November 24–27, 2025 — In celebration of the International Day for Biosphere Reserves (BRs), the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS), through the ECAN Education and Extension Division (EEED), in collaboration with the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM), hosted a group of delegates from fellow BRs in the Philippines—Puerto Galera, Albay, and Apayao—as part of the BR Youth Exchange Program.
The activity spanned three municipalities within the Palawan BR: Aborlan, Narra, and Quezon, and served as an interchange of environmental education and best practices anchored on the institutionalized functions of conservation, development, and logistic support.
Youth representation was also emphasized through simultaneous celebrations across the country, underscoring their role as drivers of meaningful change. The selected municipalities were purposeful choices; each showcased a distinct aspect of the Palawan BR’s blend of culture, rigorous conservation efforts, and carefully managed development practices.
The visit began in Aborlan, where Hon. Lito O. Tito, Mayor, welcomed the delegates and introduced the municipality’s tourism destinations and its vision of becoming the Southern Palawan tourism hub—an aspiration strengthened by its proximity to the highly urbanized Puerto Princesa City. From there, the group witnessed the deep cultural heritage of the Tagbanua, whose ritualistic movements reflect the original intent of their ancestors rather than modern reinterpretations. The delegates immersed themselves in Aborlan’s scenic sites and community-led tourism initiatives that support local livelihoods and capacity-building programs, particularly those encouraging the youth to engage in sustainable farming and develop practical livelihood skills.
The delegation then proceeded to the Municipality of Narra, where Hon. Gerandy B. Danao briefly joined the group to provide an overview of the municipality. The Katala Foundation, Inc. hosted the visit and emphasized the conservation dimension of the Palawan BR. They introduced the delegates to the Philippine Cockatoo during a morning birdwatching session and through an exclusive facility tour at the Katala Institute. The visit underscored the persistent challenges faced in conservation work and highlighted the need for collective action on all fronts.
In the municipality of Quezon, the group paid a courtesy visit to Hon. Lily G. Torrico, Mayor, hosted by the Municipal Administrator and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer. This final stop underscored the Palawan BR as a cradle of heritage through a visit to the Tabon Caves Complex in Lipuun Point. The delegates were introduced to more than 50,000 years of history preserved in towering limestone cliffs, fossilized remains, and invaluable archaeological artifacts. These discoveries have strengthened ongoing efforts within the Palawan BR to advocate for the site’s declaration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the delegates had the remarkable privilege of witnessing this history firsthand.
LGU Quezon also organized an educational gathering for the delegates and invited nearby participants fromWestern Philippines University (WPU). The delegates delivered presentations on their respective BRs, facilitating an exchange of knowledge aimed at strengthening youth awareness and empowerment. The activity culminated in an exclusive screening of Fragile Frontier: The Climate Story of Palawan, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which reminded the students of the Palawan BR’s vulnerability despite its distinction as the country’s Last Ecological Frontier.
As the trip concluded, a shared sense of responsibility settled across the auditorium—among delegates, students, and local officials alike. The messages of knowledge, accountability, and urgent action resonated strongly. The BR exchange was, by all measures, a success; and it was now up to each participant to reflect on their insights and continue forging pathways of change within their own BRs, guided by hope and resilience in the face of daunting challenges—all toward a sustainable future.
