SUBJECT: RELS 403 – Liturgy and Sacraments, Christian Morality and Social Responsibility with

Palawan Environmental Laws

INSTRUCTOR: Sr. Lorna S. Fabillar, OP - MAED Math
Email Add: oplorna@gmail.com

Handouts #5

IV. Social Responsibility with Palawan Environmental Laws

Republic Act No. 7611

AN ACT ADOPTING THE STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN FOR PALAWAN, CREATING THE

ADMINISTRATIVE MACHINERY FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION, CONVERTING THE PALAWAN INTEGRATED

AREA DEVELOPMENT PROJECT OFFICE TO ITS SUPPORT STAFF, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR,

AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

AN ACT ADOPTING THE STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN FOR PALAWAN, CREATING THE
ADMINISTRATIVE MACHINERY FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION, CONVERTING THE PALAWAN INTEGRATED
AREA DEVELOPMENT PROJECT OFFICE TO ITS SUPPORT STAFF, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES.

CHAPTER I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. Title. — This Act shall be known as the "Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect, develop and
conserve its natural resources. Towards this end, it shall assist and support the implementation of plans,
programs and projects formulated to preserve and enhance the environment, and at the same time
pursue the socioeconomic development goals of the country.

It shall support and promote the sustainable development goals for the provinces through proper
conservation, utilization and development of natural resources to provide optimum yields on a
continuing basis. With specific reference to forest resources, the State shall pursue and implement forest
conservation and protection through the imposition of a total commercial logging ban as hereinafter
provided.
It shall also adopt the necessary measures leading to the creation of an institutional machinery
including, among others, fiscal and financial programs to ensure the effective and efficient
implementation of environmental plans, programs and projects.

It shall also promote and encourage the involvement of all sectors of society and maximize people
participation in natural resource management, conservation and protection.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act, the following terms are defined as follows:

1. "Palawan" refers to the Philippine province composed of islands and islets located 7º47' and 12º22'
north latitude and 117º00' and 119º51' east longitude, generally bounded by the South China Sea to the
northwest and by the Sulu Sea to the east;

2. "Sustainable development" means the improvement in the quality of life of the present and future
generations through the complementation of development and environmental protection activities;

3. "Natural resources" refers to life-support systems such as the sea, coral reefs, soil, lakes, rivers,
streams, and forests as well as useful products found therein such as minerals, wildlife, trees and other
plants, including the aesthetic attributes of scenic sites that are not man-made;

4. "Tribal land areas" refers to the areas comprising both land and sea that are traditionally occupied by
the cultural minorities;

5. "Environmentally critical areas" refers to terrestrial, aquatic and marine areas that need special
protection and conservation measures as they are ecologically fragile;

6. "Participatory processes" means the involvement of all the key sectors of development, from the
grassroots to the policy-making bodies of the National Government, in providing the values and ideas
from which strategic development and environmental protection action can come about;

7. "Conservation" refers to the wise use of natural resources that assures regeneration and
replenishment for continuous benefit;

8. "Ecology" refers to the life-sustaining interrelationships and interactions of organisms with each
other and with their physical surroundings;

9. "Commercial logging" refers to the cutting, felling or destruction of trees from old growth and
residual forests for the purpose of selling or otherwise disposing of the cut or felled logs for profit;

10. "SEP" refers to the Strategic Environmental Plan discussed in Section 4 of this Act;

11. "ECAN" refers to the Environmentally Critical Areas Network as provided in Section 7 of this Act; and

12. "EMES" refers to the Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation System provided in Section 13 of this
Act.

CHAPTER II

STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN: ADOPTION, PHILOSOPHY AND LEGAL EFFECTS

SEC. 4. Strategic Environmental Plan. — A comprehensive framework for the sustainable development of
Palawan compatible with protecting and enhancing the natural resources and endangered environment
of the province is hereby adopted. Such framework shall be known as the Strategic Environmental Plan
for Palawan, hereinafter referred to as SEP, and shall serve to guide the local government of Palawan and
the government agencies concerned in the formulation and implementation of plans, programs and
projects affecting said province.

