900 San Marcelino St, Ermita, Manila 1000 Metro Manila

Guiuan Protected Landscape and Seascape, Eastern Samar

A Dissertation Paper
Presented to the Department of Biology
College of Science, Adamson University

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Subject
Environmental Science

Submitted by:
ARANETA, Michael John

Submitted to:
Richard D. Lagrimas, MSC, LPT

March 27, 2020

Declaration by student

I, Michael John Araneta, hereby declare that the work presented herein is original work

done by me and has not been published or submitted elsewhere for the requirement of

a degree program nor subject. Any literature date or work done by other and cited

within this dissertation has given due acknowledgement and listed in the reference

section

Michael John Araneta

Adamson University – College of Science

Certificate

Certificates this dissertation paper entitled “GUIUAN PROTECTED LANDSCAPE AND

SEASCAPE” (A case study about the secluded marine reserve in Easter Samar, Region

8, Visayas) submitted by Mr. Michael John Araneta towards of partial fulfillment for his

subject Environmental Science. This dissertation part therefore has not submitted for the

academic award of any other university or institution.

____________________

Richard D. Lagrimas MSC, LPT

(Supervisor)

Associate Professor
Acknowledgement

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Richard D. Lagrimas MSC, LPT Associate

Professor of the Biology Department in Adamson University, Manila for allowing me to

undertake this work.

I would also like to thank my classmates of Environmental Science batch ED 102, 2020

and my friends Padilla, Juan Miguel, Barzaga Elwin and Balang, Princess of the said

class for their help throughout the study.

Lastly, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my parents especially my Mom

for encouraging and supporting me throughout the study.

Abstract

The main aim of this dissertation is to study how the particular secluded environment,

the Guiuan Protected Landscape and Seascape. The biodiversity and interactions of the

species, its unique biogeography, the environmental laws, regulations and initiatives

together with its own environmental threats. The land which now comprises the

conservation area was previously declared as a Marine Reserve and Tourist Zone.

Guiuan Protected Landscape and Seascape in the province of the Eastern Samar was

selected for the research. It’s beauty and natural uniqueness hasn’t been known for how

many years it doesn’t get the name just like the other islands and marine reserves we

have in the country.

To accomplish the research some scopes, limitations beyond and objectives were set

the results/summary of this research will be compared to the objectives set. With the

obtainment of results, recommendations will be made. If the results will not be according

to the objectives and scopes set this paper describes the different reasons not aligned

with the data.

List of abbreviations

Cl: Conservation International

DENR: Department of Environment and Natural Resources

DENR – EMB: Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental

Management Bureau

DOT: Department of Tourism

HMC: Hinatuan Mining Corporation

GMRPLS: Guiuan Marine Reserve Protected Landscape and Seascape

MPA: Marine Protected Area

NGO: Non – government organization

NIPAS: National Integrated Protected Areas System

PA: Protected Area

PAMB: Protected Area Management Board

PMPI: Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc.

PO: People’s organization

PROMISI: Protect Manicani Island Society Inc.

PTA: Philippine Tourism Authority

List of Tables

Table 1: List of species identified in Eastern Samar

List of figures

Fig 1: The lagoon in one of the islands of GMRPLS

Fig 2: The transportation in Tubabao

Fig 3: Aerial view of Calicoan

Fig 4. Manicani Residents Reclaim Former Mine Sites; Call for Immediate and Full

Rehabilitation of the island.

Fig 5. The Homonhon Island

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Defining the terms used

Appendix B: Timeline of Guiuan, GMRPLS

Appendix C: Photographs
TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPER 1

INTRODUCTION Page No.

