Puerto Princesa City Research Articles

Estimating tourism losses due to COVID-19 Pandemic: The case of Puerto Princesa underground river, Philippines

This study estimated the economic losses of Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The PPUR in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines is part of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lost tourist arrivals caused declining PPUR revenues, affected the local economy, and posed a potential threat to PPSRNP’s environment. The Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) was used to estimate the revenue and tourist arrivals while the Simple Exponential Smoothing (SES) was used to estimate PPUR expenses. The results revealed that the PPUR lost Php 172,997,905.00 which was attributed to the foregone 281,441 international tourists and 335,687 domestic tourists from 2020-2021. The PPUR management could expect Php 2,230.56 as revenue per potential tourists, an increase in revenue of roughly Php 96.7 million, an increase in international tourist arrivals, and a decrease in domestic tourist arrivals from 2022-2024 had there been no pandemic. Thus, PPUR management should forge active collaboration with different stakeholders for sustainable operation in times of economic disaster.

READINESS OF TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL AND LIVELIHOOD (TVL) STUDENTS OF SIMPUCAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

The study assessed the level of readiness of TVL students from Simpucan National High School. It involved TVL students specializing in Housekeeping and employers from partner establishments within Puerto Princesa City. The data were gathered using descriptive design through the self-made and adapted questionnaire that gauged the level of readiness of the students and employers. Findings showed that the students are well-prepared across four key domains: personal, social, communication, and technical skills, and when it comes to the level of readiness of students by employers indicates that certain areas could be targeted for further development to enhance skills. The study could be an eye-opener to all teachers, partner institutions, administrators, and researchers in quality TVL education. Furthermore, the result of this study may be used in enhancing some aspects of the TVL programs of sustainable implementation.

Disaster Awareness and Preparedness and Disaster Risk Reduction Practices among Secondary Schools

Inevitable disasters pose a concealed threat that school leaders must address to prevent calamity and safeguard lives and assets. This study determined the disaster risk reduction awareness in selected secondary schools, aiming to mitigate current risks and enhance the resilience of vulnerable institutions. This study uses a quantitative approach. The research employed online surveys to gauge disaster risk reduction management among 50 secondary school heads and teachers in Northern Puerto Princesa City, Philippines. The findings revealed a high level of awareness among respondents, highlighting the importance of implementing programs like budget allocation for DRRM activities, student-led hazard mapping, and collaboration with local government units and NGOs. In conclusion, strengthening disaster risk reduction management and fostering partnerships are recommended for secondary schools to enhance preparedness and resilience.

Exploring Factors Influencing Job Satisfaction among Public School Teachers: A Comprehensive Study

This study investigated job satisfaction among public elementary school teachers in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, focusing on factors such as classroom resources, workload, parent-teacher relationships, collaboration, work-life balance policies, and student behavior management. Using a quantitative descriptive approach with purposive sampling and self-made survey questionnaires, the study found high overall job satisfaction, with a mean score of 4.49 (Very High). Teachers also reported high satisfaction in areas such as feeling valued and appreciated (mean = 4.43), motivation to continue teaching (mean = 4.46), and willingness to recommend the school to others (mean = 4.22). The mean score for factors influencing satisfaction was 4.11 (High), indicating some areas for improvement. ANOVA analysis revealed significant differences in job satisfaction related to factors like classroom resources, workload, parent-teacher relationships, collaboration, work-life balance policies, and student behavior management (F(5, 54) = 14.00, p < .001). Post hoc tests highlighted significant differences in satisfaction levels between classroom resources and other factors, though workload and time demands did not differ significantly from parent-teacher relationships or other aspects such as collaboration and work-life balance. The findings emphasize that a supportive work environment, effective resources, and strong collaborative practices are crucial for maintaining high job satisfaction. To further enhance job satisfaction, it is recommended to improve access to technology, provide comprehensive training in behavior management, and ensure timely updates and replacements for teaching materials. Addressing these areas will help in optimizing the work environment and support continued positive outcomes in public elementary schools in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Examining the Relationship Between Demographic Profile, Level of Preparedness, and Competencies among Senior High School TVL First Batch Graduates of Selected Public Schools of the Division of Puerto Princesa