SEC. 5. Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) Philosophy. — The SEP shall have, as its general philosophy,
the sustainable development of Palawan, which is the improvement in the quality of life of its people in
the present and future generations through the use of complementary activities of development and
conservation that protect life-support ecosystems and rehabilitate exploited areas to allow upcoming
generations to sustain development growth. It shall have the following features:

1. Ecological viability — the physical and biological cycles that maintain the productivity of natural
ecosystems must always be kept intact;

2. Social acceptability — The people themselves, through participatory processes, should be fully
committed to support sustainable development activities by fostering equity in access to resources and
the benefits derived from them; and

3. Integrated approach — this allows for a holistic view of problems and issues obtaining in the
environment as well as opportunities for coordination and sharing that will eventually provide the
resources and political will to actually implement and sustain SEP activities.

SEC. 6. Legal Effects. — The SEP shall serve as the framework to guide the government agencies
concerned in the formulation and implementation of plans, programs, and projects affecting the
environment and natural resources of Palawan. It shall therefore be incorporated in the Regional
Development Plan of Region IV as part of said plan. All local governments in Palawan and the concerned
national and regional government agencies operating therein shall coordinate and align their projects
and the corresponding budgets with the projects, programs and policies of the SEP, as administered and
implemented by an administrative machinery hereinafter created.

SEC. 7. Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN). — The SEP shall establish a graded system of
protection and development control over the whole of Palawan, including its tribal lands, forests, mines,
agricultural areas, settlement areas, small islands, mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass beds and the
surrounding sea. This shall be known as the Environmentally Critical Areas Network, hereinafter referred
to as ECAN, and shall serve as the main strategy of the SEP.

The ECAN shall ensure the following:

1. Forest conservation and protection through the imposition of a total commercial logging ban in all
areas of maximum protection and in such other restricted use zones as the Palawan Council for
Sustainable Development as hereinafter created may provide;

2. Protection of watersheds;

3. Preservation of biological diversity;

4. Protection of tribal people and the preservation of their culture;

5. Maintenance of maximum sustainable yield;

6. Protection of the rare and endangered species and their habitat;

7. Provision of areas for environmental and ecological research, education and training; and

8. Provision of areas for tourist and recreation.

SEC. 8. Main Components. — The areas covered by the ECAN shall be classified into three (3) main
components:

1. Terrestrial — the terrestrial component shall consist of the mountainous as well as ecologically
important low hills and lowland areas of the whole province. It may be further subdivided into smaller
management components;

2. Coastal/marine area — this area includes the whole coastline up to the open sea. This is
characterized by active fisheries and tourism activities; and

3. Tribal ancestral lands — these are the areas traditionally occupied by the cultural communities.

SEC. 9. Terrestrial Component; Management Scheme and Zonation. — The terrestrial component may be
further subdivided into smaller management components for a more efficient supervision. These
management components, in turn, shall each be further subdivided into the following zones:

1. Area of maximum protection or core zone — this zone shall be fully and strictly protected and
maintained free of human disruption. Included here are all types of natural forest which include first
growth forest, residual forest and edges of intact forest, areas above one thousand (1,000) meters
elevation, peaks of mountains or other areas with very steep gradients, and endangered habitats and
habitats of endangered and rare species. Exceptions, however, may be granted to traditional uses of
tribal communities of these areas for minimal and soft impact gathering of forest species for ceremonial
and medicinal purposes.

2. Buffer zone — this area permits regulated use and may be further subdivided into three (3)
sub-zones:

a. Restricted use area. — Generally surrounds the core zone and provides a protective barrier. Limited
and no consumptive activities may be allowed in this area;

b. Controlled use area. — Encircles and provides the outer barrier to the core and restricted use areas.
Controlled forest extraction, like the collecting of minor forest products, and strictly controlled logging
and mining may be allowed; and

c. Traditional use area. — Edges of intact forests where traditional land use is already stabilized or is
being stabilized. Management and control shall be carried out with the other supporting programs of the
SEP.

