SUSTAINABILITY OF COMMUNITY BASED TOURISM: THE CASE OF

PALAUI ISLAND PROTECTED LANDSCAPE AND SEASCAPE

IN STA. ANA, CAGAYAN

A Research Proposal Presented to the Examination Panel

of the Graduate School of the F.L. Vargas College

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan

In Partial Fulfillment of the Course, Methods of Research

in the Degree of Master in Public and Business

Management, Major in Public Administration

GRACE BERBANO-RUIZ
Master in Public Administration
S.Y. 2021

1
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENT PAGE

Chapter I – THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction 4

Statement of Problem 6

Significance of Study 7

Scope and Delimitation 8

Definition of Terms 9

Chapter II – REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Related Literature 12

Related Studies 21

Conceptual Framework 31

Research Paradigm 32

Chapter III – RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design 33

Locale of Study 33

Respondents of the Study 33

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 Sampling of Procedure 34

Research Instrument 34

Data Gathering Procedure 34

Method of Analysis 35

BIBLIOGRAPHY 37

APPENDICES

Appendix A - Letter of Permission 40

Appendix B - Letter to the Respondents 41

Appendix C - Survey Questionnaire 42

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 Chapter I
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

Community based tourism (CBT) is a form of tourism that

seeks to empower communities to manage tourism growth and

achieve community aspirations relating to their well-being,

and includes economic, social and environmentally

sustainable development. CBT not only involves a partnership

between tourism businesses and the community to deliver

benefits to both, but also involve community support for

small tourism enterprises, which in turn commit to providing

support for community projects that improve collective well-

being.

CBT empowers local communities to determine and secure

their socio-economic futures through fee-for-service

activities that usually: present and celebrate local

traditions lifestyle; conserve natural and cultural

resources; and foster equitable and mutually beneficial

host-guest interaction. CBT usually caters for niche markets

such as adventure tourism, cultural tourism, eco-tourism,

but draws on local products and services to spread the

economic benefit from engaging in tourism (ASEAN, 2016).

4
 Protected Areas are the principal global strategy for

the conservation of nature that requires considerable

interest to understand the effectiveness of its management.

In the Philippines, the National Ecotourism Strategy

(NES) of 2002 states that Ecotourism Policy is anchored on

the Tourism Management Plan (TMP), a sustainable tourism

development framework prepared by the Department of Tourism

in 1998, providing for ecotourism as a form of tourism that

can sustainably use natural and cultural resources while

providing employment opportunities for local communities.

Likewise, Republic Act 7586 was passed providing for the

establishment and management of a National Integrated

Protected Area System (NIPAS). The NIPAS law provides for

the establishment of buffer zones and other multiple use

zones including ecotourism. Zoning recognizes the role of

tourism in protection, development and management of

protected areas. Tourism activities, particularly

ecotourism, are permitted in “recreational zones” to provide

benefits to local residents as well as enable visitors to

appreciate the beauty of nature. The NIPAs law also mandates

the establishment of Protected Area Management Board (PAMB)

to plan and administer the protected area, approve

implementation proposals and work plans, delineate

5
boundaries, and promulgate rules and regulations for their

conservation, protection and management.

From the foregoing, a research study will be pursued

entitled: “Sustainability of Community Based Tourism : The

Case of Palaui Islnd Protected Landscape and Seascape in

Sta. Ana, Cagayan”.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to assess the sustainability of

Community Based Tourism of Palaui Island Protected Landscape

and Seascape in Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

Specifically, it seeks to find answer to the following

questions:

1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:

1.1 Age

1.2 Gender

1.3 Civil Status

1.4 Occupation

2. How sustainable is the Community Based Tourism industry

in Palaui Island Protected Landscape and Seascape in Sta.

Ana, Cagayan when measured according to the following

indicators:

2.1 Products and Services

2.2 Promotion scheme

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 2.3 Financial management

2.4 Mobility safeguard and security assurance

2.5 Environmental management

2.6 Social well-being

3. What are the problems and challenges encountered relative

to the sustainability of Community Based Tourism industry

in Palaui island Protected Landscape and Seascape?

4. What are the proposed intervention programs to address

the problems and challenges encountered, hence sustain

the Community Based Tourism industry in the island.

Significance of the Study

The results of the study will be significant and

beneficial to the following:

Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). This study aims to

determine the benefits, problems and challenges associated

in community-based sustainable tourism that will serve as a

basis in improving plans in adopting the principles and

strategies for sustainable tourism development framework.

Host communities. The results of this study will determine

the importance of community participation in the development

process of community-based tourism.

7
Other Tourism Industries. The proposed suggestions and

recommendations of this study will serve as a basis in

improving policies and regulations that will enhance the

implementation of community based tourism in their

respective areas.

Researcher. This study will contribute to the development of

the researcher’s knowledge in bridging the gap of debate and

research about the benefits and problems in implementing

community-based sustainable tourism.

Future Researchers. The result of this study may be used by

future researchers as a reference material and guide in the

conduct of a study similar to this study.