1.1 Background 1

1.2 Scopes and Limitations & Objectives 3

1.2.1 Scopes and Limitations 3

1.3 Objectives 4

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Biogeography 5

2.2 Biodiversity 7

2.3 Environmental Laws, Regulations & Initiatives 12

2.3.1 Environmental Laws & Regulations 12

2.3.2 Initiatives 13

2.4 Environmental Threats 14

CHAPTER 3

SUMMARY 17
CHAPTER 4

RECOMMENDATIONS 18

REFERENCES 19

ANNEX A: Defining the terms used 22

ANNEX B: Timeline of Guiuan, GMRPLS 23

ANNEX C: Photographs 24
CHAPTER 1 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The basic introduction about the island and it’s progress

The island of Homonhon part of Guiuan was recognized to be the first island where

Ferdinand Magellan has stepped on (Philippines: National Statistical Coordination

Board, 2013) Guiuan is widely known for two significant events in history 423 years

apart. In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan, first European to set foot on Philippine soil, landed

in Homonhon, now part of Guiuan. In 1944, the American Forces landed on the island

of Suluan where they fought their first battle in the Philippine territory three days before

Gen. Mac Arthur stormed the beaches of Leyte.

Guiuan is located in the eastern coast of Samar the 3rd biggest island here in the country

part of Region 8. (The Freeman, 2017) Towards the southernmost point of Samar Island,

about an hour’s drive away from Borongan, is the town of Guiuan. Within the town’s

territory are several smaller islands. These islands namely Manicani, Calicoan, Candulo,

Homonhon, Suluan, Sulangan and Tubabao form part of a marine reserve called the

Guiuan Protected Landscape and Seascape. According to (Prag, 2018) Guiuan

municipality, Eastern Samar since Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) devastated the region in

November 2013. Guiuan was the first landfall of the super- typhoon and resulted in

almost 100% damage across the municipality (p. 1).

Fast forward to the year the island became the livelihood for the locals, in addition (Prag,

2018) Calicoan Island in the southern part of Guiuan has a population of 7,600 in the

four villages on the Island, almost 100% of whom are dependent on fishing for livelihoods

1
and food options (p. 1). The land which now comprises the conservation area was

previously declared as a Marine Reserve and Tourist Zone and was placed under the

administration and control of the Philippine Tourism Authority in 1978. It was re-

proclaimed and re-classified as a protected landscape/seascape in 1994 under the

National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992. The PTA is currently attached

to the government agency DOT.

Tourism was evident at this island of Guiuan as time goes by. According to (Labro, 2011)

Calicoan was declared by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the “Surfing

Capital of the Visayas.” What is unique about the island, the mayor says, is that the side

facing the Pacific Ocean has big waves which is ideal for surfing. The side facing the

Leyte Gulf has calm waters suitable for swimming and boating. The 1,600-hectare

Calicoan also has a lush forest with abundant wildlife, such as monkeys and monitor

lizards, six lagoons and some caves. Unlike the other famous islands such as Boracay

and Coron, the GMRPLS is starting to conceal its own identity with such promising

beauty that’s expected to bloom years from now.

2
1.2 Scope, Limitations & Objectives

1.2.1 Scopes and Limitations

The study is primarily is focused on the assessment of the GMRPLS. It aims to describe

the current state of the island including its biogeography, biodiversity, environmental laws

and the threats that keeps the howling the situation of the residents as well. The research

will take place on Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

• This research will only focus on the availability of the published researches in the

Guiuan Protected Landscape and Seascape and the municipal itself Guiuan

• Data from the internet and published journals there are some researches that

focuses on the Eastern Samar as a whole.

• Some resources have the same contents, we only concluded with is adequate as

of April 25, 2020.

3
1.3 Objectives

➢ To identify the islands under the Guiuan Protected Landscape and Seascape and

its own geography settings situated.

➢ To tackle the certain species of animals and trees that exists or only limited to the

Guiuan Protected Landscape and Seascape.

➢ To specify the existing laws and policies that is protecting Guiuan Protected

Landscape and Seascape.

➢ To enumerate the threats the makes this Guiuan Protected Landscape and

Seascape vulnerable to such danger.

