STI COLLEGE – GENERAL SANTOS CITY INC.

Jose Catolico Sr. Ave, General Santos City, 9500 South Cotabato

In Partial Fulfillment Presented to the

Sustainable Tourism

Under the

Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Management

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM MEASUREMENTS:

PUERTO PRINCESA SUBTERRANEAN RIVER NATIONAL PARK

Buincamino, Hizel

Balinas, Renalyn

Ascar, Yasmin

Brosas, Angel

Bada, Bea Rose

Ardaniel, Shiela Mariz

JANUARY 2023
 SUMMARY

The park includes a fabulous limestone karst scene with an underground stream. One of the
waterway's distinctive highlights is that it arises directly into the ocean, and its lower partition is
dependent upon flowing impacts. The territory additionally speaks to a huge living space for biodiversity
protection. The site contains a full 'mountain-to-the sea' environment and has the absolute most
significant forest in Asia. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park incorporates one of the
world's most impressive cave systems, including breath taking limestone karst scenes, pristine natural
beauty, and flawless old-development woodlands and particular natural life. It is situated in the south-
western piece of the Philippine Archipelago on the mid-western shoreline of Palawan, around 76 km
northwest of Puerto Princesa and 360 km southwest of Manila. The highlight of this subterranean river
system is that it flows directly into the sea, with its brackish lower half subjected to tidal influence,
distinguishing it as a significant natural global phenomenon. The river's cave presents wonderful, eye
getting rock developments. The property contains a full mountain-to-sea ecosystem which provides
significant habitat for biodiversity conservation and ensures the most intact and essential forest inside
the Palawan biogeographic area. Holding the distinction of being the first national park devolved and
effectively oversaw by a local government unit, the park’s effective management system is an image of
responsibility by the Filipino individuals to the security and preservation of their natural heritage.

Brief Explanation of the Assigned Sustainable Tourism Planning Frameworks

Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC)

Puerto Princesa was hailed was hailed as one of the most ravishing islands not just in the Philippines, but
also in the whole world. Puerto Princesa was blessed with its natural attractions. In addition, it is also
considered as one of the cleanest and greenest City in the Philippines because they’re blessed with
countless natural wonders and disciplined people who really took care of the place. We choose Puerto
Princesa not just because it’s a famous attraction, but also, we may gather a lot of information and
articles that we can use in connecting the LAC Framework and its indicators within this destination.
Aside from that, through those articles that we may gather, the idea will be broaden and indicators will
be understood in an easy way. Since LAC also means carrying capacity, we may learn and track the
maximum number of people that may visit Puerto Princesa without causing any destruction.

Process to assess Limits of Acceptable Change:

1. Problems/issues and concerns of the area

Growth of tourism in terms of tourist arrivals showed that there is a remarkable unique attraction that
draws domestic and foreign tourists. The park made a pride for the City and further boosted the
development of the City in terms of tourist visits. Tourist arrivals in Puerto Princesa have increased by
more than 30% annually in the last three years. However, as nature- based tourism leads to a paradox.
The more attractive the site is the more popular it may become, and the more likely it is that it will be
degraded due to heavy visitation. Which in turn may diminish the quality of the experience. The Puerto
Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) is facing a series of significant threats to its
watershed, further threatening the integrity and biodiversity of the park environmental resources and
the quality of the visitor experience.

2. Define and Describe the Recreational Opportunities

The Puerto Princesa offers activities and destinations for tourists with various Inclinations. As the
destinations and activities become more multi-faceted, the Philippine tourism Industry is seen to
increasingly play a significant role in the country’s economic development. The Province of Palawan is
blessed with rich resource and with its historical and cultural attractions offers Ample opportunities for
varied activities. The pristine environment setting is excellent for sightseeing, Beach holidays, marine
sports, adventures etc. The province has several world-class spots, noteworthy of which the
underground river in St Paul National Park PPSRNP is one of the most important biodiversity
conservation areas in the Philippines. It features a spectacular limestone or karst Landscape that
contains an 8.2 km long underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it Flows directly
into the sea, and the lower half portion of the river is brackish and subject to tidal influence. The river's
complex ecosystem has adapted to the underground environments over hundreds of years. It is
supported by the Ugong Rock Adventure and the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour being the community-
based sustainable ecotourism as well as other ecotourism support activities such as nature/wildlife
watching and adventure sports tourism. Globally known as the worlds’ longest navigable underground
river, the inscription of the park in a UNESCO World Heritage.

