Palawan

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Province of Palawan
Provincial seal of Palawan
Map of the Philippines with Palawan highlighted
Region	Western Visayas (Region VI)[1][2]
Capital	Puerto Princesa City
Divisions
- Highly urbanized cities	1
- Component cities	0
- Municipalities	23
- Barangays	432
- Congressional districts	2
Population	31st largest
- Total (2007)	892,660 (including Puerto Princesa)
- Density	60/km² (3rd lowest)
Area	largest
- Total	14,896.3 km²
Founded	March 10, 1917
Spoken languages	Tagalog, Ilonggo, Tausug, Batak, Tagbanua, Palawanun, Cuyunon
Governor	Mario Joel T. Reyes (Lakas-CMD)

Palawan is an island province of the Philippines located in the Southern Tagalog region. Its capital is Puerto Princesa City and it is the largest province in terms of land area. The islands of Palawan stretch from Mindoro to Borneo in the southwest. It lies between the South China Sea in the northwest and Sulu Sea in the southeast. The province is named after its largest island, Palawan Island.

Palawan, the only Philippine island cited, is rated by National Geographic Traveler magazine as the best island destination in East and Southeast Asia region in 2007, and the 13th best island in the world having "incredibly beautiful natural seascapes and landscapes. One of the most biodiverse (terrestrial and marine) islands in the Philippines...The island has had a Biosphere Reserve status since early 1990s, showing local interest for conservation and sustainable development".^[3][4]

[edit] People and culture

Palawan is a melting pot of 87 different cultural groups and races. Basically Its culture bears a strong influence from Japan, China, India and the Middle East. Influx of migrants from other parts of the Philippines, particularly from Muslim Mindanao, accounts for the high population growth rate of 3.98% annually. Eighteen percent of the population is composed of cultural minority groups such as Central Tagbanua, Palawan (Palawano), Batak, Calamian Tagbanua, and Molbog.

[edit] Economy and environment

This section titled "Economy and environment" needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (January 2008)

Taytay, the old capital of Palawan

Northern Palawan consists of some of the most pristine natural habitats in the world. However, its remoteness puts it at risk for ongoing economic exploitation and environmental degradation. A few programs have emerged to monitor and mitigate negative impact through the initiation of economic alternatives. The development of ecotourism as an alternative to reef degradation, sand theft, illegal logging and wildlife poaching has been approached. However, funding for the development of such programs has been scarce. The Palawan Environmental and Marine Studies Center (PEMS) [1] has been slow in receiving funding, DENR (Government regulatory) remains ineffectively funded and programs offered by international organizations like USAID remain in their infancy.

Palawan Environmental and Marine Studies founder Caril Ridley says Northern Palawan has the potential for becoming an "Ecologic-Economic Conferencing Center" for growing Asia and she encourages regional governments and local organizations to work together toward ecological and economic development. "ECO2" she calls it, saying that eco-tourism may offer the most available and effective ongoing funding source for regional education, economic development and environmental protection.

[edit] Ecotourism

One of the many beaches of El Nido, a marine reserve park and municipality at the northermost tip of Palawan

Palawan is considered to be the Philippines' "last frontier". The province boasts of many splendid beaches and has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

[edit] Political

Palawan is subdivided into 23 municipalities and 1 city.

The Philippine government claims most of the Spratly Islands, locally called the Kalayaan Group of Islands, in the South China Sea Islands to be under the jurisdiction of Palawan.

[edit] City

• Puerto Princesa City (highly urbanized)

also called "A City in the Forest"

[edit] Municipalities

[edit] Physical

Palawan is the Philippine's largest province in terms of total land area. It consists of the long and narrow Palawan Island, plus a number of other smaller islands surrounding the main island. The Calamian Group of Islands, to the northwest consists of Busuanga Island, Culion Island, and Coron Island. Durangan Island almost touches the westernmost part of Palawan Island, while Balabac Island is located off the southern tip, separated from Borneo by the Balabac Strait. In addition, Palawan covers the Cuyo Islands in the Sulu Sea. The disputed Spratly Islands, located a few hundred kilometers to the west is considered part of Palawan by the Philippines, and is locally called the Kalayaan Group of Islands.

Palawan's almost 2,000 kilometers of irregular coastline are dotted with 1,780 islands and islets, rocky coves, and sugar-white sandy beaches. It also harbors a vast stretch of virgin forests that carpet its mountain ranges.

