Mainland LE Ra Subterranean
Family Boidae
Python reticulatus Reticulated Python Mainland, Malampaya NE LC Forested Areas (0-1333 masl)
Family Acrochordidae
Acrochordus granulatus Small Warty Snake Mainland NE C Mangroves, River Outlets
Family Colubridae
Ahaetulla p. prassina Philippine Vine Snake Mainland NE C Forested Areas (0-800 masl)
Aplopeltura boa Snail-eating Snake Balabac, Mainland NE Ra Forested Areas
Boiga angulata Philippine Blunt-headed Snake SPSRNP LE Ra Forested Areas (0-2500 masl)
Boiga cynodon Large Blunt-headed Tree Snake Mainland NE C Forested Areas (low altitudes)
Boiga dendrophila multicincta Palawan Blunt-headed Tree Snake Balabac, SPSRNP, Rasa LE C Forested Areas
Boiga schultzei Schultz's Blunt-headed Tree Snake SPSRNP NE U Forested Areas
Calamaria gervaisi Gervais' Worm Snake Mainland LE C Subterranean
Calamaria palawanensis Palawan Worm Snake Mainland PE-Pwn Ra Subterranean
Calamaria virgulata Southern Worm Snake Mainland NE Ra Forested Areas
Cerberus rynchops Dog-faced Water Snake Mainland NE C Mangroves, Brackish Water
Chrysopelea paradisi Paradise Tree Snake Mainland NE C Coconut Groves, Forested Areas (0-500 masl)

Dendrolaphis c. caudolineatus Lined Slender Tree Snake SPSRNP, Mainland, Ursula NE C Cultivated Areas, Swamps, Streams, Forested Areas

Dendrolaphis pictus
Dryophiops rubescens
Dryocalamus philippinus
Elaphe erythrura philippina
Gonyosoma oxycephalum
Liopeltis philippina
Common Bronze-backed Snake SPSRNP, Mainland, Ursula NE C Forested Areas, Streams, Swamps
Malay Keel-bellied Whip Snake Coron NE-Pwn Ra No data available
Philippine Dryocalamus Balabac, Mainland PE-Pwn C No data available
Common Rat Snake Balabac, Busuanga, Mainland NE C Human Habitations along Vegetated Areas
Arboreal Rat Snake Mainland LE FC Forested Areas
Philippine Liopeltine Snake Busuanga, Mainland PE-Pwn Unk No data available

135
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APPENDIX C-2. List of Reptile Species in the Palawan Faunal Region (continued).

Species Common Name Type Locality Endemicity Occ Habitat

Liopeltis tricolor Indonesian Liopeltine Snake Mainland NE-Pwn Ra No data available

Lycodon aulicus Common Wolf Snake Mainland NE C Human Habitations along Vegetated Areas
Lycodon subcinctus seali Southern Wolf Snake SPSRNP, Mainland NE-Pwn Ra Forested Areas (0-1600 masl)
Oligodon perkinsi Perkin's Short-headed Snake Culion PE-Pwn Ra No data available
Oligodon vertebralis Southern Short-headed Snake Balabac, Busuanga, Mainland NE Ra No data available
Opisthotropis typica Palawan Stream Snake Mainland PE-Pwn Ra Forest Streams (300 masl)
Psammodynastes pulverulentus Dark-spotted Rock-Viper Mainland NE C Forested Areas (1000+ masl)
Sibynophis bivittatus White-striped Snake Culion, Thumb Peak PE-Pwn Ra Forested Areas (900 masl)
Zaocys carinatus Keel-scaled Mountain Rat Snake SPSRNP, Mainland NE-Pwn Ra No data available
Rhabdophis chrysarga Southern Water Snake SPSRNP PE-Pwn Ra Forest Streams
Tropidonophis dendrophiops Spotted Water Snake Mainland LE C Forest Streams (0-700 masl)
Family Elapidae
Maticora intestinalis bilineata Striped Coral Snake Busuanga, Mainland NE Ra Forested Areas
Naja sumatrana Malay Common Cobra Mainland NE C Forested Areas
Ophiophagus hannah King Cobra Mainland NE Ra Forested Areas
Family Hydrophidae
Hydrophis belcheri Belcher's Hydrophis Mainland waters NE Ra Marine Waters
Hydrophis fasciatus Small-headed Hydrophis Mainland waters NE C Marine Waters
Hydrophis ornatus Ornate Hydrophis Mainland waters NE C Marine Waters
Hydrophis spiralis Spiral Hydrophis Mainland waters NE Ra No data available
Lapemis hardwickii Hardwick's Sea Snake Mainland waters NE C Turbid Waters
Laticauda colubrina Yellow-lipped Sea Snake Mainland waters NE C Coastal Rocks and Coral Reefs
Laticauda laticauda Black-lipped Sea Snake Mainland waters NE C Coastal Rocks and Coral Reefs
Laticauda semifasciata Half-banded Sea Snake Mainland waters NE C Coastal Rocks and Coral Reefs
Pelamis platurus Yellow-bellied Sea Snake Mainland waters NE C Coastal Shallow Marine Waters
Family Viperidae
Trimeresurus wagleri Wagler's Pit Viper SPSRNP, Mainland NE C Mangroves, Forested Areas
Trimeresurus schultzei Schultze's Pit Viper Ra Forested Areas (0-1000 masl)

NOTE: NOMENCLATURE FOLLOWS THAT OF AFUANG AND GONZALEZ., 1995

PALAWAN
 APPENDIX C-3. List of Amphibians Species in the Palawan Faunal Region.

Species Common Name Type Locality Endemicity Occ Habitat

CLASS AMPHIBIA
Order Gymnophiona
Family Caeciliidae
Ichthyophis weberi Philippine Caecilian Mainland LE Ra Forested Areas, Subterranean
Order Anura
Family Discoglossidae
Barbourula busuangensis Philippine Discoglossid Frog Busuanga, Culion, SPSRNP, Mainland PE-Pwn Ra Primary Forests, Forest Streams
Family Pelobatidae
Leptobrachium hasselti Hasselt's Toad SPSRNP, Mainland NE U Forested Areas (40-1340 masl)

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Megophrys montana Southeast Asian Horned Toad SPSRNP, Mainland NE C Forested Areas, Forest Streams (400-1825 masl)

Family Bufonidae
Bufo marinus Giant Marine Toad / Common Toad Mainland NE C Open Areas, Forest Clearings
Bufo biporcatus philippinicus Philippine Toad Balabac, Busuanga, Culion, SPSRNP LE U Open Areas (<100 masl)
Pelophryne albotaeniata Palawan Toadlet Thumb Peak, Mt. Balabag PE-Pwn Ra Mossy Forests (1333-1500 masl)
Family Ranidae
Micrixalus mariae Mary's Frog Mt. Balabag (Mantalingajan Range) PE-Pwn Ra Forested Areas (850 masl)
Forest Streams, Ditches, Ponds, Human Habitations
Occidozyga laevis Common Small-headed Frog SPSRNP NE C
(0-1200 masl)
Balabac, Busuanga, Culion, Mainland,
Rana magna acanthi Giant Philippine Frog LE C Forest Streams (0-2000 masl)
SPSRNP
Rana microdisca palawanensis Small-disked Frog Mainland NE C Forest Floor and Streams (0-2000 masl)

Rana nicobariensis Nicobar Frog SPSRNP, Mainland NE C Forested Areas, Ditches, Clearings, Cultivated Areas

Rana sanguinea
Rana signata moellendorffi
Staurois natator
Family Rhacophoridae
Nyctixalus pictus
Philautus longicrus
Southeast Asian Wood Frog Balabac, Busuanga, Culion, Mainland NE-Pwn U Forest Floor and Streams (0-2000 masl)
Variable-backed Frog Busuanga, Culion, Mainland, SPSRNP NE C Forest Streams (0-330 masl)
Rock Frog Busuanga, Mainland, SPSRNP NE C Forest Streams (0-1300 masl)
Peter's Tree Frog Mainland NE-Pwn Ra Forested Areas (150-300 masl)
Rough-skinned Tree Frog Balabac, Mainland NE-Pwn Ra Forested Areas (0-1300 masl)

Polypedates leucomystax Common Tree Frog SPSRNP NE C Forested Areas, Open Areas, Human Habitations

Balabac, Busuanga, Calauit, Dumaran,

Polypedates macrotis
Rhacophorus everetti
Family Microhylidae
Chaperina fusca
Kaloula baleata baleata
Brown-Striped Tree Frog NE C Forested Areas, Cultivated Areas
Mainland
Palawan Tree Frog Calauit, Mainland NE-Pwn U Forested Areas (350-1000 masl)
Spotted-belly Narrow-mouthed Frog Mainland NE C Forest Streams (0-1220 masl)
Smooth-fingered Narrow-mouthed Frog Mainland NE C Terrestrial, Arboreal

NOTE: NOMENCLATURE FOLLOWS THAT OF ALCALA AND BROWN, 1998

137
138
APPENDIX C-4. List of Avian Species in the Palawan Faunal Region.

Species Subspecies Type Common Name Type Locality Endemicity Residency Occurrence

Order Podicipediformes
Family Podicipedidae
Tachybaptus ruficollis philippensis Little Grebe Mainland LE Resident Uncommon
Order Pelecaniformes
Family Anhingidae
Anhinga melanogaster melanogaster Oriental Darter Mainland NE Resident Loc Uncommon
Family Sulidae
Sula dactylatra personata Masked Booby Tubbataha (north islet) NE Resident Rare
Bancoran, Cagayancillo, Cawili, Calusa, Manuc
Sula sula rubripes Red-footed Booby NE Resident Uncommon
Manukan, Mainland, Tubbataha (south islet)

Sula leucogaster plotus Brown Booby Arena, Bancoran, Manuc Manukan, Rasa, Tubbataha NE Resident Uncommon

Family Fregatidae
Arena, Bancoran, Cagayancillo, Cawili, Manuc
Fregata minor minor Great Frigatebird NE Resident Uncommon
Manukan, Tubbataha, Ursula
Agutaya, Balabac, Cagayancillo, Cuyo, Mainland,
Fregata ariel ariel Lesser Frigatebird NE Mig/Res (?) Uncommon
Tubbataha, Ursula
Order Ciconiiformes
Family Ardeidae

Ardea sumatrana (monotypic) Great-billed Heron Busuanga, Mainland, Rasa, SP, El Nido, Tubbataha NE Resident Uncommon

Ardea purpurea manilensis Purple Heron Calauit, Mainland, Rasa NE Resident Fairly Common
Egretta garzetta garzetta Little Egret Cagayancillo, Mainland, Ursula, SP, Tubbataha NE Migrant Common

Balabac, Bancoran, Cagayancillo, Culion, Cuyo,

Egretta sacra sacra Eastern Reef-Egret Dalahican, Lumbucan, Manuc Manucan, Mainland, NE Resident Uncommon
Tubbataha, Ursula, Coron, Rasa, El Nido, SP

Egretta eulophotes (monotypic) Chinese Egret Mainland, Tubbataha, Calauit, El Nido, SP, VA, Rasa NE Migrant Rare

Egretta intermedia (monotypic) Intermediate Egret Mainland, Mal-Ty, Tubbataha NE Migrant Loc Uncommon
Egretta alba modesta Great Egret Mainland, El Nido, Tubbataha NE Migrant Uncommon
Balabac, Busuanga, Cuyo, Dalahican, Mainland, Mal-
Bubulcus ibis coromandus Cattle Egret NE Res/Mig Loc Common
Ty, SP, Tubbataha
Cagayancillo, Calamianes, Cuyo, Mainland, Rasa, El
Butorides striatus carcinophilus Little Heron NE Resident Fairly Common
Nido, SP
Gorsachius goisagi (monotypic) Japanese Night-Heron Mainland, VA NE Migrant Rare
rufolineatus Balabac, Mainland LE-Pwn
Gorsachius melanolophus Malayan Night-Heron Resident Uncommon
kutteri Busuanga LE

PALAWAN
 APPENDIX C-4. List of Avian Species in the Palawan Faunal Region (continued).