This study described the demographic profile, level of preparedness, level of competencies and the problems encountered by the first-batch graduates of the Technical Vocational-Livelihood Track students during SY 2016-2017 from the selected public senior high schools in Puerto Princesa City. Frequency, percentage, weighted mean, analysis of variance, and Pearson-r correlation were employed to analyze the data collected. Analyzed data revealed that majority of the respondents are 24 years old, male, single, and SHS TVL Strand Electrical Installation and Maintenance graduates. Most respondents were graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and working in private sectors on a contractual basis, earning a monthly income of PHP 9,999.00 and below. Additionally, SHS TVL first batch graduates are always prepared in the majority of indicators of Tertiary education, Middle-level skills development except for Entrepreneurship, and Employment with “somewhat prepared” as the result. In line with the level of competence, the graduates are entirely competent in the majority of indicators of Learning and Innovation Skills, Communication Skills, and Information, Media and Technology Skills except for Life and Career Skills which is Fairly Competent. The SHSTVL first-batch graduates agree that the SHS Program was effectively implemented, has helped graduates acquire the competencies expected of them to learn. Results further revealed that there is no significant difference between the age, sex, civil status and SHS TVL strand and the level of preparedness of the SHS TVL first-batch graduates and between the age, sex, civil status and SHS TVL strand and the level of preparedness of the SHS TVL first-batch graduates. However, there is a significant difference between the level of preparedness of the SHS TVL first-batch graduates and their degree, work and monthly income, albeit no significant relationship between the level of preparedness and level of competencies of SHS TVL first-batch graduates and their age, sex, civil status, SHS TVL strand, degree, work, and monthly income. Among the identified solutions include strengthening of DepEd”s Work Immersion Program of Senior High School and establishing solid partnership with companies and agencies where the SHS graduates can be accommodated for employment.

A MULTIPLE CASE STUDY ON IN-PRISON TREATMENT OF PERSONS DEPRIVED OF LIBERTY IN A PENAL COLONY WITHOUT WALLS

This case study aimed to understand the lived experiences of the Persons Deprived of Liberty of Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa City. The study utilized a qualitative research design using multiple case study approach, with seven Persons Deprived of Liberty chosen through purposive sampling. Coding type of analysis was used as a data analysis tool. Results revealed, that the PDL were experiencing just and humane treatment from the jail officers especially that they were provided meaningful and useful activities and programs. On the challenges and coping mechanisms, they mentioned that challenges are triggered by different factors and their coping mechanisms are varied and it is important for their survival inside the correctional facility. Further, their insights were shared by giving lessons they discovered through individual liberty deprivation. The lived experiences of the PDL are eye opener to the whole community, to support them in order to provide them a social service intervention meant to address the issues and difficulties encountered by the PDL, this support will bring great impact as it will transform the lives of the PDL. KEYWORDS: In-prison treatment, Persons deprived of liberty, transformation, case study, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines

Sustainability Evaluation of Mangrove Forest Management System of Tagbanua Tribe in Bgy. Manalo, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines

Community-based forest management agreement in the country is a needed instrument in attaining sustainability of mangrove management. Sadly, there is no assurance that the system implemented in the mangrove forest management is sustainable. So, evaluating the mangrove management sustainability of the local tribe is a viable avenue for the appropriate management. In this study, the sustainability of the mangrove management system of the Tagbanua tribe in Bgy. Manalo, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan was evaluated. The study utilized various criteria with relevant indicators of sustainable mangrove forest management in assessing the mangrove forest management system. Focused group discussions were conducted to identify the relevant sustainable mangrove forest management C & I and verifiers. Each indicator was rated using the formulated verifiers in the form of the rating scale. Through household interviews, FGD, KII, mangrove assessment, and secondary data analysis, this study also used a mathematical model on the Sustainability Index for Individual Criteria (SIIC) to evaluate the scores for individual criteria and the Overall Sustainability Index (OSI) of the community. As a result, there are a total of seven relevant criteria, and 35 relevant indicators for Mangrove Management in Barangay Manalo. Based on the individual rating of seven criteria, the overall rating of the sustainable mangrove management system is 1.80, which implies a fairly sustainable mangrove management system. Also, the computed overall sustainability index is 0.26, which is fairly or moderately sustainable. Each criterion has strengths and weaknesses and needs to be improved to have a highly sustainable mangrove management system.

Metals and Metalloid Concentrations in Fish, Its Spatial Distribution in PPC, Philippines and the Attributable Risks.

Fish is an important source of protein in human meals around the world. However, the fish that we are eating may be contaminated with toxicants such as metals and metalloids (MMs), which may pose health risks to consumers. Information on MMs content in fishes and their potential spatial distribution scenarios would provide knowledge to the community to create strategies and protect human health. Hence, this study assessed and determined the health risk levels of MMs in both brackish and marine water fish (BMF) in Puerto Princesa City (PPC), Palawan Province, Philippines. PPC has an existing abandoned open mine pit near the PPC coastline called the "pit lake". The concentrations of As, Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn, Hg, and Zn in fishes were analyzed using portable Olympus Vanta X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF), and the spatial distribution of MMs concentrations in BMF was analyzed using a GIS (geographic information system). Fishes were sampled from fishing boat landing sites and nearby seafood markets. The results revealed that the concentration of MMs in marine fish was generally higher than the brackish water fish. It was recorded that the Hg concentration in marine water fish meat was higher than in brackish water fish meat. The Mn concentration in marine water fish exceeded the permissible limits set by international bodies. An elevated concentration of Mn in BMF was detected across the northern part of PPC, and an elevated concentration of Hg in marine fishes was recorded in the southeast area, where the fish landing sites are located. Ba was also detected in BMF across the southern part of PPC. Moreover, an elevated concentration of Cu was detected in MBF in the northeast and in marine fish in the southeastern area of PPC. Further, this paper elaborates the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks of these fishes to the PPC population and tourists with respect to the MMs content in fish meat.

The Effects of the Pandemic on the Selected Hotel Industry in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan: Basis for the Development of Recovery Strategies

Puerto Princesa City is one of the most popular tourist sites in the nation. The City encompasses the east coast, which faces the Sulu Sea, and the west coast, which faces the West Philippines Sea and is located in the province of Palawan's center. It occupies a vast tract of land characterized by a high forest cover set in a chain of mountain ranges home to diverse flora and fauna. Its imposing mountains and lush rainforests ensure adequate coordination from the Department of Trade in the industry in helping the hospitality industry watershed, where water overflows into life-giving rivers, waterfalls, and streams. The study enerally aimed to ascertain the Pandemic's effects on the chosen hotel sector in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, and to develop a basis for developing recovery strategies. It was conducted in twenty hotels on the initiatives and interventions of the government during this covid-19 Pandemic. Henceforth, on the perceived recovery strategies by the hotel owners/managers, the hotel suggested adopting digital solutions, pricing tactics, and safety protocols that fit in this new normal.