3. Multiple/manipulative use area. — This is the area where the landscape has been modified for
different forms of land use such as intensive timber extraction, grazing and pastures, agriculture and
infrastructure development. Control and management shall be strictly integrated with the other
supporting programs of the SEP and other similar programs of the Government.

SEC. 10. Coastal/Marine Zone. — A different and simplified scheme of management and zonation shall
be applied to this component due to its geographical characteristics, critical nature, and patterns of
resource use. Equitable access to the resource and management responsibility by the local community
shall be the underlying management philosophy of this component.

1. Core zone. — This are shall be designated free from any human activity. This includes sanctuaries for
rare and endangered species, selected coral reefs, seagrass, and mangrove ecosystem reserves.

2. Multiple use zone. — Aside from being the development area, this zone also serves as the buffer
zone where fishery, Mari culture, recreation, rehabilitation of small islands and mangrove ecosystem,
education and research are allowed.

SEC. 11. Tribal Ancestral Lands. — These areas, traditionally occupied by cultural minorities, comprise
both land and sea areas. These shall be treated in the same graded system of control and prohibition as
in the others abovementioned except for stronger emphasis in cultural considerations. The SEP,
therefore, shall define a special kind of zonation to fulfill the material and cultural needs of the tribes
using consultative processes and cultural mapping of the ancestral lands.

CHAPTER III

MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES OUTSIDE OF THE ECOLOGICALLY CRITICAL AREAS

SEC. 12. Management of Resources Outside of the Ecologically Critical Areas. — The SEP shall provide for
the management of resources outside of the ECAN and shall include coastal resources, resources of the
catchment areas, timber and mines, development in the lowlands, and settlement areas. It shall also
provide for tourism planning.

CHAPTER IV

SUPPORT MECHANISMS

SEC. 13. Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation System (EMES). — In order to monitor achievement
of its goals, the SEP shall establish an Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation System (EMES) which
shall ensure a systematic and reliable means of data generation for the various concerns of the SEP. It
shall measure changes in environmental status, identify adverse environmental trends and crisis areas,
recommend solutions, assess the implementation of the SEP, and suggest measures to make the SEP
more responsible to the changing needs.

SEC. 14. Environmental Research. — The SEP shall provide for a system of research so that additional
information for accurate planning as well as data to solve new problems in the implementation of the
SEP shall be supplied. As such, the SEP's researches shall not be confined to the physical and biological
features of the environment, achieved through surveys, monitoring, resources assessments and research
into processes, but shall also extend to policies and socioeconomic questions.

SEC. 15. Environmental Education and Extension. — The SEP shall design an environmental information
and education designed to gradually wean the people away from destructive practices and shall
recommend practical ways as an alternative.

Training programs for the nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), business sector representatives, and
community leaders shall be organized. This may establish linkages between the NGO's, community
leaders, sector representatives and the staff of line agencies' development communication or public
information section and, at the same time, be used to plan out a comprehensive public information
drive.

Simultaneously, community organizing shall be enhanced to reinforce non-formal approaches,

complementing regular environment/science courses in the school.

CHAPTER V

ADMINISTRATIVE MACHINERY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SEP

SEC. 16. Palawan Council for Sustainable Development. — The governance, implementation and policy
direction of the Strategic Environmental Plan shall be exercised by the herein created Palawan Council
for Sustainable Development (PCSD), hereinafter referred to as the Council, which shall be under the
Office of the President. It shall be composed of the Members of the House of Representatives
representing the Province of Palawan, the Deputy Director General of the National Economic and
Development Authority, the Undersecretary of Environment and Natural Resources, the Undersecretary
for Special Concerns of the Department of Agriculture, the Governor of Palawan, the Mayor of Puerto
Princesa City, the President of the Mayor's League of Palawan, the President of the Provincial Chapter of
the Liga ng mga Barangay, the Executive Director of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development
Staff as provided in Section 20 of this Act, and such other members from the public or private sectors as
the majority of the Council may deem necessary.

The Council shall elect, from among its members, a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman.

SEC. 17. Quorum. — A majority of the members of the Council shall constitute a quorum for the conduct
of business.