Species Subspecies Type Common Name Type Locality Endemicity Residency Occurrence

Nycticorax nycticorax nycticorax Black-crowned Night-Heron Busuanga NE Migrant Uncommon

Nycticorax caledonicus manillensis Rufous Night-Heron Mainland, Rasa NE Resident Uncommon
Ixobrychus sinensis (monotypic) Yellow Bittern Cuyo, Mainland, Tubbataha NE Resident Uncommon
Ixobrychus eurhythmus (monotypic) Schrenck's Bittern Mainland NE Migrant Rare
Ixobrychus cinnamomeus (monotypic) Cinnamon Bittern Mainland, Tubbataha, SP NE Resident Common
Dupetor flavicollis flavicollis Black Bittern Mainland NE Resident Uncommon
Order Anseriformes
Family Anatidae

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Dendrocygna arcuata arcuata Wandering Whistling-Duck Cuyo, Mainland NE Resident Common
Anas querquedula (monotypic) Garganey Mainland NE Migrant Common
Aythya fuligula (monotypic) Tufted Duck Mainland NE Migrant Uncommon
Order Falconiformes
Family Pandionidae
haliaetus Mainland, Rasa
Pandion haliaetus Osprey NE Migrant Uncommon
melvillensis Balabac, Mainland
Family Accipitridae
Aviceda jerdoni magnirostris Jerdon's Baza Mainland NE Resident Uncommon
Pernis ptilorhynchus palawanensis Oriental HoneyBuzzard Calauit, Mainland LE-Pwn Resident Common
Elanus caeruleus hypoleucus Black-shouldered Kite Busuanga NE Resident Uncommon
Calamianes, Calauit, Cuyo, Mainland, Rasa, Coron,
Haliastur indus intermedius Brahminy Kite NE Resident Common
Mal-Ty, El Nido

Bancoran, Calauit, Coron, Culion, Manuc Manukan,

Haliaeetus leucogaster (monotypic) White-bellied Sea Eagle NE Resident Uncommon
Mainland, Ursula, Rasa, Mal-Ty, SP, El Nido

Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus (monotypic) Grey-headed Fish-Eagle Calamianes NE Resident Rare

Circus spilonotus spilonotus Eastern Marsh-Harrier Mainland NE Migrant Uncommon
Accipiter gularis gularis Japanese SparrowHawk Mainland, Rasa, El Nido NE Migrant Uncommon
Accipiter soloensis (monotypic) Chinese Goshawk Cagayancillo, Mainland NE Migrant Fairly Common
Balabac, Culion, Linapacan, Mainland, Rasa, Ursula,
Accipiter trivirgatus palawanus Crested Goshawk LE-Pwn Resident Fairly Common
SP, El Nido
Butastur indicus (monotypic) Grey-faced Buzzard Balabac, Cagayancillo, Culion, Cuyo, Mainland NE Migrant Fairly Common
Spilornis cheela palawanensis Crested Serpent-Eagle Balabac, Busuanga, Mainland, SP, El Nido, Rasa LE-Pwn Resident Common
Hieraaetus kienerii formosus Rufous-bellied Eagle Mainland NE Resident Uncommon
Spizaetus cirrhatus limnaeetus Changeable Hawk-Eagle Busuanga, Culion, Mainland, VA, Rasa NE Resident Uncommon
Family Falconidae
Falco tinnunculus interstinctus Eurasian Kestrel Busuanga, Mainland NE Migrant Uncommon
Falco severus severus Oriental Hobby Culion, Mainland, El Nido NE Resident Uncommon
Falco peregrinus calidus Peregrine Falcon Coron, Mainland NE Migrant Uncommon

139
140
APPENDIX C-4. List of Avian Species in the Palawan Faunal Region (continued).

Species Subspecies Type Common Name Type Locality Endemicity Residency Occurrence

Order Galliformes
Family Megapodiidae
Balabac, Busuanga, Calauit, Culion, Mainland, Ursula,
cumingii NE
Megapodius cumingii Tabon ScrubFowl El Nido, Rasa, Mal-Ty, SP Resident Loc Common
pusillus Cagayancillo LE
Family Phasianidae
Balabac, Busuanga, Calauit, Culion, Mainland, Mal-Ty,
Gallus gallus philippensis Red JungleFowl LE Resident Common
SP
Polyplectron emphanum (monotypic) Palawan Peacock Pheasant Mainland, SV, Ma, Mal-Ty, SP, El Nido, Culion PE-Pwn Resident Uncommon
Coturnix chinensis lineata Blue-breasted Quail Calauit, Culion, Mainland, Mal-Ty LE Resident Common
Family Turnicidae
Turnix suscitator haynaldi Barred Buttonquail Busuanga, Calauit, Culion, Mainland LE-Pwn Resident Common
Order Gruiformes
Family Rallidae
Gallirallus striatus striatus Slaty-breasted Rail Busuanga, Mainland NE Resident Uncommon
Gallirallus torquatus torquatus Barred Rail Cagayancillo, El Nido(?), Ursula NE Resident Common
Rallina fasciata (monotypic) Red-legged Crake Balabac, Culion, Mainland NE Res?/Mgr? Rare
Rallina eurizonoides eurizonoides Slaty-legged Crake Cagayancillo LE Resident Uncommon
Porzana pusilla pusilla Baillon's Crake Mainland NE Migrant Uncommon
Porzana fusca fusca Ruddy-breasted Crake Cagayancillo NE Resident Uncommon
Porzana cinerea ocularis White-browed Crake Mainland LE Resident Common
Amaurornis phoenicurus javanica White-breasted Waterhen Busuanga, Culion, Mainland, SP NE Resident Common
Gallicrex cinerea (monotypic) Watercock Mainland NE Resident Fairly Common
Gallinula chloropus lozanoi Common Moorhen Mainland, Tubbataha LE Resident Common
Fulica atra atra Eurasian Coot Mainland NE Migrant Uncommon
Order Charadriiformes
Family Rostratulidae
Rostratula benghalensis benghalensis Greater Painted-Snipe Mainland NE Resident Common
Family Charadriidae
Pluvialis squatarola (monotypic) Grey Plover Calauit, Cuyo, Mainland, Tubbataha (north islet) NE Migrant Common
Balabac, Calamianes, Cuyo, Mainland, Rasa,
Pluvialis fulva (monotypic) Asian Golden-Plover NE Migrant Common
Tubbataha
dubius Cagayancillo, Mainland, Tubbataha Resident
Charadrius dubius Little Ringed-Plover NE Common
curonicus Balabac, Mainland, Cuyo (spp), Ursula Migrant
Charadrius alexandrinus dealbatus Kentish Plover Cuyo, Mainland, Rasa, Tubbataha, Ursula NE Migrant Common
Charadrius peronii (monotypic) Malaysian Plover Balabac, Dumaran, Mainland, Ursula NE Resident Uncommon

Charadrius mongolus mongolus Lesser Sand-Plover Cagayancillo, Cuyo, Mainland, Tubbataha, Ursula NE Migrant Common

PALAWAN
 APPENDIX C-4. List of Avian Species in the Palawan Faunal Region (continued).

Species Subspecies Type Common Name Type Locality Endemicity Residency Occurrence

Charadrius leschenaultii (monotypic) Greater Sand-Plover Cagayancillo, Cuyo, Mainland NE Migrant Common
Charadrius veredus (monotypic) Oriental Plover Mainland NE Migrant Rare
Family Scolopacidae
Numenius arquata orientalis Eurasian Curlew Mainland, Rasa, Tubbataha NE Migrant Uncommon
Numenius phaeopus variegatus Whimbrel Cagayancillo, Cuyo, Mainland, Rasa, Tubbataha NE Migrant Common
Limosa lapponica baueri Bar-tailed Godwit Cuyo, Tubbataha NE Migrant Uncommon
Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit Tubbataha NE Migrant Rare

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Tringa totanus eurhinus Common Redshank Balabac, Bancoran, Cuyo, Mainland NE Migrant Common
Tringa nebularia (monotypic) Common Greenshank Mainland, Rasa, Tubbataha NE Migrant Common
Tringa ochropus (monotypic) Green Sandpiper Mainland, Tubbataha NE Migrant Uncommon

Tringa glareola (monotypic) Wood Sandpiper Busuanga, Cuyo, Mainland, Rasa NE Migrant Common

Tringa stagnatilis (monotypic) Marsh Sandpiper Mainland NE Migrant Uncommon

Agutaya, Balabac, Bancoran, Cagayancillo, Culion,
Actitis hypoleucos (monotypic) Common Sandpiper Cuyo, Dalahican, Linapacan, Manuc Manukan, NE Migrant Common
Mainland, Rasa, El Nido
Xenus cinereus (monotypic) Terek Sandpiper Mainland, El Nido NE Migrant Fairly Common
Cagayancillo, Cuyo, Manuc Manukan, Mainland, Rasa,
Heteroscelus brevipes (monotypic) Grey-tailed Tattler NE Migrant Common
Tubbataha
Cagayancillo, Manuc Manukan, Mainland, Rasa,
Arenaria interpres interpres Ruddy Turnstone NE Migrant Fairly Common
Tubbataha
Gallinago stenura (monotypic) Pintail Snipe Mainland NE Migrant Fairly Common
Gallinago megala (monotypic) Swinhoe's Snipe Mainland NE Migrant Common
Gallinago gallinago gallinago Common Snipe Mainland NE Migrant Fairly Common
Calidris tenuirostris (monotypic) Great Knot Cuyo, Mainland NE Migrant Rare to Unc
Calidris ruficollis (monotypic) Rufous-necked Stint Balabac, Cuyo, Mainland, Tubbataha NE Migrant Common
Calidris subminuta (monotypic) Long-toed Stint Mainland NE Migrant Common
Calidris acuminata (monotypic) Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Mainland NE Migrant Uncommon
Calidris ferruginea (monotypic) Curlew Sandpiper Mainland, Rasa NE Migrant Fairly Common
Philomachus pugnax (monotypic) Ruff (m), Reeve (f) Mainland, Tubbataha NE Migrant Rare
Limicola falcinellus sibirica Broad-billed Sandpiper Mainland NE Migrant Uncommon
Family Phalaropodidae
Phalaropus lobatus (monotypic) Red-necked Phalarope Mainland, Ramesamey, Tubbataha NE Migrant Uncommon
Family Glareolidae
Glareola maldivarum (monotypic) Oriental Pratincole Bancoran, Mainland NE Res/Mig(?) Common
Family Burhinidae
Esacus magnirostris magnirostris Beach Thick-Knee Mainland NE Resident Rare

141
142
APPENDIX C-4. List of Avian Species in the Palawan Faunal Region (continued).

Species Subspecies Type Common Name Type Locality Endemicity Residency Occurrence

Family Recurvirostridae
Himantopus himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt Mainland NE Migrant Uncommon
Family Laridae
Larus ridibundus (monotypic) Black-headed Gull Mainland NE Migrant Uncommon
Family Sternidae
Gelochelidon nilotica affinis Gull-billed Tern Mainland NE Migrant Uncommon
Bancoran, Calauit, Coron, Mainland, Ursula, Rasa, El
Sterna sumatrana (monotypic) Black-naped Tern NE Resident Uncommon
Nido
Agutaya, Balabac, Calamianes, Cuyo, Manuc
Sterna bergii cristatus Great-crested Tern NE Resident Fairly Common
Manukan, Mainland, Tubbataha, Ursula, Rasa
Sterna hirundo longipennis Common Tern Mainland NE Migrant Uncommon
Sterna dougallii bangsi Roseate Tern Culion, Mainland NE Res (?) Rare
Sterna anaethetus anaethetus Bridled Tern Mainland, Sulu Sea near Tubbataha NE Resident Rare
Sterna fuscata nubilosa Sooty Tern Tubbataha, Ursula NE Resident Uncommon
Sterna albifrons sinensis Little Tern Mainland, Ursula NE Res/Mig Uncommon
Chlidonias leucopterus (monotypic) White-winged Tern Balabac, Mainland NE Migrant Fairly Common
Chlidonias hybridus hybridus Whiskered Tern Mainland NE Migrant Common
Anous stolidus pileatus Brown Noddy Mainland, Tubbataha, Rasa NE Resident Loc Common
Anous minutus worcesteri Black Noddy Cawili, Tubbataha NE Resident Loc Common
Order Columbiformes
Family Columbidae
Treron curvirostra erimacra Thick-billed Green-Pigeon Balabac, Mainland, SP, El Nido NE Resident Uncommon
Treron vernans vernans Pink-necked Green-Pigeon Busuanga, Culion, Mainland, El Nido, Rasa LE Resident Uncommon
Busuanga, Calauit, Culion, Mainland, SP, El Nido,
gironieri LE-Pwn
Ptilinopus leclancheri Black-chinned Fruit-Dove Rasa Resident Uncommon
leclancheri Cagayancillo LE
Ptilinopus melanospila bangueyensis Black-naped Fruit-Dove Mainland, El Nido, Ursula NE Resident Common
Balabac, Busuanga, Calauit, Culion, Dumaran,
Ducula aenea palawanensis Green Imperial-Pigeon Linapacan, Mainland, Mal-Ty, SP, Coron, El Nido, LE-Pwn Resident Fairly Common
Rasa, Ursula
Balabac, Cagayancillo, Calauit, Calusa, Cawili,
Ducula pickeringii pickeringii Grey Imperial-Pigeon NE Resident Common
Lumbucan, Mangsi, Ursula, Rasa, El Nido
Arena, Balabac, Busuanga, Calauit, Mainland, Ursula,
Ducula bicolor bicolor Pied Imperial-Pigeon NE Resident Loc Common
Rasa, Mal-Ty, El Nido
Columba vitiensis anthracina Metallic Pigeon Calauit, Comiran, Lumbucan, Mainland NE-Pwn Resident Uncommon

Macropygia phasianella tenuirostris Reddish Cuckoo-Dove Balabac, Busuanga, Culion, Mainland, SP, El Nido LE Resident Common

PALAWAN
 APPENDIX C-4. List of Avian Species in the Palawan Faunal Region (continued).