Scope and Delimitation

This study will be pursued to assess the sustainability

of Community Based Tourism of Palaui Island Protected

Landscape and Seascape in terms of environmental

conservation, community participation in decision making,

economic benefits for local people and recreational

satisfaction of tourist associated in community-based

tourism in Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

The respondents of the study are the residents of

Palaui Island composed of three hundred fifty (350)

individuals.

8
 This study will be conducted during the second semester

of academic year 2021.

Definition of Terms

The following terms were defined lexically and

operationally for a better understanding of the reading

audience.

Ecotourism. This pertains to low impact, environmentally

sound and community-participatory tourism activity in a

given natural environment that enhances the conservation of

bio-physical and cultural diversity, promotes environmental

understanding and education, and yields socio economic

benefits to the concerned community.

Products and Services. This pertains to a tourism product,

combination of tangible and intangible elements, such as

natural, cultural and man-made resources, attractions,

facilities, services and activities around a specific

tourism destination.

Promotion Scheme. This refers to the various forms to

advertise and draw attention of tourists to travel to a

destination.

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Financial Management. This refers to an essential action

that focuses on the proper use of funds in a community-based

tourism destination.

Mobility Safeguard. This pertains to the flow of tourists in

a community-based tourism destination.

Security Assurance. This connotes a safe and secure

environment which reduces or eliminates threat or danger

against tourists and their possessions.

Environmental Management. This refers to the preservation

and protection of the ecological integrity of the island,

surrounding waters and islets integrating sustainable

principles and community-based development strategies.

Palaui Island Protected Area. It connotes the recognition by

the Philippine government as a protected landscape and

seascape with unique physical ang biological significance

characterized by the harmonious interaction of man and

nature while providing opportunities for public enjoyment

within the normal lifestyle and economic activities.

Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). It refers to a

multi-sectoral body that decides on all matters related to

planning and resource protection. Administers the

implementation of general management planning strategy.

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Palaui Environmental Protectors Association (PEPA). This

refers to the mother association of community-based

organizations trained to deliver services to an acceptable

operational standard. These services could either be tourism

related or existing livelihood in order to support tourism

that provides economic incentives.

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 CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter presents the review of related literature

and studies, composed of insights, citations, and scholarly

works that have bearing on the current study under

investigation.

Related Literature

Tourism continues to grow as a significant industry

generating economic growth and development in the

Philippines. Associated with its success is the

participation of communities surrounding tourist

destinations. As a result, community-based tourism

initiatives have emerged to account for community’s

increasing participation in tourism development. While

gaining increased popularity, understanding how local

community participation is promoted and such initiative has

become imperative. It has become necessary to investigate

whether CBT has achieved its objective of addressing the

inequitable distribution of benefits and negative impact of

tourism development in the country. (Guttierez, 2019)

12
Community-Based Development and Community-Based Tourism

Community-based development is a strategy used by

tourism planners to mobilize communities into action to

participate in broadening the scope of offerings in the

industry. The goal is socio-economic empowerment and a

value-added experience for local and foreign visitors. This

process opens new niches for destinations, most notably for

the nature, culture, and adventure travelers. What this

achieves is a policy objective of creating a culture of

inclusion in the industry, whereby communities participate

and share in the wealth of the industry, dispelling a long-

held perception of tourism as an exploiter of wealth where

only the rich can benefit. Community-based development

empowers people to be more aware of the value of their

community assets - their culture, heritage, cuisine and

lifestyle. It mobilizes them to convert these into income

generating projects while offering a more diverse and

worthwhile experience to visitors. Every citizen is a

potential business partner to be trained in small business

management, environmental awareness, product development and

marketing. This type of ‘people-centered’ tourism promotes a

sense of ‘ownership’ which augurs well for the industry’s

sustainability. (George, et. Al 2007)

13
 Continuing with the above line of thinking, community-

based tourism (CBT) is may be defined as tourism that takes

environmental, social and cultural sustainability into

account. It is managed and owned by the community, for the

community, with the purpose of enabling visitors to increase

their awareness and learn about community and local ways of

life. Existing terms like heritage tourism, eco-tourism,

agri-tourism, cultural tourism, etc can all be forms of the

community tourism product, within the constraint that these

are to be promoted with the spirit of community centeredness

and sustenance. The key benefits of CBT are seen to be: job

creation; poverty reduction; less impact on an area's

culture and environment than that exerted by mass tourism;

community capacity building and pride; and revenue for

maintaining or upgrading the community's cultural assets.

The key rationale underlying the approach and

objectives of CBT for conservation and development is that

CBT through increased intensities of participation can

provide widespread economic and other benefits and decision-

making power to communities. These economic benefits act as

incentives for participants and the means to conserve the

natural and cultural resources on which income generation

depends. Note from the diagram that the community is at the

14
centre and is occupying the commanding position with regard

to the management of its natural and cultural resources

which can be reformulated as tourism products. The

relationship of the industry to the tourism products

developed out of the natural and cultural resources of the

community is not a direct, one-to-one relationship; on the

contrary, it is through the intermediation of the community.