3. Select indicators of resources and social conditions

The ecotourism management programs of Puerto Princesa Underground River constitute a body of work
anchored on its tenet of keeping the balance between community- driven protection and conservation
of the park’s ecological integrity. The underground river is now experiencing increasing impact from the
increase in visitors and tourism developments. As the number increases, the demand for resources of
the basic needs also increases. Practices like illegal logging, conversion of forest to agricultural lands and
road widening are a serious damage to the environment. It is recognized that the degradation of the
site’s biodiversity values by tourism pressure and illegal activities.

4. Inventory existing resources and social conditions

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park covering 22,202 hectares and surrounded by the
natural values of the property that protects all the various landforms and ecosystem. There is a
boundary of property that cover the entire watershed of the underground river that protect water
quality and quantity. Palawan is different from the rest of the Philippines, there are 800 recorded plants
species, 295 of them are trees.

5. Set Standards for resources and social indicators

According to Naturalist Expeditions Inc. (2020) Palawan, being the “Last Frontier” in the
Philippines have become a province that is keen when it comes to cleanliness and orderliness. In Puerto
Princesa which serves as the landing site of many tourists, littering is punishable by a fine that depends
upon the number of offenses you already have; Php 200 for the first offense, Php 300 for the second
offense, and Php 1,000 with two-months imprisonment for the third offense. They also have laws
banning smokers from smoking in public places in the city proper. Tourists that are caught violating the
ordinance will be fined Php 500 for their first offense, Php 3,000 for their second offense, and Php 5,000
for their third offense.

6. Determine appropriate actions for breached standards

According to Official Website of Puerto Princesa City Government (2012), Operation Cleanliness or Plan
Linis was conceived to clean the city of tons of uncollected cigarette butts, plastics and all sorts of
garbage. It was no easy task, insurmountable as it seemed, considering that the population has grown
tremendously. It is his centerpiece of managing the environment.

Objective of Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) in Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park
The Objective of Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) in Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
is to maximize the number of individuals, visitors, or tourist that can be accommodated in Puerto
Princesa Subterranean River National Park without affecting of the environment, the level of satisfaction
of the visitors, and the socio-cultural norms of the local community. The capacity of tourist is really
important in Puerto Princesa and every tourism destination, because now a day’s many tourism
destinations are experiencing threats due to biodiversity loss. They need to limit the tourist because the
threat is increasing due to the impacts resulting from increasing tourist. Also, every destination needs to
determine the capacity of a certain tourism destination to make its operation sustainable and lasting
and to protect and prevent the natural resources from damage. The Other objective of Limits of
Acceptable Change (LAC) in Puerto Princesa is to limit how much an area can tolerate a change due to a
variety of tourist activity and development. This approach used to manage the human- induced changed
area. The LAC concerns in Puerto Princesa how much change is acceptable and what strategy should be
taken to avoid unacceptable impact in Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Also Limits of
Acceptable Change (LAC) is used to monitor and identify violations of acceptable change limits because
of tourism activities.

Visitor Activity Management Process (VAMP) Framework

Puerto Princesa Underground River was recorded as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. As per UNESCO, it
includes one of the world's most noteworthy cave system, highlighting breath taking limestone karst
scenes, perfect common magnificence, and unblemished old- development timberlands and distinctive
wildlife. UNESCO additionally contemplated that the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River contains
internationally huge living space for biodiversity protection to remember it for the World Heritage Sites
list. Besides being a World Heritage Site, it is additionally perceived as Puerto Princesa Subterranean
River National Park 7 Wonders of Nature. Due to its magnificence and being a secured territory, Puerto
Princesa Subterranean River National Park activities require careful planning and management to ensure
the natural values are not impacted. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River was chosen for the framework
which is Visitor Activity Management Program (VAMP) because it is well-known, and it was being visited
by many tourists especially foreigners.
The following are the general steps of the VAMP framework:

1. Produce Project Terms

The highlight of this underground river system is that it flows directly into the sea, making it a natural
global phenomenon. This kind of phenomenon needs a safe environment even with high numbers of
tourists and income going in, and there are many ways to preserve.