Species Subspecies Type Common Name Type Locality Endemicity Residency Occurrence

Agutaya, Busuanga, Cagayancillo, Calauit, Culion,

Streptopelia bitorquata dusumieri Island Collared-Dove LE Resident Uncommon
Cuyo, Mainland, Ursula, Coron, Mal-Ty, El Nido

Streptopelia chinensis tigrina Spotted Dove Balabac, Busuanga, Culion, Mainland, SP NE Resident Common
Geopelia striata striata Zebra Dove Mainland, Ursula, Mal-Ty NE Resident Common
Cagayancillo, Calauit, Culion, Cuyo, Mainland, El Nido,
Chalcophaps indica indica Emerald Dove NE Resident Common
Ursula, Rasa, Mal-Ty, SP
Balabac, Cawili, Lumbucan, Mangsi, Mainland, Ursula,
Caloenas nicobarica nicobarica Nicobar Pigeon NE Resident Rare

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Rasa, El Nido
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae
Balabac, Calauit, Culion, Mainland, Busuanga, SV,
Cacatua haematuropygia (monotypic) Philippine Cockatoo PE Resident Rare
Rasa, Coron, Mal-Ty, SP, El Nido
Busuanga, Calauit, Culion, Mainland, Rasa, Coron, Mal-
Tanygnathus lucionensis salvadorii Blue-naped Parrot NE Resident Uncommon
Ty, SP, El Nido
Balabac, Busuanga, Calauit, Culion, Dumaran,
Prioniturus platenae (monotypic) Blue-headed Racquet-tail PE-Pwn Resident Uncommon
Mainland, SV, VA, Ma, Mal-Ty, SP, El Nido, Rasa
Order Cuculiformes
Family Cucuildae
Clamator coromandus (monotypic) Chestnut-winged Cuckoo Mainland NE Migrant Rare
Cuculus sparveroides sparveroides Large Hawk-Cuckoo Busuanga, Mainland NE Migrant Uncommon
Cuculus fugax pectoralis Hodgson's Hawk-Cuckoo Cagayancillo, Mainland, El Nido LE Resident Uncommon
horsfieldi Mainland
Cuculus saturatus Oriental Cuckoo NE Migrant Uncommon
saturatus Mangsi
Cacomantis sonneratii schlegeli Banded Bay Cuckoo Mainland, Rasa NE-Pwn Resident Rare
Cacomantis merulinus merulinus Plaintive Cuckoo Balabac, Mainland, El Nido, Rasa, Mal-Ty, SP NE Resident Common

Cacomantis variolosus sepulcralis Brush Cuckoo Busuanga, Mainland, El Nido, Tubbataha NE Resident Common
Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus xanthorhynchus Violet Cuckoo Mainland NE-Pwn Resident Uncommon
Surniculus lugubris minimus Drongo Cuckoo Balabac, Calauit, Mainland, Rasa, SP LE-Pwn Resident Fairly Common
Cagayancillo, Cuyo, Lumbucan, Mainland, El Nido,
Eudynamis scolopacea mindanensis Common Koel LE Resident Loc Common
Ursula, Coron, Mal-Ty
Balabac, Busuanga, Calauit, Culion, Dumaran,
Phaenicophaeus curvirostris harringtoni Chestnut-breasted Malkoha LE-Pwn Resident Fairly Common
Mainland, Ursula, SP
Centropus sinensis bubutus Greater Coucal Balabac, Mainland, Mal-Ty, SP NE Resident Loc Common

Centropus bengalensis javanensis Lesser Coucal Balabac, Calamianes, Calauit, Mainland, Rasa, El Nido NE Resident Common

Centropus viridis viridis Philippine Coucal Cagayancillo, Cuyo, Coron PE Resident Common

143
144
APPENDIX C-4. List of Avian Species in the Palawan Faunal Region (continued).

Species Subspecies Type Common Name Type Locality Endemicity Residency Occurrence

Order Strigiformes
Family Tytonidae
Tyto capensis amauronota Grass Owl Calamianes, Calauit, Mainland LE Resident Fairly Common
Family Strigidae
mantananensis Southern coast, Rasa, Ursula NE-Pwn
Otus mantananensis Mantanani Scops-Owl Resident Fairly Common
cuyensis Cuyo, Dicabaito, Linapacan LE-Pwn
Otus fuliginosus (monotypic) Palawan Scops Owl Mainland, SP, VA, Ma, Ursula PE-Pwn Resident Uncommon
palawanensis Mainland, Rasa LE-Pwn Resident
Ninox scutulata Brown Hawk-Owl Uncommon
japonica Cuyo NE Migrant
Strix seloputo wiepkeni Spotted Wood-Owl Busuanga, Mainland, SP, El Nido LE-Pwn Resident Uncommon
Order Caprimulgiformes
Family Podargidae
Batrachostomus javensis chaseni Javan Frogmouth Busuanga, Culion, Mainland, SP, El Nido LE-Pwn Resident Uncommon
Family Caprimulgidae
Caprimulgus indicus jotaka Grey Nightjar Mainland NE Migrant Rare
Busuanga, Calauit, Culion, Mainland, Rasa, Coron, Mal-
Caprimulgus macrurus johnsoni Large-tailed Nightjar LE-Pwn Resident Fairly Common
Ty, SP, El Nido
Order Apodiformes
Family Apodidae
palawanensis Mainland, SP, El Nido, SV, VA, Ma LE-Pwn
Collocalia vanikorensis Island Swiftlet Resident Common
amelis Cagayancillo NE
Collocalia mearnsi (monotypic) Philippine Swiftlet Mainland PE Resident Common
Cagayancillo, Culion, Cuyo, Mainland, small NW
Collocalia fuciphaga germani Edible-nest Swiftlet NE Resident Uncommon
islands, SP, El Nido
Collocalia esculenta spp. Glossy Swiftlet Busuanga, Calauit, Mainland, SP, El Nido NE Resident Common
Collocalia troglodytes (monotypic) Pygmy Swiftlet Calauit, Mainland, Coron, Mal-Ty, SP, El Nido PE Resident Fairly Common
Hirundapus giganteus giganteus Brown-backed Needletail Culion, Mainland, Mal-Ty NE-Pwn Resident Uncommon
Apus pacificus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift Ursula NE Migrant Uncommon
Order Coraciiformes
Family Coraciidae
Busuanga, Cagayancillo, Culion, Cuyo, Mainland,
Eurystomus orientalis cyanocollis Dollarbird NE Resident Fairly Common
Rasa, SP
Family Alcedinidae
Balabac, Cagayancillo, Culion, Cuyo, Mainland, Rasa,
Alcedo atthis bengalensis Common Kingfisher NE Migrant Common
Tubbataha

Alcedo meninting amadoni Blue-eared Kingfisher Balabac, Busuanga, Culion, Mainland, SP, El Nido LE-Pwn Resident Uncommon

PALAWAN
 APPENDIX C-4. List of Avian Species in the Palawan Faunal Region (continued).

Species Subspecies Type Common Name Type Locality Endemicity Residency Occurrence

Ceyx erithacus rufidorsa Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher Balabac, Busuanga, Culion, Mainland, SP, El Nido NE Resident Uncommon

Halcyon capensis gouldi Stork-billed Kingfisher Balabac, Calauit, Culion, Mainland, Mal-Ty, SP, Rasa LE Resident Uncommon

Halcyon coromanda linae Ruddy Kingfisher Mainland, El Nido LE-Pwn Resident Uncommon

Halcyon pileata (monotypic) Black-capped Kingfisher Balabac, Mainland, El Nido NE Migrant Rare

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Bancoran, Cagayancillo, Calamianes, Calauit, Cuyo,
Halcyon chloris collaris White-collared Kingfisher Dalahican, Lumbucan, Manuc Manukan, Mainland, NE Resident Common
Tubbataha, Ursula, Rasa, Coron, Mal-Ty, El Nido

Family Meropidae
Merops viridis americanus Blue-throated Bee-eater Cagayancillo, Culion, Dumaran, El Nido LE Resident Fairly Common
Family Bucerotidae
Balabac, Busuanga, Calauit, Mainland, Ma, VA, Culion,
Anthracoceros marchei (monotypic) Palawan Hornbill PE-Pwn Resident Uncommon
SV, Coron, Mal-Ty, SP, El Nido
Order Piciformes
Family Picidae
Mulleripicus pulverulentus pulverulentus Great Slaty Woodpecker Balabac, Mainland, SP NE-Pwn Resident Uncommon
Balabac, Busuanga, Calauit, Mainland, Mal-Ty, SP, El
Chrysocolaptes lucidus erythrocephalus Greater Flameback LE-Pwn Resident Fairly Common
Nido
Dryocopus javensis hargitti White-bellied Woodpecker Mainland, SP LE-Pwn Resident Fairly Common
Dinopium javanense everetti Common Flameback Balabac, Busuanga, Culion, Mainland, Rasa, SP LE-Pwn Resident Uncommon
Order Passeriformes
Family Pittidae
propinqua Balabac, Mainland, SP LE-Pwn
Pitta erythrogaster thompsoni Red-bellied Pitta Calauit, Culion LE-Pwn Resident Fairly Common
erythrogaster Cagayancillo LE

Pitta sordida palawanensis Hooded Pitta Balabac, Calauit, Coron, Culion, Mainland, SP, El Nido LE-Pwn Resident Common

Family Hirundinidae
Riparia riparia ijimae Sand Martin Mainland NE Migrant Rare
Balabac, Bancoran, Cuyo, Manuc Manukan, Mainland,
Hirundo rustica gutturalis Barn Swallow NE Migrant Common
Ursula, Rasa, El Nido, Tubbataha

Balabac, Busuanga, Calauit, Cuyo, Dalahican,

Hirundo tahitica javanica Pacific Swallow NE Resident Common
Lumbucan, Mainland, Rasa, Coron, Mal-Ty, El Nido

Hirundo daurica striolata Red-rumped Swallow Mainland NE Resident Loc Common

145
146
APPENDIX C-4. List of Avian Species in the Palawan Faunal Region (continued).

Species Subspecies Type Common Name Type Locality Endemicity Residency Occurrence

Family Campephagidae
Balabac, Busuanga, Culion, Mainland, Coron, Mal-Ty,
Coracina striata difficilis Bar-bellied Cuckoo-Shrike LE-Pwn Resident Common
SP, El Nido
Cagayancillo, Calamianes, Cuyo, Mainland, Ursula,
Lalage nigra chilensis Pied Triller LE Resident Common
Rasa, SP, El Nido
Pericrotus divaricatus divaricatus Ashy Minivet Balabac, Mainland NE Migrant Uncommon
Pericrotus cinnamomeus igneus Small Minivet Mainland, Ursula, SP NE-Pwn Resident Fairly Common
Family Chloropseidae

Balabac, Busuanga, Calauit, Coron, Culion, Dumaran,

Chloropsis palawanensis (monotypic) Yellow-throated Leafbird PE-Pwn Resident Common
Mainland, Mal-Ty, SP, El Nido, SV, VA, Ma, Rasa

Aegithina tiphia aequanimis Common Iora Dumaran, Mainland, Mal-Ty, Rasa, SP, El Nido NE-Pwn Resident Fairly Common
Family Pycnonotidae
Pycnonotus atriceps atriceps Black-headed Bulbul Calauit, Dumaran, Mainland, El Nido, Rasa, SP NE-Pwn Resident Common
Busuanga, Culion, Mainland, Rasa, Coron, Mal-Ty, SP,
Pycnonotus plumosus cinereifrons Olive-winged Bulbul LE-Pwn Resident Fairly Common
El Nido
Criniger bres frater Grey-cheeked Bulbul Balabac, Busuanga, Mainland, SP, El Nido, Rasa LE-Pwn Resident Common
Hypsipetes palawanensis (monotypic) Sulphur-bellied Bulbul Mainland, SP, El Nido, VA, Ma PE-Pwn Resident Uncommon
Family Dicruridae
Balabac, Busuanga, Culion, Mainland, Rasa, SP, El
Dicrurus leucophaeus leucophaeus Ashy Drongo NE-Pwn Resident Fairly Common
Nido, Coron, Mal-Ty
Balabac, Busuanga, Culion, Mainland, Mal-Ty, SP, El
palawanensis LE
Dicrurus hottentottus Spangled Drongo Nido, Rasa, Ursula Resident Common
cuyensis Cuyo LE-Pwn
Family Oriolidae
Oriolus xanthonotus persuasus Dark-throated Oriole Culion, Mainland, SP NE-Pwn Resident Fairly Common
Balabac, Busuanga, Cagayancillo, Calauit, Culion,
Oriolus chinensis chinensis Black-naped Oriole Cuyo, Mainland, SP, El Nido, Rasa, Coron, Mal-Ty, LE Resident Common
Ursula
Balabac, Busuanga, Calauit, Culion, Mainland, SP, El
Irena puella tweeddalei Asian Fairy Bluebird LE-Pwn Resident Common
Nido, Rasa
Family Corvidae
Balabac, Busuanga, Calauit, Coron, Culion, Dalahican,
Corvus enca pusillus Slender-billed Crow LE Resident Loc Common
Mainland, Rasa, Mal-Ty, SP, El Nido
Corvus macrorhynchos philippinus Large-billed Crow Cagayancillo, Cuyo, Mainland LE Resident Common
Family Paridae
Balabac, Calauit, Mainland, Ma, VA, SV, SP, El Nido,
Parus amabilis (monotypic) Palawan Tit PE-Pwn Resident Uncommon
Rasa

PALAWAN
 APPENDIX C-4. List of Avian Species in the Palawan Faunal Region (continued).

