Palawan

Infobox Philippine province
name = Palawan
sealfile = Ph seal palawan.png region = MIMAROPA (Region IV-B) (in transitioncite web
url=http://www.ops.gov.ph/records/eo_no429.htm
title=Executive Order No. 429
date=May 23, 2005
author=President of the Philippines
publisher=Office of the Press Secretary] cite web
url=http://www.ops.gov.ph/records/ao_no129.htm
title=Administrative Order No. 129
date=August 19, 2005
author=President of the Philippines
publisher=Office of the Press Secretary] )| capital = Puerto Princesa City
founded = March 10, 1917
pop2000 = 892,660 (including Puerto Princesa)
pop2000rank = 31st largest
popden2000 = 60
popden2000rank = 3rd lowest
areakm2 = 14,896.3
arearank = largest
hucities = 1
componentcities = 0
municipalities = 23
barangays = 432
districts = 2
languages = Tagalog, Cuyonon, Ilonggo, Tausug, Batak,
Tagbanwa, Palawano, Kagayen
governor = Mario Joel T. Reyes (Lakas-CMD)
locatormapfile = Ph locator map palawan.png

Palawan is an island province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA region. Its capital is Puerto Princesa City, and it is the largest province in the country in terms of total area of jurisdiction. The islands of Palawan stretch from Mindoro to Borneo in the southwest. It lies between the South China Sea in the northwest and Sulu Sea in the southeast. The province is named after its largest island, Palawan Island, measuring 450 kilometers long, and 50 kilometers wide. [http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph/explore_phil/place_details.asp?content=description&province=22 WowPhilippines:Palawan - the Philippines' Last Frontier] . Accessed August 27, 2008.] [http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761561871/Palawan.html MSN Encarta: Palawan] . Accessed September 05, 2008.]

Palawan is composed of the long and narrow Palawan Island, plus a number of other smaller islands surrounding the main island. The Calamianes Group of Islands, to the northwest consists of Busuanga Island, Culion Island, and Coron Island. Durangan Island almost touches the westernmost part of Palawan Island, while Balabac Island is located off the southern tip, separated from Borneo by the Balabac Strait. In addition, Palawan covers the Cuyo Islands in the Sulu Sea. The disputed Spratly Islands, located a few hundred kilometers to the west is considered part of Palawan by the Philippines, and is locally called the "Kalayaan Group of Islands".

Palawan's almost 2,000 kilometers of irregular coastline are dotted with 1,780 islands and islets, rocky coves, and sugar-white sandy beaches. It also harbors a vast stretch of virgin forests that carpet its chain of mountain ranges. The mountain heights average 3,500 feet in altitude, with the highest peak rising to 2,086 meters at Mount Matalingahan. The vast mountain areas are the source of valuable timber. The terrain is a mix of coastal plain, craggy foothills, valley deltas, and heavy forest interspersed with riverine arteries that serve as irrigation.

History

The history of Palawan may be traced back 22,000 years ago, as confirmed by the discovery of bone fragments of the Tabon Man in the municipality of Quezon. Although the origin of the cave dwellers is not yet established, anthropologists believe they came from Borneo. Known as the "Cradle of Philippine Civilization", the Tabon Caves consist of a series of chambers where scholars and anthropologists discovered the remains of the Tabon Man along with his tools and a number of artifacts.

Ancient times

Waves of migrants arrived in the Philippines by way of land bridges between Borneo and Palawan. From 220 up to 263 AD, during the period of the Three Kingdoms, "Little, dark people" living in Anwei province in South China were driven South by Ham People. Some settled in Thailand, others went farther south to Indonesia, Sumatra, Borneo. They were known as Aetas and Negritos from whom Palawan's Batak tribe descended. [http://www.pto-princesa.com/palawan/history.htm Puerto Princesa website: History of Palawan] . Accessed August 28, 2008.] Other tribes known to inhabit the islands such as the Palawano and Tagbanua, are also descendants of the early settlers, who came via ice-age land bridges. They had a form of indigenous political structure developed in the island, wherein the natives had their non-formal form of government, an alphabet, and a system of trading with sea-borne merchants.