This is aimed to ensure that the aspirations of the

community are never bypassed by the extraneous industry

interests. One can see CBT as an interaction among the three

major groupings of the community, the tourism industry, and

the tourists themselves. In the language of cost-benefit

analysis (CBA), community-based tourism may be expressed in

terms of the following inequalities:

i. CB>IB>IC>CC (The inequality of interaction between

the community and the industry)

ii. ii. CB>TB>TC>CC (The inequality of interaction

between the community and the tourists)

iii. iii. IB>TB>TC>IC (The inequality of interaction

between the industry and the tourists)

(CB=Community Benefits; CC=Community Costs;

IB=Industrial Benefits; IC=Industrial Costs; TB=Tourist

Benefits; and TC=Tourist Costs)

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 Note that the maximum benefit with the least cost goes

to the community. This is the essential condition for CBT

and the other conditions are not as consequential as this.

The third condition may even be contested; however, we feel

this is desirable since only if the industry benefit is

significant than the industry cost shall it survive and not

move on to unsustainable practices; tourists shall visit a

CBT destination as long as tourist benefit is more than

tourist cost.

The Blueprint for Developing Community Based Tourism in a

Destination

According to George and Nedelea, in order that CBT be

developed in a systematic manner, a methodological framework

needs to be adopted. An outline of a suggested framework is

provided below (Source: Tuffin, 2005): 1. Choose a

destination 2. Complete a feasibility study with the

community 3. Create an action plan 4. Set up an

administrative system 5. Prepare for operation 6. Monitor

and evaluate

Step 1: Choose a destination. Choosing an appropriate

destination requires collecting information that leads to an

understanding of the community. A detailed study of the

village context includes collecting information about the

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community from organizations working there, government

agencies, other communities in the area, and the community

members themselves.

Step 2: Complete a feasibility study. The community

needs to be fully involved in the process of deciding if

they want to be involved in a tourism project. The process

for building consensus in the community requires that the

information and data be studied with the public and private

partners and then an action plan be formulated. It is

important to be open and honest about the limitations of the

community when deciding whether to continue or not. The

decision to develop CBT must be agreed upon by all parties.

During this process the community will be stimulated to

think about the reasons and motivations for developing CBT.

They should be able to discuss the issues and visit

communities which are already involved in CBT. The community

members need to answer questions like:

Do you want CBT to raise income? Do you want CBT to

preserve culture?

Do you want CBT to conserve natural resources?

Do you want CBT to bring more knowledge and skills into

the community?

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 Step 3: Create an action plan. If all parties reach a

consensus, the planning process can begin. In this stage the

community creates an action plan and enters into agreement

with external agencies like tour operators. Some of the key

issues that need to be considered include: Programs for the

tourists; Services that will need to be provided;

Development of facilities and infrastructure; Training that

will need to be provided; Carrying capacity; and, Tour

program and price. The public partner (association of the

community members) will need to formulate a monitoring and

evaluation plan that includes the associated indicators and

the private partner can begin to draft a marketing plan and

strategy.

Step 4: Set up an administrative system. Without

transparent organization, confusion, suspicion, and conflict

can arise in the community. It is crucial that the community

sets up a clear administrative system to effectively manage

CBT. The administrative organization will focus on the

following: Participation level of community members;

Division of roles in operation; Division of benefits;

Transparency of management; Measures to control economic and

social impacts; Measures to control natural and cultural

18
impacts; and, Cooperation and communication with public and

private partners.

Step 5: Preparation of operation. Before full operation

of the tour program can start the community and its partners

need to acquire skills and experience in operating CBT. The

infrastructure must all be designed and built and the

equipment acquired and put in place. At this stage emphasis

will be placed on: Training: including guiding skills,

language learning, food preparation, housekeeping and simple

accounting systems. Preparation of information: involving

the educational content of the tour program; the things

about themselves that the community members will share with

tourists Infrastructure design and construction: community

lodges, trails, water systems, power systems, toilets, etc.

The community members will need to gain experience in

guiding and operating the tour program and distributing

benefits. It will be necessary to bring pilot groups of

tourists into the community so that the community members

can see what works and what does not and so that they can

practice their skills and test the administrative systems.

Step 6: Monitoring and evaluation. Monitoring and

evaluation starts once the program is in full operation. It

helps to identify problems, impacts and benefits, as well as

19
to ensure the sustainability of the operation. It examines

the extent to which the project is meeting its objectives.

It should also result in plans and efforts to compensate for

weaknesses, correct problems, adjust systems and improve the

program. Monitoring and evaluation is a participatory

process. All stakeholders should play a role in gathering

the monitoring data, assisting in the analysis, and in

actions taken as a result of the final assessment and

evaluation. The aspects monitored include: Environmental

impacts; Economic impacts; Cultural impacts; Social impacts;

Efficacy of CBT as a development tool; etc. Information can

be gathered from the tourists, the community members and

from physical inspections of infrastructure and the

environment. Tools used for monitoring can include

questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, guest books,

photographs, checklists, trend lines, seasonal calendars,

and so on. Often in CBT the locations are remote and subject

to national policies regulating access by foreigners as well

as domestic visitors. Thus, while initial assessments show

considerable potential as tourism destinations, there may be

regulations that restrict access by numbers and by seasons.

