TOURISM IMPACT AND SUSTAINABILITY

FINAL OUTPUT IN

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS

FOR THE DEGREE OF

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN TOURISM MANAGEMENT

BENARABA, Charlyn Mae D.

BULAON, Nathalie Joyce B.
CABIA, Justine Aaron D.
GOULD, Mikaila R.
NARVAEZ, Amiel Harold G.
SABANDO, Maverick S.

December 2020
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENT PAGE

Introduction and Background Information 1-3

Setting of Goals and Objectives 4-6

Tourism Policies 7-8

Administrative and Financial Structure 9-22

Scope of Plan 23

Tourism Resources Inventory 24

Tourism Impacts on the Environment 25-26

Tourism Impacts on the Economy 26-27

Tourism Impacts on Culture and Society 27-28

Sustainable Tourism Development and Practices 29-30

Conclusions and Recommendations 31-32

Bibliography and Appendices 33-37

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INTRODUCTION

Puerto Princesa Underground River (PRUR) is famously known as part of the UNESCO

World Heritage Sites. The Underground river is a feature of spectacular limestone with a karst

landscape view. This represents the essence of the habitat for biodiversity conservation and this

contains a full ecosystem of mountain to sea and carries the most important forest in Asia

(UNESCO World Heritage Centre). Puerto Princesa Underground River can be found in the West

Coast of Palawan and is covered by lush tropical rainforest. This is a popular destination for those

who are bird-watchers but at the same time has the Palawan Pheasant Peacock and Philippine

cockatoo which is a restricted range that has been recorded in Palawan.

The Puerto Princesa Underground River (PRUR) was formerly known as Puerto Princesa

Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) and was officially declared as a national park on

March 26, 1971 by the Proclamation No. 835 by President Ferdinand E. Marcos (Acero, 2020).

This National Park is managed by the City Government of Puerto Princesa and is bounded by three

local barangays of Cabayugan, Marufinas, and Tagabinet that is anchored on the program

environmental conservation and sustainable development. (Manalo & Jazztine, 2016). PRUR is

comprised of 3,901 hectares and has the size inadequate to protect the water shed and biodiversity

of the destination. On November 16,1999 President Joseph E. Estrada signed the Proclamation

No.212 to ensure the long-term viability and expanding the area to 22,202 hectares which includes

the catchment of the importance of the forest ecosystem and biodiversity conservation of the

underground river. ("Puerto Princesa Underground River,"). PRUR has then been declared
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officially as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature on November 11, 2011. According to the 2015

census, Palawan has 1,104,585 population and Puerto Princesa itself has over 255,116 people and

has the largest province in the Philippines by the land areas. That huge number of populations has

an impact as Puerto Princesa’s people are melting pot with different cultures. They serve the

mountains and coastal as their homes and has tribes of the Tagbanua that can be found in the

central and the northern area of Palawan. There are different types of group that can be found in

Palawan, one of those are the Batak or “maintain people “. The Batak are normally those who lives

in the northeast part and they are generally shy and because of the naturistic area they are also

peaceful people. They strongly believe in spirits and commune with a religious person. Another

group are the tau’t bato, this tribe lives in the Singnapan Valley which can be found at the southern

area of Palawan. During rainy seasons they normally live in caves and during dry seasons they

would use a kaingin system for their farm. Last, of course the Palawaños which includes the

Agutaynons, Molbogs, and Cuyunons. Cuyunons as an elite class people with a disciplined and

religious culture, Algutaynons as the simple group with the live of farming and fishing for income,

and lastly the Molbogs are the first people and has the culture closes to the Islamic race.

(Puertoprincesa.ph., 2020.)

