Puerto Princesa Research Articles

Palawan Peacock Pheasant (Polyplectron Napoleonis) Species Distribution Modeling: A Review of the Impact of Typhoon Rai/Odette on the Diversity and Distribution of an Endemic Bird Species

This study quantified the habitat requirements and, consequently, described the remaining suitable habitats through species distribution modeling of Polyplectron napoleonis within Cleopatra’s Needle Forest Reserve and Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park after the onslaught of Typhoon Odette in the Palawan region. This was accomplished using MaxEnt software, a statistical machine-learning algorithm that creates niche models with presence-only (PO) data and surrounding environmental variables (Dudik et al., 2007; Merow et al., 2013). Previous studies have identified precipitation, elevation, and land cover as the top environmental variables influencing tandikan habitat suitability, as revealed by their percent contributions. There were earlier claims of the noticeable movement of habitat-suitable areas to the fringes and beyond Cleopatra's Needle Forest Reserve. The migration seems to be going towards highland forests. Two factors could be behind this migration: the tandikan are responding to climate change or avoiding human disturbance. As this species is known to have a high tolerance for temperature change, the latter could be the more plausible factor. For 2022, post-Odette, MaxEnt analysis revealed a shift of percent contributions with elevation and land cover classification outranking aspect and slope. Environmental layers were limited to four, as these were the only currently available data. This shift in percent contributions could be linked to the direct damage to forests brought by the Typhoon in December of 2021. The land cover map generated for this year has shown large areas of forests that were converted into non-forests. Conservation efforts, therefore, for the tandikan, a forest species, should be recalibrated in response to this current development. Further, measures to mitigate the impact of solid typhoons on forests should be reviewed and evaluated.

Experiences and aspirations of seaweed farmers in Palawan, Philippines

Many coastal dwellers engage in seaweed farming despite of various challenges because of its simple farming technology, low capital investment, and short cultivation period. This paper explored the attitudes of seaweed farmers (n = 187) from nine coastal communities of Aborlan, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, and Taytay, Palawan towards the difficulties and challenges they experienced. The farmers’ experiences in seaweed farming, mid-term aspirations, and factors affecting their positive attitudes towards seaweed farming were gathered using a Likert-scale questionnaire in KoBoToolbox. Focused group discussion (FGD) sessions were also conducted to obtain more data about their optimistic attitudes. Participants are 55% male and 45% female. Results revealed that farmers had a high level of optimism toward seaweed farming. The majority (75%) ‘will continue to engage in planning the next cropping cycle’, most (89%) ‘are expecting to have a good harvest’, and almost all (96%) ‘are planning to generate raw dried seaweeds from their harvest.’ Many (59%) of the respondents obtained high earnings from seaweed farming, but most (93%) experienced economic losses. As recovery options, 92% aspired to culture other organisms such as sea cucumber and abalone. Further, most of them wanted to seek assistance from government offices (91%), participate in seaweed product development (86.5%), and join a cooperative (87.5%). This study could serve as baseline information in designing relevant training and educational activities to assist seaweed farmers in managing their farms sustainably. Subsequently, this could aid in formulating effective policies to address similar problems of seaweed farmers in other municipalities of Palawan.

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.

AWARENESS OF THE ANTI-PHOTO AND VIDEO VOYEURISM ACT OF 2009 (RA 9995) IN SELECTED UNIVERSITIES IN PALAWAN

The early exposure of individuals to the use of technology may lead to the dangers of internet pornography sites and materials. Since scrolling social media platforms has become a pastime of every learner in this generation, it is essential to guide them to have responsible online conduct and avoid voyeuristic behaviors. Thus, this study aimed to determine the level of awareness of the learners in the existence of laws that can protect or prohibit them from such violence, specifically the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009 (RA 9995). This study adopted a descriptive research design and employed a random sampling technique to select 100 respondents from three universities in Palawan. The survey instruments utilized in this investigation were disseminated via survey forms using Google Forms. The descriptive analysis was used to identify respondents' awareness levels in RA 9995. Findings revealed that respondents' level of awareness about the law was "not aware," which means that most of them are unaware of the existence of RA 9995. The study's findings would reference the faculty and staff of the College Universities in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, if possible, in their extension program.

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.