SEC. 18. Compensation. — The members of the Council shall be entitled to per diems and allowances in
accordance with existing laws in the performance of their duties and in carrying out the business of the
Council. The per diems shall be in the amount of Five hundred pesos (P500) for every meeting: Provided,
that the per diems collected do not exceed the equivalent of per diems for four (4) meetings in a month.

SEC. 19. Powers and Functions. — In order to successfully implement the provisions of this Act, the
Council is hereby vested with the following powers and functions:

1. Formulate plans and policies as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act;

2. Coordinate with the local governments to ensure that the latter's plans, programs and projects are
aligned with the plans, programs and policies of the SEP;

3. Call on any department, bureau, office, agency or instrumentality of the Government, and on private
entities and organizations for cooperation and assistance in the performance of its functions;

4. Arrange, negotiate for, and accept donations, grants, gifts, loans, and other funding from domestic
and foreign sources to carry out the activities and purposes of the SEP;

5. Recommend to the Congress of the Philippines such matters that may require legislation in support
of the objectives of the SEP;

Delegate any or all of its powers and functions to its support staffs, as hereinafter provided, except those
which by provisions of law cannot be delegated;
1. Establish policies and guidelines for employment on the basis of merit, technical competence and
moral character and prescribe a compensation and staffing pattern;

2. Adopt, amend and rescind such rules and regulations and impose penalties therefor for the effective
implementation of the SEP and the other provisions of this Act;

3. Enforce the provisions of this Act and other existing laws, rules and regulations similar to or
complementary with this Act;

4. Perform related functions which shall promote the development, conservation, management,
protection, and utilization of the natural resources of Palawan; and

5. Perform such other powers and functions as may be necessary in carrying out its functions, powers,
and the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 20. Conversion of Palawan Integrated Area Development Project Office (PIADPO) to the Palawan
Council for Sustainable Development Staff. — The Palawan Integrated Area Development Project Office,
hereinafter referred to as PIADPO, is hereby converted to the Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development Staff which shall serve as the regular professional support staff of the Council and shall
provide the machinery to coordinate the policy and functions, implement programs, and organize such
services as may be required by the Council in the exercise of its functions. It shall be independent of any
other department or agency of the Government other than the herein provided Council. All the
applicable powers, functions, personnel, complement, staff, appropriations, records, equipment,
property, funds, and other assets of the PIADPO, as well as all its obligations and liabilities, are hereby
transferred to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff.

The incumbent director of the PIADPO shall be the Executive Director of the Palawan Council for
Sustainable Development Staff and shall lead all its operations. Thereafter, the Executive Director shall
be appointed by the members of the Council. He shall also be ex officio member of the Council.

CHAPTER VI

APPROPRIATIONS AND FINAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 21. Appropriations. — The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be charged
to the current fiscal year appropriations of the PIADPO. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary shall
be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 22. Separability Clause. — If any of the provisions of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional, the
other provisions of this Act shall remain valid.

SEC. 23. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof contrary to
or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 24. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is responsible for the formulation and
implementation of policies, guidelines, and rules related to environmental management, as well as the
management and conservation of the country’s natural resources. The DENR also implements rules and
regulations governing the exploration, development, extraction, disposition, and use of forests, minerals,
wildlife, and other natural resources.

The following agencies are attached to the DENR:

Environmental Management Bureau

Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau

National Mapping and Resources Information Authority

National Water Resources Board

Palawan Council for Sustainable Development

Laguna Lake Development Authority

Natural Resources Development Corp.

Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission

Philippine Reclamation Authority

Philippine Forest Corporation

Philippine Mining Development Corporation

DENR to redevelop QC park into world-class ecotourism site

November 28, 2010

November 28, 2010 press release prepared by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Soon, Metro Manila residents can expect a world-class ecological tourist attraction in the heart of
Quezon City that will offer them a breather from the smog while learning all about the importance of
conserving the country’s biodiversity.

Posted under Briefing Room, Department of Environment and Natural Resources

DENR partners with SMC in Tullahan River cleanup

November 26, 2010

A November 26, 2010 press release prepared by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has found another ally in one of the
country’s largest food and beverage companies for the government’s program to clean up Metro
Manila’s waterways.