With the gathered information about Palawan, the researchers chose the Underground river

of Puerto Princesa as a part of this paper to further understand the balance and solution of the

sustainable tourism and its environmental preservations. Knowingly that this 2020, Palawan and

the rest of world were restricted from having tourist and therefore has stopped all travelling and

tourism activities due to the COVID-19. Because of the unexpected crisis, Puerto Princesa’s top
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tourist destination has lost over 80 million due to the crisis. Considering that 90 percent of local

communities that are employees of the destination has verge of becoming jobless. The National

park is for temporarily closed and is expecting a no income for the next year. The park is in need

of 50 million to at least maintain the park and as well the support the workers. (Miranda, 2020)
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SETTING OF GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Vision

➢ To Environment: We envisage a society that experiences harmony with nature, where

locals, tourist, and future generations are enjoying sustained environment and continually

attain sustainable development for the betterment of the heritage site. Thus, ensuring that

Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park will be a better place to visit.

➢ To Tourist: We intend to serve and provide tourists an outstanding experience through

continuously cater the wants and needs despite of the variances in order to satisfy their

expectations.

➢ To Locals: We envision every local to benefit from tourism itself – making their lives stable

and abundant. They are considered as the core of the destination hence, investing to train

their performance is one of the significant process in attaining the said vision.

➢ To Economy: We foresee a future where locals and future generations will enjoy equal

opportunities. Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a world-class

destination bringing importance to its environment, tourist, and locals. Thus, proposing to

job creation, creating new markets, and sustaining the environment is the utmost priority.
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Goals

1. To produce an effective management plan for the protection of Puerto-Princesa

Subterranean River National Park.

2. To control the tourism and visitation.

3. To protect the overall water quality.

4. Conservation of biodiversity values. (Environmental, Social, Ecosystem, Economic,

Consumptive use, Productive use, and Aesthetic Value)

Objectives

1. In every 6 months, there will be an evaluation and maintenance of Puerto-Princesa

Subterranean River National Park to know the impacts that needs to be taken care of.

2. There will be a guidelines and procedures to be implemented concerning the carrying

capacity of the attraction.

3. In assessing and monitoring of the water quality, Conductivity, Salinity, and TDS

Monitoring will be used to check and keep track the observation and results.

4. Natural attractions are prone to experience impacts. Hence, researches, seminars, and

projects will be done to help the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park in

conserving of biodiversity values.

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As a researcher, we see Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park later as a

consistent world class cave system. Also, fighting and overcoming the impacts and challenges that

may occur through the years. Thus, development and progress can be seen in every two years

since, effective sustainability projects will be adopted and proposed to the attraction.

Researchers can make the place sustainable and avoiding impacts by;

• Anticipating and evaluating the problems.

• Executing researches and seminars as it will be a great help to widen the knowledge in

conservation and protection.

• By implementing policies and laws concerning the endangered species and illegal activities

that can be done in the attraction.

• Prioritizing waste management will be the utmost priority because this small practice can

have a big impact to the whole attraction.

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TOURISM POLICIES

Existing policies and recommended policies:

a. The natural heritage is being addressed through the implementation by the government of

Palawan of a limit of 600 visitors per day.

b. The government is requiring that to have more staff training in the park to ensure the

effective management of tourism activities.

c. The City Mayor for implementing of the management plan of the site, also with other key

responsibilities for the day-to-day management including tourism and approval of

development proposals.

d. The government implemented a “No Permit, No Entry” policy that way the management

can control the visitor’s access to the Heritage site.

e. administration started to enforce the implementation of the waste management campaign

with the cooperation of the citizens.

f. Don’t go there without a Guide or Permission to unsure that the tourist will not be warmed

in their visit to the destination.

g. The management also publish and remained the tourist not to feed or tease the monkeys,

as it will affect their natural feeding habits and contributes to their aggressive behaviour

that may cause personal injuries to the tourist.

h. Flash and loud sound are not allowed ate the cave due to the bats that are sleeping in the

day light.
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i. Stay and do not stand at the boat to avoid any kind of injury while paddling through the

dark.

j. Get your permit in order even before you fly into Palawan to avoid any kind of delay while

visiting the destination.

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ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL STRUCTURE

Figure 1: Administrative Structure

City Mayor’s Office

This office exercises general supervision and control on all city programs, services,

projects and activities; it enforces all laws and ordinances to the general governance of the city,

City Charter ordinances and all other laws applicable within the jurisdiction of the city.
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Sangguniang Panlungsod

It acts as the policy-making body of the city Government of Puerto Princesa, legislative

and Quasi-judicial investigation services. It holds sessions and performs business in behalf of the

city government.

