by Alex S. Marcaida                                                                                                                           Media Bureau Chief PCSD

 

Puerto Princesa City: The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) urged the International Botanical Registry to rename the newly discovered rat-eating pitcher plant called Nepenthes attenboroughii to Palawan-nomenclature. This orchid which thrives in Palawan was discovered in 2007 by two British botanists namely Stewart Mcpherson and Alastair Robinson in the forested peaks of Victoria Range, Narra Palawan and registered its name after a famous British film maker/artist.

Just this year, it was published by Botanical Journal of Linnean Society. Scientists worldwide took notice of the discovery and hailed the British scientists for this rare find. This pisses-off PCSD as it is unfair to Palawan which should take recognition of this precious find. The PCSD contests that credits of this discovery should belong to Palawan as it was found here. The name therefore should annotate that of Palawan This discovery recently captured the headlines of national and international media due to reports indicating the plant as rodent-eating as it can trap and dissolve prey with its acid-like enzyme inside its pitcher-shaped leaves. But according to respected Filipino scientists, this is anecdotal as simply the pitcher plant is a passive trap and does not literally attack preys. Gov. Joel T. Reyes, chairman of the PCSD said that “this haggle over the name of the orchid is not simply an ownership issue, but the ecological and economical implications it would bring for Palawan. Presence of pitcher plant in a forest ecosystem indicates a healthy ecosystem meaning Palawan should be credited for its lushness and biodiversity”, Reyes stressed. Consequently, PCSDS OIC-Exec. Dir. Romeo B. Dorado opined that the two British botanists may face legal charges in the Philippine Court. The PCSDS suspects that the conduct of the study was illegal as it did not conform to Palawan environmental laws. Specifically, the study was conducted without an SEP Clearance and Environmental Compliance Certificates which is a blatant violation to the SEP Law (RA 7611), the Environmental Impact Assessment Law and Wildlife Act (RA 9147). “Palawan has been a victim of bio-piracy in years, our natural endowments had been transformed into pharmaceutical and landmark products without Palawan getting any share of royalties and even copies of the study literatures xxx. The SEP Law provides that all programs and projects including researches are subject to the SEP Clearance system and should conform to related environmental laws, and this study is not exempt” Dorado closed.

Our fans who are regular listeners of RJ 100.3FM, especially those who live in Palawan, will be happy to know that we are proud to announce our newest addition to the rock 'n roll radio and media family: RJ 99.1FM. It was launched last Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, in Puerto Princessa, Palawan and it's live via satellite from Manila. Let the music begin!

 

Puerto Princesa

Known facts of the 1st class city in the Philippines:

Puerto Princesa is known to have some of the most beautiful resorts in all of the Philippines and known to be one of the most tranquil havens in all of Asia. It is famous for its tourist sites, namely the Crocodile Farm and Nature Park, Vietnamese Village (or Viet Ville), diving spots and, of course, its renowned underground river at the Subterranean River National Park.

Ang Lungsod ng Puerto Princesa, in Filipino, or The City of Puerto Princesa, is recognised as a first class city, with a population of 210,508 people in 33,306 households, which consists of 35 urban and 31 rural barangays. Its total land area is 253,982 hectares stretched over 106 kilometres long with the narrowest breadth of 8.5 kilometres in Barangay Bahile.

It acquired its name from Princess Asunción, who was born to Queen Isabella II and Francis, King consort of Spain; Duke of Cádiz. However, due to the sudden death of Princess Asunción, Queen Isabella II had transformed the name of the city, into Puerto de la Princesa or how we know it today as Puerto Princesa.


Excursions:

Puerto Princesa is home to a bountiful, eclectic and exotic mix of wildlife animals and plants, ranging from a wide-variety of rare species and such lush greenery. But most of all, its sites and Eco-tours are a definite must, if you plan on visiting this beautiful island.



Eco-tour sites and other island-hopping destinations:

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
    •    The mysteriousness and the significance of the Underground River, which is located 50 km north of Puerto Princesa, is known to be the longest river in the world. At a length of 8.2 km, it includes major rock formations of stalactites and stalagmites and several large chambers. But, not only is it the longest river in the world, it is also home to river-dwelling animals such as the monitor lizards, monkeys, squirrels that make their habitats near the caves.

Eco-tourism facts:
The park was declared a premiere Eco-tourism destination and has been inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its outstanding universal value and ecological significance as a natural site of intense beauty. (source: http://www.visitpuertoprincesa.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=56&Itemid=143)


Honda Bay
    •    Honda Bay is most definitely a haven for avid divers and famous for its dive sites in its numerous inlets that allow tourist to come and bask in the sun for a little R&R. Located at the eastern side of Puerto Princesa, it is 12 km away from the city to the wharf of Sta. Lourdes. Some of its well-known dive sites are at Pandan Island, Arreceffi Island, and Paglima Reef, where coral boulders and grey reef sharks are found.
    •    Snake Island* is best for snorkelling, swimming, or simply basking in the sand. It is called so, because the island itself is shaped to the likeness of a snake and has got a long stretch of fine white sand. Going to this island can be reached in an hour by using a pump boat.
    •    Bat Island - hence the name itself, this island is of course, literally teeming with and home to a whole mass of bats who dwell in dark caves and is only 20 mins. from St. Lourdes Wharf.
    •    A total of 9 islands can be found at Honda Bay:
1. Cowrie Island; 2. Bat Island; 3. Lu-Li Island - an island visible during low tide; its name was derived from the words "LUlubog-LIlitaw", meaning  sinking and floating island; 4. Meara Marina - a quiet and cozy and private island to relax and enjoy nature's wonder; 5. Starfish Sandbar Resort - an island with white fine sand and clear water that teems with starfishes; 6. Snake Island(*); 7. Pandan Island - white sand beach with a coral reef nearby; 8. Señorita Island - breeding site of Lapu-Lapu fishes; and 9. Arraceffe Island - an island with a "Class A" Resort and fine white sand.


