Sustainable Tourism Development Plan PDF

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SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR NARRA, PALAWAN 2019-2028 Prepared by the MUNICIPAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTIONS OFFICE and the TOURISM PLANNING COMMITTEE July 2018 FOREWORD Driving growth of tourism industry in Palawan for the past and recent years calls the Municipality of Narra to f...

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SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR NARRA, PALAWAN 2019-2028 Prepared by the MUNICIPAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTIONS OFFICE and the TOURISM PLANNING COMMITTEE

July 2018

FOREWORD Driving growth of tourism industry in Palawan for the past and recent years calls the Municipality of Narra to fully realise its potential in tourism sector. The role of tourism as an engine for economic growth of our municipality is recognize as it generates income and provides employment opportunities for the community. As tourism promising to dominates the market, it is timely to put in order our resources for its future use. Evidently, we relied in natural resources as our main assets. And if these assets could not be properly utilized, we cannot achieve what tourism could brings for a better living. We believed that tourism in the coming years will be the major driver for socio-economic development of our municipality. In order to realize this preceding statement, I formed a planning body specifically tasked to carefully craft our local tourism development plan. This plan is anticipated to ensure the competitiveness of our tourism industry in local and national level. We envisioned that Narra will be a model for low carbon and green destination in Palawan as guided by fundamental precepts of sustainability. Herewith, a “Sustainable Tourism Development Plan” or STDP was prepared to guide the local government, private sector, community and other local stakeholders in tourism development. Sustainable tourism means providing self-sustaining and long-term livelihood for the community, protect the environment and promotes culture, and upholds the rights and dignity of people, including women, children and persons with disabilities. This technical product has been designed to act as an avenue for an inclusive growth in tourism. The plan highlighted the need for tourism policylegislation and regulatory framework, tourism infrastructure programs, tourism product development through convergence program, capacity development, marketing, investment, and environmental management. We hope that this blueprint will find our way in our quest to achieve a higly sustainable tourism sector. We congratulate the Municipal Tourism Development and Promotions Office and Tourism Planning Committee, who collaborated as technical working group in crafting this imperative piece of development.

LUCENA DIAZ-DEMAALA Municipal Mayor Chairperson, Tourism Planning Committee

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This Sustainable Tourism Development Plan is a product of a detailed analysis, research, and multi-sectoral collaboration. We would like to acknowledge and express the gratitude to Hon. Lucena Diaz-Demaala, Municipal Mayor and Chairman of Tourism Planning Committee, for her invaluable support to make this essential undertaking a possible one. To Hon. Crispin O. Lumba Jr. and the rest of the Sangguniang Bayan members, for their active input to make the legislation in tourism a more dynamic and competitive. To private sectors and the community for being our colleague in shaping Narra’s tourism industry into a competitive destination in Palawan and in MIMAROPA region. Furthermore, we extend our commendation to Department of Tourism and its attached agency, the Tourism Promotions Board who undertake peer review in this STDP. Their technical expertise shared in TWG contributed greatly to become realistic and viable this undertaking.

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES LIST OF FIGURES LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS TOURISM COUNCIL RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE PLAN SANGGUNIAN RESOLUTION/ ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE PLAN

ii iii iv vi vii viii x xi

I. BACKGROUND OF THE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PLAN Rational for Development of a Sustainable Tourism Development Plan The Tourism Development Areas Tourism Map Objectives of the Sustainable Tourism Development Plan Outputs of the Sustainable Tourism Development Plan

1 2 3 4 4

II. NARRA TOURISM SITUATIONER Tourism Product Portfolio Accommodations Other Tourism Facilities and Services Existing Tourism Markets Geo-Physical Characteristics Topography Climate and Temperature Other Infrastructure Socio-economic environment

5 20 20 20 21 21 22 22 23

III. TOURISM DIRECTION Narra Tourism Vision Stakeholder’s Goal Strategic Issues and Challenges Strategic Action and Approach