A November 22, 2010 press release prepared by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
In a bid to signify commitment to strengthen acid deposition monitoring activities in East Asia, 13
participating countries, including the Philippines, will sign on November 23, 2010 the international
non-legally binding instrument.

A November 22, 2010 press release prepared by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has tapped the corporate social
responsibility (CSR) program of the mining sector for the environmental improvement of one of Quezon
City’s major creeks as part of the government’s estero cleanup program.

November 10, 2010 press release by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Gone are
the days of wildlife crime cases being thrown out of the courtroom or dismissed by state prosecutors due
to “inadmissability” or “weak evidence,” all because of small but costly procedural lapses made by
wildlife officers during an arrest or apprehension.

Sustainability Policy

El Nido Resorts is committed to providing leisurely, engaging, and educational experiences and services
to all our guests in a manner that has the least impact on the environment and promotes respect for El
Nido’s local people and culture. We will accomplish this through:

Enjoining our staff and guests to uphold our five Be G.R.E.E.N. tenets Linking with local communities
through employment and purchases Nurturing a culture of environmental stewardship Initiating
opportunities for guests to experience nature and the local culture Discovering and molding
sustainability champions among the staff Outdoing ourselves every year by building new sustainability
programs on the success of previous ones

Sustainable Operations

Waste Management

Sewage Treatment Plant

El Nido Resorts operates a state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant (STP) combined with native reed bed
filters. This ensures that no raw sewage and grey water are discharged into sea. Treated water is utilized
in flushing toilets, watering the plants, and supplying fire hydrants. This directly reduces consumption of
water, which otherwise have to be produced through energy-intensive desalination processes or sourced
in the region’s water sources.

Materials Recovery Facility

Solid wastes go through strict segregation before reaching the resort’s full cycle materials recovery
facility (MRF). The MRF receives recyclable and organic wastes from the resorts and is looked after by the
Garden Department. After segregation, the recyclable waste is stored in holding bins for pick-up by a
local junk shop dealer for recycling, while the organic waste is composted onsite and later packed for use
in the resort gardens or organic farms in El Nido mainland. Recognizing the negative impact of using
non-recyclable wastes, El Nido Resorts implemented a refillable drinking water system in 2008 to try to
eliminate the purchase of bottled waters during activities. The Kitchen Department also implemented its
own refilling system, whereas instead of buying cooking oils in new containers, they just send the old
containers to the supplier for a refill.

Water Conservation

El Nido Resorts operates a rainwater catchment system to capture, filter, and store rainwater for use in
the guest rooms and staff quarters. Water saving devices such as low-flow showerheads and low-flush
toilets are also in place.
Desalination Plant

There is a very limited supply of fresh water in island resorts. El Nido Resorts operates a desalination
plant to convert salt water into fresh water suitable for human consumption. The desalination plant
enables us to avoid depleting mainland water sources and competing with local communities for water
supply.

Energy Conservation

All bulbs were replaced with Compact Flourescent Light (CFL) in 2008. Guest rooms were also fitted with
energy efficient water heater, and designed in such a way to optimize natural lighting. Solar panels are
installed at the Deluxe Water Cottages of Miniloc Island Resort, and at Entalula Beach Club and Dibuluan
Beach Club in El Nido, both operated by El Nido Resorts. El Nido Resorts observes the global initiative
Earth Hour every March by turning off all non-essential lights at the resorts for 1-hour. As an offshoot of
Earth Hour, El Nido Resorts has gone further to celebrate Eco-Hour every full moon during the summer
months of March to May. The energy savings from the 1-hour electricity shutdown is used to purchase
seedlings from Island Transvoyager Inc.’s Carbon Offsetting Program, to be planted in the El Nido
watershed.