4
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Biogeography

Part of the 3rd biggest island (falling only beyond to Luzon and Mindanao), the Samar,

the island Guiuan was also noted for being wrecked out (Garcia, 2018) narrated that. In

the early morning of November 8, 2013, Typhoon Haiyan first made landfall in Guiuan, a

town of over fifty thousand residents in Eastern Samar. It is the strongest storm ever to

make landfall in recorded history. At the height of the super typhoon, a monstrous storm

surge gushed 100 meters inland scouring coastal settlements along its path. Like many

towns in the archipelago, Guiuan is exposed to a multiplicity of hazards. The town’s

coastal zones are exposed to storm surges and tsunamis. The uplands are susceptible

to landslides and the lowlands to flooding. Strong winds can reach across coastal and

upland ecosystems. Faults and trenches surround the town, and earthquakes are

frequent.

The Guiuan Protected Landscape and Seascape has an area of 33, 492 hectares (82,

760 acres). This Guiuan Marine Reserve extends along the western and southern coast

of Guiuan Peninsula it is the southernmost tip of Samar, located between Leyte Gulf and

the Philippine Sea. This also contains numerous islands and islets like the chain of

Calicoan, Leleboon (Sulungan) and candolu which form the peninsula. Only separated

by narrow shoals, these islands feature a coral ridge covered in bushes and shrubs that
5
extends from the southern tip of Candolu in Songi Point. Their shoreline is made up of

white sand and coral bluffs facing the Pacific Ocean. The Caliocan is known to be the

“Surf Capital of the Visayas” has six lagoons, several caves and forest. Ferdinand

Magellan also set his first foot in the southwest of Candolu in 1521, a crescent – shaped

island covered with a lot of coconut trees and significantly forms the northern border of

the Surigao Strait. Sparsely populated and has a small islet on its western edge the

Montoconon. The east of Suluan island is where all the cylindrical concrete lighthouse

stands. Populated islands of Guiuan Group are on the side of Guiuan Group facing Leyte

gulf the area of which coral reefs and extensive mangrove forests stands. This includes

Manicani which contains 4 villages and Tubabao established in 1949. Certain issues

should be also addressed, According to Foundation Philippine Environment, the island

features a conservation priority site for its reef fishes, corals, mollusks, whale sharks,

elasmobranchs and turtles.

The gulf's rich biodiversity is slowly vanishing; the ecological conditions of its coastal

waters ranging from fair to poor. For the past 10 years, the Leyte Gulf's coral cover and

fish stocks have been shrinking. Unregulated infrastructure activities lead to soil run-off

and sedimentation; however, the said island is also facing its predicament that needs to

be solved

(Sangguninang Laiko ng Pilipinas, 2017) noted that the Residents of Manicani island led

by Protect Manicani Island Society, Inc. (PROMISI) have been struggling for years to

fight mining operations in the very small island in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Mining in

Manicani was suspended in 2002 because of the complaint filed by the Diocese of

Borongan related to the reports of violations and conflict in Manicani but the DENR

6
continued to issue permits that allowed the removal of nickel ore stockpiles in Manicani

which resulted into protest actions and legal battles.

2.2 Biodiversity

Table 1.

List of species identified on the study sites. Vouchers, habit (T = tree, S = shrub, H =

herb, V = vine, E = epiphyte), proposed status based IUCN Red List of Threatened

Species or the *DENR Administrative Order 2017-11 (NE = Not Evaluated, DD = Data

deficient, OT = Other Threatened Species, LC = Least Concern, V = Vulnerable, EN =