2. Confirm existing objectives

Puerto Princesa Subterranean Underground River was recorded as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. As
indicated by UNESCO, it includes one of the world's most great impressive cave systems, highlighting
marvelous limestone karst scenes, flawless common magnificence, and unblemished old-development
woods and particular natural life. It contains an 8.2 km long underground river that streams
straightforwardly to the sea. The lower half of the stream is saline and dependent upon sea tide. The
related flowing impact on the river makes this a critical regular wonder. Additionally, it contains a full
mountain-to-the sea biological system, and secures the main timberland region inside the Palawan
Biogeographic Province

3. Organize a data base describing park ecosystem and setting

In the past year, more than a quarter of a million tourists experienced the incomparable beauty of the
Puerto Princesa Underground River, almost double the number of the previous years. Growth not only
in tourist numbers but also in facilities, infrastructure, operations, and tourism services have led to a
booming tourist economy built around what is perceived internationally as a "new" and "exotic"
destination. As more people choose to live, work, and play along coasts and waterways, resource
management professionals are challenged with balancing the changing demands of the public with the
management of resources under their care. The Puerto Princesa Underground River has been serving as
destination for educational field trips not only for Filipinos but for foreigners as well. . The topography
varies from flat plains to rolling hinterlands and hills to mountain peaks. Much of the site comprises the
unique karst environment, the endemic flora and faura, the forest formation and marine environment
caters to ecology and environment enthusiasts.

4. Analyze Existing area situation

According to UNESCO World Heritage Convention, the underground river park in Puerto Princesa
features a spectacular limestone karst landscape. A distinguishing feature is that the river emerges
directly into the sea, the lower portion is also subject to tidal influences, distinguishing it as a significant
natural global phenomenon. The exact area also shows a significant habitat for conserving the
biodiversity. The site is known to contain a full "mountain- to-sea" ecosystem, it also has some of the
most important forests in Asia. Based on the article, the property comprises an area of approximately
22,202ha, contains an 8.2km long underground river. The property, which has the karst mountain
landscapes and the underground river, is said to be in excellent condition.

5. Produce Alternative visitor activity concepts

According to Puerto Princesa Underground River's website, the park is one of the most
ancient and iconic landmarks in the Philippines. Expeditions into the dark, eerie, and enormous cave
were first met with hesitation and spine-chilling moments. After all, the Underground River doesn’t
seem to end even after hours of paddling. As tourist visits are increasing, more staff training in park
planning and management is required to ensure effective management of tourism activities. The
destination’s tourism program aims to make the visitor’s experience better with nature while protecting
its natural values. Today, this one-of-a-kind adventure is open to everyone who wishes to experience it.
As a tourism destination, they gradually re-open under the new normal, different cities are preparing
plans to ensure safe and efficient resumption of this heavily affected industry. SURGE project has been
providing technical assistance to the city’s tourism industry in the formulation of a Tourism
Development Plan and tourism brand, in enhancing the operations of its community-based sustainable
tourism sites and launching the city’s nature-based tourism attractions. The tourism reopening
strategies provide clear and doable roadmaps that will hasten the recovery of tourism-related
establishments and restart the livelihood of workers and entrepreneurs affected by the pandemic.

6. Create a park management plan

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) 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 riverbanks and initiate Regular River clean. 6) Establish a
sustainable community- based restoration project thru capability building and direct conservation
activities.