[edit] The Land

Over the years, Palawan has managed to preserve its captivating natural habitat and bountiful resources. Branded as the country’s last frontier, the province consists of 23 municipalities and a lonecity, Puerto Princesa. Out of this, 13 are considered as mainland municipalities, and these are; Aborlan, Narra, Quezon,Española, Brooke’s Point, Rizal, and Bataraza (located south), Puerto Princesa(positioned in the center), and San Vicente,Roxas, Dumaran, El Nido, and Taytay(found in the north). The remaining municipalities are island municipalities, and they are: Busuanga, Coron, Linapacan and Culion (forming the Calamanies group of islands), Cuyo, Agutaya and Magsaysay(the Cuyo group of islands), Araceli,Cagayancillo, Balabac and Kalayaan. The largest municipalities are situated in the central and northern mainland, and they are: Puerto Princesa (2,106 km²), Taytay(1,390 km²), and Roxas (1,220 km²). On the contrary, the smallest local government units are the island municipalities of Cagayancillo (15.40 km²), Magsaysay(27.70 km²) and Cuyo (57.30 km²). All 24 local government units have 431 barangays as of June 2002.

Palawan is the largest province in the Southern Tagalog Region in terms of area, and is one of the largest provinces in the country. It has a total land area of14,896 square kilometer (sqkm), which is distributed to its mainland municipalities,comprising 12,239 km², and the islandmunicipalities, which altogether measure 2,657 km². On the average, eachmunicipality has an area of 620 km². Onthe other hand, the island municipality ofCuyo (4,003 km²) ranks largest in terms of municipal waters. On the latter, the mainland municipality of Española has the smallest marine area with only 485 km².

[edit] Region

Palawan was part of the Southern Tagalog Region (Region IV).

In 2001, the residents of Palawan rejected to be a part of the expanded Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao via a referendum conducted in the island of Mindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi group of island and Palawan.

By virtue Executive Order No. 103, dated May 17, 2002, which divided Region IV into 2 regions, Palawan was reorganized as part of MIMAROPA (Region IV-B).

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had Palawan transferred to Region VI (Western Visayas) on May 23, 2005 by virtue of Executive Order 429.^[1] However, Palaweños criticized the move, citing a lack of consultation, with most residents in Puerto Princesa City and all municipalities but one preferring to stay with Region IV-B.

Consequently, Arroyo issued Administrative Order No. 129 on August 19, 2005 to address this backlash. This Order directed the abeyance of Executive Order 429. As of April, 2008, Palawan is still part of MIMAROPA.

[edit] History

[edit] Pre-colonial era

Ancient Chinese traders and waves of migrants arrived in the Philippines by way of land bridges between Borneo and Palawan. A Chinese author referred to these islands as Kla-ma-yan (Calamian), Palau-ye (Palawan), and Paki-nung (Busuanga). Pottery, china and other artifacts recovered from caves and waters of Palawan attest to trade relations that existed between Chinese and Malay merchants.

In the 12th century, Malay settlers began to populate the island. Most of the settlements were ruled by Malay chieftains. These people grew palay, ginger, coconuts, camote, sugar and bananas. They also raised pigs, goats and chickens. Most of their economic activities were fishing, farming, and hunting by the use of bamboo traps and blowguns. The local people had a dialect consisting of 18 syllables.

[edit] Spanish rule

The northern Calamianes Islands were the first to come under Spanish authority, and were later declared a province separate from the Palawan mainland. In the early 17th century, Spanish friars sent out missions in Cuyo, Agutaya, Taytay and Cagayancillo but they met resistance from Moro communities. Before 18th century, Spain began to build churches enclosed by garrisons for protection against Moro raids in the town of Cuyo, Taytay, Linapacan and Balabac. In 1749, the Sultanate of Borneo ceded southern Palawan to Spain.

In June 1898, the natives of Palawan province led an uprising against Spanish Rule. A Franciscan friar by the name of Fernando Pediapco, who was one of the most influential priests in the province was kidnapped and later castrated by the natives, who rejected his preaching of Christianity.

In 1818, the entire island of Palawan (or Paragua as it was called) was organized as a single province named Calamianes, with its capital in Taytay. By 1858, the province was divided into two provinces, namely, "Castilla", covering the northern section with Taytay as capital and Asturias in the southern mainland with Puerto Princesa as capital. It was later then divided into three districts, Calamianes, Paragua and Balabac, with Principe Alfonso town as its capital. In 1902, the Americans established civil rule in northern Palawan, calling it the province of Paragua. Finally, in 1903, pursuant to Philippine Commission Act No. 1363, the province was reorganized to include the southern portions and renamed Palawan.

[edit] American rule

When the Spaniards left after the 1898 revolution, a civil government was established by the Americans. Provincial boundaries were revised in 1903, the name of the province was changed to Palawan, and Puerto Princesa declared as its capital.

Many reforms and projects were later introduced in the province. Construction of school buildings, promotion of agriculture, and bringing people closer to the government were among the priority plans during this era.