Ulugan Bay
    •    Ulugan is a deep channel on the north-western coast of Puerto Princesa. Tres Marias, a cluster of three islets, stand guard at the mouth of the bay. Inside the bay is Rita Island, another popular dive spot. Mangrove  forests abound in river deltas, while dense vegetation packs gently rolling hills in the distance. Modest lodging is available at the nearby village of Macarascas.



Scenic Sights of Puerto Princesa (Excursions cont'd.):

    •    Limestone and Marble Cliffs/Karst Mountains
    •    Since Puerto Princesa is known for its longest underground river, it is also known to have some of the illustrious rock formations in its nature-made caves. These geologically significant landscapes will delight mountaineers, rock climbers and nature enthusiasts.  Trained guides must be available when exploring these sites. St. Paul Park rangers can likewise assist adventurous travellers.
    •    It is located at Barangay Cabayugan and Barangay Tagabinet.   


    •    Vietnamese Village
    •    Home to the "Boat People" who first came to Puerto Princesa in 1979, these Vietnamese asylum seekers live normal lives and has since brought to Puerto Princesa the flavour of Vietnamese cuisine. Some enterprising Vietnamese are also engaged in silver jewellery making.


    •    Iwahig Penal Colony
    •    Established by the Americans in 1904 to supply food to other prisons all over the country. Iwahig has since become  synonymous to finely handcrafted bags and other souvenir items. In the prison without walls, inmates tend vast farms instead of idly spending time behind bars.


    •    Immaculate Conception Cathedral
    •    The first mass was celebrated in 1872, that same year the Spanish expedition proclaimed the Immaculate Conception of Mary as the patroness of Puerto Princesa.
            
            Fact: Did you know, that it almost took a century before the cathedral on
Rizal Avenue, going to the pier, was built in 1961 under then Bishop Most
Rev. Gregorio Espiga.


    •    Plaza Cuartel
    •    Plaza Cuartel is the restored ruins of an old garrison where Japanese soldiers burned 143 U.S. prisoners of war inside a tunnel and stands as a grim reminder of World War II atrocities. Ten prisoners survived to tell the tale of what happened on that tunnel.
    

    •    Crocodile Farm and Nature Park
    •    The Crocodile Farm and Nature Park is a showcase of the government’s conservation project. The farm has two endangered species that are being bred, including the endemic Philippine crocodile. It is a rare opportunity to see crocodiles at every stage of their development, basking in the sun, swimming in the pools or just watching your every move. Learning about crocodiles is fun in the crocodile farm.
    •    The Crocodile Farm and Nature Park is located inside the grounds of     the PWRCC in Bgy. Irawan. Jeepneys and tricycles with trips to Irawan can be found along Malvar St. Chartered vehicles are also available.  


    •    Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre
    •    A visit to The Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre, more popularly known as PWRCC, is not limited to crocodile farming. Visitors can also check out other rare animals like the Nicobar pigeon, bearcat, the serpent eagle, parrots, talking mynah, among others and relax in the wilderness park inside the premises. Nature enthusiasts will love it here because it is like walking inside a zoo without cages.
    •    The PWRCC is located in Bgy. Irawan. There are jeepneys and tricycles bound for Irawan found along Malvar St. or private vehicles for hire that one can take to get there. Travel time may take about 20 minutes.


    •    Palawan Butterfly Garden
    •    If you are one of those avid nature-seekers, this is the place for you: an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience where these "often shy" butterflies that are released for a time, will happen to fly to you, and perhaps even land softly and lightly on your hands or maybe on your fingers.
    •    Visitors will be surrounded by myriads of butterflies and will get to see dozens of butterfly species with different colours and some that even closely resemble others found in our neighbouring countries.


    •    Rancho Sta. Monica
    •    Get to see and realize how vast and beautiful the island of Palawan is by visiting Rancho Sta. Monica. A viewdeck owned by the Mitra’s, Rancho Sta. Monica offers the most breathtaking view of Palawan a few hundred feet above the rest of the city.
    •    Public transport bound for Sta. Monica are found along Malvar St. Chartered vehicles are also available to the ranch.


    •    Mendoza Park
    •    The park was named after Dr. Higinio Mendoza, the provinces war hero. Doctor Mendoza's resistance to Japanese control led to his execution at Canigaran on January 24, 1944. His remains and those of several unknown soldiers were entered into the memorial found on one side of the park. The park is shaded by age-old acacia trees and surrounded with ornamental plants. On the east side of the park is an amphitheater where countless presentations are year-long.


    •    Palawan Museum
    •    Houses hundreds of Palawan relics and artefacts which will truly give you an appreciation of the province's rich cultural heritage. Relics and artefacts from the Tabon Cave are found here.


    •    Salakot Waterfalls
    •    Salakot Waterfalls. A popular tourist spot located midway to Napsan about 50 meters from the road. Three layers of water falls plunge into the deep pools perfect for an afternoon bath after a hot ride in the sun. Rare species of butterflies may be found here. Picnic huts and two sleeping cottages are available for overnight stay.


    •    Puerto Princesa Wet Market
    •    Here, you can find local fresh vegetables and natural farm produce that Puerto Princesa has to offer. Fresh seafood, as well as recognized Palawan food items such as kasuy and lamayo are available at affordable prices.