It is unclear how long Palawan’s transcendent beauty will last, but danger signals abound.
Lush mangrove trees led toward a remote destination where sea turtles swam freely by the shore, where colorful fishes and corals surrounded the unexpected visitor, where a deer or other species peeked curiously at dusk. The sky and sea left their own indelible mark with the pure colors of sapphire and emerald, threatening their own extinction. Fast forward to 20 years hence…. Limestone cliffs that have existed for millions of years remain impressive. The sea appears calm and serene, seemingly proving the adage that silent waters run deep.
Notwithstanding, the reality underneath the sea shocks, to say the least. At least in certain areas of El Nido, a whole coral reef had already been damaged by crown of thorns starfishes that find their ultimate explanation in climate change factors. For the business traveler, Palawan remains a great place to unwind away from all the corporate noise.
In this part of the world, it is best to leave your techie gadgets behind. And simply savor pure nature and solitude, for once. Of course, Palawan is a big province but the most discriminating traveler can find top resorts in choice areas. First time visitors cannot help but feel the necessity of preserving such exotic beauty – one way or another.
Through time, the seasoned traveler comes to the conclusion that the essence of Palawan really involves environmental protection and preservation. Even tourists are not exempt from this responsibility.
Perhaps it’s about time resorts discontinue making a paid spectacle out of turtle hatching, or that Swiftlet nest hunters stop getting paid a bounty for stealing the dwindling birds’ homes.
It is unclear how long Palawan’s transcendent beauty will last, but danger signals abound.
Up to this day, dynamite fishing remains a problem. There are many issues to resolve. Possibly, anyone visiting Palawan on business or otherwise can also can also do their share in providing ideas and solutions to the multi-sectoral problems that abound. It’s like giving something back for the rare treat of witnessing such gorgeous sights in one’s lifetime – the province’s natural landscape is, after all, an unforgettable and profound experience that the next generation may never come to enjoy. Two major camps are in a square-off.
The Save Palawan Movement headed by Gina Lopez, Managing Director of the ABS-CBN Foundation is clamoring for 10 million signatures to create awareness about mining’s ill effects on the province as well as to develop legislation to protect it. The local mining industry, on the other hand, denies any widespread consequences of their activities. Ordinary citizens are left in a quandary that necessitates further research and thorough investigation. Ultimately, every Filipino must feel the burden of preserving Palawan – aptly described as one of the country’s last frontiers.