Office of The City Administrator

It supports the activities of the office of City Mayor in informing and implementing

governing policies, rules and regulations.

Human Resource Management Office

It Formulates personnel policies, rules and regulations in relation with CSC guidelines.

Also, it develops a manpower plan and a positive and sound recruitment program for placement of

qualified applicants. This office establishes a system and plan for career and personnel

development programs, employee’s welfare and benefits.

City Planning and Development Coordinator’s Office

It Formulates and sustains the integrated economic, social, physical and other development

goals and policies of the cit. It implements the City Zoning Ordinance and other laws, rules and

regulations enacted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod and the Housing and Land use Regulatory

Board.
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City Civil Registry

This office is responsible for the civil registration program in the city pursuant to the Civil

Registry Law. The laws, rules and regulations like the Civil Code and other pertinent laws were

issued to implement them; it implements the City Civil Registry Ordinance and other laws, rules

and regulations that was reviewed and passed by the Local City Council or Sanggunian.

General Services Office

This office formulates measures for consideration of Sanggunian and it provides technical

assistance and support to the Mayor in doing measures to ensure delivery of basic services and

provides adequate facilities pursuant to Section 17 of the Local Government Code of 1991 and

which require general services expertise and technical support services.

City Budget Office

This provides a technical staff services and other related matters to the Local Chief

Executive and other local officials on budgeting.

City Accounting Office

It maintains an Internal Audit System of the City, prepares the budget or the financial

statement that is needed when formulating a policy and implementation of the program. Lastly, it

explains the City Mayor and other local government about the financial condition and operation

of the city.
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City Treasurer’s Office

This office stabilizes the finances of the City Government and its barangays. It provides

financial data, efficient and progressive organization for fiscal administration particularly in the

field of collection, technical advice and/or staff support, custody and disbursement of funds, local

taxation, budgeting, accounting and auxiliary or general services.

City Assessor’s Office

It implements the systematic assessment procedures and techniques as prescribed under the

Real Property Code and in relation with the rules and regulations that was issued by the Department

of Finance and the Local Government Unit (LGU) to ensure the equitable distribution of realty tax

burden of the Property owner in the city.

City Legal Office

This office formulates measures that is related to legal services and it provides legal

assistance to the Governor or Mayor in carrying out the delivery of basic services. It provides such

other powers and performs other duties in the interest of the LGU related to the rule of law.

City Register of Deeds

This office is the legal custodian and official repository of all certificates of title (both

original certificate of titles and transfer certificate of titles, both registered and unregistered) of all

documents affecting lands as well as chattels within the Puerto Princesa City.
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City Health Office

It plans, organizes, and coordinates all functions and activities under the direction of the

City Mayor of the City Health Plan, its implementation and realization. It looks after health needs

of the community and it promote awareness and self-reliance.

City Population Office

This office manages the growth and distribution of population in order to achieve and

improve the quality of life for the members of the community.

City Social Welfare and Development

It Provides opportunities to uplift the living condition of the individuals, family and other

groups of the community to enable them to have self-reliance and to participate in the community

development.

City Agriculture Office

It formulates measures and provides technical assistance to the City Mayor to ensure the

delivery of basic agricultural service and ensures that assistance and access of the resources of

fisheries and marine products are extended to the families and fisherfolks.

City Veterinary Office

This embraces the animal’s health division, its scope is the prevention of diseases, animal

programs, rabies eradication drive and other programs assigned by the government.
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City Environment and Natural Resources Office

It Provides technical assistance on all matters related to the protection, conservation,

maximum utilization, application of the appropriate technology and other matters pertaining to the

environmental and natural resources.

City Engineering Office

It accomplishes projects related to infrastructures, activities, public works and othe

engineering matters that will develop the growth of the Puerto Princesa, City.
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Figure 2: Protected Area Management Board

Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) is managed by the City Government of Puerto

Princesa and guided by a program of Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Development.

The core area for the Palawan Biosphere Reserve under the Man and Biosphere Program.