School-based Management Challenges and Coping Strategies in the Secondary Educational System of Puerto Princesa City and Palawan during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Educators’ coping methods are becoming more widely recognized worldwide as a critical element of a resilient educational system. This study aimed to assess the educational challenges faced by school heads, teachers, and parents during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the four aspects of school-based management (SBM) practices, and to evaluate the different coping strategies adopted. A triangulation research design and a cross-sectional study approach were used, utilizing the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) Inventory. The study was conducted in the Divisions of Puerto Princesa City (PPC) and Palawan secondary schools with a total of 735 respondents. The findings revealed that challenges were fairly evident across all four aspects of SBM practices in the PPC and Palawan Divisions. The non-parametric Wilcoxon test showed significant differences in the level of challenges encountered by secondary school heads between the two Divisions, specifically in "leadership and governance" (W=45, p-value=0.010), "curriculum and instruction" (W=114, p-value=0.000), "accountability and continuous improvement" (W=56, p-value=0.012), and "management of resources" (W=16, p-value=0.028). Results from Brief COPE indicated that the most used coping mechanism by school heads and teachers was “active coping,” with 3.65±0.42 and 3.85±0.69 respectively, while for parents, “self-distraction” (3.33±0.0) accounts the most used domain. Parents and school heads had high coping skills in the domains of “active coping,” “denial,” and “behavioral disengagement,” while “self-distraction” was also highly manifested by school heads. However, teachers had high coping skills in all 14 domains of the Brief COPE. The Wilcoxon test found no significant differences in the varying coping strategies of school head (W=97, p-value=0.982), teachers (W=118, p-value=0.370), and parents (W=119, p-value=0.334) between PPC and Palawan Divisions. This study paves opportunities to implement a customized intervention program based on the perceived needs of these stakeholders as a starting point to address the challenges they faced during the pandemic.

Assessment Challenges Encountered by Teachers in the Implementation of Printed Modular Distance Learning

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unprecedented challenges in the field of education. Printed Modular Distance Learning (PMDL) was one of the most challenging modes of instruction in basic education, and the assessment stage posed specific difficulties for secondary school teachers in the Schools Division of Puerto Princesa City during the School Year 2020-2021. This research aimed to explore the real-life experiences of 15 secondary school teachers who taught via PMDL. Using a phenomenological study, the researcher conducted individual interviews with the teachers, who were chosen through purposive sampling. The study found that teachers encountered various challenges during the implementation of PMDL, with specific difficulties arising during the assessment stage. One of the significant problems reported by the participants was the submission of unanswered or incomplete modules by some students. Additionally, some learners had modules that were answered by their parents or other family members, while others copied answers directly from the internet or answer keys. The lack of names on modules and illegible handwriting also added to the challenges experienced by the teachers. Furthermore, the sheer volume of modules to be checked was a significant challenge for the participants. To ensure the quality and validity of module-based assessments, it is recommended that guidelines be provided to learners, monitoring and feedback mechanisms be put in place, and policies that prevent cheating be implemented. Educators should also have workload management strategies to ensure timely grading and feedback.

Multi-spatiotemporal analysis of changes in mangrove forests in Palawan, Philippines: predicting future trends using a support vector machine algorithm and the Markov chain model.

Multi-temporal remote sensing imagery can be used to explore how mangrove assemblages are changing over time and facilitate critical interventions for ecological sustainability and effective management. This study aims to explore the spatial dynamics of mangrove extents in Palawan, Philippines, specifically in Puerto Princesa City, Taytay and Aborlan, and facilitate future predictions for Palawan using the Markov Chain model. The multi-date Landsat imageries during the period 1988-2020 were used for this research. The support vector machine algorithm was sufficiently effective for mangrove feature extraction to generate satisfactory accuracy results (>70% kappa coefficient values; 91% average overall accuracies). In Palawan, a 5.2% (2693 ha) decrease was recorded during 1988-1998 and an 8.6% increase in 2013-2020 to 4371 ha. In Puerto Princesa City, a 95.9% (2758 ha) increase was observed during 1988-1998 and 2.0% (136 ha) decrease during 2013-2020. The mangroves in Taytay and Aborlan both gained an additional 2138 ha (55.3%) and 228 ha (16.8%) during 1988-1998 but also decreased from 2013 to 2020 by 3.4% (247 ha) and 0.2% (3 ha), respectively. However, projected results suggest that the mangrove areas in Palawan will likely increase in 2030 (to 64,946 ha) and 2050 (to 66,972 ha). This study demonstrated the capability of the Markov chain model in the context of ecological sustainability involving policy intervention. However, as this research did not capture the environmental factors that may have influenced the changes in mangrove patterns, it is suggested adding cellular automata in future Markovian mangrove modelling.

