𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐚, 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

Barangay Sarong in Bataraza, Palawan hosted a two-day community consultation on March 15-16, 2024, addressing the proposed establishment of a 217-hectare mangrove area as a Critical Habitat in Sitio Barangkas. The event, spearheaded by Graymont Philippines Inc., in collaboration with the Local Government of Bataraza, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS), and Puerto Princesa City ENRO, aimed to engage stakeholders in crucial discussions.

Representatives from PCSDS -ECAN Zones Management and Evaluation Division (EZMED) and District Management Division (DMD) South, were actively involved throughout the consultation.

The first day focused on engaging Local Government Unit Officials and relevant government agencies, while the second day extended the discussion to include the local community. Key topics addressed included the objectives of the activity, company profile of GPI, PCSDS Resolution No. 13-481, guidelines on Critical Habitat establishment, experiences from Cleopatra’s Needle Critical Habitat (CNCH), and the results of fauna assessments in the proposed area.

Stakeholders actively participated in an open forum, expressing opinions, suggestions, and raising critical issues such as permitted activities within the Critical Habitat, monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, and prioritization of local community involvement in conservation projects.

The consultation concluded with a majority of stakeholders declaring their support, while Indigenous People (IP) chieftains expressed the need for consultation with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) before finalizing their stance.