In 982 AD, ancient Chinese traders regularly visit the islands. A Chinese author referred to these islands as "Kla-ma-yan" (Calamian), "Palau-ye" (Palawan), and "Paki-nung" (Busuanga). Pottery, china and other artifacts recovered from caves and waters of Palawan attest to trade relations that existed between Chinese and Malay merchants. [http://palawan.ws/index.php/About-Palawan/History.html Palawan Tourism Council: History of Palawan] . Accessed August 27, 2008.]

Pre-colonial era

In the 12th century, Malay settlers, who came on boats, began to populate the island. Most of the settlements were ruled by Malay chieftains. These people grew palay, ginger, coconuts, camote, sugar and bananas. They also raised pigs, goats and chickens. Most of their economic activities were fishing, farming, and hunting by the use of bamboo traps and blowguns. The local people had a dialect consisting of 18 syllables. They were followed by the Indonesians of the Majapahit Empire in the 13th century, and they brought with them Buddhism and Hinduism. [http://www.camperspoint.com/article.php3?id_article=239 Camperspoint: History of Palawan] . Accessed August 27, 2008.]

Because of Palawan's proximity to Borneo, southern portions of the island was under the control of the Sultanate of Borneo for more than two centuries, and Islam was introduced. During the same period, trade relations flourished, and intermarriages among the natives and the Chinese, Japanese, Arab, Hindu. The inter-mixing of blood resulted to a distinct breed of "Palaweños", both in physical stature and features.

panish period

After Ferdinand Magellan's death, remnant of his fleet landed in Palawan where the bounty of the land saved them from starvation. Antonio Pigafetta, Magellan's chronicler named the place "Land of Promise." The first ever recorded act of piracy in the Philippines happened in Palawan when Chief Tuan Mohamad and his staff were captured aboard their vessel and taken hostage by the Spaniards who demanded ransom within 7 days consisting of 400 sukats or 190 sacks of clean rice, 450 chickens, 20 pigs, 20 goats and several jars filled with tuba.

The northern Calamianes Islands were the first to come under Spanish authority, and were later declared a province separate from the Palawan mainland. In the early 17th century, Spanish friars sent out missions in Cuyo, Agutaya, Taytay and Cagayancillo but they met resistance from Moro communities. Before 18th century, Spain began to build churches enclosed by garrisons for protection against Moro raids in the town of Cuyo, Taytay, Linapacan and Balabac. In 1749, the Sultanate of Borneo ceded southern Palawan to Spain.

In 1818, the entire island of Palawan, or "Paragua" as it was called, was organized as a single province named "Calamianes", with its capital in Taytay. By 1858, the province was divided into two provinces, namely, "Castilla", covering the northern section with Taytay as capital and "Asturias" in the southern mainland with Puerto Princesa as capital. It was later then divided into three districts, "Calamianes", "Paragua" and "Balabac", with Principe Alfonso town as its capital. In 1902, the Americans established civil rule in northern Palawan, calling it the province of "Paragua". Finally, in 1903, pursuant to Philippine Commission Act No. 1363, the province was reorganized to include the southern portions and renamed "Palawan".

American rule

When the Spaniards left after the 1898 revolution, a civil government was established by the Americans. Provincial boundaries were revised in 1903, the name of the province was changed to Palawan, and Puerto Princesa declared as its capital..

Many reforms and projects were later introduced in the province. Construction of school buildings, promotion of agriculture, and bringing people closer to the government were among the priority plans during this era.

Japanese invasion

The Palawan Massacre

During World War II, in order to prevent the rescue of prisoners of war by the advancing allies, on 14 December 1944, the Japanese herded the remaining 150 prisoners of war at Puerto Princesa into three covered trenches which were then set on fire using barrels of gasoline. Prisoners who tried to escape the flames were shot down. Others attempted to escape by climbing over a cliff that ran along one side of the trenches, but were later hunted down and killed. Only 11 men escaped the slaughter and between 133 and 141 were killed. The site of the massacre can still be visited. The massacre is the premise of the recently published book "Last Man Out: Glenn McDole, USMC, Survivor of the Palawan Massacre in World War II" by Bob Wilbanks, and the opening scenes of the 2005 Miramax movie, "The Great Raid".
See also:
* [http://www.west-point.org/family/adbc/rosters_files/palawan.htm 133 Palawan Massacre Victims Roster]
* [http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=20809 123 Palawan Victims gravesite]

Liberation

The island was liberated from the Japanese Imperial Forces by a task force consisting of Filipino and American military personnel between February 28 and April 22, 1945.