Extreme Event-based Rainfall-runoff Simulation Utilizing GIS Techniques in Irawan Watershed, Palawan, Philippines

River flow assessments and ecologically sustainable water management plans are now possible due to the advancement of sophisticated computer models. The US Army Corps of Engineers developed the HEC-HMS model, which can be used for various hydrological simulations. Rainfall-runoff modeling aids in estimating peak flows, which is critical for water resource management planning. On December 18, 2017, a heavy rainfall event in the ungauged Irawan basin in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines, was simulated to determine the peak flow and amount of water. The current research aims to construct a rainfall-runoff simulation model. A specific hyetograph is used to make the hydrographs for the basin. This study utilizes ArcGIS and QGIS, which perform the geospatial analysis and provide the HEC-HMS model's hydrologic modeling inputs. The hydrological parameters were determined using soil type, land use, and land cover maps. Incorporating SCS loss, Clark unit hydrograph, and Muskingum flow routing, HEC-HMS was employed in the rainfall-runoff simulation. Rainfall data corresponding to the recorded streamflow was used to calibrate and validate the parameters. Several performance metrics, including Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) and Percentage Bias (PBIAS), were utilized to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the system. An effective decision-making and warning system can be implemented using the developed model. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2023-09-01-017 Full Text: PDF

“I have Loans”: A Communicative Study of Teachers Living with Loans

The study looks at the life of teachers at the public school living with loans through the Phenomenological Tradition of Communication that conceives communication as a dialogue or experience of otherness. The study, a phenomenological approach, sought to answer the overarching question: how is the life of teachers who have loans? Specifically, it sought to answer (1) what are their reasons for resorting to loan?; and (2) what are their coping mechanisms to provide their daily needs? The study assumed that teacher's motives and actions towards loans could only understand through their experience. The study designed qualitatively wherein teachers from public a public elementary school at the Schools Division of Puerto Princesa City, Philippines were intentionally chosen (non-probability) and interviewed based on their common experience.
 Four public elementary teachers with loans and take-home pay of four thousand pesos participated in the study. A semi-structured interview was done and recorded with their permission. The data were transcribed and analyzed by coding and constructing themes. Teachers have loans because of their (1) perceived personal needs such as (a) expenses for their wedding; (2) and perceived family needs such as (a) expenses for baby's needs, (b) tuition of family members, (3) housing for the family, (5) and to pay the debt of the family. Their perceived needs direct them to resort to loans, which led them to have a take-home pay of four thousand pesos, wherein for them, it is not enough to sustain their daily needs. Thus, it urges them to have various coping mechanisms to maintain their everyday living that include (1) re-loan and "bunggo," (2) seeking financial help from other members of the family, (3) and becoming a wise spender. It further revealed that to sustain the authentic relationship between teacher (self) and loan (other) both must have a continuous perceived needs and benefits. The study recommended some recommendations wherein teachers and school heads may consider.

