Palawan, Philippines free essay sample

Palawan is an island province of the Philippines located in the western sector opposite the Visayan region. The main island, Palawan lies between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea and the size is 450 kilometres long and 50 kilometres wide. It is composed of long and narrow islands plus a number of other small islands surrounding the main island. The Calamianes Group, to the northeast consist of Busuanga Island, Culion Island and Coron Island. Durangan Island almost touches the western most part of Palawan, while Balabac Island is located off the southern tip, separated from Borneo by the Balabac Strait. In addition, Palawan covers the Cuyo Island in the Sulu Sea. The disputed Spratly Islands, located a few hundred kilometres to the west is considered part of Palawan, locally called, â€Å"Kalayan Group of Islands. † During the ancient times (some 22,000 years ago) waves of migrants arrived from Borneo as confirmed by some anthropologists in the Philippines and by way of land bridges between Borneo and Palawan. We will write a custom essay sample on Palawan, Philippines or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page They were known as Aetas and Negritos, Palawan’s Batak tribe descended, other tribes too like Palawano and Tagbanwa. Chinese traders came also to Calamian group, Chinese artifacts are found. In the 12th century, Malay settlers came by boats. These people planted rice, ginger, coconuts, sweet potatoes, sugarcane and bananas and raised also pigs, goats and chicken. Most of their activities were hunting and fishing. They had a dialect consisted of 18 syllables. Later the Indonesians followed and brought with them Buddhism and Hinduism. Because of Palawan’s proximity to Borneo, the southern portion of the island came under the rule of the Sultanate of Brunei. Trade flourished and intermarriages among the natives, Chinese, Japanese, Arab, Hindu. The result is the breed of Palawenos, both in physical and features. Palawan was named, â€Å"Land of Promise† by Antonio Pigafetta, Magellan’s chronicler in 1521. The northern part of Palawan (the Calamianes Islands) were ruled by the Spaniards who later sent Spanish friars to Cuyo, Agupaya, Tatay and Cagayancillo but met resistance from the Moro communities. Before the 18th century, Spain had built churches inside the garrisons and defended them against the Moro raids. By 1858, Palawan was divided into two provinces, namely Castilla, the northern part with Tatay as its capital and Asturias as the southern sector and Puerto Princesa as its capital. Later, Palawan was divided into three districts, Calamianes, Paragua and Balabac with Principe Alfonso as its capital. After the Filipino-American war (1899-1902) the American established civil rule in northern Palawan, calling it Paragua. In 1903 to follow the Philippine commission Act No. 1363, the province was organised to include the southern portions and renamed Palawan and Puerto Princesa declared as its capital. Many reforms in projects were introduced later and constructure of schools, promotion of agriculture and bringing people closer to the government where the top priorities during the era. During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines on Dec. 14, 1944, 150 US prisoners of war were herded by General Yamasita’s troops into 3 covered trenches and set them on fire, burning the screaming prisoners alive. The heinous war crime was committed in order to prevent the p. o. w. s from being rescued by the advancing Allies. Some who escaped the fire were shot down. Only 11 men survived the slaughter. This massacre was published into a book, recently entitled: Last Man Out: Glenn Mctole, USMC survivors of the Palawan Massacre in WW II by Bob Wilbanks. In Palawan you’ll find fauna and flora similar to that found in Borneo. Among the many endemic species are Palawan Peacock-Pheasant, Philippines Mouse-deer, Philippine Pangolin and Palawan Bearded Pig. The forest and grasslands are alive with the songs of more than 200 kinds of birds. Over 600 species of butterflies flutter around mountains, attracted to some 1500 host plants. Endangered sea turtles nest on white beaches. Dugong (sea cow) population are getting less too. The Community Centred Conservation organisation and other institutions are trying to put a stop or end of the unsustainable use of marine resources in Palawan and in the Philippines. Palawan was cited by National Geographic Traveler magazine as the best island destination in the East and Southeast Asia region in 2007 and the 13th best island in the world having â€Å"incredibly beautiful natural seascape and landscapes. † Renowned under water explorer Jacques Cousteau has described the province as having one of the most beautiful seascapes in the world and Caril Ridley, founder of PEMS says the islands of Northern Palawan are destined to become a future destination for Asia’s growing economic and environmental conferencing. Some of Palawan’s favorite sites, Boayan Island, nearby the Calauit Game Preserve and wild sanctuary of exotic African Animals and endangered endemic animals of Palawan. The reserve was established on Aug, 31, 1976 by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 1518. Coron Reefs, Coron Bay, Busuanga Seven lakes surrounded by craggy limestone cliffs attract hundread of nature lovers to Coron Reefs in northern Palawan, near the town of Coron. Busuanga Islands main Town is Coron, is the jump-off point for many dive operators. The principal dive sites are 12 WWII Japanese ship wrecks sunk on Sept, 24, 1944 by US Navy action. From novice divers to snorklers and vocational divers and to experienced TEC divers all are offered exciting wreck exploration. The aquatic views from the sunken Japanese war ships off Coron Islands are listed in the Forbes Traveler Magazine’s Top 10 best scuba sites in the world. Dive operators offer courses in day diving, snorkeling trips and overnight dive safaris. Live-aboard and charter boats also offer diving in the area. El Nido Marine Reserve Park, Travel and Leisure (2008 issue) listed EL Nido Lagen Island and EL Nido Miniloc Island resorts as â€Å"conservation-minded places on a mission to protect local environment. † Malampaya Sound Land and Seascape Protected Area are located in the municipality of Tatay, this important ecological and economic zone is a watershed and fishing ground and the habitat of Bottle-nosed and Irrawaddy dolphins. Puerto Princesa Subterrean River National Park, features a large limestone karst landscape with an underground river. One of the rivers characteristics features is that it emerges directly into the sea and its lower portion is subject to tidal influences. The area also represents the significance habitat for biodiversity conservation. This site contains a full â€Å"mountain-to-sea† ecosystem and has some of the most important forest in Asia. Ursula Island, this game refuge and birds sanctuary is located near the municipality of Brooke’s Point in southern Palawan. The islet is a migratory and wintery ground for shore birds and sea birds. Safety and security for the visitors, locals and tourists are maintain by the Armed Forces of the Philippines –Western Command in Coniyaran and the Philippine National Police-Palawan Command with headquarters in Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa. Military units in the province under the Western Command are the Philippine Air Force 4th Naval District IV, Delta Company and 10th Marine Battalion Landing Team located in Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa. Excellent health facilities and medical staff are provided by the government and private centres. As for communication, 4 telecommunication companies provide local and international direct distance and fax services. There are 19 post offices and a number of Cargos for warders for air parcels and flight services.