Palawan Adventures & Recreational Activities
Malampaya Sound Land and Seascape Protected Area
Malampaya Sound Land and Seascape Protected Area, youngest to the brood of six proclaimed Protected Areas in Palawan by virtue of the NIPAS Law. It was proclaimed in July 12, 2000 per Presidential Proclamation # 342 signed by President Joseph E. Estrada. This proclamation was warranted due to it sunique, distinct and scientifically significant ecological features.
Malampaya Sound Land and Seascape Protected Area is located at the northwestern part of the Province covering an area of about 200,155 hectares 56% (111,379 has.), the Malampaya Sound and Seascape Protected Area is made up of terrestrial and coastal /marine areas.
Malampaya Sound Land and Seascape Protected Area is ecologically and economically important both as a watershed and a rich fishing ground. In the past, it is dubbed as the s"Fishbowl of the Philippines" a cliché' that Palawan as a whole is rich in marine resources. It is made up of a number of habitats and eco-systems such as tropical lowland forest, old growth mangroves, coral reefs, sea grass beds and coastal beaches. The area abounds with flora and fauna including species endemic to Palawan.
The Sound is divided into two sections namely the Inner and Outer Sounds. Approximately, 13 islands separate the two sections. Its shoreline is flanked with mangroves and swamps. The brackish waters of the Sound is rich with zooplankton biomass and is suitable for the propagation of the shellfish production for commercial purposes and for establishment of tourism industries, national marine parks and reserves. Apparently, the Sound does not only offers significant ecological features but also livelihood opportunities for its surrounding communities.
Its over 156 species of fish are found in the Sound wherein 60 species are considered first class that command high commercial value. Unfortunately however, latest coastal survey results indicated that the coral cover has deteriorated to only 17% live coral cover.
Palawan Political History
A form of indigenous political structure developed in the island preceding the coming of the Spaniards, wherein the natives had their non-formal form of government, an alphabet, and a system of trading with sea-borne merchants.
When the Spaniards came, the northern portion of the province was assigned as the Calamianes Group while its southern portion remained part of the Sultanate of Sulu in the 16th century. The Spaniards built a stronghold in Taytay, as evidenced by a fortress called Fort Santa Isabel, which in 1818 was designated as capital of Calamianes province.
However, it was the Americans who established the province of Paragua in 1902, with Cuyo as the capital. Eventually, in 1905, the name was changed to Palawan and the capital moved to Puerto Princesa by virtue of Republic Act 1363.
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