International policies and actions have complex linkages

with the visitor to a protected area and the local

20
entrepreneur. Political instability can also affect the

volume of visitors.

Related Studies

Research on CBT has been carried out by experts with

varying focus. Community participation is the most focused

aspect discussed by researchers. The application of CBT is

an approach to tourism development with participatory

planning. Community participation is the main support in the

preparation of community-based tourism development planning

because the main objective of the development is to focus

more on the interests of the local community so that the

programs that are made are right on target and provide

maximum benefits to the local community. Looking at the

existing forms of community participation, it can be found

that there are two forms of community participation on

Samalona Island, namely direct participation (active) and

indirect participation (passive) (Nurdin, 2016). Community

participation was often through representation, which is

interpreted in relation to local practices (Mayaka, Croy,

Cox, & Croy, 2017). However, when it comes to the

operationalization of the participation process in the

destination community, many dilemmas appear and many

21
questions are raised, such as how the participatory tourism

development approach will be initiated, who will initiate it

and what should be the best form and mode of participation

(Petrie & Piveevie, 2016).

Other studies discuss the participation of amenity

migrants in the development of CBT and its effect on local

society using a case study conducted in Alajar (South West

Spain) (Ruiz-ballesteros & Rafael, 2016).

Meanwhile, (Towner & Towner, 2016) concluded that

foreign ownership and lack of government support as the

major barriers to participation. The study conducted in Laos

identified three distinctive groups according to levels of

participation and responsibilities adopted, namely active

participation, passive participation, and nonparticipation

(Park, Phandanouvong, & Kim, 2017).

Research result (Rodrigues & Prideaux, 2017) indicate

that participation, partnerships, encouragement, and

acquisition of skills are important elements in developing

CBT. In addition to participation, another focus that is

widely discussed is ownership. Ownership along with

participation is considered important in the management of

CBT (Towner & Towner, 2016). CBT must be recognized for its

proper social justice and redistributive perspective linked

22
to the alternative development approach. CBT, therefore, is

anchored in concepts of alternative development through

issues such as self-reliance, empowerment, and

sustainability where ownership, level of involvement and

distribution of benefits are the recurrent issues (Saayman &

Giampiccoli, 2015).

Furthermore, it can be concluded that CBT is understood

to be managed and owned by the community, for the community

(Purbasari & Manaf, 2018). But ownership alone is not

enough, transfer of ownership from an external actor to the

community will only be successful if the community has the

required management skills necessary to run the project as a

commercial business (Rodrigues & Prideaux, 2017).

Basically, ownership of the property at the destination

enhances their sense of attachment to the destination

(Chubchuwong, Beise-zee, & Speece, 2015).

Another aspect that is considered important in CBT is a

partnership (Rodrigues & Prideaux, 2017). Collaboration is a

key principle in community-based tourism approaches in most

developing countries (Stone, 2015). The collaborative

process is a key dimension of CBT management planning. The

collaborative process requires the participation of the

community, the existence of equality of power and the

23
competence of actors as a guarantee of the sustainability of

the dialogue of authentic citizens (Tresiana & Duadji,

2017). A CBT network can support the development of tourism

and help enterprises to confront the challenges of deficient

knowledge, funding, and marketing, prospectively improving

rural livelihoods (Tolkach & King, 2015). The three aspects

above are indirectly determining the success of CBT in

developing countries. Research on the determinants of

success in managing CBT in Thailand successfully identified

six factors, namely: (1) Participation; (2) Ownership; (3)

Responsibility; (4) Sharing of resources; (5) Leadership;

and (6) Partnership (Nitikasetsoontorn, 2015).

Partnership Between Conservation and Tourism

Partnerships between conservation and tourism are not

new but are increasingly being better understood from both

sides resulting in a number of global initiatives to

encourage environmentally responsible behaviours while

visiting protected areas. Hopefully, they will also

transform attitudes and daily behaviours and business

practices around issues of biodiversity conservation and

treading lightly on the planet. These have included

certification of operators; permit and licensing programs

linked to ecotourism certification; and increasingly

24
protected area certification programs. This integrated

conservation and development (ICD) strategy suggests that

ecotourism provides a largely ‘non-consumptive’ approach to

natural resources, rather than transforming resources (i.e.

consumptive) for economic development (Butcher, 2006;

Fennell, 2003; Honey, 1999; Ziffer, 1989). It is largely

viewed as favouring nature over economic capital,

emphasizing conservation over development (Butcher, 2006).

Environmental non-government organizations (ENGO) and

sustainable tourism initiatives are under increased pressure

to not only integrate conservation ideals, but to also

maximize community benefits and opportunities, whereby

communities and conservation efforts share a common desire

to effect positive change and align these often perceived

dichotomous goals for effective sustainability efforts

(Mason et al., 2000).

