15 hours ago
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SANTA ANA, Cagayan — To ensure the safety of passengers and crew and maintain environmental protection and conservation in Palaui Island, the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) for Palaui Island Protected Landscapes and Seascapes (PIPLS) has started regulating boat operators in the famous tourist destination.
Regional executive director Gwendolyn Bambalan of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) said there is a need to set "safety standards to promote sustainable ecotourism practices, ensuring that the activity will not pose a negative impact to the environment."
Also the PAMB chairman, Bambalan said that only boats authorized by the PANB are allowed to operate on the island.
She said boat operators should meet all the requirements, including documents and accreditation needed from the local government unit, Maritime Industry Authority and Department of Tourism.
"The authorized boats shall be identifiable by their Department of Tourism-issued stickers," Bambalan said.
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Palaui Island was declared as a National Marine Reserve on Aug. 28, 1994, encompassing an area of 7,145 hectares, including 50 hectares of undisturbed corals. The island is also sanctuary for migratory birds.