Honda Bay Kidnapping

In May 2001, Palawan hit the headlines when the militant Islamic group Abu Sayyaf abducted 20 guests from the "Dos Palmas Resort", located in Honda Bay outside of Puerto Princesa. The kidnapping raid led to a massive U.S.-backed security operation, and unfortunately two hostages were later killed. Significantly, there have been no repeat incidents of this kind in Palawan, and the combination of a beefed-up military presence and radar surveillance has considerably boosted security.

Political divisions

Palawan consists of 432 barangays, 23 municipalities, a lone city, Puerto Princesa, and two congressional districts that divide the province into north and south portions. Out of this, 13 are considered as "mainland municipalities", and these are, Aborlan, Narra, Quezon, Sofronio Española, Brooke's Point, Rizal, and Bataraza (located south), Puerto Princesa (positioned in the center), and San Vicente, Roxas, Dumaran, El Nido, and Taytay (found in the north). The remaining municipalities are "island municipalities", and they are: Busuanga, Coron, Linapacan and Culion (forming the Calamianes group of islands), Cuyo, Agutaya and Magsaysay (the Cuyo group of islands), Araceli, Cagayancillo, Balabac and Kalayaan (Spratly Islands).

It has a total land area of 14,896 square kilometer (sq km), which is distributed to its "mainland municipalities", comprising 12,239 km², and the "island municipalities", which altogether measure 2,657 km². On the average, each municipality has an area of 620 km². On the other hand, the island municipality of Cuyo (4,003 km²) ranks largest in terms of municipal waters. On the latter, the mainland municipality of Sofronio Española has the smallest marine area with only 485 km².

The largest municipalities are situated in the central and northern mainland, and they are: Puerto Princesa (2,106 km²), Taytay (1,390 km²), and Roxas (1,220 km²). On the contrary, the smallest local government units are the island municipalities of Cagayancillo (15.40 km²), Magsaysay (27.70 km²) and Cuyo (57.30 km²). All 24 local government units have 431 barangays as of June 2002.

City

*Puerto Princesa

Municipalities

Mainland Municipalities

*Aborlan *Bataraza *Brooke's Point *Dumaran *El Nido (Bacuit) *Narra

*Quezon *Rizal (Marcos) *Roxas *San Vicente *Sofronio Española *Taytay

Island Municipalities

*Agutaya *Araceli *Balabac *Busuanga *Cagayancillo *Coron

*Culion *Cuyo *Kalayaan *Linapacan *Magsaysay

Region

In 2001, the residents of Palawan voted in a plebiscite to reject a move from Region IV (Southern Tagalog) into an expanded Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. [Citation
url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1492695.stm
title=Philippines 'rejects' Muslim self-rule
date=August 15, 2001
publisher=BBC News
accessdate=2008-08-15]

On May 17,2002, Executive order No. 103 divided Region IV into Region IV-A (CALABARZON) and Region IV-B (MIMAROPA), placing the province of Palawan into MIMAROPA.Citation
url=http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/articles/intro_EO103.asp
title=Executive Order No. 103
author=President of the Philippines
date=May 17, 2002
publisher=ncsb.gov.ph
accessdate=2008-08-15]

On May 23, 2005, Executive Order No. 429 directed that Palawan be transferred from Region IV to Region VI. However, Palaweños criticized the move, citing a lack of consultation, with most residents in Puerto Princesa City and all municipalities but one preferring to stay with Region IV-B. Consequently, Administrative Order No. 129 was issued on August 19, 2005 that the implementation of EO 429 be held in abeyance pending approval by the President of its implementation Plan. As of July 2008, the abeyance is still in effect and Palawan remains a part of MIMAROPA.