The effectiveness of various types of partnerships

continues to be debated due to concerns relative to power

structures, such as those within private–community

partnerships (PCP) (Ahebwa et al., 2012) and community level

partnerships and conservation NGOs (Chapin, 2004; Kiss,

2004).

25
 Many examples exist from around the world, which aim to

utilize ecotourism as a market-based solution for

conservation challenges. In many of these examples, by

providing economic incentive for protecting natural and

cultural diversity, ecotourism has made conservation efforts

possible, as well as providing revenues to continue

supporting the conservation efforts (The International

Ecotourism Society [TIES], 2015). For this reason, tourism

has the potential to provide effective incentives for

promoting strategic partnerships between tourism and

conservation, implementing progressive conservation

policies, and encouraging community involvement in

sustainable tourism and community development efforts. In

Southern Africa, for example, three countries that share a

natural area with common annual wildlife migration patterns

– Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe – came together to

establish the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (SAN Parks,

2015), to be jointly protected as a conservation area. In

Europe, the ‘European Green Belt Initiative’ (European Green

Belt Initiative, 2015) includes Kosovo, Albania, Macedonia

as well as the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation

(BfN) and the IUCN. These organizations work together to

protect the ecological conditions, and to ensure cooperative

management and development in the area.

26
 With respect to NGO and/or government and community-

based partnerships, while there is some evidence that

ecotourism may act as a catalyst to empower community

members as stewards, provide the necessary means to manage

natural resources, increase incentives to actively protect

resources rather than extract illegally or otherwise, as

poaching in many areas of the world increases, there is also

a paucity of empirical longitudinal evidence. Yet, there are

increasing innovative programs globally to address some of

the conservation challenges faced today. For example, in

Laos PDR, the Wildlife Conservation Society Lao programme

has used wildlife-based ecotourism to ensure that tourism

will directly benefit conservation, most notably the

protection of the tigers in Nam Et-Phou Louey Protected

Area. The model is comprised of an ’ecosystem service

agreement’ between 14 villages, as well as the protected

area management unit which gives benefits derived from

tourism fees to the villages. In Namibia, the government has

utilized the Integrated Rural Development and Nature

Conservation approach to protect wildlife by enlisting those

most skilled at tracking animals and paying them to protect,

instead of hunt, wildlife. The government has also

implemented community conservancies to promote local

stewardship, engaging the locals who own, manage and profit

27
from natural resource-based businesses, including wildlife

tourism.

Partnerships for protected area conservation research

have also revealed an increasing interest by a wide range of

stakeholders experiencing greater involvement in protected

area management (Kiss, 2004; Rutagarama and Martin, 2006),

yet many would also argue that more rigorous assessment of

these partnerships and community-based ecotourism projects

are necessary to fully understand what makes these an

appropriate choice or sustainable strategy. Some argue that

direct payment to landholders for maintaining natural

habitats differs in its approach from ecotourism, by paying

directly for ecosystem services (Daily and Ellison, 2003;

Heal, 2000), and may be just as effective in providing

community benefits and risks as ecotourism (Ferraro and

Kiss, 2002; Ferraro and Simpson, 2002). According to Kiss

(2004), considerations should include identifying

conservation and socio-economic goals, a market analysis,

and linkages between these goals, and community actions and

incentives’ (235). Yet, there are increasing innovative

strategies that have demonstrated a combination rather than

‘either or’ scenarios are effective. For example, the Rivers

Fiji example identified previously, demonstrated that

28
communities can be paid directly for protecting their

forests and riparian areas through a lease for conservation

(Bricker, 2001), as well as engage actively, if they desire,

in employment opportunities through ecotourism. With respect

to conservation – tourism partnerships, many agree that NGOs

should ‘review’ practices to ensure the inclusion of

community-scale projects (Horwich and Lyon, 2007).

As Horwich and Lyon (2007) have expressed, ‘community

conservation practitioners and small-scale community

conservation projects deserve the conservation

establishment’s focus, attention, and support. They

represent one of our best chances for conservation success’

(383). The ultimate goal of conservation tourism

partnerships is to encourage symbiosis, with support from

stakeholders (Svoronou and Holden, 2005).

Research has demonstrated that in order to create this

type of symbiotic relationship – monitoring visitor use and

attempting to monitor the social and environmental ‘carrying

capacity’ of any ecotourism – conservation project should

not only be identified, but also be carefully monitored for

long-term success (Lamers et al., 2014; Svorounou and

Holden, 2005).

29
 In summary, conservation–tourism partnerships, while

valued, are highly complex, frequently contested and do not

always deliver expected outcomes. As such, they require the

establishment of frameworks that are clear and precise in

their objectives defining roles and responsibilities; be

able to demonstrate the value to local communities and

diverse stakeholders; and should be adaptive in their

approach, from direct to indirect involvement of local

communities. To succeed, they need opportunities for

evolving capacity and training, in order to increase the

value of meaningful participation of stakeholders, and

increase the power balance within the partnerships. Such

partnerships must be evaluated for relevance and monitored

over the long term with appropriate and frequent

communication to all parties involved. It is also evident

from various studies across diverse geographic regions that

there is a need to establish frameworks and standards.