Species Subspecies Type Common Name Type Locality Endemicity Residency Occurrence

Family Sittidae
Sitta frontalis palawana Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Balabac, Mainland, SP LE-Pwn Resident Common
Family Timaliidae
Trichastoma cinereiceps (monotypic) Ashy-headed Babbler Balabac, Mainland, SP, VA, Ma PE-Pwn Resident Fairly Common
Malacopteron palawanense (monotypic) Melodious Babbler Balabac, Mainland, SP, VA, Ma, El Nido PE-Pwn Resident Uncommon
Ptilocichla falcata (monotypic) Falcated Ground-Babbler Balabac, Mainland, SP, VA, Ma PE-Pwn Resident Uncommon

Stachyris hypogrammica (monotypic) Palawan Striped-Babbler Mts Borangbato, Mantalingajan, and Victoria, VA PE-Pwn Resident Common

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Macronus gularis woodi Striped Tit-Babbler Balabac, Mainland, Rasa, SP, El Nido LE-Pwn Resident Common
Family Turdidae
Brachypteryx montana sillimani White-browed Shortwing Mts Mantalingajan and Victoria LE-Pwn Resident Common
Balabac, Bantac, Busuanga, Batas, Coron, Culion,
Copsychus niger (monotypic) White-vented Shama Dumaran, Linapacan, Mainland, Ma, Ursula, Rasa, SP, PE-Pwn Resident Common
El Nido, VA
Agutaya, Balabac, Cagayancillo, Culion, Cuyo,
Monticola solitarius philippensis Blue Rock-Thrush NE Migrant Common
Mainland, El Nido
Zoothera dauma aurea Scaly Ground-Thrush Mainland NE Migrant Uncommon
Turdus obscurus (monotypic) Eyebrowed Thrush Busuanga, Mainland, SP NE Migrant Uncommon
Family Sylviidae
Gerygone sulphurea simplex Golden-bellied Flyeater Mainland LE Resident Loc Common
Seicercus montis xanthopygius Yellow-breasted Warbler Mainland LE-Pwn Resident Uncommon
Balabac, Cagayancillo, Culion, Cuyo, Mainland, Rasa,
Phylloscopus borealis kennicotti Arctic Warbler NE Migrant Common
El Nido, Tubbataha
Phylloscopus trivirgatus peterseni Mountain Leaf-Warbler Mainland, SP LE-Pwn Resident Common
Acrocephalus orientalis (monotypic) Oriental Reed-Warbler Mainland, Tubbataha NE Migrant Common
Megalurus palustris forbesi Striated Grassbird Mainland LE Resident Common
Locustella lanceolata (monotypic) Lanceolated Warbler Mainland, Tubbataha NE Migrant Uncommon
Locustella ochotensis (monotypic) Middendorff's Warbler Mainland NE Migrant Uncommon
Orthotomus cucullatus viridicollis Mountain Tailorbird Mainland LE-Pwn Migrant Fairly Common
Balabac, Busuanga, Culion, Mainland, El Nido, Rasa,
Orthotomus sericeus sericeus Rufous-tailed Tailorbird NE Resident Common
Coron, Mal-Ty, SP
Cisticola juncidis nigrostriata Zitting Cisticola Culion, Mainland LE-Pwn Resident Common
Cettia vulcania palawana Sunda Bush-Warbler Mt. Mantalingajan LE-Pwn Resident Loc Common
Family Muscicapidae
Muscicapa sibirica sibirica Dark-sided Flycatcher Culion, Mainland NE-Pwn Migrant Rare
Muscicapa dauurica dauurica Asian Brown Flycatcher Mainland, Rasa NE Migrant Rare
Balabac, Busuanga, Cagayancillo, Culion, Cuyo,
Muscicapa griseisticta (monotypic) Grey-streaked Flycatcher NE Migrant Common
Mainland, El Nido, Tubbataha

147
148
APPENDIX C-4. List of Avian Species in the Palawan Faunal Region (continued).

Species Subspecies Type Common Name Type Locality Endemicity Residency Occurrence

Muscicapa ferruginea (monotypic) Ferruginous Flycatcher Mainland NE Migrant Rare

Ficedula narcissina narcissina Narcissus Flycatcher Mainland NE Migrant Rare
Ficedula hyperythra rara Snowy-browed Flycatcher Mantalingajan Range LE-Pwn Resident Common
Ficedula platenae (monotypic) Palawan Flycatcher Mainland, SP, El Nido, VA, Ma PE-Pwn Resident Uncommon
Ficedula westermanni palawanensis Little Pied Flycatcher Mts Mantalingajan and Victoria LE-Pwn Resident Fairly Common
cyanomelana Balabac, Mainland, SP, Tubbataha NE
Cyanoptila cyanomelana Blue-and-White Flycatcher Migrant Rare
cumatilis Mainland NE
Balabac, Busuanga, Calauit, Culion, Mainland, SP, El
Cyornis lemprieri (monotypic) Palawan Blue Flycatcher PE-Pwn Resident Uncommon
Nido, VA, Ma
Cyornis rufigastra philippinensis Mangrove Blue Flycatcher Mainland, SP, El Nido LE Resident Common
Culicicapa helianthea panayensis Citrine Canary-Flycatcher Mainland LE Resident Common

Rhipidura javanica nigritorquis Pied Fantail Calauit, Culion, Cuyo, Mainland, Ursula, Rasa, El Nido LE Resident Common

Terpsiphone atrocaudata periophthalmica Japanese Paradise-Flycatcher Mainland NE MB Common

Bantac, Batas, Busuanga, Coron, Culion, Linapacan,
Terpsiphone cyanescens (monotypic) Blue Paradise-Flycatcher PE-Pwn Resident Uncommon
Mainland, SP, El Nido, VA, Ma, Rasa
Balabac, Busuanga, Calauit, Coron, Culion, Mainland,
Hypothymis azurea azurea Black-naped Monarch LE Resident Common
Rasa, SP, El Nido
Family Pachycephalidae
Pachycephala grisola plateni Mangrove Whistler Mainland, SP, El Nido LE-Pwn Resident Common
Family Motacillidae
Balabac, Calauit, Culion, Mainland, Ursula, Rasa, SP,
Motacilla cinerea robusta Grey Wagtail NE Migrant Common
El Nido, Tubbataha
simillima Balabac, Calamianes, Calauit, Mainland
Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail NE Migrant Common
taivana Mainland
Motacilla alba ocularis White Wagtail Balabac, Mainland NE Migrant Rare
Balabac, Busuanga, Culion, Mainland, Rasa,
Anthus novaeseelandiae lugubris Richard's Pipit NE Resident Common
Tubbataha
Anthus cervinus (monotypic) Red-throated Pipit Mainland NE Migrant Rare
Anthus hodgsoni hodgsoni Olive Tree-Pipit Mainland, El Nido NE Migrant Uncommon
Anthus gustavi gustavi Pechora Pipit Cagayancillo, Mainland, Tubbataha NE Migrant Uncommon
Family Artamidae
Busuanga, Calauit, Culion, Cuyo, Dalahican,
Artamus leucorynchus leucorynchus White-breasted Wood-Swallow NE Resident Common
Lumbucan, Mangsi, Mainland, Ursula, El Nido
Family Laniidae
Lanius schach nasutus Long-tailed Shrike Culion, Ursula LE Resident Common

PALAWAN
 APPENDIX C-4. List of Avian Species in the Palawan Faunal Region (continued).

Species Subspecies Type Common Name Type Locality Endemicity Residency Occurrence

Agutaya, Balabac, Cagayancillo, Culion, Cuyo,

Lanius cristatus lucionensis Brown Shrike Lumbucan, Mainland, Ursula, Rasa, SP, El Nido, NE Migrant Common
Tubbataha
Family Sturnidae
Agutaya, Balabac, Busuanga, Cagayancillo, Calauit,
Aplonis panayensis panayensis Asian Glossy Starling Culion, Cuyo, Manuc Manukan, Mainland, Ursula, NE Resident Common
Rasa, Coron, SP, El Nido
Sturnus philippensis (monotypic) Chestnut-cheeked Starling Linapacan, Mainland, Tubbataha NE Migrant Uncommon

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Balabac, Busuanga, Culion, Mainland, Mal-Ty, SP, El
Gracula religiosa palawanensis Hill Myna LE-Pwn Resident Uncommon
Nido
Family Nectariniidae
Anthreptes malacensis paraguae Plain-throated Sunbird Balabac, Calauit, Culion, Mainland, Rasa, El Nido LE-Pwn Resident Common
Nectarinia calcostetha (monotypic) Copper-throated Sunbird Balabac, Mainland, Ursula, Rasa, El Nido NE-Pwn Resident Common
Agutaya, Balabac, Busuanga, Cagayancillo, Calauit,
Nectarinia jugularis aurora Olive-backed Sunbird Culion, Cuyo, Dumaran, Lumbucan, Mainland, Ursula, LE-Pwn Resident Common
Rasa, SP, El Nido
Balabac, Busuanga, Culion, Dalahican, Mainland,
Nectarinia sperata trochilus Purple-throated Sunbird NE Resident Common
Ursula, Mal-Ty, SP, El Nido, Coron, Rasa

Aethopyga shelleyi shelleyi Lovely Sunbird Balabac, Busuanga, Culion, Mainland, SP, El Nido PE-Pwn Resident Loc Common
Arachnothera longirostra dilutior Little Spiderhunter Mainland, SP, El Nido, Rasa LE-Pwn Resident Uncommon
Family Dicaeidae

plateni Balabac, Mainland, Ma, VA, El Nido, Rasa, Mal-Ty, SP

Prionochilus plateni Palawan Flowerpecker PE-Pwn Resident Common
culionensis Busuanga, Calauit, Culion
Dicaeum aeruginosum affine Striped Flowerpecker Mainland, SP, El Nido PE-Pwn Resident Uncommon
Balabac, Calauit, Culion, Mainland, Ursula, Coron, Mal-
Dicaeum pygmaeum palawanorum Pygmy Flowerpecker PE-Pwn Resident Common
Ty, SP, El Nido
Family Zosteropidae
Zosterops nigrorum richmondi Yellowish White-Eye Cagayancillo PE-Pwn Resident Common
Zosterops montanus parkesi Mountain White-Eye Mainland LE-Pwn Resident Common
Family Ploceidae
Passer montanus nasutus Eurasian Tree Sparrow Calauit, Mainland, El Nido, Tubbataha NE Resident Common
Family Estrildidae
Lonchura leucogastra palawana White-bellied Munia Balabac, Busuanga, Calauit, Culion, Mainland, SP NE Resident Common
Lonchura punctulata cabanisi Scaly-breasted Munia Calauit, Mainland, El Nido LE Resident Common
Balabac, Calamianes, Calauit, Mainland, Mal-Ty, El
Lonchura malacca jagori Chestnut Munia NE Resident Common
Nido
NOTE: NOMENCLATURE FOLLOWS THAT OF KENNEDY, ET AL., 2000