Demographics

People and culture

Based on the 2000 census, the population of the entire province is 737,000. The province is a melting pot of 87 different cultural groups and races who live together in peace and harmony. Basically, its culture bears a strong influence from China, India and the Middle East. Influx of migrants from other parts of the Philippines, particularly from Muslim Mindanao, accounts for the high population growth rate of 3.98% annually. The native-born Palaweños still predominate the populace. Eighteen percent is composed of cultural minority groups such as the Tagbanua, Palawano, Batak, and Molbog.

Language/Dialect

There are 52 dialects in the province, with Tagalog being spoken by 28 percent of the people. Other major dialects are Cuyonon (26.27 percent), Palawano (11.08 percent), and Ilonggo (9.6 percent). English is also widely spoken.

Religion

The predominant religion in Palawan is Roman Catholicism. Pockets of indigenous Muslims can be found in the southern municipalities with Muslims making up the majority of the population in some municipalities in the far south like Balabac and Bataraza. Members of the Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormons or LDS) are present on Palawan, as well as the Seventh-day Adventists, Iglesia ni Cristo, Jesus Miracle Crusade, Jesus Touch Fellowship, and other Christian denominations. There are also Buddhists - mainly Vietnamese refugees who settled in Palawan, as well as some ethnic Chinese Buddhists. One notable Vietnamese Buddhist Temple in Palawan being Vihara Van Phat. Most of the ethnic minorities such as Batak and Tagbanwa are animists, but many have become Christians (usually Protestant) or have joined other sects.

Education

Enrollment in public elementary schools is steadily increasing. From 146,114 in 2003, the number of students in the public elementary schools went up to 147,013 in the year 2004 while enrollees in public secondary schools reached 55,887. [http://www.palawan.gov.ph/profile.php Official Website of the Province of Palawan] . Accessed August 28, 2008.]

Literacy rate in Palawan is increasing by 2% annually because of expanding access to education. Among these programs are the establishment of schools in remote barangays, non-formal education, multi-grade mobile teaching and the drop-out intervention program.

Public schools in the province consist of 623 elementary schools, 126 secondary schools and two universities. Private schools are as follows: 26 – elementary; 19 – secondary; 4 private colleges and 10 vocational schools. Some of the private institutions are the Holy Trinity College, Fullbright College, Palawan Polytechnical College Inc., in Roxas, San Vicente and Puerto Princesa City, Systems Technology Institute (STI), AMA Computer Learning Center (ACLC) in Puerto Princesa City, San Francisco Javier College in Narra, Loyola College in Culion, St. Jpseph Academy in Cuyo, St. Augustine Academy in Coron and the Coron Technical School.

Among the public institutions are the Palawan State University, Western Philippines University in Aborlan and Puerto Princesa, Coron College of Fisheries, Puerto Princesa School of Arts and Trade and the Palawan College of Arts and Trade in Cuyo, Palawan.

Environment

Palawan, the only Philippine island cited, is rated by National Geographic Traveler magazine as the best island destination in East and Southeast Asia region in 2007, and the 13th best island in the world having "incredibly beautiful natural seascapes and landscapes. One of the most biodiverse (terrestrial and marine) islands in the Philippines...The island has had a Biosphere Reserve status since early 1990s, showing local interest for conservation and sustainable development". [cite web|url=http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/features/islandsrated0711/islands.html| title= Destinations Rated: Islands|] [ cite web|url=http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/pdf/nd07placesratedislands.pdf| title=4th Annual Places Rated: 111 Islands|]

The province was also categorized as "doing well" in the 4th Destination Scorecard survey conducted by the National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations, and Conde Nast Traveler magazine voted its beaches, coves and islets as the tourist destination with the best beaches in Asia. [http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=news5_jan19_2008 Lagen, Miniloc resorts win world’s green vote] ] Renowned underwater explorer Jacques Costeau has described the province as having one of the most beautiful seascapes in the world.

Palawan is the habitat of 232 endemic species. Some of these unique creatures are the metallic-colored peacock pheasant, the shy mousedeer, the cuddly bearcat, and the reclusive scaly anteater. In the forests and grasslands, the air resonates with the songs of more than 200 kinds of birds. Over 600 species of butterflies flutter around the mountains and fields of Palawan, attracted to some 1500 hosts plants found here. Endangered sea turtles nest on white sand beaches, and the gentle dugong feeds on the seagrass that abpund in Palawan’s waters. [http://www.palawan.gov.ph/environment.php The Official Website of the Province of Palawan: Environment] . Accessed August 28, 2008.]

