Trifter

Park Management

Two groups of people take sides on issues concerning the natural environment: those that believe that natural resources should be absolutely protected and the other group are those who believe that natural resources should be managed in such a way that some direct benefits could be derived from it.

The latter approach was adopted by the City Government of Puerto Princesa when, in 1992, the management of the park was conferred to it. The City Government opened the park to tourists and made it well-known through its nomination in the competition for the New Seven Wonders of Nature. This somewhat paid off as tourists, both local and international, flocked to Puerto Princesa to see the limestone formation of stalactites and stalagmites.

I came to visit underground river again two months ago to accompany my sister, my daughter and her two cousins and a friend. It is about a three-hour ride through concrete and asphalt paved road from downtown Puerto Princesa. Early in the day, we have to book ourselves in advance because there were many visitors as it was summer time.

My sister’s family and friend with my daughter took a boat to get to underground river (top). It is a 30-minute ride from the registration area to the beach in front of the entrance. My nephew poses in front of the entrance to the river (below).

The Park’s Value

We went to register ourselves at the park’s office in Puerto Princesa and we discovered that we were almost at the end of the line for the day. The staffers will allow only 600 people to enter the park in a day! I did not realize such number of people were accommodated daily and I thought that this park is a significant revenue earner. In a month, the city could earn 2.7 million pesos, assuming that the registration fee is 150 pesos and there are 30 days on average in a month. Aside from the registration fee, the boat ride would cost P700 per group of six. This will mean that in a month, the boat owners will earn as much as 2.1 million pesos. The maximum number of tourists could be reached in the peak summer months of April and May. So, this will mean a total of at least 5.4 million pesos in registration fee and 4.2 million for boat service could be earned during the peak months. And of course, the other months are not without visitors. Therefore, income from the park can exceed 9.6 million pesos (ca. $200,000) in just two months. Assuming than in other months only a third of the visitors will come, this will mean that at least 14.4 million pesos could be earned and that would mean that a total of 24 million pesos (ca. $500,000) can be easily gained in a year.

Aside from income directly derived from the operation of the park, other sectors also benefit from its operation. Local rent-a-car operators would earn 3,000 to 3,500 pesos rentals in a day of bringing visitors to the park. Small stores operated at the registration area (sari-sari) earn from tourists buying their wares, and of course tourist guides get paid for their service. As a major tourist destination, hotels and restaurants along Sabang beach also derive benefit from incoming visitors.

This boils down to the fact that indeed, just seeing a unique formation in nature has great value.