The organizational structure shown in Figure 2. Is the property managed by the City

Government of Puerto Princesa through the Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) and staff, who

report to the City.

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Government and the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB).

The role of the PAMB, is to advise and guide the management of the (PPUR) of the

implementation of the management plan and the possible issues related to public participation in

protected area management.

Protected Area Superintendent and The Members of the PAMB

Holds the responsibility of reporting to the City Mayor and for the implementation of the

management plan together with the other day-to-day key responsibilities of management

consisting of tourism and approval of development proposals. hold primary responsibility for

reporting to the City Mayor and for implementation of the Management Plan for the property,

along with other key responsibilities for the day to day management including tourism and

approval of development proposals.

Project Development and Evaluation Committee (PDEC)

The PDEC unit inspect and evaluate structures and projects that will be implemented in

the Puerto Princesa Underground River.

Executive Committee (EXECOM)

EXECOM recommends approval of the projects for the PAMB.

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PASu Secretariat

It is under the PAMB and is responsible in the area of management system of PPUR. It

also manages the Public Education in the area.

Administrative (Supply and finance and General Services and Maintenance Division)

Manage the Conservation, Community Empowerment and Tourism as well as Community

Enterprise Development of Puerto Princesa Underground River under the supervision and approval

of PAMB.
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FINANCIAL STRUCTURE

Financial Highlights

According to the Puerto Princesa Annual Audit For CY 2016, the City Government of

Puerto Princesa (CGPP) generated a total income of P2,492,202,328.59 from internal revenue

allotment, local taxes and other income. The appropriations aggregating to P2,885,399,465.60 was

equal to total current and continuing appropriations if the General fund (GF) amounting to

P2,805,558,462.74 and Special Education Fund (SEF) totalling P79,841,002.80.

The total assets, liabilities, government equity, income and expenses for CY 2016

compared with that of the preceding year as follows:

2016 2015 Increas/(Decrease)

Total Assets P 6,590,133,907.70 P 5,098,225,278.00 P 1,491,908,629.70

Total Liabilities 1,954,663,464.74 2,088,241,818.00 (133,578,353.26)

Total Equity 4,635,470,442.96 3,009,983,460.00 1,625,486,982.96

Total Income 2,492,202,328.59 2,293,170,653.00 199,031,675.59

Total Expenses 1,527,860,341.38 1,350,427,259.00 177,539,082.38

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In 2019, Puerto Princesa generates 27.5 billion at its first business forum in Manila. The

City Government held in partnership with the United States Agency for International

Development. Around 300 delegates and investors from private sectors, select embassies and local

government attended the forum where Mayor Bayron had showcased investment priority

opportunities in Tourism, agriculture, fisheries, energy and communication.

Among the investors who pledged for the investments during the said forum were SM

Development Corp., and Green Asia Unlimited and Development Corp with an investment of a

P10 billion each in the next 5 years, according to a statement of the City.
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CURRENT PROPOSAL

Community Based Environmental Restoration and Conservation of Damaged Areas of

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Project Description:

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) is experiencing a significant

threat in its watershed and further threatening the biodiversity of the park, its environmental

resources and the quality services that it offers to the visitors. The threats are caused by the

activities within the park and within its watershed. The existing threats around the Park are often

due to increasing number of visitors in the area, most especially the new migrants. As the number

of visitors increases, so does their demand to provide their basic needs. The movement like illegal

logging, illegal quarrying, slash and burn agriculture, conversion of forest to agricultural lands and

road widening are causing a damage to the environment, specifically in areas of Tagabenit,

Cabayugan and Marufinas.

General Objective:

The proposed project is for the goal of strengthening community based environmental restoration

and conservation in three (3) barangays, which are Cabayugan, Tagabenit and Marufinas in

accordance to the protection of their watershed, ecosystems and biodiversity which are vital to the

conservation of PPSRNP and development of their communities.

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Specific Objectives:

1) To Strengthen community based environmental restoration and conservation in three (3)

barangays, namely, Cabayugan, Tagabenit and Marufinas for the protection of watershed, river

ecosystems and biodiversity within it which are vital to the conservation of PPSRNP and

development of the communities.