However, it is important any standards set for partnerships

in conservation–tourism should be adaptive and open to the

nuances within each location or context. The standards need

to guide development and ensure that the benefits to both

community and conservation are tangible and measurable. Some

form of accreditation/certification or labelling also proven

invaluable to ensure standards are met and that the

30
attainment of these standards is recognized easily,

particularly by visitors who can be guided by systems of

accreditation to make informed choices.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Community-based development is a strategy used by

tourism planners to mobilize communities into action to

participate in broadening the scope of offerings in the

industry. The goal is socio-economic empowerment and a

value-added experience for local and foreign visitors. This

process opens new niches for destinations, most notably for

the nature, culture, and adventure travelers. What this

achieves is a policy objective of creating a culture of

inclusion in the industry, whereby communities participate

and share in the wealth of the industry, dispelling a long-

held perception of tourism as an exploiter of wealth where

only the rich can benefit.

Community-based development empowers people to be more

aware of the value of their community assets - their

culture, heritage, cuisine and lifestyle. It mobilizes them

to convert these into income generating projects while

offering a more diverse and worthwhile experience to

visitors. Every citizen is a potential business partner to

be trained in small business management, environmental

31
awareness, product development and marketing. This type of

‘people-centered’ tourism promotes a sense of ‘ownership’

which augurs well for the industry’s sustainability.

The framework of this present study is anchored in this

narratives. The paradigm, which this study adopted, is the

Input-Process-Output Model, as shown in figure 1 below.

Figure 1. Research Paradigm of the Study

INPUT

1. The profile of the

respondents in terms of:
1.1. Age
1.2. Gender
1.3. Civil Status
1.4. Occupation PROCESS
2. Sustainability of OUTPUT
Community Based Tourism Assess the
Industry (CBT) in Palaui sustainability
Island Protected Development of
of Community intervention
Landscape and Seascape Based Tourism
(PIPLS)in Sta. Ana, programs to
(CBT) industry address the
Cagayan according to the of Palaui Island
following indicators: ` Protected problems and
2.1. Products and challenges
Landscape and encountered, hence
Services Seascape in Sta.
2.2. Promotion Scheme sustain the
Ana, Cagayan Community Based
2.3. Financial with the use of
Management Tourism industry
appropriate in the island.
2.4. Mobility research tools
Safeguard and and simple
Security Assurance descriptive
2.5. Environmental statistics.
management
2.6. Social well-
being
3. Problems and challenges
encountered relative to
the sustainability of
Community Based Tourism FEEDBACK
Industry in PIPLS.

32
 The diagram that is presented above shows the input of

the study which are the profile of the respondents in terms

of: age, gender, civil status, and occupation. Its

sustainability can be measured according to products and

services, promotion scheme, financial management, mobility

safeguard and security assurance, environmental management

and social well-being. It also covers the problems and

challenges encountered relative to the implementation and

sustainability of the Community Based Tourism industry in

the island.

The process of the study involves the assessment of the

sustainability of Community Based Tourism industry of Palaui

Island Protected Landscape and Seascape in Sta. Ana,

Cagayan, with the use of appropriate research tool and

simple descriptive statistics.

The output of the study is on the development of

intervention programs to address the problems and challenges

encountered, hence sustain the Community Based Tourism

industry in the island.

33
 CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

In this section, the research design, locale of the

study, respondents of the study, sampling procedures,

research instrument, as well as the data gathering

procedure, and methods used in the analysis of the study

will be presented and discussed.

Research Design

This study employs the descriptive-assessment research

design as it is meant to describe and examine the

sustainability of Community Based Tourism of Palaui Island

Protected Landscape and Seascape in Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

Locale of Study

The study will be conducted in Palaui Island, San

Vicente, Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

Respondents of the Study

34
 The respondents of the study are the residents of

Palaui Island composed of three hundred fifty (350)

individuals.

Sampling Procedures

Purposive sampling will be used in this study as those

identified respondents are directly involved in the

implementation of the Community Based Tourism. Total

enumeration will be adopted as all the participant-residents

will be taken as respondents.

Research Instrument

The main research tool to be used in this study is the

survey questionnaire consisting of four (4) parts.

Part I deals on the profile of the respondents in terms

of age, gender, civil status, and occupation. Part II

consist of item-questions on the sustainability of Community

Based Tourism industry in Palaui Island in Sta. Ana, Cagayan

measured according to the six (6) indicators. Part III and

IV will elicit responses from the respondents regarding the

problems and challenges encountered and their suggestions

35
and recommendations to sustain the Community Based Tourism

industry in Palaui Island.

Data Gathering Procedure

A letter of permission will be forwarded to the

Barangay Captain of San Vicente, Sta. Ana, Cagayan to seek

permission regarding the gathering of data for the study.

Upon approval of the letter, the researcher will float the

questionnaire and soon as this will be accomplished, the

researcher will retrieve, collate and subject the data to

statistical analysis.