149
APPENDIX D-1a. Mean Annual Rainfall (mm) by Station by Year, Palawan.

YEAR Puerto Aborlan Brooke's Coron Cuyo Rio Tag- Cabayugan Poblacion Poblacion Magara Abongan Mainit Mean
Princesa a/ Point a/ a/ Tuba bita Puerto El Nido Quezon Roxas Taytay Brookes
a/ a/ b/ Princesa Point
d/ d/ d/ d/ d/ d/
1949 2229.7 2229.7
1950 1330.0 1330.0
1951 1560.4 1560.4
1952 1788.1 1788.1
1953 1083.4 1083.4
1954 1587.3 1587.3
1955 1436.1 1436.1
1956 2117.5 2255.2 2186.4
1957 1263.7 1552.9 1408.3
1958 1680.4 1886.8 1783.6
1959 1785.7 1714.9 1750.3
1960 1599.4 1633.9 1616.7
1961 1125.7 1223.4 123.8 1383.7 964.2
1962 1673.1 2446.1 194.6 2603.7 1729.4
1963 1453.4 1556.9 1239.2 2370.1 1654.9
1964 1689.4 1612.6 1626.1 2290.5 1804.7
1965 1769.4 1881.7 3011.7 2350.6 2253.4
1966 1710.9 2425.8 2847.4 2092.1 2269.1
1967 1379.1 1595.3 2556.0 2967.5 2124.5
1968 1262.0 1279.7 2121.8 1705.1 1592.2
1969 1452.5 1164.7 2802.3 2365.6 1946.3
1970 1829.3 1542.3 2444.5 2112.8 1982.2
1971 1991.5 988.5 2494.7 2885.6 2090.1
1972 1034.1 1479.1 2193.8 1969.8 1669.2
1973 1890.0 1614.6 2083.6 2901.2 3699.9 2437.9
1974 1440.9 1434.4 2077.3 2207.8 4326.3 2297.3
1975 2147.1 1890.8 1844.3 1699.8 3950.5 2306.5
1976 1996.0 1566.8 2319.3 2227.3 2806.4 2183.2
1977 1653.0 1823.4 1211.8 2380.6 3427.9 2099.3
1978 1743.9 4951.4 1018.9 1878.2 2611.0 2440.7
1979 1492.8 1760.2 1135.8 3759.8 2281.4 2895.0 2220.8
1980 1714.5 1859.4 1617.0 1850.4 1878.2 4340.0 2209.9
1981 1569.0 1535.4 1700.3 1954.9 1598.3 2642.0 1833.3
1982 1357.2 1725.0 1249.2 3143.4 2097.3 3029.0 2100.2
1983 1582.0 1660.0 1560.0 2559.0 2277.0 1710.0 3320.0 2095.4
1984 1402.6 12234.5 1949.6 2985.2 2949.1 2393.3 3144.0 3865.5
1985 1362.3 2344.9 1877.9 1719.5 2681.6 2508.5 2082.5
1986 1353.9 1597.1 1395.8 1785.9 2027.7 2329.5 1748.3
1987 1064.8 1814.3 1256.9 3038.8 74.6 1777.5 1504.5
1988 1666.3 1632.2 902.6 2497.0 3390.4 2458.6 2091.2
1989 1513.8 1601.2 903.7 2918.7 1862.2 2069.9 1811.6
1990 1144.3 1437.3 507.8 2498.9 2767.2 1772.3 1688.0
1991 986.1 1288.8 524.7 2030.7 1218.6 1092.8 1190.3
1992 1380.9 1363.6 799.7 1977.7 1754.2 1126.4 1400.4
1993 1442.9 1848.7 789.5 2227.9 1671.4 1596.1
1994 1158.1 1633.0 1157.8 2280.9 1335.8 1513.1
1995 1748.6 1680.4 883.9 2329.0 1810.7 1690.5
1996 1281.6 1924.8 751.4 1677.4 1408.8
1997 1123.0 1093.7 807.1 1903.4 1747.7 2610.5 1038.7 1474.9
1998 1719.5 1961.9 1944.8 2400.0 1200.0 4382.3 2282.4 2210.0 2833.0 1944.8 2287.9
1999 2227.0 2570.2 3362.5 2626.9 2423.7 4205.5 3244.0 3845.6 3006.7 3362.5 3087.5
2000 1762.7 3430.3 2730.0 2370.3 4701.9 2229.7 3586.5 2078.6 3430.3 2924.5
2001 1535.0 3263.7 2971.3 2663.0 3760.7 5314.0 4144.9 2937.5 2867.5 6263.7 3572.1
2002 1086.2 2634.2 1917.3 3194.4 5219.0 1899.8 3149.5 2604.5 2608.5 2701.5
2003 907.7 1976.0 3676.6 3270.0 4963.5 2761.7 3049.2 2845.3 2931.3

Mean 1532.5 2319.2 1538.0 2276.8 2173.9 1906.3 3349.3 3790.3 4601.0 2829.0 3081.8 2739.9 3409.2 2734.4

Source: PAGASA and PCSDS

150 PALAWAN
 APPENDIX D-1b. Mean Monthly Rainfall (mm) from Different Weather Stations, Palawan.

DURATION 1949 to 1977-99 1956-89 1961-92 1962-95 1985-2003 1973-84 1997-2003 2001-2003 1997-2003 1998-2003 1998-2003 1998-2003
2003 1997-2002
PPC Aborlan Brooke's Coron Cuyo Rio Tuba Tagbita Cabayugan Poblacion Poblacion Magara Abongan Mainit

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Point PPC El Nido Quezon Roxas Taytay Brookes Pt.

January 29.4 122.9 84.6 15.2 9.1 68.8 137.0 53.0 48.0 99.6 67.3 31.6 157.4
February 22.8 71.8 36.6 23.4 0.6 46.8 161.3 81.4 38.0 63.4 49.8 14.8 80.8
March 36.9 124.7 36.0 10.4 5.9 53.4 70.5 135.3 37.0 121.1 172.0 67.5 138.1
April 42.3 139.2 44.7 21.2 36.2 74.9 116.4 126.1 36.0 102.1 129.0 118.0 116.0
May 133.5 107.1 116.9 175.0 166.6 130.3 222.5 364.6 666.0 180.3 233.2 297.8 181.6
June 167.3 262.0 141.9 359.9 347.2 209.8 358.8 393.0 624.0 282.5 248.2 216.1 261.5
July 164.1 322.9 161.7 455.7 379.6 212.2 426.0 543.5 815.0 235.9 309.0 294.0 218.6
August 180.0 265.0 158.6 453.9 406.0 240.8 329.2 731.3 902.0 409.8 499.3 417.8 299.6
September 193.0 458.9 163.4 342.3 338.5 222.5 370.9 499.1 499.0 338.9 401.9 297.8 209.8
October 13.6 403.9 171.1 251.2 249.4 274.5 473.5 501.0 602.7 432.0 405.1 360.2 337.5
November 203.7 474.8 241.6 116.7 129.4 176.8 315.4 303.6 251.7 360.6 436.8 327.9 392.4
December 147.8 330.0 200.9 65.8 35.9 111.0 341.5 255.0 80.0 303.5 320.6 296.2 516.1
No. of dry
months 5 1 4 5 5 4 1 2 5 2 2 3 1
No. of Inter-
mediate mo. 7 4 8 2 3 7 4 2 0 4 4 2 6
No. of wet
months 0 7 0 5 4 1 7 8 7 6 6 7 5

Source: PAGASA & PCSDS

151
152
APPENDIX D-2. Data on Water Quality Parameters from River Stations, Palawan.

Data for Figure 16 - pH Values of Water Samples from River Stations in Southern Palawan

1996 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Sampling Station Sept. Oct. Apr. July Dec. May Aug. May Aug Mar Jun Feb Jun Sep Lowest Average Highest
Southern Palawan:
09/96 10/98 04/99 07/99 12/99 05/00 08/00 05/01 08/01 03/02 06/02 02/03 06/03 09/03
Iraan 8.30 7.12 6.86 7.13 6.40 6.25 6.90 7.10 7.32 7.90 7.30 7.08 7.62 7.07 6.25 7.17 8.30
Calategas 7.07 7.83 7.27 7.50 7.28 7.52 7.60 6.96 8.00 8.10 8.15 7.46 8.33 8.10 6.96 7.66 8.33
Aramaywan 8.10 8.03 7.97 7.70 7.83 7.89 7.60 8.24 8.38 7.56 8.71 6.95 6.95 7.91 8.75
Labog 6.85 7.96 7.73 7.50 7.30 7.70 7.80 7.34 7.77 7.13 7.66 6.98 6.85 7.48 7.96
Tigaplan 7.27 7.61 7.50 7.35 7.10 7.38 7.38 7.99 8.30 7.22 8.49 7.70 7.10 7.61 8.49
Aborlan 7.60 7.89 7.76 8.15 7.47 8.29 8.10 7.47 7.89 8.29
Batang-Batang 8.20 8.65 8.20 8.38 7.58 8.44 7.59 7.58 8.15 8.65
Panitian 8.20 8.16 7.82 7.40 8.15 6.93 6.93 7.78 8.20
Pulot 8.18 8.14 7.39 8.27 7.24 7.24 7.84 8.27
Tamlang 7.54 8.03 7.54 7.78 8.03

Data for Figure 17 - pH Values of Water Samples from River Station in Northern Palawan

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Nov. Apr. July Jan. Mar. July Jan May Mar Jun Sep Dec Feb Jun Aug Lowest Average Highest
Northern Palawan:
11/98 04/99 07/99 01/00 03/00 07/00 01/01 05/01 03/02 06/02 09/02 12/02 02/03 06/03 08/03
Guineratan 7.60 7.60 7.10 6.60 6.50 7.40 7.00 7.50 7.71 7.35 7.36 7.33 7.01 7.73 6.71 6.50 7.23 7.73
Inandeng 7.61 6.60 7.20 6.90 5.90 7.18 7.15 7.05 7.79 7.22 6.96 6.99 6.76 7.20 7.40 5.90 7.06 7.79
Abongan 7.80 6.70 6.96 6.96 6.60 7.00 7.45 7.35 7.38 7.26 7.26 7.18 6.81 7.24 7.17 6.60 7.14 7.80
Bacungan 8.34 8.22 8.14 8.30 7.23 8.33 7.24 7.23 7.94 8.34

PALAWAN
 APPENDIX D-2. Data on Water Quality Parameters from River Stations, Palawan (continued).

Data for Figure 18 - Concentration of Suspended Solids of Water Samples from River Stations in Southern Palawan

1996 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Southern Palawan: Sept. Mar. Oct. Apr. July Dec. Feb. May May Aug Mar Jun Feb Jun Sep Dec Lowest Average Highest
09/96 03/98 10/98 04/99 07/99 12/99 05/00 08/00 05/01 08/01 03/02 06/02 02/03 06/03 09/03 12/03
Iraan 5 10 10 7 28 9 10 90 20 7 4 7 2 47 6 2 18.71 90

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Calategas 8 5 55 12 45 12 13 19 31 48 17 23 13 36 224 20 5 36.25 224
Aramaywan 8 15 38 18 34 19 7 21 9 14 11 1 150 13 1 25.43 150
Labog 21 40 18 12 24 13 6 53 16 17 35 236 22 6 39.42 236
Tigaplan 4 2 22 6 6 7 15 5 6 6 4 5 8 12 2 7.68 22
Aborlan 20 35 9 16 12 82 37 8 8 27.38 82
Batang-Batang 2 14 3 0 3 4 5 5 0 4.50 14
Panitian 14 74 16 48 30 70 19 14 38.71 74
Pulot 11 17 17 14 47 10 10 19.33 47
Tamlang 5 24 2 2 10.33 24

Data for Figure 19- Concentration of Suspended Solids of Water Samples from River Stations in Northern Palawan

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Northern Palawan: Nov. Apr. July Jan. Mar. July Jan May Mar Jun Sep Dec Feb Jun Aug Nov Lowest Average Highest
11/98 04/99 07/99 01/00 03/00 07/00 01/01 05/01 03/02 06/02 09/02 12/02 02/03 06/03 08/03 11/03
Guineratan 1284 102 22 15 4 54 17 62 64 380 144 225 128 73 780 236 4 224.28 1284
Inandeng 33 8 19 4 13 11 13 18 12 167 14 3 97 6 175 8 3 37.47 167
Abongan 263 22 85 37 34 22 14 37 12 25 5 10 15 40 135 24 5 48.69 263
Bacungan 3 27 9 2 20 9 21 11 2 12.63 27

153
154
APPENDIX D-2. Data on Water Quality Parameters from River Stations, Palawan (continued).