Selection of fast-growing seaweed cultivars in Palawan, Philippines

Seaweed farming in Palawan currently involves different local cultivars. At least 12 of these cultivars were successfully grown in an indoor facility employing the branch culture techniques and were sea-out planted in Puerto Princesa Bay since 2015. Six of these cultivars yielded relatively high daily growth rates and were selected for the year-round field-testing experiment to compare the growth rates among cultivars and species, between farming sites, and across seasons from 01 July 2021 until 15 August 2022. Monitoring of cultivars’ daily growth rates (DGRs) was conducted in 100 m2 experimental floating monoline plots in Green Island and Sitio Amogues of the municipalities of Roxas and Taytay, Palawan, respectively. Findings revealed that seaweed DGRs significantly varied among cultivars and species (p = 0.001; p = 0.008). The “spinosum” brown from Puerto Princesa and “sacol” green from Green Island, Roxas had higher DGRs, 4.28% and 4.10%, respectively. Grouping the cultivars per species, the cultivars of Eucheuma denticulatum (L. Burmann) Collins & Hervey had higher DGRs compared to Kappaphycus striatus (F. Schmitz) L. M. Liao and Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) L. M. Liao. Spatial and seasonal variabilities in cultivar DGRs were also evident. Four cultivars obtained significantly different DGRs between planting sites. The “tambalang” (p = 0.010) and “magnolia” (p = 0.006) with DGRs of 3.26% and 4.08%, respectively in Green Island Roxas, while the “spinosum” brown from Puerto Princesa (p < 0.001; 4.86% DGR) and San Vicente (p < 0.001; 4.45% DGR) in Amogues, Taytay. Three cultivars in Green Island, Roxas, obtained significantly higher DGRs during the wet season. These were the “tambalang” (p = 0.000; 3.98% DGR), “magnolia” (p = 0.000; 4.57% DGR), and “spinosum”-brown from Puerto Princesa (p = 0.006; 5.23% DGR). In Amogues, Taytay, all six cultivars obtained significantly higher DGRs during the wet season: “tambalang” (p = 0.210; 3.17% DGR); “lakatan” (p = 0.004; 2.69% DGR); “spinosum” brown from Puerto Princesa (p = 0.00; 3.97% DGR); and San Vicente (p = 0.00; 3.39% DGR). A cropping calendar that indicates the fast-growing cultivars to be planted at a particular site and season is provided in this study. This information shall aid local farmers in cultivar selection towards a sustainable seaweed farm management in Palawan.

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.

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.

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.

Annotated Checklist of Cartilaginous Fishes in Palawan Waters

An annotated checklist of 67 species of sharks, rays, and chimaeras (Chondrichthyes) confirmed to be present in Palawan waters was described based on (1) market visits in Puerto Princesa, Aborlan, Brookes Point, and Roxas between October 2021 and March 2022; (2) contributory citizen science soliciting photographs and video footage validated by the authors; and (3) review of various ichthyologic types of research in Palawan that include museum collection records, taxonomic papers, results of DNA analysis, institutional project reports, and related literature, particularly on the occurrence and distributional range of the species. An additional 24 species were placed on the unconfirmed list due to insufficient evidence collected and thus required further investigation. The Province of Palawan exercises environmental jurisdiction over its surrounding marine areas under Republic Act No. 7611, known as the Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan, with the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), as its regulatory, enforcement, and policy-making authority. In response to the Wildlife Act (Republic Act 9147), the PCSD drafted Resolution 15-521(s. 2015), which updated the list of terrestrial and marine wildlife species in Palawan for protection and management and included only 15 shark and ray species. This paper provides an updated list of Palawan Chondrichthyes (with notes on the conservation status based on the IUCN Global Red List Assessment), suggests a prescriptive approach to enhancing conservation policies in the province, and addresses some critical issues of conservation and management of the Philippine sharks and related species, in particular, and the Philippine fisheries in general.

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.

Implementation of Blended Learning Under the New Normal In Selected Elementary Schools in Puerto Princesa District II, Palawan

The study was conducted to assess the implementation of blended learning under the new normal in selected elementary school in Puerto Princesa District II. Descriptive survey, mean, frequency, Slovin Formula, Pearson-r, and T-test were the statistical tools employed. Laptop computers and smartphones were the most accessible devices for the implementation of blended learning of the teachers and school administrators, while basic cellular phone and smartphone were the most accessible for learners and parents. Mobile data was the most accessible internet connection for school administrators, teachers, learners and parents. Face-to-face modality was more preferable compared to blended learning for school administrators, teachers, learners and parents. Moreover, there is no significant relationship between the respondents’ capacity and access and technical readiness. On the other hand, a significant difference existed between the respondents’ capacity and access for blended learning; and also, between the respondents’ technical readiness for blended learning.