Total forest cover is about 56 percent of the total land area of the province while mangrove forest accounts for 3.35 percent based on the 1998 Landsat imagery. Grasslands dwindled from 19 percent in 1992 to 12.40 percent in 1998. This is an indication of improving soil condition as deteriorating soil is normally invaded by grass species. Brushlands increased to 25 percent of the total land area. Sprawled beneath the seas are nearly 11,000 square kilometers of coral reefs, representing more than 35% of the country’s coral reefs.

Notable sites

Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary

A game reserve and wildlife sanctuary of exotic African animals and endangered endemic animals of Palawan. The reserve was established on August 31, 1976 by virtue of the Presidential Decree No.1578, this was initiated in response to the appeal of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature to help save African wildlife when former President Ferdinand Marcos attended the 3rd World Conference in Kenya. By virtue of the Republic Act 7611 (SEP), administrative jurisdiction of DENR was given to the local government of Palawan, effective December 31, 1993. Management of the area is the responsibility of the Office of the Palawan Council of Sustainable Development (PCSD). It is located in Calauit Island in Busuanga.

Coron Reefs, Coron Bay, Busuanga

Seven lakes surrounded by craggy limestone cliffs attract hundreds of nature lovers to "Coron Reefs" in Northern Palawan, near the town of Coron. Busuanga Island, whose main town is Coron, is the jump-off point for numerous dive operators. The principal dive sites are 12 World War II Japanese shipwrecks sunk on September 24, 1944 by US Navy action. They range in depth from the surface to 40 meters. This large variety offers exciting wreck exploration for enthusiasts, from novice divers and snorkelers and recreational divers to experienced TEC divers. Dive operators offer PADI dive courses ranging from Discover Scuba to Assistant Instructor, Technical and Enriched Air Diving, as well as other specialty courses. Dive operators offer day diving, snorkeling trips, and overnight dive safaris. Live-aboard and charter boats also offer diving in the area. The aquatic views from the sunken Japanese warships off Coron Island are listed in Forbes Traveler Magazine’s top 10 best scuba sites in the world.

El Nido Marine Reserve Park

The January 2008 issue of international magazine Travel + Leisure, published by the American Express Co. (which partnered with Conservation International) listed El Nido’s sister hotel resorts El Nido Lagen Island and El Nido Miniloc Island in Miniloc and Lagen Islands as “conservation-minded places on a mission to protect the local environment.” Travel + Leisure’s 20 Favorite Green Hotels scored El Nido Resort’s protection of Palawan’s giant clam gardens and the re-introduction of endangered Philippine cockatoos: "8. El Nido Resorts, Philippines: Guest cottages on stilts are set above the crystalline ocean. The resorts are active in both reef and island conservation." [ [http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/story.html?id=eb0b5e97-c5ee-48b8-ae2f-4580ae048721&k=85150 The world's greenest hotels, from Switzerland to Sri Lanka] ]

Malampaya Sound Land and Seascape Protected Area

Located in the Municipality of Taytay, this important ecological and economic zone is a watershed and fishing ground, and the habitat of Bottle-nosed and Irrawady dolphins.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

* Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park (1999) This park features a large limestone karst landscape with an underground river. One of the river's distinguishing features is that it emerges directly into the sea, and its lower portion is subject to tidal influences. The area also represents a significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. The site contains a full 'mountain-to-sea' ecosystem and has some of the most important forests in Asia.

* Tubbataha Reef Marine Park (1993)The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park covers 332 km², including the North and South Reefs. It is a unique example of an atoll reef with a very high density of marine species; the North Islet serving as a nesting site for birds and marine turtles. The site is an excellent example of a pristine coral reef with a spectacular 100 m perpendicular wall, extensive lagoons and two coral islands.

Ursula Island

This game refuge and bird sanctuary is situated near the Municipality of Brooke's Point in southern Palawan. The islet is a migratory and wintering ground for shorebirds and seabirds. [http://palawan.ws/index.php/About-Palawan/Palawan-Environment.html Palawan Tourism Council: Palawan Environment] . Accessed August 28, 2008.]