Data for Figure 20 - Turbidity (FTU) Readings of Water Samples from River Stations in Southern Palawan

1996 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Sampling Station Sept. Mar. Oct. Apr. July Dec. Feb. May Aug. May Aug Mar Jun Feb Jun Sep Dec Lowest Average Highest
Southern Palawan:
09/96 03/98 10/98 04/99 07/99 12/99 02/00 05/00 08/00 05/01 08/01 03/02 06/02 02/03 06/03 09/03 12/03
Iraan 6 11 16 15 7 24 9 8 56 75 18 5 3 9 5 44 7 3 18.68 75
Calategas 12 11 65 9.0 51 12.5 13.5 23 18 33 54 18 14 19 48 206 24 9 37.12 206
Aramaywan 12 19 38 15.5 35 20.5 8.5 27 18 7 12 16 10 141 15 7 26.30 141
Labog 22 39 11 11.0 23.0 12.0 10 96 44 12 25 47 216 20 10 42.00 216
Tigaplan 0 4 16 4 3 6 8.0 4 8 2 3 3 1 6 8 0 5.07 16
Aborlan 14 37 8 14 14 81 38 9 8 26.88 81
Batang-Batang 2 4 3 1 6 12 3 1 1 4.00 12
Panitian 16 63 4 48 36 73 20 4 37.14 73
Pulot 13 10 20 10 50 9 9 18.67 50
Tamlang 8 29 1 1 12.67 29

Data for Figure 21 - Turbidity (FTU) Readings of Water Samples from River Stations in Northern Palawan

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Nov. Apr. July Jan. Mar. July Jan May Mar Jun Sep Dec Feb Jun Aug Nov Lowest Average Highest
Northern Palawan:
11/98 04/99 07/99 01/00 03/00 07/00 01/01 05/01 03/02 06/02 09/02 12/02 02/03 06/03 08/03 11/03
Guineratan 689 33 14 16 38 43 13 56 50 321 134 196 112 77 736 200 13 170.67 736
Inandeng 29 15 14 8 21 12 4 24 12 160 20 8 13 21 126 10 4 31.06 160
Abongan 221 61 38 35 35 26 13 37 14 39 12 20 10 66 118 23 10 47.97 221
Bacungan 7 27 7 10 23 22 26 11 7 16.56 27

PALAWAN
 APPENDIX D-2. Data on Water Quality Parameters from River Stations, Palawan (continued).

Data for Figure 22 - Temperature Readings of Water Samples from River Stations in Southern Palawan

1996 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Sampling Station Sept. Mar. Oct. Apr. July Dec. Feb. May Aug. May Aug Mar Jun Feb Jun Sep Dec Lowest Average Highest
Southern Palawan:
09/96 03/98 10/98 04/99 07/99 12/99 02/00 05/00 08/00 05/01 08/01 03/02 06/02 02/03 06/03 09/03 12/03
Iraan 29.8 32.0 27.0 29.1 28.8 28.3 28.0 27.8 28.1 25.0 28.2 28.6 30.8 31.3 26.0 28.2 25.0 28.56 32.00

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Calategas 31.9 29.8 26.8 31.7 29.1 28.1 29.3 29.0 31.5 28.7 33.4 31.6 29.3 31.4 25.4 28.4 25.4 29.71 33.40
Aramaywan 31.1 34.8 23.4 31.6 29.2 28.5 30.1 29.8 23.6 31.0 28.6 25.8 28.1 23.4 28.88 34.80
Labog 28.5 31.6 27.9 29.4 28.0 28.2 29.2 29.8 27.8 29.9 33.2 28.8 25.8 27.8 25.8 28.99 33.20
Tigaplan 26.4 28.8 25.9 27.6 28.0 27.5 27.2 30.0 30.4 31.4 29.1 30.1 28.9 26.7 26.0 25.9 28.26 31.40
Aborlan 28.7 29.9 29.2 30.2 30.8 32.6 26.0 27.8 26.0 29.40 32.60
Batang-Batang 31.1 29.8 31.2 32.2 29.3 32.8 27.0 28.4 27.0 30.22 32.80
Panitian 28.6 32.0 29.7 33.3 25.5 27.6 25.5 29.45 33.30
Pulot 32.3 31.4 29.7 29.2 26.9 27.9 26.9 29.57 32.30
Tamlang 26.4 23.7 23.4 23.4 24.50 26.40

Data for Figure 23 - Temperature Readings of Water Samples from River Stations in Northern Palawan

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Nov. Apr. July Jan. Mar. July Jan May Mar Jun Sep Dec Feb Jun Aug Nov Lowest Average Highest
Northern Palawan:
11/98 04/99 07/99 01/00 03/00 07/00 01/01 05/01 03/02 06/02 09/02 12/02 02/03 06/03 08/03 11/03
Guineratan 26.3 28.3 30.1 26.6 28.6 27.3 26.6 27.7 27.0 27.7 27.6 26.2 25.6 28.0 25.3 26.0 25.3 27.18 30.1
Inandeng 26.4 28.4 29.6 27.9 29.0 28.3 29.2 30.3 31.6 27.0 29.2 29.4 27.9 28.0 27.4 28.0 26.4 28.60 31.6
Abongan 26.1 28.7 28.4 27.1 29.0 27.0 28.4 30.6 29.4 28.1 27.7 27.7 29.9 28.0 26.1 28.0 26.1 28.14 30.6
Bacungan 29.2 26.8 27.2 25.9 25.4 26.0 25.3 25.0 25.0 26.35 29.2

155
156
APPENDIX D-2. Data on Water Quality Parameters from River Stations, Palawan (continued).

Data for Figure 24 - Concentration of Dissolved Oxygen of Water Samples from River Stations in Southern Palawan

1996 1998 1999 2000 2001 2003

Sampling Station Sept. Mar. Oct. Apr. July Feb. May Aug. May Aug Feb Jun Sep Dec Lowest Average Highest
Southern Palawan
09/96 03/98 10/98 04/99 07/99 02/00 05/00 08/00 05/01 08/01 02/03 06/03 09/03 12/03
Iraan 10.50 7.89 7.93 4.68 4.88 5.25 6.30 5.0 5.4 5.4 5.1 7.1 7.4 4.68 6.37 10.50
Calategas 7.44 8.82 4.85 4.90 5.07 5.60 5.2 5.4 7.0 4.4 7.1 7.6 4.40 6.11 8.82
Aramaywan 5.06 7.04 9.96 5.23 5.21 6.03 4.40 7.4 6.5 8.1 7.7 4.40 6.60 9.96
Labog 7.31 7.92 4.80 5.20 6.80 5.90 6.38 7.7 4.6 6.3 7.6 4.60 6.40 7.92
Tigaplan 8.01 7.37 8.45 5.20 5.02 6.71 5.79 6.90 5.1 6.7 7.4 8.6 5.02 6.77 8.60
Aborlan 5.3 5.6 5.6 5.4 7.1 7.3 5.30 6.05 7.30
Batang-Batang 6.4 5.5 5.4 6.6 7.0 8.1 5.40 6.48 8.10
Panitian 5.1 6.6 5.4 7.3 7.9 5.10 6.48 7.90
Pulot 5.1 6.2 6.2 8.3 5.10 6.43 8.30
Tamlang 7.7 8.1 9.3 7.70 8.38 9.30

Data for Figure 25 - Concentration of Dissolved Oxygen of Water Samples from River Stations in Northern Palawan

1998 1999 2000 2001 2003

Sampling Station Nov. Apr. July Jan. Mar. July Jan May Aug Lowest Average Highest
Northern Palawan
11/98 04/99 07/99 01/00 03/00 07/00 01/01 05/01 08/03
Guineratan 7.34 4.94 2.80 6.15 4.9 6.2 7.7 2.80 5.72 7.70
Inandeng 7.81 4.59 3.07 5.74 5.6 5.4 6.2 3.07 5.49 7.81
Abongan 7.31 4.15 5.40 5.20 4.7 5.4 7.3 4.15 5.64 7.31
Bacungan 8.6 8.60 8.60 8.60

PALAWAN
 APPENDIX D-2. Data on Water Quality Parameters from River Stations, Palawan (continued).

Data for Figure 26 - Conductivity of Water Samples from River Stations in Southern Palawan

1996 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Sampling Station Sept. Mar. Oct. Apr. July Dec. Feb. May Aug Mar Jun Feb Jun Sep Dec Lowest Average Highest
Southern Palawan
09/96 03/98 10/98 04/99 07/99 12/99 02/00 05/01 08/01 03/02 06/02 02/03 06/03 09/03 12/03

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Labog 440 47960 227 358 359 327 377 19500 903 41 516 238 346 41 5507.069 47960.00
Iraan 98 417 92 100 96 88 98 95 92 113 92 110 89 94 88 119.604 417.00
Calategas 350 226 291 358 350 363 341 314 406 404 419 380 280 372 226 346.701 419.00
Aramaywan 330 418 226 288 280 157 331 301 346 290 254 285 157 292.088 418.00
Tigaplan 148 270 127 174 159 176 173 193 117 187 410 168 160 117 189.388 410.00
Aborlan 144 151 229 182 226 200 138 157 138 178.375 229.00
Batang-Batang 231 250 298 307 273 310 265 263 231 274.625 310.00
Panitian 285 296 268 293 390 228 293 228 342.167 390.00
Pulot 327 255 314 290 231 273 231 281.667 327.00
Tamlang 154 126 165 126 148.333 165.00

Data for Figure 27 - Conductivity of Water Samples from River Stations in Northern Palawan

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Sampling Station Nov. Apr. July Jan. Mar. July Jan May Mar Jun Sep Dec Jan Jun Aug Nov Lowest Average Highest
Northern Palawan
11/98 04/99 07/99 01/00 03/00 07/00 01/01 05/01 08/03 06/02 09/02 12/02 01/03 06/03 08/03 11/03
Guineratan 37 82 64 65 42 75 74 75 66 66 74 72 73 90 65 80 37 68.644 90
Inandeng 49 56 48 49 43 50 48 46 52 46 53 51 50 70 46 48 43 50.325 70
Abongan 46 73 64 70 23 66 69 70 73 74 67 67 60 54 62 23 62.473 74
Bacungan 477 345 361 442 30 283 378 30 330.857 477

157
158
APPENDIX D-2. Data on Water Quality Parameters from River Stations, Palawan (continued).

Data for Figure 28 - Color of Water Samples from River Stations in Southern Palawan

1996 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Sampling Station Sept. Mar. Oct. Apr. July Dec. Feb. May Aug. May Aug Mar Jun Feb Jun Sep Dec Lowest Average Highest
Southern Palawan
09/96 03/98 10/98 04/99 07/99 12/99 02/00 05/00 08/00 05/01 08/01 03/02 06/02 02/03 06/03 09/03 12/03
Iraan 29 58 81 76 43 126 51 44 282 413 98 31 27 23 10 186 38 23 95.029 413
Calategas 66 37 352 44 277 74 71 133 89 188 285 96 70 79 212 1022 131 37 189.735 1022
Aramaywan 63 104 229 81 194 109 42 138 89 42 55 64 26 720 26 139.714 720
Labog 126 217 391 61 64 125 68 54 523 241 54 119 170 1014 110 54 222.467 1014
Tigaplan 0 16 101 20 19 32 53 28 42 11 15 15 8 13 45 0 27.767 101
Aborlan 114 223 38 66 54 404 159 50 38 138.500 404
Batang-Batang 2 6 3 0 9 37 9 3 0 8.625 37
Panitian 82 338 85 237 156 356 113 82 195.286 356
Pulot 62 45 81 42 228 48 42 84.333 228
Tamlang 19 114 7 7 46.667 114

Data for Figure 29- Color of Water Samples from River Stations in Northern Palawan

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Sampling Station Nov. Apr. July Jan. Mar. July Jan May Mar Jun Sep Dec Feb Jun Aug Nov Lowest Average Highest
Northern Palawan
11/98 04/99 07/99 01/00 03/00 07/00 01/01 05/01 03/02 06/02 09/02 12/02 02/03 06/03 08/03 11/03
Guineratan 3303 321 79 79 196 249 97 308 223 1656 732 834 562 357 2880 550 79 776.531 3303
Inandeng 159 79 85 40 114 59 20 131 54 792 89 57 67 98 624 51 20 157.344 792
Abongan 1171 187 207 159 195 130 70 222 62 216 52 108 115 302 600 133 52 245.563 1171
Bacungan 36 140 46 40 115 94 121 57 36 81.125 140

PALAWAN
 APPENDIX D-2. Data on Water Quality Parameters from River Stations, Palawan (continued).

Data for Figure 30 - Chloride of Water Samples from River Stations in Southern Palawan

Sampling 1996 1998 1999 2000 2001

Station Sept. Mar. Apr. July Dec. Feb. May Aug. May Aug Lowest Average Highest
Southern Palawan
09/96 03/98 04/99 07/99 12/99 02/00 05/00 08/00 05/01 08/01
Iraan 1.0 6.0 10.0 3.3 8.3 21.0 17.0 19.0 25.5 41.2 1.0 15.200 25.5

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Calategas 6.0 5.0 7.0 9.1 12.4 23.0 21.0 24.0 50.0 41.2 5.0 19.900 50.0
Aramaywan 4.0 10.0 5.0 9.9 7.4 15.0 25.0 24.0 4.0 12.540 25.0
Labog 20.0 >1750 12.0 53.0 9.9 28.0 28.0 17.0 9.9 239.740 1750.0
Tigaplan 2.0 5.0 4.0 5.8 6.6 19.5 26.0 18.0 2.0 10.860 26.0
Aborlan 43.0 33.0 33.0 38.000 43.0
Batang-Batang 44.0 39.6 39.6 41.800 44.0
Panitian 34.5
Pulot
Tamlang

Data for Figure 31 - Chloride of Water Samples from River Stations in Northern Palawan

Sampling 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

Station Nov. Apr. July Jan. Mar. July Jan May Jun Lowest Average Highest
Northern Palawan
11/98 04/99 07/99 01/00 03/00 07/00 01/01 05/01 06/02
Guineratan 26.0 41.0 7.5 28.4 22.0 27.0 23.5 22.0 12.0 7.5 23.30 41
Inandeng 3.0 20.0 13.0 35.5 26.0 29.5 21.0 21.5 22.0 3.0 21.30 35.5
Abongan 33.0 26.0 28.9 32.1 22.5 22.5 25.0 24.5 17.0 17.0 25.70 33
Bacungan 28.0 28.0 28.00 28

159
160
APPENDIX D-2. Data on Water Quality Parameters from River Stations, Palawan (continued).