Methods of Analysis

To analyze the data to be gathered in this study,

simple descriptive statistics will be used. As such,

frequency count and percentage distribution will be used on

Part I. Whereas in Part II, weighted mean will be employed.

A five-point Likert Scale will be used in measuring the

sustainability of Community Based Tourism in Palaui Island

using the six (6) enumerated indicators. Parts III and IV

will just be through simple data enumeration.

Table 1. The rating scale with the corresponding numerical

value and descriptive interpretation

DESCRIPTIVE
SCALE NUMERICAL VALUE
INTERPRETATION

36
 5 4.20 – 5.00 Strongly Agree
4 3.40 – 4.19 Agree
3 2.60 – 3.39 Somewhat Agree
2 1.80 – 2.59 Disagree
1 1.00 – 1.79 Strongly Disagree

Formula: MEAN (x) = f x/n

WHERE:

F = frequency of each class

X = sum of the class

N = number of observations in the sample

37
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Book / Journal:

ASEAN Secretariat, “ASEAN Community Based Tourism

Standard”, 2016.

Electronic Sources:

Ashley, Caroline and Garland, Elizabeth, “Promoting

Community Based Tourism Development – Why, What, and
How”, October 1994,
https://ashleyinsight.co.uk/wp2020/wpcontent/uploads/
2020/04/community-based-tourism-Nam.pdf
Guttierez, Eylla Larie M., “Participation in Tourism: Cases
on Community -Based Tourism in the Philippines”, 2019,
https://en.apu.ac.jp/rcaps/uploads/fckeditor/
publications/journal/2_RJAPS37_Gutierrez.pdf
Elliott, Wiegman, et.al, “Community-Based Tourism at
Pellumbas, Albania”, December 19, 2013,
https://web.wpi.edu/Pubs/E-project/Available/E-project-
121913-122433/unrestricted/APC13_Pellumbas_FINAL_12-
19.pdf
National Ecotourism Steering Committee, et.al, July 2002,
https://www.google.com/search?
q=national+ecotourism+strategy&rlz=1C1GCEB_enPH925PH925
&sxsrf=ALeKk013H09JFBU6krAEu9EkaNFFABOt

Suansri, Potjana, “Community-Based Tourism Handbook”, 2003,

38
 https://www.mekongtourism.org/wp-content/uploads/REST-
CBT-Handbook-2003.pdf
Bricker, Kelly S., “Tourism in Protected Areas: Developing
Meaningful Standards”, March 2006,
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
298725770_Tourism_in_protected_areas_Developing_meaning
ful_standards/link/5a05b9d6458515eddb8ae58d/download
Hasan, Mohammad Abul,“Promotional Activities in the
Strategic Tourism Development of Lapland”, June, 2015,
https://www.theseus.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/96778/
Final%20thesis%20Hasan%202.pdf?sequence=1

Sartika, Ika and Wargadinata, Ella, “The Success Factors of

Rural Community Based Tourism in Indonesia”, October
2019,
PDF) THE SUCCESS FACTORS OF RURAL COMMUNITY BASED
TOURISM IN INDONESIA (researchgate.net)
Sugandini, Dyah, “Marketing Strategy on Community Based
Tourism in Special Region of Yogyagarta”, July 2019,
(PDF) Marketing strategy on community based tourism in
special region of Yogyakarta (researchgate.net)
Goodwin, Harold and Santilli, Rosa, “Community Based
Tourism A Success?”, 2009,
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
265278848_Community-Based_Tourism_a_success_Community-
Based_Tourism_a_success
Babu, George and Nedelea, Alexandru “ The Business of
Community Based Tourism: A Multi-Stakeholder Approach”,
October 2007,
(PDF) The Business of Community Based Tourism: A Multi-
Stakeholder Approach (researchgate.net)
Lopez-Guzman, Tomas, et al., “Community Based Tourism in
Cape Verde : A Case Study”, April 8, 2011”
https://ideas.repec.org/a/tho/journl/v17y2011n1p3544.l
Acevedo, Laura “Business Benefits of Information
Technology”, February 05, 2019,
https://smallbusiness.chron.com/improve-business-
communication-through-text-messages-74614.html\

39
 

APPENDICES

40
 Appendix A
LETTER OF PERMISSION

May 4, 2021

HON.EDUARDO A. PALOR SR.

Barangay Captain
San Vicente, Sta. Ana, Cagayan

Dear Sir:

The undersigned is currently enrolled at Florencio L. Vargas

College Graduate School taking up Master in Public
Administration and Business Management, Major in Public
Administration and is presently conducting a research
entitled, “Sustainability of Community Based Tourism: The
Case of Palaui Island Protected Landscape and Seascape in
Sta. Ana, Cagayan”.

In this regard, I am respectfully requesting for your

approval to float my survey questionnaire to the residents
of Palaui Island as part of my data gathering procedure to
obtain relevant information with regard my research study.

I will greatly appreciate your favorable response as this

will surely help me for the completion of this study.