Low Impact and Sustainable Guest Experiences

El Nido and Taytay are areas of undoubtedly high biodiversity. El Nido Resorts is committed to promoting
nature-based activities that showcase yet protect the richness of this biodiversity. Only low impact
activities are offered to guests. There are no jet-skis and other motorized marine sports equipment.
Marine sports guides accompany guests to supervise the activities, provide nature interpretation, and
ensure guests don’t disturb or damage the environment. The resorts also started using eco-friendly boat
engines in 2006 and are continuously upgrading engine maintenance systems to help minimize the
negative effects brought about by carbon monoxide emission. El Nido Resorts only serves sustainable
menus. The resorts no longer purchase grouper, as there has been an observable decline in their local
population. Locally and organically produced vegetables comprise 60% of total kitchen purchases, while
locally reared livestock comprise 90% of total kitchen purchases. Women from several barangays
(villages) in El Nido have also been trained in weaving to produce native bags and slippers that are
purchased by the resort. These local bags and slippers are given complimentary to guests as part of the
El Nido Resorts experience.

Nature Conservation and Protection

El Nido Resorts embraces its leadership role in nature conservation, being the largest employer in the
municipality and operating in small islands within the Protected Area. We work closely with the
community and local government in areas requiring much support, such as in the prevention of illegal
fishing, coral and reef fish assessments, environmental education campaigns, and more.

Monitoring Wildlife

El Nido Resorts launched El Nido Biodiversity Online, a database of El Nido’s flora and fauna, in 2008. The
database contains datasheets and photos of the plants and animals found in El Nido, where they are
seen, and when.
Aside from the participation of guests and staff in monitoring wildlife, the academe is also involved. El
Nido Resorts supports scientific studies on the flora and fauna of El Nido by providing board and lodging,
boats, equipment (e.g. dive gear), and personnel to visiting researchers. Examples of studies conducted
are the reef fish surveys by Dr. Gerry Allen and Dr. Mark Erdmann and carrying capacity of dive sites by
Dr. Lyndon deVantier and Mr. Emre Turak.

Marine Ecosystems Preservation and Protection

Marine Turtle Conservation Program

All marine turtles found in the waters of El Nido and Taytay are endangered. At least five species of
turtles are known to nest in some of El Nido’s beaches.El Nido Resorts champions the conservation of
endangered sea turtles, with tag-and-release programs in cooperation with the Protected Area Office,
and hatchling releases from nests safeguarded by resort staff.

Coastal Cleanups

Lagen Island Resort has consistently supported and participates in eco-events such as International
Coastal Clean-up Day, World Ocean Day, and Earth Day and has chosen to make coastal clean-up a
regular activity, clearing beaches of marine debris twice monthly.

Installation of Eco-reefs at Tres Marias

In April 2006, El Nido Resorts partnered with the local community and El Nido Foundation, Inc. (ENF) in
the installation of EcoReef artificial reef modules in Tres Marias, a former dive site devastated by illegal
fishing, coral bleaching, and typhoons. El Nido is only the 2nd in the world to receive the ceramic
modules, after Bunaken National Park in Indonesia.

Installation of Mooring Bouys

To prevent anchor damage on coral reefs, El Nido Resorts’ Dive Team installed (and maintains) mooring
buoys in 21 sites around Bacuit Bay. These are especially important in high-traffic areas such as the Small
Lagoon and South Miniloc.

Protection of Giant Clams

El Nido Resorts transplanted giant clams to the front reef of Miniloc Island Resort and Lagen Island
Resort from different parts of Bacuit Bay, where these endangered species are harvested
indiscriminately.

El Nido Marine Monitoring Task Force

The waters of El Nido are constantly under threat from various illegal activities. El Nido Resorts patrols
the waters of Bacuit Bay and coordinates with local authorities in apprehending violators. Participation in
the Marine Monitoring Task Force means extending more assistance in terms of logistics, drafting
ordinances and lobbying for penal provisions both in the Protected Area Management Board and the
Municipal Legislative Body.

Building Sustainable Communities

Our eco-resorts on Miniloc Island and Lagen Island in El Nido and Apulit Island in Taytay have been “good
neighbors” by building mutually beneficial partnerships with key stakeholders; promoting responsible
tourism principles in community and provincial tourism planning; enjoying community support and high
morale of staff; and providing guests with unforgettable cultural experiences with local staff in a
beautiful setting.