Data for Figure 32 - Total Alkalinity of Water Samples from River Stations in Southern Palawan

1996 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Sampling Station Sept. Mar. Apr. July Dec. Feb. Aug. May Aug Mar Feb Jun Sep Dec Lowest Average Highest
Southern Palawan
09/96 03/98 04/99 07/99 12/99 02/00 08/00 05/01 08/01 03/02 02/03 06/03 09/03 12/03
Iraan 18.0 215.0 28.0 35.0 25.0 36.0 27.0 31.5 33.0 28.0 28.0 43.2 28.5 33.0 18.0 43.514 215.0
Calategas 178.0 53.0 140.0 153.0 152.0 178.0 154.0 158.0 148.0 168.0 164.0 188.8 141.0 182.0 53.0 154.130 188.0
Aramaywan 112.0 200.0 113.0 117.0 118.0 136.0 153.5 150.0 133.0 144.0 128.0 127.0 112.0 135.960 200.0
Labog 176.0 133.0 149.0 134.0 170.0 105.0 172.0 91.0 170.8 108.0 152.0 91.0 141.890 176.0
Tigaplan 75.0 123.0 64.0 64.0 67.0 66.0 61.0 77.0 67.0 92.0 69.0 73.0 61.0 74.833 123.0
Aborlan 57.3 63.0 82.0 82.0 95.6 52.5 67.0 52.5 71.343 95.6
Batang-Batang 104.5 115.0 125.0 116.0 168.8 124.0 134.0 104.5 126.760 168.8
Panitian 118.0 122.0 102.5 129.6 110.0 125.0 102.5 117.850 129.6
Pulot 140.0 120.0 138.0 112.0 122.0 112.0 126.400 140.0
Tamlang 58.5 74.0 74.0 58.5 68.833 74.0

Data for Figure 33 - Total Alkalinity of Water Samples from River Stations in Northern Palawan

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Sampling Station Apr. July Jan. Mar. July Jan May Mar Jun Dec Jun Aug Lowest Average Highest
Northern Palawan
04/99 07/99 01/00 03/00 07/00 01/01 05/01 03/02 06/02 12/02 06/03 08/03
Guineratan 26.0 29.0 20.5 20.0 22.0 20.0 22.5 15.0 16.0 27.0 30.8 15.0 15.00 21.983 30.8
Inandeng 15.0 28.0 11.5 12.5 11.0 9.2 9.0 9.0 9.0 14.0 21.0 10.0 9.00 13.267 28.0
Abongan 22.0 23.0 22.0 24.0 17.5 16.5 19.0 17.0 16.0 19.0 22.0 14.5 14.50 19.375 24.0
Bacungan 208.0 168.0 274.0 153.2 123.0 123.00 185.240 274.0

PALAWAN
 APPENDIX D-2. Data on Water Quality Parameters from River Stations, Palawan (continued).

Data for Figure 34 - Total Hardness of Water Samples from River Stations in Southern Palawan

1996 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Sampling Station Sep Mar Oct Apr Jul Dec Feb May Aug May Aug Jun Feb Jun Sep Dec Lowest Average Highest
Southern Palawan
09/96 03/98 10/98 04/99 07/99 12/99 02/00 05/00 08/00 05/01 08/01 06/02 02/03 06/03 09/03 12/03
Iraan 31 238 32 30 29 31 125 31 185 32 31 29 32 28 32 28 61.07 238

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Calategas 192 238 186 179 180 200 206 192 200 181 172 70 223 188 139 194 70 183.75 238
Aramaywan 118 188 126 127 133 137 148 91 200 104 166 129 116 138 91 137.14 200
Labog 207 180 159 159 153 178 133 116 182 300 757 103 156 103 214.08 757
Tigaplan 82 101 82 75 78 84 81 35 75 76 84 80 72 106 35 79.36 106
Aborlan 66 70 71 108 87 58 71 58 75.86 108
Batang-Batang 124 136 168 156 163 132 156 124 147.86 168
Panitian 133 81 131 121 102 140 81 118.00 140
Pulot 102 136 134 107 135 102 122.80 136
Tamlang 77 58 80 58 71.67 80

Data for Figure 35 - Total hardness of Water Samples from River Stations in Northern Palawan

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Sampling Station Nov. Apr. July Jan. July Jan May Mar Jun Dec Jan Jun Aug Nov Lowest Average Highest
Northern Palawan
11/98 04/99 07/99 01/00 07/00 01/01 05/01 03/02 06/02 12/02 01/03 06/03 08/03 11/03
Guineratan 8 30 19 16 17 13 9 34 17 29 14 18 12 17 8 18.036 34
Inandeng 10 180 14 11 9 9 11 16 2 11 10 12 9 10 2 22.379 180
Abongan 10 200 25 17 16 4 15 14 18 20 17 13 10 17 4 28.271 200
Bacungan 188 139 231 228 148 138 163 138 176.430 231

161
162
APPENDIX D-2. Data on Water Quality Parameters from River Stations, Palawan (continued).

Data for Figure 36 - Nitrogen Nitrate of Water Samples from River Stations in Southern Palawan

1996 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Sampling Station Sept. Mar. Oct. Dec. Feb. May Aug. May Aug Mar Jun Feb Sep Dec Lowest Average Highest
Southern Palawan
09/96 03/98 10/98 12/99 02/00 05/00 08/00 05/01 08/01 03/02 06/02 02/03 09/03 12/03
Iraan 0.80 0.40 3.70 0.10 0.01 1.50 0.17 0.00 0.85 1.20 0.24 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.00 0.726 3.7
Calategas 0.90 0.50 4.60 0.04 0.05 2.20 0.06 0.55 0.40 0.50 0.04 1.10 1.10 0.20 0.04 0.874 4.6
Aramaywan 0.7 0.6 2.7 0.047 0.043 1.6 0.06 0.40 0.03 0.30 0.90 0.20 0.03 0.632 2.7
Labog 1.00 1.80 3.40 0.12 0.07 1.70 0.07 2.00 0.05 0.70 1.00 0.20 0.05 1.009 3.4
Tigaplan 1.10 0.50 4.60 0.10 0.01 1.80 0.04 0.60 0.10 0.60 0.20 0.40 0.01 0.837 4.6
Aborlan 0.46 0.70 0.80 0.10 1.00 0.40 0.50 0.10 0.566 1.0
Batang-Batang 1.20 0.95 1.50 0.15 1.10 0.40 1.00 0.15 0.900 1.5
Panitian 0.45 0.30 0.14 0.50 0.70 0.20 0.14 0.382 0.7
Pulot 1.60 0.10 0.60 0.40 0.20 0.10 0.580 1.6
Tamlang 0.90 0.20 0.80 0.20 0.633 0.9

Data for Figure 37 - Nitrogen Nitrate of Water Samples from River Stations in Northern Palawan

1998 2000 2001 2002 2003

Nov. Jan. Mar. July Jan May Mar Jun Sep Dec Aug Nov Lowest Average Highest
Northern Palawan
11/98 01/00 03/00 07/00 01/01 05/01 03/02 06/02 09/02 12/02 08/03 11/03
Guineratan 1.40 0.05 0 0.22 0.24 0.05 0 0.115 0.1 0.17 0.9 0.50 0.00 0.312 1.4
Inandeng 7.50 0.04 0.028 0.12 0.04 0.55 0.1 0.07 0.115 0.13 0.6 0.10 0.04 0.783 7.5
Abongan 6.70 0.08 0.15 0.02 0.14 0.7 0.3 0.13 0.055 0.13 0.9 0.30 0.02 0.800 6.7
Bacungan 0.7 0.21 0.275 0.12 0.6 0.30 0.12 0.368 0.7

PALAWAN
 APPENDIX D-2. Data on Water Quality Parameters from River Stations, Palawan (continued).

Data for Figure 38 - Nitrogen Nitrite of Water Samples from River Stations in Southern Palawan

1996 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Sampling Station Sept. Mar. July Dec. Feb. May Aug. May Aug Mar Jun Feb Sep Lowest Average Highest
Southern Palawan
09/96 03/98 10/98 12/99 02/00 05/00 08/00 05/01 08/01 03/02 06/02 02/03 09/03
Iraan 0.001 0.007 0.007 0.007 0.008 0.000 0.016 0.016 0.006 0.004 0.001 0.006 0.005 0 0.00646 0.016

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Calategas 0.002 0.004 0.007 0.001 0.007 0.011 0.010 0.033 0.028 0.004 0.006 0.005 0.006 0.001 0.00954 0.033
Aramaywan 0.006 0.011 0.006 0.001 0.008 0.009 0.018 0.001 0.007 0.010 0.018 0.001 0.00863 0.018
Labog 0.001 0.009 0.008 0.013 0.006 0.001 0.048 0.100 0.009 0.004 0.004 0.001 0.01845 0.100
Tigaplan 0.003 0.005 0.020 0.006 0.014 0.006 0.008 0.003 0.004 0.005 0.003 0.00740 0.020
Aborlan 0.014 0.011 0.003 0.004 0.005 0.006 0.003 0.00717 0.014
Batang-Batang 0.012 0.001 0.004 0.004 0.005 0.006 0.001 0.00533 0.012
Panitian 0.009 0.003 0.012 0.006 0.004 0.003 0.00680 0.012
Pulot 0.001 0.004 0.007 0.006 0.001 0.00450 0.007
Tamlang 0.004 0.003 0.003 0.00350 0.004

Data for Figure 39 - Nitrogen Nitrite of Water Samples from River Stations in Northern Palawan

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Sampling Station Apr. July Jan. Mar. July Jan May Mar Jun Sep Dec Aug Lowest Average Highest
Northern Palawan
04/99 07/99 01/00 03/00 07/00 01/01 05/01 03/02 06/02 09/02 12/02 08/03
Guineratan 0.015 0.005 0.004 0.003 0.019 0.008 0.001 0.003 0.119 0.038 0.024 0.001 0.001 0.02000 0.119
Inandeng 0.000 0.006 0.001 0.006 0.002 0.004 0.005 0.001 0.065 0.008 0.004 0.001 0.000 0.00858 0.065
Abongan 0.009 0.006 0.007 0.002 0.001 0.004 0.002 0.000 0.024 0.006 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.00517 0.024
Bacungan 0.003 0.020 0.004 0.004 0.005 0.003 0.00720 0.005

163
 APPENDIX D-2. Data on Water Quality Parameters from River Stations, Palawan (continued).

Data for Figure 40 Phophorous(as Total Phosphates) Concentration of

Water Samples from River Stations in Southern Palawan

2000 2003
Sampling Station Aug Feb Lowest Average Highest
Southern Palawan
08/00 02/03
Calategas 0.33 0.03 0.33 0.18 0.03
Calategas 0.37 0.11 0.37 0.24 0.11
Aramaywan 0.32 0.2 0.32 0.23 0.20
Labog 0.47 0.32 0.47 0.40 0.32
Tigaplan 0.30 0.22 0.30 0.26 0.22
Aborlan 0.17 0.17 0.17
Batang-Batang 0.15 0.15 0.15
Panitian 0.30 0.30 0.30
Pulot 0.22 0.22 0.22
Tamlang 0.25 0.25 0.25

Data for Figure 41 Phophorous (as Total Phosphates) Concentration of Water Samples
from River Stations in Norther Palawan

2000 2001
Sampling Station Jan. Mar. July Jan May Lowest Average Highest
Northern Palawan
01/00 03/00 07/00 01/01 05/01
Guineratan 0.20 0.01 0.15 0.01 0.12 0.20
Inandeng 0.15 0.0203 0.26 0.02 0.00 0.02 0.09 0.26
Abongan 0.34 0.68 0.11 0.08 0.09 0.08 0.26 0.68