Thank you and God bless.

Respectfully yours,

GRACE BERBANO-RUIZ
Researcher

41
 Appendix B
LETTER TO THE RESPONDENTS

May 4, 2021

Dear Respondents:

The undersigned is currently conducting a research project

entitled, “Sustainability of Community Based Tourism: The
Case of Palaui Island Protected Landscape and Seascape in
Sta. Ana, Cagayan” as part of the requirement of the course,
Methods of Research in the Master in Public and Business
Management, Major in Public Administration.

In connection to this, I would like to request you to be one

of my respondents in this study. Your participation in
answering my survey questionnaire will greatly help me in
the completion of this study. Rest assured that all
information gathered will be used for the purpose of this
study only and the same will be kept with utmost
confidentiality.

Thank you and God bless.

Truly yours,

GRACE BERBANO-RUIZ
Researcher

42
 Appendix C
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE

PART I. PROFILE OF THE RESPONDENTS

Direction: Please fill in or check the information below.

Don’t omit any item.

Name (Optional):_____________________________________

1. Age : ( ) 18 – 29 ( ) 30 – 39
( ) 40 - 49 ( ) 50 – 59
( ) 60 above

2. Gender : ( ) Male ( ) Female

3. Civil Status : ( ) Single ( ) Married

( ) Widow/er

4. Occupation: ________________________________

PART II. SUSTAINABILITY OF COMMUNITY BASED TOURISM IN

PALAUI ISLAND IN STA. ANA, CAGAYAN

Direction: For each of the following indicators, please put

a check mark (√ ) in the column that agrees or disagrees on
the given questions relative to the level of sustainability
of Community Based Tourism industry in Palaui Island. Use
the Rating Scale given below.
Rating Scale:

5 - Strong Agree (SA)

4 – Agree (A)
3 – Somewhat Agree (SWA)
2 – Disagree (D)
1 – Strongly Disagree (SD)
SA A SWA D SD
ITEMS (5) (4) (3) (2) (1)

A. PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

1. Appropriate and unique
products and services are in
place.

43
 SA A SWA D SD
ITEMS (5) (4) (3) (2) (1)

2. Environmental and cultural

information is included in
the interpretation of the
community and its
surroundings.
3. Target market segments
are identified with their
servicing needs.
4. Transparent and fair
pricing exist for visitors
with adequate returns to
community.
5. Opportunities to tourists
to contribute to local
activities alongside
community members.
B. PROMOTION SCHEME

1. Printed brochures and

flyers were utilized to make
people know of the place.
2. The destination was
introduced to target market
during travel fairs and
shows.
3. Tourists expectation are
managed by providing accurate
information in marketing
initiatives.
4.Promotional activities
contributed to the increase
of tourists visiting the
place.

5. Tourists have the tendency

to recommend the place after
their actual visit and
experience.

C. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

1. There is a clear financial

management system and is
accessible to me.

44
 SA A SWA D SD
ITEMS (5) (4) (3) (2) (1)

2. The project maximizes the

good and services provided by
the community.
3. The collection of day pass
ticket / environmental fee
enables to control the cost
associated with the
environmental impact. 
4. I am informed of the
financial reports reflecting
revenues and expenses for the
management of the protected
area. 

5. I experience the benefit

of sound financial management
of the Community Based
Tourism.

D. MOBILITY AND SECURITY

ASSURANCE

1. There is an adequate area

allotted for tourists.

2. There is personal distance

provided that is sufficient
for the community.

3. Tourist are safe and

protected as they enjoy their
stay in the place.

4. Each and every service

provider stand ready to help
when needed.

5. Service providers are

well-equipped to mitigate
emergency occurrences.

E. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

1. Local rules and

regulations exists relevant
to the protection and

45
 SA A SWA D SD
ITEMS (5) (4) (3) (2) (1)

preservation of nature.

2. Solid waste generation is

actively discouraged.
3. Environmental information
and education programs are
available for guests, service
providers and the community.
4. There is a locally
appropriate solid waste
management system like
reusing, reducing and
recycling.

5. Practices ensure that all

rules, regulations and laws
relevant to environmental
protection are followed.

F. SOCIAL WELL-BEING
1. The CBT project enhanced
the livelihood of residents
living in the island.
2. The CBT project provided
economic incentive for me and
strengthened protection of
the island.
3. The CBT project is managed
by community members by
participating in various
decision-making.
4. The CBT project has its
existing process to obtain
equal opportunities in income
generating activities.
5. The CBT activities yielded
benefits in improving
community access to basic
services (like water,
sanitation, energy, education
and health).

PART III. PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES

46
Direction: Kindly specify on the space provided the problems
and challenges you have encountered relative to the
sustainability of the Community-Based Tourism industry in
Palaui Island Protected Landscape and Seascape.

PART IV. SUGGESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Direction: Kindly specify on the space provided your

suggestions and recommendations to sustain the community
based tourism industry in Palaui Island Protected Landscape
and Seascape.

Thank you for your time and cooperation.

THE RESEARCHER

47