Climate

The province has two types of climate. The first, which occurs in the northern and southern extremities and the entire western coast, has two distinct seasons – six months dry and six months wet. The other, which prevails in the eastern coast, has a short dry season of one to three months and no pronounced rainy period during the rest of the year. The southern part of the province is virtually free from tropical depressions but northern Palawan experiences torrential rains during the months of July and August. Summer months serve as peak season for Palawan. Sea voyage is most favorable from March to early June when the seas are calm.

ecurity

Spearheading the maintenance of the peace and order situation are the Armed Forces of the Philippines–Western Command in Canigaran 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.

Economy

Palawan's economy is basically agricultural. The three major crops are palay, corn and coconut. Mineral resources include nickel, copper, manganese, and chromite. Logging is also a major industry. Palawan has one of the richest fishing grounds in the country. About 45% of Manila's supply of fish comes from here. Having natural gas reserves of approximately 30,000 trillion cubic feet, the province is the only oil-producing province in the country. [http://home.comcast.net/~maesteban/island_groups/luzon/region4b/palawan/palawanprofile.htm Palawan Profile at Home.comcast.net] . Accessed August 28, 2008.] [http://www.pto-princesa.com/palawan/why.htm Puerto Princesa website: Quick facts] . Accessed August 28, 2008.] In addition, tourism is also a thriving sector.

The economic and agricultural business growth of province is at 20% per annum. Coconut, sugar, rice, lumber, and livestock are produced here.

Communication

Four telecommunication companies provide local and international direct distance dialing and fax services. Inter island communications is available through the government’s telegraph network and the Provincial Radio Communication System. In addition, there are 19 post offices, a number of cargo forwarders provide air parcel and freight services.

The province has access to two satellite-linked television stations. Cable television in the City of Puerto Princesa offers dozens of foreign channels while smaller firms provide cable services in selected towns. Individual cable facility (Dream Cable) is available locally. Seven radio stations are based in Puerto Princesa, four on the AM and three on the FM bands. Community-based radio stations operate in some of the municipalities in the north and south of the province. Additional stations are expected to set up local affiliates in the capital city of Puerto Princesa.

Two mobile phone companies, Smart Communications and Globe Telecom, are operating in the province. Sun Cellular is expected to start operations in the province soon.

There are three Internet Service Providers in the Province-Kawing Internet, Mozcom Puerto Princesa and Pal-Isla Globelines Broadband, PLDT My DSL and Smart Amazing Wireless Broadband are also available.

AM Radio stations

*DYPR 765 kHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by Palawan Broadcasting Corporation
*DWMR Radyo ng Bayan Palawan, owned by Philippine Broadcasting Service
*DZRH Puerto Princesa DYPH 693 kHz, owned by Manila Broadcasting Company

FM Radio stations

*DYUN 89.3 MHz in Aborlan, owned by State Polytechnic University of Palawan
*91.1 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by ZOE Broadcasting
*92.3 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by Interactive Broadcasting Media
*94.3 MHz Home Radio in Puerto Princesa, owned by Aliw Broadcasting
*95.9 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by Katigbak Enterprises
*95.9 MHz in Taytay, owned by Palawan Boradcasting Corporation
*97.5 MHz Campus Radio in Puerto Princesa, owned by Republic Broadcasting Systems (Radio GMA)
*DYEZ 98.3 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by Manila Broadcasting Company
*DWWA Radyo Cabayugan 98.5 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by Palawan Council for Sustainable Development
*The Hit FM 99.1 in Puerto Princesa, owned by Rajah Broadcasting
*DYPR The Beat 99.9 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by Palawan Broadcasting Corporation
*DWRZ Radyo Natin 100.5 MHz in Coron, owned by Manila Broadcasting Company
*DWGA Radyo Inogbong 101.1 MHz in Bataraza, owned by Palawan Council for Sustainable Development
*DWRO Radyo Natin 101.3 MHz in Roxas, owned by Manila Broadcasting Company
*Bay Radio 103.1 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by Baycomms Broadcasting Corporation
*Radyo Natin 103.3 MHz in Taytay, owned by Manila Broadcasting Company
*DYMS 103.9 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by Romeo Servando (Rolin Broadcasting)
*DWMI Radyo Natin 104.5 MHz in Brooke's Point, owned by Manila Broadcasting Company
*105.5 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by VTV