[edit] Palawan Massacre

During World War II, in order to prevent the rescue of prisoners of war by the advancing allies, on 14 December 1944, the Japanese herded the remaining 150 POWs at Puerto Princesa into three covered trenches which were then set on fire using barrels of gasoline. As prisoners tried to escape the flames they were shot down. Some escaped by going over a cliff that ran along one side of the trenches, but were later hunted down and killed. Only 11 men escaped the slaughter and between 133 and 141 were killed. The site of the massacre can still be visited. The massacre is the premise of the recently published book "Last Man Out: Glenn McDole, USMC, Survivor of the Palawan Massacre in World War II" by Bob Wilbanks, and the opening scenes of the 2005 Miramax movie, "The Great Raid".

• 133 Palawan Massacre Victims Roster {reference only}
• 123 Palawan Victiums gravesite

[edit] Invasion of Palawan

The island was liberated from the Japanese Imperial Forces by a task force consisting of Filipino and American military personnel in what became known as the Invasion of Palawan between February 28 and April 22, 1945

[edit] Honda Bay kidnappings

Honda Bay Kidnappings
Date 2001 Location Palawan Result Abu-Sayyaf victory
Belligerents
Philippines  United States	Abu Sayyaf al-Qaeda
Casualties and losses
20 captured	Unknown

In May 2001 Palawan hit the headlines when the militant Islamic group Abu Sayyaf abducted 20 guests from the Dos Palmas Resort, located in Honda Bay outside of Puerto Princesa City. The kidnapping raid led to a massive U.S.-backed security operation, and unfortunately two hostages were later killed. Significantly, there have been no repeat incidents of this kind in Palawan, and the combination of a beefed-up military presence and radar surveillance has considerably boosted security. A certain Fritz Pediapco, a known member of the Abu Sayyaf rebel group was arrested following recovery operations by the Philippine Army. He turned state witness and was essential in the recovery of the remaining hostages. However, he was abducted by suspected Muslim separatists and his mutilated body was later found near Honda Bay.

[edit] Notable sites

[edit] World's largest pearl found

The 9.45-inch (240 mm) Pearl of Lao Tzu is the world's largest. It was found by a diver off the Philippine island of Palawan in 1934.

[edit] Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary

A game reserve and wildlife sanctuary of exotic African animals and endangered endemic animals of Palawan. The reserve was established on August 31, 1976 by virtue of Presidential Decree No.1578, this was initiated in response to the appeal of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature to help save African wildlife when former President Ferdinand Marcos attended the 3rd world Conference in Kenya. By virtue of RA 7611 (SEP), administrative jurisdiction of DENR was given to the local government of Palawan, effective December 31, 1993. Management of the area is the responsibility of the PCSDO (Palawan Council of Sustainable Development Office). It is located in Calauit Island, Busuanga, Palawan.

[edit] Coron Reefs, Coron Bay, Busuanga

Seven lakes surrounded by craggy limestone cliffs attract hundreds of nature lovers to Coron Reefs in Northern Palawan, near the town of Coron. Busuanga Island, whose main town is Coron, is the jump-off point for numerous dive operators. The principal dive sites are 12 World War II Japanese shipwrecks sunk on September 24, 1944 by US Navy action. They range in depth from the surface to 40M. This large variety offers exciting wreck exploration for enthusiasts, from novice divers and snorkelers and recreational divers to experienced TEC divers. Dive operators offer PADI dive courses ranging from Discover Scuba to Assistant Instructor, Technical and Enriched Air Diving, as well as other specialty courses. Dive operators offer day diving, snorkeling trips, and overnight dive safaris. Live-aboard and charter boats also offer diving in the area.

[edit] El Nido Marine Reserve Park

The January, 2008 issue of international magazine Travel + Leisure, published by the American Express Co. (which partnered with Conservation International) listed El Nido’s sister hotel resorts El Nido Lagen Island and El Nido Miniloc Island in Miniloc and Lagen Islands as “conservation-minded places on a mission to protect the local environment.” Travel + Leisure’s 20 Favorite Green Hotels scored El Nido Resort’s protection of Palawan’s giant clam gardens and the re-introduction of endangered Philippine cockatoos: "8. El Nido Resorts, Philippines: "Guest cottages on stilts are set above the crystalline ocean. The resorts are active in both reef and island conservation." Doubles from $210."^[5] Palawan was also categorized as “doing well” in the 4th Destination Scorecard survey conducted by the National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations, and Conde Nast Traveler magazine voted its beaches, coves and islets as the tourist destination with the best beaches in Asia. Further, the aquatic views from the sunken Japanese warships off Coron Island are listed in Forbes Traveler Magazine’s top 10 best scuba sites in the world.^[6]

[edit] UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park (1999)

This park features a large limestone karst landscape with an underground river. One of the river's distinguishing features is that it emerges directly into the sea, and its lower portion is subject to tidal influences. The area also represents a significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. The site contains a full 'mountain-to-sea' ecosystem and has some of the most important forests in Asia.