Community-Based Mangrove Forest Management Sustainability Analysis in Tagpait, Aborlan and Bacungan, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines

Community-based mangrove forest management is the national strategy of the Philippines for mangrove protection. However, aquaculture, resource extraction, and tourism activities of the community may cause degradation and no assurance of sustainability. A number of generalizations may be drawn as to the purposes of this study. This study is useful in developing the contextualized evaluation tool and evaluating the mangrove management system of the communities. This study evaluated the sustainability of mangrove forest management systems by the local community in Tagpait, Aborlan, and Bacungan, Puerto Princesa City, using applicable criteria and indicators (C & I) of sustainable mangrove forest management that were identified through FGDs. This study also identified seven applicable criteria and 35 indicators. The formulation of the verifiers through the rating scale for each applicable indicator was conducted through FGDs and KIIs. The formulated verifiers were used to evaluate the sustainability of mangrove management systems in both communities using HHI, FGDs, KIIs, and secondary data analysis. The results show that Tagpait has a grand mean of 2.31, while Bacungan has a grand mean of 2.47, in which Bacungan has a higher rating of sustainability of mangrove forest management system. Both communities fall under the fair status of sustainability. Also, the Overall Sustainability Index value of Bacungan is 0.35 (moderately sustainable) while Tagpait has 0.33 (moderately sustainable). Hence, Bacungan has better management, but by looking at the Sustainability Index for Individual Criteria, each community has its strengths and weaknesses in sustainable management. Lastly, this study may be utilized by concerned agencies to evaluate the sustainability of the mangrove management system of each community.

Mercury Concentration of the Soil Profiles of the Abandoned Mercury Mine in Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines

This study measured the total mercury (THg) concentration in Palawan Quicksilver Mines, Inc., Sta. Lourdes, Philippines. A relatively variable but higher mercury concentration was found in this mine site (23.40 and 250.00 mg-kg–1) than the background global mercury concentration for pristine soil (0.045–0.16 mg-kg–1). The O and A horizons contained the highest mercury concentration, where humic substances abound. The B horizon, composed mainly of clay material, had a mercury level ranging from 23.40–188.00 mg-kg–1. The soil profiles have a substantial amount of clay minerals that could hold a labile fraction of mercury, and infiltration into the groundwater was improbable. Revegetation could help improve soil structure stabilization and may help stabilize soil particles containing mercury from erosion or runoff.

Assessment and Evaluation of IWRM Implementation in Palawan, Philippines

According to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 6), the world needs to sustainably manage water resources through integrated water resource management (IWRM). The Philippines is committed to this goal by ensuring the implementation of IWRM at all levels. Concurrently, there is growing evidence that there is presently no consolidated data on the status of implementation at the sub-national level. With water shortages on the increase, it's more important than ever to find solutions to settle disputes and trade-offs so that water can be distributed effectively, sustainably, and equally. This paper aims to investigate the degree of implementation of IWRM that presents the actual state of affairs in terms of water management at the sub-national level. This study is focused on Palawan Province, with the following sites: Puerto Princesa City, El Nido, Roxas, and Taytay. A structured survey questionnaire was drawn up in accordance with the existing questionnaire developed for this purpose. The obtained data were computed using the steps developed for calculating the indicators of IWRM implementation degree. Puerto Princesa City, El Nido, Roxas, and Taytay have the following IWRM ratings: 39.93, 32.03, 37.99, and 36.32%, respectively, which means "medium-low" in which the IWRM components have largely been institutionalized, and deployment is well underway. In these regions, a subnational water management scheme exists, but its maximum capacity is mostly unrealized due to numerous constraints. The findings show that the numerous water laws are confusing and that water data for planning purposes is lacking. Even though there are many water agencies, they are not interconnected. This study is useful for successful IWRM implementation, which should encourage sustainable water resource management for environmental sustainability. Integrated methods for water resource management help to organize sustainable growth by assessing how water is handled in agriculture, urban applications, and the surrounding ecosystems. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2022-08-02-08 Full Text: PDF

Landscape Structure’ Influence on the Source of Livelihood of the Population: The Case of Narra, Palawan Philippines