164 PALAWAN
 APPENDIX E-1. List of Mangrove Species, Province of Palawan.

MUNICIPALITY
2004 2000 2002 2001 2003 2003 2002 2002 2003 2000 2000 2000 2001
SPECIES Roxas Brooke's Narra Quezon Bataraza Aborlan El Mag- Rizal Cuyo Taytay San Sofronio
Point Nido saysay Vicente Española
True Mangroves
1 Rhizophora stylosa Bakauan-bato x x x x x x x x x x x x
2 Rhizophora mucronata Bakauan-babae x x x x x x x x x x x x x
3 Rhizophora apiculata Bakauan-lalake x x x x x x x x x x x x x
4 Sonneratia caseolaris Pedada x x x x
5 Ceriops tagal Tangal x x x x x x x x x x x x
6 Bruguiera gymnorrhiza Busain x x x x x x x x x x x x
7 Bruguiera sexangula Pototan x x x x x x x x x
8 Sonneratia alba Pagatpat x x x x x x x x x x x x

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

9 Bruguiera cylindrica Pototan-lalake x x x x x x x x
10 Xylocarpus granatum Tabigi x x x x x x x x x x x x
11 Ceriops decandra Malatangal x x x x x x x x x x
12 Lumnitzera racemosa Kulasi x x x x x x x
13 Xylocarpus moluccensis Piagau x x x x x x x x x x
14 Bruguiera parviflora Langarai x x x x x x x x
15 Aegiceras floridum Tinduk-tindukan x x x x x
16 Excoecaria agallocha Buta-buta x x x x x x x
17 Aegiceras corniculatum Saging-saging x x x
18 Tarrietia sylvatica
19 Avicennia marina Bungalon x x x x x x x
20 Avicennia alba Piapi x x
21 Avicennia officinalis Api-api x x x x
22 Avicennia lanata Bungalon x x
23 Xylocarpus rumphii
Mangrove Associates
1 Scyphiphora hydrophillacea Nilad x x x x
2 Heritiera littoralis Dungon-lati x x x x x x x x
3 Lumnitzera littorea Sagasa x x
4 Nypa fruticans Nipa x x x x x
5 Hisbiscus tiliaceus Malubago x
6 Acrostichum aureum Lagolo x x
7 Sapium indicum
8 Thespesia populnea Banilo
9 Erythrina orientalis Dapdap
10 Intsia bijuga Ipil
11 Pandanus tectorius Prickly pandan
12 Lagerstroemia speciosa Banaba

165
13 Orchids x x
14 Bauhini malabarica Buta-buta
 APPENDIX E-1. List of Mangrove Species, Province of Palawan (continued).

MUNICIPALITY
2000 1999 2001 1999 1999
SPECIES Araceli Culion Dumaran Busuanga Coron

True Mangroves
1 RhizophoraBakauan-bato x x x x x
2 RhizophoraBakauan-babae x x x x x
3 RhizophoraBakauan-lalake x x x x x
4 Sonneratia Pedada x
5 Ceriops tagTangal x x x x
6 Bruguiera gBusain x x x x x
7 Bruguiera sPototan x x x x
8 Sonneratia Pagatpat x x x x x
9 Bruguiera cPototan-lalake x x
10 XylocarpusTabigi x x x x
11 Ceriops de Malatangal x x x x x
12 Lumnitzera Kulasi
13 XylocarpusPiagau x x x x
14 Bruguiera pLangarai x
15 Aegiceras fTinduk-tindukan x
16 ExcoecariaButa-buta x
17 Aegiceras cSaging-saging x
18 Tarrietia sylvatica x
19 Avicennia mBungalon
20 Avicennia aPiapi
21 Avicennia oApi-api x
22 Avicennia l Bungalon
23 Xylocarpus rumphii x
Mangrove Associates
1 ScyphiphorNilad x x
2 Heritiera lit Dungon-lati x x x
3 Lumnitzera Sagasa x x x x
4 Nypa frutic Nipa x
5 Hisbiscus t Malubago x
6 AcrostichumLagolo x x
7 Sapium indicum x
8 Thespesia Banilo x
9 Erythrina o Dapdap x
10 Intsia bijugaIpil x
11 Pandanus Prickly pandan x
12 Lagerstroe Banaba x
13 Orchids
14 Bauhini maButa-buta x

166 PALAWAN
 APPENDIX E-2. List of Seagrass Species, Province of Palawan.

2002 2002 1999 2003 1999 2000 2000 2001 2003 2003 2003 2001 2002 2002
SEAGRASS SPECIES Agutaya Narra Roxas Bataraza Culion Araceli Brooke's Quezon Rizal Aborlan Cuyo Sofronio Mag- El
Point Española saysay Nido
1 Enhalus acoroides Enha x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
2 Cymodocea rotundata Cyro x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
3 Halodule uninervis Hdun x x x x x x x x x x x x x
4 Thalassia hemprichii Thal x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
5 Syringodium isoetifolium Syri x x x x x x x x x x x x x

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

6 Halophila ovalis Hovs x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
7 Thalassodendron ciliatum Thci x x x x x x
8 Halodule pinifolia Hdpi x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
9 Cymodocea serrulata Cyse x x x x x x x x x x x x x
10 Halophila beccarii Habe x x x x x x x x x
11 Halophila minor Hmin x x x x x
12 Halophila sp. Halo x
13 Halophila decipiens Hade x x

2001 1999 2000 2001 1999

SEAGRASS SPECIES Dumaran Busuangan San Taytay Coron
Vicente
1 Enhalus acoroides Enha x x x x x
2 Cymodocea rotundata Cyro x x x x x
3 Halodule uninervis Hdun x x x x x
4 Thalassia hemprichii Thal x x x x x
5 Syringodium isoetifolium Syri x x x x
6 Halophila ovalis Hovs x x x x x
7 Thalassodendron ciliatum Thci x
8 Halodule pinifolia Hdpi x x x x
9 Cymodocea serrulata Cyse x x x x x
10 Halophila beccarii Habe x x x
11 Halophila minor Hmin x x x
12 Halophila sp. Halo
13 Halophila decipiens Hade x

167
 APPENDIX E-3. List of Seaweed Species, Province of Palawan.

168
2002 2002 1999 2003 1999 2000 2000 2001 2003 2003 2003 2001 2002 2002
SEAWEED SPECIES Agutaya Narra Roxas Bataraza Culion Araceli Brooke's Quezon Rizal Aborlan Cuyo Sofronio Mag- El
Point Española saysay Nido
1 Halimeda opuntia Haop x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
2 Halimeda macroloba Hama x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
3 Actinotrichia sp. Acti x x x x x x x x x x
4 Avrainvillea sp. Avla x x x x
5 Valonia sp. Valo x x x x x x x
6 Dictyota cervicornis Dice x x x x x x x x x x x x x
7 Padina sp. Padi x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
8 Caulerpa serrulata Casr x x x x x x x x
9 Caulerpa sertularioides Cast x x x x x x x x
10 Caulerpa racemosa Cara x x x x x x x x x x x x x
11 Galaxaura oblongata Galo x x x
12 Sargassum sp. Sarg x x x x x x x x x x x x x
13 Codium edule Codi x x x x x x x x x
14 Udotea orientalis Udor x x x x x x x x x x
15 Halimeda cylindracea Hacy x x x x x x x x x
16 Neomeris sp. Neom x x x x x x x x x x
17 Caulerpa brochypus Caba x x x
18 Chaetomorpha crassa Chcr x x x
19 Hypnea sp. Hypn x x x x x x x x x
20 Dictyosphaeria cavernosa Dica x
21 Eucheuma sp. Euch x x x
22 Gracilaria salicornia Gras x x x x x x
23 Gracilaria firma Graf x
24 Chlorodesmis hildebrandtii Chhi x x
25 Enteromorpha intestinalis Ente x x x x
26 Gracilaris sp. Grac x x x x x x x x x x x
27 Laurencia sp. Laur x x x x
28 Hydroclatus clathratus Hydr x x x x
29 Anadyomene plicata Anad x
30 Turbinaria sp. Turb x x x x x x x
31 Amphiroa sp. Amph x
32 Caulerpa taxifolia Cata x x x x x x x x
33 Caulerpa lentilifera Cale x x x x x x
34 Caulerpa microphysa Cami x
35 Dictyosphaeria verslysil Dive x
36 Halimeda Hali x
37 Ulva reticulata Ulre x
38 Valonia fastigiata Vafa x

PALAWAN
39 Chlorodesmis fastigiata Chfa x x
40 Codium arabicum Coar x x x x
 APPENDIX E-3. List of Seaweed Species, Province of Palawan (continued).

2001 1999 2000 2001 1999

SEAWEED SPECIES Dumaran Busuangan San Taytay Coron
Vicente
1 Halimeda opuntia Haop x x x x x
2 Halimeda macroloba Hama x x x x x
3 Actinotrichia sp. Acti x x
4 Avrainvillea sp. Avla
5 Valonia sp. Valo x
6 Dictyota cervicornis Dice x x x x
7 Padina sp. Padi x x x x x
8 Caulerpa serrulata Casr x x x x
9 Caulerpa sertularioides Cast x x

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

10 Caulerpa racemosa Cara x x x
11 Galaxaura oblongata Galo x x
12 Sargassum sp. Sarg x x x x
13 Codium edule Codi
14 Udotea orientalis Udor x x x x
15 Halimeda cylindracea Hacy x x
16 Neomeris sp. Neom x x x x x
17 Caulerpa brochypus Caba x
18 Chaetomorpha crassa Chcr
19 Hypnea sp. Hypn x x
20 Dictyosphaeria cavernosa Dica
21 Eucheuma sp. Euch x
22 Gracilaria salicornia Gras
23 Gracilaria firma Graf
24 Chlorodesmis hildebrandtii Chhi
25 Enteromorpha intestinalis Ente
26 Gracilaris sp. Grac x x
27 Laurencia sp. Laur
28 Hydroclatus clathratus Hydr x x x
29 Anadyomene plicata Anad
30 Turbinaria sp. Turb x x x
31 Amphiroa sp. Amph x
32 Caulerpa taxifolia Cata x x x
33 Caulerpa lentilifera Cale
34 Caulerpa microphysa Cami
35 Dictyosphaeria verslysil Dive
36 Halimeda Hali
37 Ulva reticulata Ulre
38 Valonia fastigiata Vafa

169
39 Chlorodesmis fastigiata Chfa
40 Codium arabicum Coar x
170
APPENDIX E-3. List of Seaweed Species, Province of Palawan (continued).

2002 2002 1999 2003 1999 2000 2000 2001 2003 2003 2003 2001 2002 2002
SEAWEED SPECIES Agutaya Narra Roxas Bataraza Culion Araceli Brooke's Quezon Rizal Aborlan Cuyo Sofronio Mag- El
Point Española saysay Nido
41 Mastopora rosea Maro x x
42 Cladophora vagabunda Clav x
43 Laurencia nidifica Lani x x
44 Jania sp. Jania x x
45 Halimeda incrassata Hainc x x x
46 Laurencia papillosa Laup x
47 Hypnea boergesenii Hybo x
48 Dictyota cavernosa Dica x
49 Caulerpa cupressiodes Cauc x
50 Caulerpa urvillana Caur x x
51 Codium eduli Coed x x
52 Tydemaria expeditionis Tyex x x
53 Acatabularia major Acma x
54 Liagora ceranoides Lice x
55 Liagora farinosa Lifa x
56 Acanthopora spicifera Acsp x
57 Bryopsis plumoso Brlp x
58 Ulva Ulva x
59 Codium sp. Coge x
60 Anadyomene plicata Anpl x
61 Sphacelaris tribuloides Sptr
62 Halimenia dilatata Hadi
63 Caulerpa incrassata Cacu
64 Halimeda velasquezii Have
65 Acetabularia sp. Acet
66 Halicoryne wrightii Hawr
67 Aurainvillea erecta Aver
68 Dictyota dichotoma Didi
69 Gracilaria verrucosa Grav

PALAWAN
 APPENDIX E-3. List of Seaweed Species, Province of Palawan (continued).

2001 1999 2000 2001 1999

SEAWEED SPECIES Dumaran Busuangan San Taytay Coron
Vicente
41 Mastopora rosea Maro x x
42 Cladophora vagabunda Clav
43 Laurencia nidifica Lani
44 Jania sp. Jania x

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

45 Halimeda incrassata Hainc x x
46 Laurencia papillosa Laup
47 Hypnea boergesenii Hybo
48 Dictyota cavernosa Dica
49 Caulerpa cupressiodes Cauc
50 Caulerpa urvillana Caur x x x
51 Codium eduli Coed x
52 Tydemaria expeditionis Tyex x x x
53 Acatabularia major Acma
54 Liagora ceranoides Lice
55 Liagora farinosa Lifa
56 Acanthopora spicifera Acsp
57 Bryopsis plumoso Brlp
58 Ulva Ulva
59 Codium sp. Coge
60 Anadyomene plicata Anpl x
61 Sphacelaris tribuloides Sptr x
62 Halimenia dilatata Hadi x
63 Caulerpa incrassata Cacu x
64 Halimeda velasquezii Have x
65 Acetabularia sp. Acet x
66 Halicoryne wrightii Hawr x
67 Aurainvillea erecta Aver x
68 Dictyota dichotoma Didi x
69 Gracilaria verrucosa Grav x

171