7. Plan implementation
Management of the park is conducted within the boundary as two zones: a core comprising the Park and
a surrounding buffer. The Management Plan for the park sets out relevant objectives and programs and
provides zoning within the park’s boundaries wherein different management regimes apply.
Management of the property is very effective, reflecting strong local political support and enabling the
provision of reasonable funding and staffing. Its key directive is to conserve the underground river and
the forest ecosystem in their most natural state possible. Management of the buffer is covered by
guidelines that seek to regulate activities that may impact on the property. They also provide for the
establishment of sustainable protective measures for agricultural lands within the buffer. Thus, not only
conserving the natural resources of the area, but also improving the quality of life of its residents.
However, more resources are required for the full implementation of the management plan and
guidelines.
Objective of Visitors Activity Management Program (VAMP) in Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River
National Park
The Objective of Visitors Activity Management Program (VAMP) in Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River
National Park is to provide guidance for planning new developments and projects in Puerto Princesa that
can relate of opportunities for visitors to experience through appropriate and recreational activities that
good for tourist. Also, this framework is responsible for maintaining the visitors experience and values
achieve the best for Puerto-Princesa, also operational policies, management planning and visitor’s
activity in Puerto Princesa. VAMP frameworks will take care of the problems of Puerto Princesa about
possible activities for tourist and what they can do in Puerto-Princesa. This framework is also
responsible reducing visits to particular area in Puerto-Princesa because Visitors and tourists crowing,
and conflict can reduce the quality of visitor experiences. And reducing the negative impacts facilitates
and protects the area. The other main objective of Visitors Activity Management Program (VAMP) in
Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River is protecting the ecological sustainability of protected areas,
providing funding and business opportunities, and enabling visitors to obtain worthwhile experiences
from their visit in Puerto Princesa. Managing any tourism destination in a sustainable way however
requires both a long-term perspective and careful consideration of the many ways in which tourism
activities and environment interrelate.

THE STEPS OF THE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PLANNING FRAMEWORK ASSIGNED TO YOUR GROUP

The steps of the sustainable tourism planning framework

Steps on how to assess limits of acceptable change or also known LAC framework:
• Identify the problems/issues and concerns of the area
• Define and describe recreational activity
• Select indicators of resources and social conditions
• Inventory existing resources and social conditions
• Set standards for resources and social indicators
• Determine appropriate actions for breached standards

Factors that identify indicators and standards in Limit of Acceptable Change framework:
Resources, includes trail conditions, campsite conditions, water quality, air quality, wildlife population,
and endangered species.
Social, this includes solitude while travelling, campsite solitude, conflicts, and noise.

Visitor Activity Management Process (VAMP)

Visitor Activity Management (VAMP) as a framework, is a concept created by Parks Canada, it serves as
a guide for planning and managing, developing, an established park. It is based on an order of decisions
within a management. Visitor Activity Management Process combines social science principles with
marketing that focuses on the analysis of opportunities rather than the visitor’s impacts.

Factors in developing indicators and standard in Visitor Activity Management Process:

• Visitor activity profiles
• Stakeholder profiles
• Values and constraints of resources
• Existing legislation and policies
• Management direction and plans

The following are the general steps of VAMP framework:

1. Produce project terms
2. Confirm existing objectives
3. Organize database describing park ecosystems and settings
4. Analyze existing area condition
5. Produce alternative visitor activity concepts
6. Create Park management plan
7. Plan implementation

PROPOSED SUSTAINABILTY MEASURES FOR YOUR CHOSEN PHILIPPINE TOURISM DESTINATION

•Multiple Trainings
The Puerto Princesa Underground River Park's ecosystem is still in risk due to crime and pollution. Karst
regions are notoriously prone to contamination, so precautions should be taken to keep this paradise
from being jeopardized by rising agricultural production and habitation. Through courses, seminars, and
other communication channels, it offers several training opportunities for neighborhood stakeholders,
tour guides, and the general public.

•Constructing a sewage treatment facility

This sustainability solution will aid in preventing pollution of the waters of the Puerto Princesa River. No
raw sewage or gray water is allowed to enter the islands' water supplies, thanks to a sewage treatment
plant. This activity is a requirement for all guests. In homes, treated water can be used for things like
flushing the toilet. providing the fire hydrants with water or even watering the vegetation. This will
support PPUR's efforts to save water and keep the island in good health.

•Implementing a Wildlife Monitoring Team

The phrase "environmental element of the place" refers to both the destination's flora and fauna as well
as the surroundings themselves. The undeniably high biodiversity of the Puerto Princesa River must be
maintained. The safety and well-being of the animals on the island would be ensured by establishing or
using a wildlife monitoring team. Island, this will also aid in their protection and the team will also be
aware of their requirements for aid or other means of providing for the animals so that they are not in
danger.