• Tubbataha Reef Marine Park (1993)

The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park covers 332 km², including the North and South Reefs. It is a unique example of an atoll reef with a very high density of marine species; the North Islet serving as a nesting site for birds and marine turtles. The site is an excellent example of a pristine coral reef with a spectacular 100 m perpendicular wall, extensive lagoons and two coral islands. -UNESCO

[edit] Religion

The predominant religion in Palawan is Roman Catholicism. Pockets of indigenous Muslims can be found in the southern municipalities with Muslims making up the majority of the population in some municipalities in the far south like Balabac and Bataraza. Members of the Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormons or LDS) are present on Palawan, as well as the Seventh-day Adventists, Iglesia ni Cristo, Jesus Miracle Crusade, Jesus Touch Fellowship, and other Christian denominations. There are also Buddhists - mainly Vietnamese refugees who settled in Palawan, as well as some ethnic Chinese Buddhists. One notable Vietnamese Buddhist Temple in Palawan being Vihara Van Phat. Most of the ethnic minorities such as Batak and Tagbanwa are animists, but many have become Christians (usually Protestant) or have joined other sects.

[edit] Media

AM radio stations

• DYPR 765 kHz in Puerto princesa City owned by Palawan Broadcasting Corporation
• DWMR Radyo ng Bayan Palawan owned by Philippine Broadcasting Service
• DZRH Puerto Princesa DYPH 693 kHz owned by Manila Broadcasting Company

FM radio stations

• DYUN 89.3 MHz in Aborlan, Palawan owned by State Polytechnic University of Palawan
• 91.1 MHz in Puerto Princesa City onwed by ZOE Broadcasting
• 92.3 MHz in Puerto Princesa city owned by Interactive Broadcasting Media
• 94.3 MHz Home Radio in Puerto Princesa City owned by Aliw Broadcasting
• 95.9 MHz in Puerto Princesa City owned by Katigbak Enterprises
• 95.9 MHz in Taytay, Palawan owned by Palawan Boradcasting Corporation
• 97.5 MHz Campus Radio in Puerto Princesa City owned by Republic Broadcasting Systems (Radio GMA)
• DYEZ 98.3 MHz in Puerto Princesa City owned by Manila Broadcasting Company
• DWWA Radyo Cabayugan 98.5 MHz in Brgy. Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa City owned by Palawan Council for Sustainable Development
• The Hit FM 99.1 in Puerto Princesa City owned by Rajah Broadcasting
• DYPR The Beat 99.9 MHz in Puerto Princesa City owned by Palawan Broadcasting Corporation
• DWRZ Radyo Natin 100.5 MHz in Coron, Palawan owned by Manila Broadcasting Company
• DWGA Radyo Inogbong 101.1 MHz in Brgy. Inogbong, Bataraza, Palawan owned by Palawan Council for Sustainable Development
• DWRO Radyo Natin 101.3 MHz in Roxas, Palawan owned by Manila Broadcasting Company
• Bay Radio 103.1 MHz in Puerto Princesa City owned by Baycomms Broadcasting Corporation
• Radyo Natin 103.3 MHz in Taytay, Palawan owned by Manila Broadcasting Company
• DYMS 103.9 MHz in Puerto Princesa City owned by Romeo Servando (Rolin Broadcasting)
• DWMI Radyo Natin 104.5 MHz in Brooke's Point, Palawan owned by Manila Broadcasting Company
• 105.5 MHz in Puerto Princesa city owned by VTV

TV stations

• DYPR -TV Channel 7, in Puerto Princesa City an ABS-CBN affiliate owned by Palawan Broadcasting Corporation
• NBN Channel 4 in Puerto Princesa City owned by National Broadcasting Network
• GMA Channel 12 in Puerto Princesa City

Cable Television Companies

• Calamianes Cable Television, Inc.-Coron, Palawan
• Culion CATV Services, Inc.-Culion, Palawan
• Cuyo Cable TV Corporation-Cuyo, Palawan
• Global Destiny Cable-Puerto Princesa
• Palawan Cable Television Corporation-Puerto Princesa
• Puerto Princesa CATV, Inc.-Puerto Princesa
• Roxas Cable Television, Inc.-Roxas, Palawan
• Taytay CATV Service-Taytay, Palawan
• Treasure Cable Television, Inc.-Cuyo, Palawan
• Vinta Cable Services-Brooke's Point, Palawan
• Vinta Cable Services-Narra, Palawan

Print media

• The Palawan Times by Luntian Publishing Inc., a weekly newspaper in Puerto Princesa City
• Palawan Sun Online
• Bandillo ng Palawan

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Palawan travel guide from Wikitravel

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