2) To Restore the target damaged sites in 3 barangays, which are economically important to the

communities, and which are parts of the ecosystems that make up and support PPSRNP.

3) Equip the communities of Cabayugan, Tagabenit and Marufinas with knowledge and skills

regarding environmental restoration and conservation;

4) Provide communities alternative conservation techniques and technologies to minimize damage

and at the same time can also provide them additional source of livelihood.

5) Protect river and watershed ecosystems thru installation of bio-engineering techniques and

planting endemic trees along river banks and initiate regular river clean.

6) Establish a sustainable community-based restoration project thru capability building and direct

conservation activities.
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Modern wharf for Puerto Princesa Underground River

According to the PPUR Management Office Chief Elizabeth Maclang the Tourism Infrastructure

and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has funded the P15-million project design being finalized

by Makati-based A.C. Ong Consulting Incorporated.

• The project features a terminal building that can accommodate maybe more than the current

existing wharf waiting area which is around 100 to 200 visitors. Specifically, the modern

wharf can accommodate 300 visitors in the area.

• Inside the building, it would look like a museum showing off the park’s outstanding

biodiversity.

• Other new upgrade features are the breakwater, seaside esplanade, drop off, boat docking

area, parking area, and utilities and services area.

• The said project will also have a water treatment facility in order to maintain the good

condition of the marine environment that was faced around the wharf.

The project proponent is also conducting an assessment in accordance with the environmental

impact at PPUR to ensure that the development with a two0hectrae reclamation would not

endanger the marine resources.

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SCOPE OF PLAN

Study will be conducted at Puerto Princesa Underground River, located at Puerto Princesa

City Palawan, Philippines under of MIMAROPA region. Palawan has the largest province in terms

of land areas has of 14,649.73 square kilometers or 5,656.29 in square miles. Palawan has 23

municipalities. The total number of barangays in the province is 367. The City of Puerto Princesa

serves as the provincial capital, According to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). In 2015 the

Total population of Palawan 849,469 and the annual growth rate of 1.85%. Puerto Princesa has 66

barangays and the total population of 255,116. The barangay Princesa has a total of 1,015 it was

determined by 2015 census.

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TOURISM RESOURCES INVENTORY

A. Site Location

➢ Puerto Princesa Underground River it is located in south-western part of the

Philippine Archipelago on the mid-western coast of Palawan.

B. Site Description

➢ Puerto Princesa Underground River also known Subterranean because of its river

system that flows directs to the sea. It contains 8.2 long underground river it became

the longest underground river in the world.

➢ In 1999, Puerto Princesa Underground River was inscribed by UNESCO as World

Heritage Site.

➢ In 2011, It was also recognized as 7 wonders of Nature and officially been chosen

on 2012, Because of its bluish turquoise river, and amazing rock formation and

more river channels that can lead to deeper underground areas.

DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY

The study will focus on Puerto Princesa Underground River. This will contain objectives

that the researchers want to attain for a sustainable development of PPUR. Furthermore, this study

will discuss how the natural site is being managed by respective people in the organizations and

local government, its current situation, impacts in term of environment, economy, culture and

society and lastly the proposed projects for the betterment of the natural site.
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TOURISM IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT

In building a Tourism Attraction in a destination or sustaining natural attractions by

proposing developments in the location, it usually comes up with an impact on the given location.

The impacts maybe positive or negative and the two factors will always be important in planning

a successful sustainable plan.

Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) has a spectacular cave system, a natural site,

intact with old forests and a wildlife. Through the years, Underground River is one of the natural

attractions that the locals and the government had treasured. Despite of maintaining the natural

site, there are still tourism impacts in relation with the environment.

From the increase of the visitor arrival to see the amazing Underground River, it has

experienced impacts that really affect the environment. In relation with this, here are some tourism

impacts in the environment:

Degradation on the Biodiversity

Degradation is a destruction on a natural habitat. Because of the reason of increasing

population in the area, legal activities were recognized by the extent of the impacts because of lack

of monitoring and research in the area.