Endangered, CR = Critically endangered), endemicity (E = Philippine endemic, N = non-

endemic) and GPS coordinates are presented

Species Voucher Habit Status Endemicity

Tribe Agusteae
Wendlandia luzoniensis USTH-013345 T NE E
Tribe Aleisanthieae
Greeniopsis discolor USTH-013280 T *CR E
Greeniopsis euphlebia USTH-014329 T *CR E
Greeniopsis megalantha USTH-014365 T *CR E
Greeniopsis multiflora USTH-014340 T EN E
Tribe Argostemmateae
Argostemma maqui-
lingense USTH-013973 H NE E
Tribe Coffeae
Dislospora tinagoensis USTH-014457 S NE N
Tribe Condamineeae
Dolicholobium philip-
pinense USTH-013960 T NE E
7
Tribe Guettardeae
Guettarda speciosa USTH-014369 T NE N
Timonius philippinensis USTH-013331 T NE E
Tribe Gardenieae
Aidia pulcherrima USTH-013268 V NE E
Tribe Ixoreae
Ixora bartlingii USTH-013285 S NE E
Ixora longifolia USTH-013296 S NE N
Ixora salicfolia USTH-013954 S NE N
Ixora silagoensis USTH-013965 S CR E

Tribe Lasiantheae
Lasianthis attenuatus USTH-013967 S NE N
Lasianthis hirsutus USTH-013945 S NE N
Lasianthis verticillatus USTH-013956 T NE N
Tribe Morindeae
Morinda citrifolia USTH-013330 S NE N
Tribe Mussaendeae
Mussaenda philippica USTH-013268 S NE N
Mussaenda vidalii USTH-014344 T *VU E
Tribe Naucleeae
Neonauclea bartlingii USTH-014368 T NE E
Neonauclea jagorii USTH-013961 S NE E
Neonauclea lanceolata USTH-013292 T NE N
Neonauclea viridiflora USTH-013060 T EN E
Neonauclea wenzelii USTH-014461 T NE E
Uncaria attenuata USTH-014346 V NE N
Uncaria codata USTH-014362 V NE N
Uncaria lanosa USTH-013336 V NE N
Uncaria longiflora USTH-013941 V NE N
Uncaria nervosa USTH-014330 V NE N
Tribe Octotropideae
Hypobathrum pur-
pureum USTH-014447 S NE E
Tribe Ophiorrhizeae
Ophiorrhiza acuminata USTH-013974 H NE E
Ophiorrhiza cami-
guinesis USTH-013974 S NE E
Tribe Pavetteae
Tarenna luzoniensis USTH-013959 T NE E
Tribe Prismatorideae
Prismatomeris tetrandra USTH-014334 S NE N
Tribe Psychotrieae
Hydnophytum leynese USTH-014454 E *OT E
Myrmecodia tuberosa USTH-013962 E NE N
Psychotria conglom-
eratiflora USTH-014446 S CR E
Psychotria membranifo-
lia USTH-014335 S NE N
8
 Psychotria paloensis USTH-013313 S CR E
Psychoria papillata USTH-014450 S VU E
Psychotria radicans USTH-013964 S VU E
Psychotria wenzeleii USTH-013312 S CR E
Tribe Schrandereae
Schadera monocephala USTH-014355 S NE E
Tribe Spermococeae
Exallage auricularia USTH-013943 H NE N
Exallage buruensis USTH-013952 H NE N
Exallage costata USTH-013949 H NE N
Hedyotis longipeduncu-
lata USTH-013957 S NE E
Hedyotis phanerophle-
bia USTH-014345 S NE E
Spermacoce remota USTH-013947 H NE N
Tribe Urophylleae
Antherostele grandistip-
ula USTH-013271 S *EN E
Praravinia stenophylla USTH-014331 T NE E
Praravinia triflora USTH-014449 T NE E
Urophyllum memecy-
loides USTH-014331 S NE E
Urophyllum urdane-
tense USTH-013966 S NE E
Tribe Vanguerieae
Cathium glandulosum USTH-013966 S NE E
Psydrax amplifolia USTH-014443 S NE E
Pystoria elmeri USTH-014323 S NE E

List of species identified in Eastern Samar. Adapted from Ordas J, et al. (2019). Table 2

(Ordas, et al., 2019)

Thus, floristic surveys of Rubiaceae members were made on Eastern Samar, located in