MARINE TURTLE CONSERVATION PROGRAM AT PUERTO PRINCESA SUBTERRANEAN RIVER NATIONAL PARK: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP)-Marine Turtle Conservation Program (MTCP) can be found in West Coast of Palawan Philippines. Geographical location is located in the global center of marine biodiversity, the Coral Triangle. This study described the profile of PPSNRP-MTCP in terms of location, species of marine turtles, number of hatchlings released per year, management organizational structure, conservation activities and, determined the perceived management challenges and opportunities encountered by employees during COVID 19 pandemic. Documentary analysis, net-notgraphy and focal group virtual discussion and structured questionnaires were used in data gathering. There are 3 species that were recorded in the conservation site; Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata and Lepidochelys olivacea. Hatchling success from 2015 to 2021 is at an average of 82%, and the mean hatchlings per year is 1659.4 (+/- sd.699.31). Lowest was 697 in 2014-2015, highest in 2019-2020 with 2,476 hatchlings. MTCP is under the supervision of Protected Area Superintendent (PASu). The management activities are; regular monitoring of egg nesting and hatching of the eggs, implementation of easement zone, community coastal clean-up, releasing of hatchlings and conservation awareness campaign. Debris left by typhoon Odette is the perceived very high challenge while the absence of noise during nesting season is perceived at a very high opportunity.

From rifting to emplacement: Variable mantle melting preserved in the central Palawan Ophiolite peridotites, Philippines

ABSTRACT The mantle section of the central Palawan Ophiolite (CPO) in western Philippines is dominantly composed of dunites and harzburgites. Basal lherzolites and harzburgites juxtaposed with the metamorphic sole of the CPO are also exposed within the vicinity of Ulugan Bay, Puerto Princesa. These basal peridotites provide novel information regarding the processes transpiring in the upper mantle during the evolution of this preserved oceanic lithosphere. The Nasuduan lherzolite is characterized by low Cr# of spinel and high concentrations of REEs in clinopyroxenes. The Oyster Bay lherzolite displays similar fertile characteristics and occurs with harzburgites. Both contain fine-grained and interstitial clinopyroxenes derived from interstitial melts. Tremolite and talc in the Oyster Bay lherzolite and harzburgite and in other CPO harzburgites are attributed to slab-fluid metasomatism. Harzburgites and dunites from Bentoan Beach and other CPO harzburgites have high spinel Cr# and low clinopyroxene REE concentrations. These indicate that these peridotites have undergone extensive degrees of melting facilitated by fluids. The petrological and geochemical signatures of the CPO peridotites record the transition of a supra-subduction zone from back-arc spreading, incipient subduction, to the obduction of an ancient oceanic lithosphere.

Strategic Implementation of Integrated Water Resource Management in Selected Areas of Palawan: SWOT-AHP Method

In the recent past, Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) has emerged as the method of choice for resolving a wide range of water-related conflicts that arise between governments and stakeholders all over the globe. Despite a variety of regulations and initiatives being put into place, there is still skepticism over their actual execution. In 2006, the Philippine government began updating the water policy and regulatory framework to promote IWRM as a foundation for sustainable development. However, implementation of this national and subnational structure is still in process. This study intends to identify and rank the key elements likely to affect IWRM changes at the subnational level in Palawan Province. Specifically, this study aims to identify the elements that might improve the result of adopting IWRM, which is as important as designing policies, institutions, and instruments for putting the approach into action. This approach combined the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) techniques, a hybrid multi-criteria decision procedure, SWOT-AHP. Expert group discussion revealed the essential elements impacting IWRM implementation in this research, and these elements were categorized into SWOT categories. The AHP approach was used to determine the relative relevance of each component identified in the SWOT analysis. The results show that the following ranking groups have a higher priority for Puerto Princesa: threats (group weight 48.8%), strengths (35.4%), weaknesses (10.7%), and opportunities (5.1%). The ranking group for Roxas is the following: opportunities (36.8%), strengths (27.4%), weaknesses (21.5%), and threats (14.3%). Taytay has the following ranking group: opportunities (27.9%), weaknesses (27.1%), threats (24.7%), and strengths (20.3%). While El Nido has the following ranking group: strengths (33.5%), weaknesses (24.3%), opportunities (24%), and threats (18.2%). This research identified and prioritized the key components essential to the effectiveness of the IWRM concept in the research sites. This study recommends evaluating IWRM implementation using the upgraded element framework, enhancing the strategic framework to assess state, federal, and local IWRM governance performance.