Depletion of Natural Resources

As the number of visitors arises, the demands of the tourist also arise. In relation with this,

it puts pressure on the natural resources in the destination.

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Pollution

In a destination, you cannot control the minds of the visitors even if you established rules

and guidelines. Being a famous destination and having a lot of tourists in just a day, solid wastes

or littering are the reasons of having a polluted environment.

TOURISM IMPACTS ON THE ECONOMY

There are several impacts a Tourism Industry can bring in a certain Tourist Destination

such as Socio-Cultural, Environmental, Economic and many other more which can be classified

into negative and positive ones. Furthermore, these impacts may cause a huge effect on a certain

area as it influences the particular target that is being affected. In terms of Economic, there is no

doubt that positive impacts on the economy is present when it comes to Puerto Princesa

Underground River as we are all aware how known the place is, not only in our own country but

as well to several tourists from different countries. In fact, according to Arnaldo (2019), 70% of

the tourist arrival in Palawan choose Puerto Princesa City to go to as it is home to UNESCO World

Heritage Site, Puerto Princesa Underground River. Aside from that, Adiong (2019) stated that

during the year 2019, domestic and foreign tourist arrivals reached 368,408 during the first six

months of the year. With that being said, these huge numbers of tourist arrivals reflected to a

massive amount of economic income from different sectors such as Subsidize Trades, Revenues,

Employments, Tax Incomes and Profits of the Tourist Destination. However, according to

Rodriguez (2020), Tourism Chief Cynthia Amurao of Puerto Princesa City stated that tourist
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arrival from the place decrease for almost half compare to the same period from the statistical

record of the previous years. During the month of January 2020, combined domestic and foreign

tourist arrivals was only 60,714 way below the same period of 2019, which is 110, 046. On the

other hand, the succeeding month of February 2020, declined beyond as it was only 22,905

compared to the 117,095-tourist arrival of February 2019. To be exact, it was 44.82% or 49,332

for the month of January year 2020 while it was 80.44% or 94,190 for the month of February 2020

both comparing to the previous tourist arrival records. It just shows fluctuating a year can make.

From an enormous number of visitors, to a huge decrease of numbers that greatly affected not only

the Economic performance of the City but as well the whole country.

TOURISM IMPACTS ON CULTURE AND SOCIETY

Culture and Society is something that is identical to each one of us as it was defined as a

way of life which means that every person has its own unique socio-cultural characteristic. It is

how we live, how we interact to others, our customs, and our character. When it comes to Tourism

Impacts, it makes the journey of a tourist more exciting as it opens an opportunity to encounter

different behavior, lifestyle, culture, and society of the inhabitants. Same goes with the local people

as they were able to interact to different people from one place to another. In terms of Tourism

Impacts on the Culture and Society, it could be considered as one of the major sectors that can be

highly affected by either in a positive or in a negative way. According to OTEN, quality of life,

employment and business opportunities, facilities and amenities, infrastructure development and

population growth are just some of the notable sectors that is present in Socio-Cultural Tourism
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Impacts. In the case of Puerto Princesa Underground River, according to Puerto Princesa City

Government (2011), due to increasing tourist arrivals, anticipating these demands by providing

several tourism related establishments such as restaurants, hotels and other more are being given

priority by the municipality in order to be able to cater the wants and needs of the tourist. With

that being said, the more tourism related establishment, the more job opportunities it creates to the

society which in fact serves as the livelihood of the society in Palawan particularly in Puerto

Princesa City. Aside from that, the fact that there are Tourist Arrivals, interaction from the visitors

and the residents are evident. Taking that into consideration, in the perspective of the residents,

the local society were able to showcase their own cultural characteristic from other people which

leads into knowing more about their culture. On other hand, it also has risks as these cultural

identities are being exposed to other people which has a threat of being destroyed and humiliated

by their own visitors. Furthermore, the Puerto Princesa Underground River as a natural tourist

attraction is one of their identity which is part of their socio-cultural distinctiveness. Being able to

preserve and conserve their treasure is one of the commitments of every local. In fact, according

to UNESCO World Heritage Centre (2020), Puerto Princesa Underground River is covered by the