Visayas, Philippines. Collections were conducted from June 2013 to June 2017 within 5

municipalities: Borongan, Balangkayan, Taft, Guiuan, and Llorente. In total, 59 species

belonging to 31 genera representing 21 tribes of the family were recorded. The most

species-rich tribes belong to Naucleeae, Psychotrieae, and Spermacoceae, with 10, 8,

and 6 species, respectively. Of the 59 species recorded, 37 are endemic to the

9
Philippines. Twelve species are listed as threatened species based on its proposed IUCN

category and DAO 2017-11. This study presents an enumeration of Rubiaceae found on

selected forested areas of Eastern Samar, Philippines

The Guiuan Protected Landscape and Seascape is composed of marine, coastal and

freshwater ecosystems. The dominant vegetation is the mangrove (Scyphiphora

acidula/nilad and Diospyros ferrea/bantolinao). This mangrove lines the whole coast of

the Guiuan mainland that gives enough cover to the most of the island. There are

Terrestrial species of hardwood tress given as Shorea astylosa known as the Yakal,

Xanthostemon verdugonianus the Mancono tree, Vitex quinata a Colipapa one and lastly

the Tristaniopsis decorticata the tiga tree. Aside from the hardwood tress given above

Seagrass beds are also common and extensive in this protected area, these are the most

common seagrass species found in the protected area. Cymodocea rotundata, Enhalus

acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii and laslty the Syringodium isoetfolium. In the Suluan

island, Coral diversity arises where 25 species of soft and hard corals are found.

These serves habitats for many colonies of fish such as martin, scombroid and barracuda.

Aside from fishes are other marine species like octopus, squid, marine turtles and sea

cucumber. (Department of Environment and Natural Resources Biodiversity

Management Bureau 2016) stated. Within the proposed critical wetland area with the

size of 1,443 hectares located between mainland Guiuan and Calico-an Island and a

sub-section of the GMRPLS, a survey found some species of fauna and flora with

importance on biodiversity and sustainability of the ecology such as: tarsier, Philippine

cockatoo, Philippine monkeys, heron, migratory egrets and bitterns, plovers, sandpipers,

gulls and terns, reptiles such as sail fin lizards, monitor lizard, marine turtles were also

10
sighted. Among flora of important found in the PA are: nilad (sayphiphora acidula) and

bantolinao (Diosphyros ferrea) found within the mangrove swamps. Reports also

mention the following important terrestrial species of hard wood timber in the area: Yakal,

mangcono,colipapa and tiga. Community members have not yet been oriented (p. 3).

In last addition Adding from (Mayuga, 2016) he 1,600-h The GMRPLS covers the areas

of Guiuan and the neighboring islands of Manicani, Candulo, Suluan, Tubabao, Calicoan

and Homonhon in the province of Eastern Samar, with 40 component barangays. It

covers an aggregate area of 60,488 hectares. Because of its natural beauty and

potentials for aquatic sports, tourism and marine-life conservation, Presidential

Proclamation 469, Series of 1994, signed by then-President Fidel V. Ramos on

September 26, 1994, declared Guiuan as a protected area covered by the NIPAS Act

under the category protected landscape and seascape. According to the DENR -

Biodiversity Management Bureau, GMRPLS is part of the much larger Guiuan to Salcedo

Key Biodiversity Area. (Mayuga, 2016) immidiately backed up his statement that It has

diverse marine and coastal ecosystem, such as mangroves, sea grass beds and coral

reefs. he reefs harbor the trigger species—two species of corals (Anacropora

puertogalerae and Montipora samarensis) and one species of giant clams or mollusks

(Tridacna derasa) as listed in Conservation International (CI).

The Alliance for Zero Extinction defined trigger species as those listed as Endangered

or Critically Endangered by International Union for the Conservation of Nature on its 2004

Red List, and with 95 percent or more of its entire known population confined to a single

site. The reefs are major fishing grounds of fishermen from Guiuan and from the nearby

islands of Leyte, Cebu and Bohol. Scientists say the rich water of Leyte Gulf is the major

11
passageway of Pacific Ocean waters, which brings in larvae and mangrove propagules.