Landscape structure is composed of the different patterns of land, vegetation, bodies of water, man-made structures like highways. This study describes the slope, climate, labour force, landscape structure, and source of livelihood of the population in Narra Palawan, Philippines, utilizing landscape maps: [watershed, water and land use, soil, road network, environmentally critical area network map (ECAN)], using the patch-corridor-matrix model (PCMM). The human-environment interaction models that exist in the livelihood of the population were also disclosed. Narra has been known as the “rice granary of Palawan” and is strategically situated in Southern Palawan, ninety-six (96) kilometers from Puerto Princesa City. Land use map and soil map of Narra Palawan indicate more areas for agriculture and fishery as source of livelihood of its population. Road map of Narra Palawan shows that all villages is accessible, that favours marketing of agricultural products. The controlled, traditional, and multiple use zones in ECAN map, favours agricultural production. The human-environment interaction model that prevails in their livelihood are; environmental determinism wherein the sources of livelihood depended on the resources in the environment. Ecosystem-based model is express in farming system among settler-farmers. Cultural ecology is practiced by Tagbanua and, Palaw’an wherein Swidden farming is their farming system. The use of categorical maps revealed that it influenced the livelihood sources of the population dominantly on agriculture. It attested to the fact that Narra is an agriculture-based municipality.

Health Risk Assessment of Trace Metals in the Vicinity of an Abandoned Mercury Mine in Puerto Princesa City, Philippines

Abandoned mines pose high risks to human health and the environment due to the disturbed and exposed metal-laden soils and sediments. In this study, soils and sediments in an abandoned mercury (Hg) mine in Puerto Princesa City, Philippines were analyzed to assess the potential adverse health effects of the exposure to trace metals associated with the mine wastes. A total of 63 soil and sediment samples were collected in the area and analyzed for Hg concentration using a direct Hg analyzer and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for other trace metals. Analysis results showed that aside from Hg, there are anomalous concentrations of Ni (nickel), Cr (chromium), and Mn (manganese) in the area brought by the value of the mineralogy of the ores that were mined. The measured trace metal concentrations, together with the United States (US) Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) exposure parameters and the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) toxicity values were used to calculate the dose contacted from different exposure pathways. The result of the health risk assessment showed that Hg was considered as the main contributor of non-carcinogenic risk in the area with a hazard index of > 1 for both children and adults. Inhalation of Hg vapor from the soils and sediments is found to be a significant addition to the health risks in the area. Other trace metals such as Co (cobalt), Fe (iron), Ni (nickel), and Tl (thallium) were calculated with a hazard index greater than 1, which poses a health risk to children due to the ingestion pathway. All carcinogenic trace metals assessed were below the guidance value, indicating no significant carcinogenic health risks for both adults and children in the area. This work serves as an initial step of the country in the assessment of the risks to human health and the environment brought by Hg contaminated areas, as stated in the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

Integrating Historic Mine Hazard Scoring for Comprehensive Assessment of Abandoned Mine Rehabilitation in the Philippines

Abandoned mines remain a social, environmental, and health-risk problem for the Philippines. These abandoned sites are generally characterized by water-filled pit lakes surrounded with disturbed and exposed soils and sediments containing elevated values of heavy metals and other environmental contaminants. Previous studies with abandoned mines in the Philippines have initiated the use of integrated methods for the assessment of existing abandoned mine site conditions as a tool for decision-making. To further provide a numerical basis for rehabilitation prioritization, this paper aimed to utilize the modified Historic Mine Site Scoring System (HMS-SS) for physical and environmental hazard assessment of the abandoned mercury mine located in Barangay Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines and to produce hazard classification maps based on the generated scores. Results identified the pit lake to be extremely hazardous physically, however, the liquid material (rainfall accumulation in the pit) yielded very low environmental hazard scores with only a few identified points that exceed the regulatory limit. Moreover, the two (2) identified mine tailings sites were found to be physically moderately hazardous but are categorized as extremely hazardous for the environmental aspect. The hazard scoring, coupled with the integrated environmental methods for characterization and development of hazard maps, is recommended as a scientific and quantitative basis for providing decisions in priority of actions to be taken with regards to abandoned mine sites.