25 26 27 30

IV. TOURISM DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK The Tourism Policy, Legislation and Regulatory Framework The Tourism Infrastructure Program The Tourism Product Development through Convergence Program The Capability Building Programs The Tourism Marketing Plan The Tourism Investment Plan The Environmental Management Plan

31 34 42 44 56 59 62

V. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Implementation Strategies

68

VI. MONITORING AND EVALUATION SCHEMES Strategic Evaluation Framework

89

APPENDICES

LIST OF TABLES Table

Page

1

Accommodation Establishments Profile

20

2

Other Tourism Facilities and Services Profile

20

3

Guest Arrival from Tourist Attractions

21

4

PPAs for Tourism Policies, Legislation and Regulatory

33

Framework 5

PPAs for Tourism Cluster I

34

6

PPAs for Tourism Cluster II

37

7

PPAs for Tourism Cluster III

41

8

PPAs for TPD through Convergence Programs

43

9

Capacity Building Assessment Matrix

45

10

Capacity Development Plan

51

11

PPAs for Tourism Marketing

58

12

PPAs for Tourism Investment Plan

61

13

PPAs for Environmental Management Plan

66

14

Tourism Project Profile

68

15

Prioritized Tourism Project

81

16

Monitoring and Evaluation Sheet

90

17

Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy

91

18

Annual/End-of-Term Accomplishment Report for the

93

Municipality of Narra

LIST OF FIGURES Figure

Page

1

Narra Tourism Map

3

2

Essence of Narra’s tourism vision

25

3

Strategic Evaluation Framework

89

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS AE

Accommodation Establishment

CBST

Community-Based Sustainable Tourism

DENR

Department of Environment and Natural Resources

DOST

Department of Science and Technology

DOT

Department of Tourism

EMP

Ecotourism Management Plan

LGU

Local Government Unit

M&E

Monitoring and Evaluation

MEO

Municipal Engineering Office

MENRO

Municipal Environment and Natural Resources

MTDPO

Municipal Tourism Development and Promotions Office

NGO

Non-Government Organization

NTDP

National Tourism Development Plan

PPAs

Programs, Projects, and Activities

STDP

Sustainable Tourism Development

SWOT

Strenght, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats

TIEZA

Tourim Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority

TPB

Tourism Promotions Board

TPC

Tourism Planning Committee

TPD

Tourism Product Development

TWG

Technical Working Group

PLan

TOURISM COUNCIL RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE PLAN

SANGGUNIANG BAYAN RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE PLAN

CHAPTER I BACKGROUND OF THE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Rational for Development of a Sustainable Tourism Development Plan Tourism comprises the activities of persons travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place of visited. Tourism development and promotion are among the functions of Local Government Units (LGUs) as mandated by the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160). As local governments shifted to more participatory forms of development governance, they were also encouraged to enjoin other stakeholders in local tourism development and promotion. LGUs are essential stakeholders in the implementation of tourism policies, plans and programs, including the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP). The key role of LGUs is recognized under RA 9593 that identifies shared responsibilities of national and local governments including: national and local tourism development planning; collection and reporting of local tourism information including the inventory of tourist resources, status of tourism plans, visitor arrival statistics, the supply of tourist facilities and services in a locality, etc.; implementation of a system of accreditation and standards for tourist enterprises; designation of tourism officers; establishment of tourist information and assistance centers; and classification of tourism sites. To respond in the provision of the National Tourism Act of 2009 (RA 9593) for the preparation and implementation of a local tourism development plan, the Municipality of Narra has prepared a sustainable tourism development plan that will provide a detailed blueprint for tourism developments in the municipality.

The formulation of this Sustainable Tourism Development Plan (STDP) was led by Municipal Tourism Development and Promotions Office (MTDPO) in collaboration with Tourism Planning Committee (TPC) who formed the Technical Working Group (TWG).The Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs) were based on recommendations laid out during several rounds of workshop session with the Tourism Planning Committee (TPC). The TPC has been an active partner in the development of this plan, contributing expertise, advice and resources to all aspects of its development. Tourism has to be sustainable, thus, the context of principles of sustainable tourism as economically viable, environmentally sound, culturally appropriate, and socially, just, humane and gender equitable that promotes inclusive growth is substantial in this tourism development plan. Through the Sustainable Tourism Development Plan, Narra will develop clusters better designed to encourage tourists to visit more attractions, increase their length of stay, and expenditures. The cluster approach is envisioned to maximize efficiency and inclusiveness in the Narra tourism programs.