TV stations

*DYPR -TV Channel 7, in Puerto Princesa, owned by Palawan Broadcasting Corporation (an affiliate of ABS-CBN)
*NBN Channel 4 in Puerto Princesa, owned by National Broadcasting Network
*GMA Channel 12 in Puerto Princesa

Cable Television Companies

*Calamianes Cable Television, Inc.-Coron, Palawan
*Culion CATV Services, Inc.-Culion, Palawan
*Cuyo Cable TV Corporation-Cuyo, Palawan
*Global Destiny Cable-Puerto Princesa
*Palawan Cable Television Corporation-Puerto Princesa
*Puerto Princesa CATV, Inc.-Puerto Princesa
*Roxas Cable Television, Inc.-Roxas, Palawan
*Taytay CATV Service-Taytay, Palawan
*Treasure Cable Television, Inc.-Cuyo, Palawan
*Vinta Cable Services-Brooke's Point, Palawan
*Vinta Cable Services-Narra, Palawan

Print media

*The Palawan Times by Luntian Publishing Inc., a weekly newspaper in Puerto Princesa
*Palawan Sun Online
*Bandillo ng Palawan

Health facilities

There are nine provincial government hospitals, two national government hospitals, one military hospital and nine private hospitals in the province. The Ospital ng Palawan, managed and administered by the Department of Health (DOH), and the Palawan Adventist Hospital are located in Puerto Princesa. The Culion Sanitarium and General Hospital in Culion is also a DOH-run hospital.

Hospitals in Palawan

Medicare Hospitals

* Aborlan Medicare Hospital
* Quezon Medicare Hospital
* Roxas Medicare Hospital

District Hospitals

* Brooke’s Point District Hospital
* Taytay District Hospital
* Cuyo District Hospital
* Coron District Hospital

Municipal Hospital

* Narra Municipal Hospital
* Dumaran Municipal Hospital

Rural Health Units with Lying-In

* Rizal Rural Health Unit
* Bataraza Rural Health Unit
* San Vicente Rural Health Unit
* Araceli Rural Health Unit
* Linapacan Rural Health Unit
* Busuanga Rural Health Unit
* Cagayancillo Rural Health Unit

Private Hospitals

* Palawan Adventist Hospital - San Pedro, Puerto Princesa
* Sacred Heart Hospital - Narra
* Manipol Hospital – Brooke’s Point
* RTN Hospital – Rio-Tuba, Bataraza
* Palawan Baptist Hospital – Roxas
* Alfonso Birthing Home – Malvar St., Puerto Princesa
* Leoncio General Hospital – Brooke’s Point
* Sagrado Hospital – Brooke’s Point
* Cooperative Hospital/Medical Mission Group - Burgos St., Puerto Princesa

Public services

Electricity

The National Power Corporation has 14 electric facilities all over Palawan. It operates with a total of 51.363 megawatts of electricity. These electrici facilities include: [http://www.palawan.gov.ph/profile.php Official Website of the Province of Palawan] . Accessed August 28, 2008.]
* Agutaya Power Plant
* Araceli Power Plant
* Balabac Power Plant
* Cagayancillo Power Plant
* Culion Power Plant
* Cuyo Power Plant
* El Nido Power Plant
* Linapacan Power Plant
* Delta P (IPP)
* Puerto Princesa Power Plant
* Roxas Power Plant
* San Vicente Power Plant
* Taytay Power Plant
* NPC Modular Power Plant (Irawan)

Water facilities

Water facilities in Palawan are classified as Level I (deepwell, handpump), Level II (communal faucet), or Level III (house connection). Among all of these types, Level I has the most number of units, accounting to 17,438; this is followed by Level III, with 1,688 units; and Level II, with only 94 units.

Trivia

* The convert|9.45|in|mm|sing=on Pearl of Lao Tzu is the world's largest. It was found by a diver off the Philippine island of Palawan in 1934.

References

External links

*Wikitravel|Palawan
* [http://www.elnidofoundation.org/ El Nido Foundation]