National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) Act of 1992 just to ensure the legal protection

and conservation of the area. Moreover, all management decisions are being consulted by the

Protected Areas Management Board (PAMB) to assure that every decision are being critically

analyzed. The love and care that the local society shows for the tourist attraction is very evident as

the community are aware how huge the Tourism Impact it brought in terms of Socio-Cultural

aspect.
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SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND PRACTICES

a. The World Heritage site it is also manage by our city government of Puerto Princesa

through the protected Area Superintendent (PASu).

b. The property is covered by the National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) Act of

1992 which is ensure of the legal protection and conservation of the protected areas in

Palawan, also the Philippines.

c. The Heritage site it is managed by the city thru a Protected Area Management Board

(PAMB), that helps provide the policy direction and other oversight functions.

d. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) is one of the most

important protected areas of the Philippines. They ensure the development of their heritage

like having more motor boats for the tourist and well-trained tour guide.

e. The local Government put on a theme called “Discovering Palawan as an Attractive Natural

Heritage Destination” with the partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT),

Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN), local governments, and stakeholders.

That would help to speared awareness and focused on the sustainable preservation and

conservation of Palawan’s amazing natural heritage.

f. Biodiversity Monitoring is a program that has been develop and the Key informants

reported that the initial results of the PPUR’s Biodiversity Monitoring System show a

significant amount of wildlife species still thriving within the area

g. Tagbalay Foundation Laventa Partnership is launching a program that will support for

Sustainable Eco-Tourism at the PPUR Area.

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h. Wilderness Protection has been developed by increasing the number of Park Rangers was

11 in 2013 to 47 at present, to strengthen and ensure the protection of the PPUR’s

Ecological Integrity. Of this number, 6 serve as Protection and Conservation Component

Heads.

i. The Sabang Wharf was developed to cater for the needs of tourist like Ticket office,

comfortable waiting shades, clean comfort rooms

j. Environmental Services The programs and activities conducted by the Park management

was gathered from documentary analysis and affirmed by key informants.

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CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

CONCLUSION

The Puerto Princesa Underground River is taken care of by the local government and other

respective organizations through the years. They allot budget, create sustainable projects, policies

and guidelines, they observe proper research and planning that will help the sustainable

development in the destination. Moreover, they consider the tourism impacts in relation with the

environment, economy, culture and society to foresee the possible adjustments to solve the issue

on a specific problem.

The Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park is known for having a globally

significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. Also, the attraction is composed of mountain to

sea ecosystem that protects the Palawan Biogeographic Province forests. It is indeed a precious

place that holds about 800 plant species, 195 bird species, 19 reptile species, and 30 mammal

species. On just simply taking care of the environment around the underground river can save a

thousand lives. Thu, LGUs and private organization goes hand-in-hand in making projects to make

Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park safe, sustainable, and far from experiencing

impacts.

Several tourism impacts such as Economic, Socio-Cultural, Environmental and other more

are evident which shows how beneficiary it is to value the importance of sustainability. It is not

only the battle of the governments, we people must also participate on how we will be able to

preserve and conserve the treasure not only of our city, but of the whole country. At the end of the
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day, achieving sustainable tourism will not only revolve on individual efforts alone. In order to

attain such goals, it must be a collective effort of every single one.

RECOMMENDATIONS

To Attraction: We recommend the management to execute a monitoring of visitors, proper waste

disposal, and an orientation or briefing before tourist can explore the area. The orientation includes

the history, rules and policies, and projects or organization that the tourist can support.

To Tourists: For the tourist, we recommend being responsible when visiting the PPUR. They

should observe proper disposal, respect the natural heritage and maintain the cleanliness in the

area. Also, they should follow the policies that was implemented in order to protect the biodiversity

in Puerto Princesa Underground River.

To Locals: Locals are one of the stakeholders hence, we encourage the officials for them to be

involved on any planning, operations, development, and employment that they may execute.

Relationships with them are important since they can build networks that unify their voices about

certain issues and can suggest an objective in the action plans.

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