The Tourism Development Areas The Municipality of Narra is divided into 23 barangays. The location of the local tourism development plan is focused on barangay with existing, emerging, and potential tourist attractions. The identified barangays that were covered of this plan are barangay of Poblacion, Panacan, Antipuluan, Estrella Village, Malatgao, Dumanguena, San Isidro, Princess Urduja, Aramaywan, Caguisan, and Burirao.

Tourism Map Figure 1. Narra Tourism Map

Objectives of the Sustainable Tourism Development Plan 1. To adopt sustainable tourism principles promoting inclusive growth. 2. Provide a detailed roadmap to guide the LGU in the implementation of strategies and actions identified in the STDP. 3. Assist the private sector in determining the location of viable tourism investments.

Outputs of the Sustainable Tourism Development Plan The completion of this undertaking is expected to provide the following outcome: 1. Conducive policy and regulatory framework. 2. Tourism infrastructure programs for existing, emerging, and potential tourism products. 3. Tourism Product Development. 4. Human resource development plan for tourism stakeholders. 5. Marketing and promotion programs for Narra as a tourism destination. 6. Investment programs for tourism. 7. Environmental Management Plan.

CHAPTER II NARRA TOURISM SITUATIONER

Tourism Product Portfolio The lush forest, abundant mountains and plentiful farms geared up the municipality for 3F’s approach- Farm, Forest and Falls. Nestled by the second highest mountain in Palawan, the Mount Victoria, home to the Cockatoo Capital of the World, the Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary, and named as the Rice Granary of Palawan, Narra envisioned as the Eco-Adventure and Farm Tourist Destination in Palawan. Existing tourist attractions The following are the existing tourist attractions in Narra: 1.Estrella River Falls

Estrella River Falls is located in Barangay Estrella Village, a 30-minute ride from town center, and can be accessible by any land transport service. The cold and fresh water from the waterfalls made the attraction a favorite summer getaway of tourist. Layering more than 64

waterfalls, it designed for a two level adventure: one day trekking crossing diverse falls formation up to 14th falls, and the four days trekking bridging the 64th falls.

14th Falls of Estrella

64th Falls of Estrella

2. San Isidro Hot Spring A cozy environment and warm water will welcome you once you visit theSan Isidro Hot Spring located

in

south

of

Narra.

According to the study of Dr Carlo A. Arcilla, a Professor from the UP National Institute of Geologicsl Science, San Isidro Hot Spring is a natural, free flowing alkaline water.

3. Batang-batang River Batang-batang River is the hub of river camping activity in the municipality. It is located in Sitio Mariwara, Bgy. Princess Urduja. River camp, the newest point of interest in Narra, is a two days activity offering a thrilling river crossing in a crystal clear water of Batang-Batang river. At present, only swimming and camping are the offered activities at the site. 4. Atabay Lake

Atabay Lake is considered as one of the major climb among the mountaineering attraction in Narra. Measuring about700-800 meters above sea level (MASL), Atabay Lake can be reached for two to three days of hiking experience. The five hectares is surrounded by verdant trees and lake. 5. Sultan Peak and Falls

Sultan Peak and Falls is a three-day mountaineering experience (ascent and descent) measuring about 300 feet jaw dropping scene. There are river crossing along the trail. You"ll witness the crystal clear water bordered by abundant greenery that makes the place more quiet and relaxing. The campsite is situated close to Sultan Falls. 5. The Teeth The Teeth is the ultimate mountain adventure in Narra that takes about four or more days of climbing. The trail is surrounded with abundant forest featuring various kinds of flora. The

summit offers a picturisque view of the West Philippine Sea, the Municipality of Quezon and on the opposite side is the Sulu Sea and the municipalities of Aborlan, Narra, and Sofronio Espanola.

6. Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary Rasa Island is not a tourism enterprise but a conservation project which promote ecotourism. Aside from Philippine Cockatoo, 103 other bird species are recorded from Rasa, among them threatened ones like grey-imperial pigeon, Mantananiscops owl and Blueheaded racquet-tail. It is rich in marine life like short-finned pilot whales, two species of sea turtles and dugong are recorded but very rare.

7. Arena Island Resort Arena Island is a four-hectare private island resort situated in Bgy. Panacan. It sits on a thriving coral reef, home to a diverse marine life and resources. The island defines itself as an untouched paradise. Enjoy the pristine waters while snorkeling and diving and experience life at private sanctuary.

Emerging tourist attractions: 1. Trident Old Man-made Lake

Trident Old Man-made Lake is situated in the Upper part of Barangay Poblacion and Malinao, Narra, Palawan. It is 96 kilometers away from Puerto Princesa City. The Trident Old Mine-Site is an old mining site for chromites which is being operated by Trident Mining and Industrial Corporation way back 1990’s. However, the mining operation was ceased in 1991 for some financial and environmental issues dealt by the mining company. After a decade of no activity in the area, the vegetation was regenerated and forest was able to rehabilitate. The crater, which was the center of the mining operation gradually, became a lake, and the mine tunnels turned into natural caves.

2. Inuman Banog Falls

Inuman Banog Falls is accessible 45-minute ride by any land transport service going to Sitio Buong and an almost 1.5 hours of hike to the falls. It is located in Bgy. Dumanguena. The falls seize the interest of local tourists because of its natural beauty and its refreshing and cold water.

3. Princess Tamina Island

Princess Tamina or formerly known as Emelina Island is a private island located at Bgy. Caguisan. It is a 15-minute boat ride either from Panacan Pier or Caguisan coastline area. The island is currently on process of development as island resort, putting up accommodation facilities, and other activities. 4. Lagoon Recreational Park and Boating Area

Lagoon Recreational Park and Boating Area is located closely at the Municipal Hall of Narra. The Lagoon Center usually hold trainings, conferences, meetings, etc.The body of water surrounded the area is a habitat of carp and tilapia, which made the fish feeding as an interesting activity in the lagoon. The landscaped street provides rest area with limited public facilities such as parking area, scenic area, food stalls, and comfort rooms. 5. Antipuan (La Vista) Beach

Antipuluan (La Vista) Beach is being developed by private sectors since the location is owned by private individuals. Accommodation facilities and bars are among the establishments in the area. The beach is ideal for the proposed water sports festival.

Potential tourist attractions 1.MAPBAHEILA MAPBAHEILA is a good example of community-based project organized and managed by community stakeholders of Malatgao. The area is surrounded by mangroves, as shows their initiative in mangrove tree planting to protect and conserve the environment. This is also a

perfect place for river cruising activity since the estuary of Malatgao River can be found at the area.

2. Pakidug Falls Another falls has been discovered and seen to have a potential to be a tourist attraction in Narra. Pakidug Falls, located at Estrella Village is reachable by any land transport vehicle for 30minute and 1-hour hike from jump-off point. The unspoiled paradise is surrounded of greenery and its cold water makes the place more refreshing.

3. Trident Old Pier Trident Old Pier is located at Bgy. Panacan, a few meters away from the new port. The walls were still remained. It is an ideal place for sunset viewing and birdwatching. The local government eyeing the restoration of this pier into a tourist attraction by establishing more facilities.

4. Borbon Beach

Borbon Beach is part of Bgy. Panacan. The beach is ideal area for birdwatching owing to its strategic location, a few meters away from the Rasa Island. During breeding season, tourists

who were not allowed to enter Rasa Island just to look for Cockatoo are advised to visit the Borbon Beach. Before sunset, Philippine Cockatoos are usually returned in the island after an hour of staying in the mainland to look for Malunggay as one of their sourc...