SUPPORTING THE NOMINATION OF PUERTO PRINCESA SUBTERRANEAN RIVER NATIONAL PARK FOR INCLUSION IN THE RAMSAR CONVENTION LIST OF WETLANDS OF INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE

WHEREAS, R.A. 7611, otherwise known as the Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan, took effect on 19 June 1992, section 6 of which provides that the SEP shall serve as the framework to guide the government agencies concerned in the formulation of plans, programs and projects affecting the environment and natural resources of Palawan;

WHEREAS, Section 2 thereof declares the policy of the State to protect, develop and conserve its natural resources towards which, 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; that 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;

WHEREAS, this same law provides that 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;

WHEREAS, Section 7 of the same provides that the SEP shall establish, as its main strategy, 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, known as the Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN), and which shall ensure the following: forest conservation and protection; protection of watersheds; preservation of biological diversity; protection of tribal people and the preservation of their culture; maintenance of maximum sustainable yield; protection of the rare and endangered species and their habitat; provision of areas for environmental and ecological research, education and training; and provision of areas for tourist and recreation;

WHEREAS, Section 16 thereof provides that the governance, implementation and policy direction of the SEP shall be exercised by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD);

WHEREAS, on April 8, 2001, Republic Act No. 9072, otherwise known as the Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act, was passed into law to carry out the declared policy of the State to “conserve, protect and manage caves and cave resources as part of the country’s natural wealth” including, among others, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and under which law, the PCSD, in coordination with the concerned local government and other government agencies, is mandated to implement its provisions in the Province of Palawan;

WHEREAS, this Council was officially informed by DENR-PAWB, through Director Theresa Mundita Lim, that the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is being considered for nomination in the inclusion in the list of “wetlands of national importance” of the Ramsar Convention or Convention on Wetlands;

WHEREAS, this Council recognizes the need and fully supports all efforts to conserve the “distinct features and natural beauty” of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and to further its “socio-economic benefits’ to both local and national communities by establishing its importance in the international community;

WHEREFORE, for and in consideration of the above premises, upon motion, duly seconded, be it RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved, TO SUPPORT, as it is hereby supported, the nomination of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park for inclusion the Ramsar list of “wetlands of national importance”;

RESOLVED FINALLY, that a copy of this Resolution be furnished to all concerned agencies and stakeholders.

APPROVED and ADOPTED this 16th day of December 2011 in Puerto Princesa City.

I hereby certify to the correctness and accuracy of the above-quoted resolution.

ATTY.ADELINA B. BENAVENTE-VILLENA Acting Secretary

APPROVED: HON. ABRAHAM KAHLIL B. MITRA              Chairman

For PDF Copy Click Here.