Employment and Livelihood Opportunities for the Local Community

Through creation of meaningful employment opportunities and the commitment to hire and promote
locally, the people of El Nido and Taytay have a viable option to earn a decent living and stay in their own
community. Scheduled trainings are offered to the local community to improve the skill set for potential
employees not just for the resort, but also for other smaller tourist cottages in the area. Since 2005,
resort supervisors have been training local people for basic skills in the areas of food & beverage,
housekeeping, and kitchen. Working with professional trainers, local women are trained to become
massage therapists. Over the years, banca owners from town have been regularly providing the
transportation needs of El Nido Resorts guests.

Patronizing Local Products

Women from several barangays (villages) in El Nido have also been trained in weaving to produce native
bags and slippers that are purchased by the resorts. The bags and slippers are given as complimentary
room amenities, thereby ensuring ongoing demand.

El Nido Resorts tries to keep on reducing food miles by sourcing locally. Locally and organically produced
vegetables comprise 60% of total kitchen purchases, while locally reared livestock comprise 90% of total
kitchen purchases.

Community Service

Annually, El Nido Resorts arranges Sea Scouts training for both staff and the community. A Sea Scouts
certificate assists individuals seeking employment in the maritime industry. Increasing the local pool of
Sea Scouts enhances the largely coastal community’s ability to respond to accidents. El Nido Resorts
doctors augment the services of the lone Municipal Health Officer in El Nido, bringing healing and health
education to the various villages at least twice a week. Resort doctors also render free services on the
annual Mass Blood Donation Program of the Philippine Red Cross in El Nido. Staff are willing donors,
making El Nido Resorts one of the biggest contributors in Palawan. El Nido Resorts’ 1.5-hectare organic
farm in El Nido serves as demonstration site for locals to help improve the quality of their produce for
long-term sustainability. Instead of using chemicals as fertilizer, composted biodegradable wastes of El
Nido Resorts are used here. It also demonstrates the rearing of “Happy Pigs,” leaner pigs that feed on
vegetables and effective microorganisms. Local farmers are welcome to learn about the technique so the
resort can purchase locally and organically produced vegetables and meat from them in the future.

Environmental Education

The Be G.R.E.E.N. (Guard, Respect, Educate El Nido) training program, in place since 2007, trains all staff
on: ecological waste management; water, energy, and biodiversity conservation; and environmental
laws. To encourage the staff to apply what they’ve learned in the seminars, “Pa-Berdehan: The El Nido
Resorts Eco Challenge,” a company-wide competition for environmentally friendly initiatives, was
established in 2007. Since then, innovative work practices have been developed and implemented, such
as patronizing cooking oil retailers with reusable containers (initiated by the Purchasing department),
and limiting the running time of air conditioning units without sacrificing guest comfort (initiated by the
Engineering department). The Environment Department conducts yearly Nature Interpretation training
seminars for the Marine Sports Guides and other staff who wish to attend.

Educating Guests

Guests are reminded and encouraged to conserve our natural resources. The company’s Environmental
Code of Conduct called “Ten El-NiDos” is provided in each room to remind guests about the
environmentally sensitive Protected Area and the appropriate behavior to ensure conservation. Guests
are actively discouraged from touching the animals, whether on land or underwater. Collecting shells,
corals, starfish, and other animals is not allowed and is specifically stated in our welcome message.
Guests are likewise informed of the Conservation Fees that the Resorts collect and remit to the
Protected Area Office. El Nido Resorts also strives to be an industry leader by creating opportunities to
be studied by numerous tourism practitioners. By participating in various eco-events, we are able to
share best practices for others to follow.

● My dear Students God bless you for reading comprehensively the given materials and for
answering/working the following study guide questions/activities diligently:

1. What are the ways to preserve natural resources?

2. How can we conserve and preserve the natural sources of minerals?

3. Why is it important to protect and to conserve the natural resources of the Philippines?

N.B. Submit/encode directly your work/s oplorna@gmail.com for your Class

Standing records (60%). God bless you for following instructions very strictly
in submitting/sending your activity/s.

God bless you all….keep safe!!!