Besides reef fishes, other fisheries products from the area include tuna and mackerels.

In 2008 22 species of birds, eight of which migratory, were recorded in the area.

2.3 Environmental Laws, Regulations & Initiatives

2.3.1 Environmental Laws & Regulations

Aside from the LGU of Guiuan and the DENR, non-government organizations and

members of the PAMB across the eastern Visayas it taking charge as well. (Department

of Environment and Natural Resources, 2020) added that the summit will equip the

protected area (PA) managers with tools that will enable them to respond effectively to

the issues and challenges confronting the protected areas in the region.

There are specific laws inclined in protecting the reservoir of Guiuan and a lot of secluded

environmental areas here in the Philippines. According to (Arellano Law Foundation,

2018)

Republic Act No. 11038

An Act Declaring Protected Areas and Providing for Their Management, Amending for

This Purpose Republic Act No. 7586, Otherwise Known as the "National Integrated

Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992" and for Other Purposes.

12
Guiuan Protected Landscape and Seascape located in Region 8, Eastern Samar has an

area of 66, 725. 26 as noted in Section 5

Proclamation No. 1801

(Labro, 2011) Declaring Guiuan a “tourist zone and marine reserve” signed last Nov. 10,

1978 under the administration and control of the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA).

We also have a law in empowering the education of Guiuan, according to (Robles) that

was mandated last November 22, 1997

Republic Act 8400

An Act Providing for the Conversion of the Guiuan Municipal High School into a National

High School to be known as the Guiuan National High School, and appropriating funds

therefore.

2.3.2 Initiatives

• So far, the community is disagreeing with the renewals of mining companies

stated in the island of Guiuan, to maintain the enrichment to the certain island.

• The fisheries code is heavily implemented in this secluded area as inclined with

their city ordinances.

13
 • Environmental groups such as PROMISI are considering some movements and

programs that will help them to prolong the beauty of this island.

• Groups such as the PAMB vows to protect the borders not only the GMRPLS but

also the marine reserves they have in Visayas.

2.4 Environmental Threats

With such law and ordinances implemented in the Municipality of Guiuan. The Guiuan

Protected Landscape and Seascape is still vulnerable to danger. According to the

(Department of Environment and Natural Resources Biodiversity Management Bureau

2016) This huge population that depend mainly the marine resources for food and

income poses a big challenge to the campaign to halt the endless utilization of the natural

resources on land and water that are supposed to be protected from overexploitation (p.

3).

Typical fishing dilemmas occur in the waters of Guiuan as well they often go with the

hard way sometimes (Prag, 2018) Unsustainable fishing practices such as dynamite and

cyanide fishing have damaged the fishing grounds; the absence of community managed

coastal protection and an increase in storms is impacting fisherfolks ability to support

their families with poorer fishing grounds and less fishing days. Typhoon Yolanda further

14
devastated the municipal waters’ coral beds (p. 1). Strict implementations are heavily

mandated on the said island as well. According to (Mayuga, 2016) Guiuan Mayor

Christopher Sheen P. Gonzales, in a telephone interview, said Guian’s fishing grounds

remain productive. However, he said many areas within the municipal fishing grounds

have been declared as “no-take zone” as part of the effort to protect and conserve

spawning areas of fish and other marine life. “There are fish sanctuaries and [MPAs]

where fishing is not allowed. We are trying to save Guiuan while we still can,” the mayor,

who is now serving his second term, explained. “If they are after bigger catch, they would

have to go out, farther away from Guiuan,” he said.

Personally, the mayor said he is against mining because of its destructive nature. He

said, he inherited the problem brought by the issue of mining on Manicani and Homonhon,

which he admitted have provided income and livelihood to the people. Esguerra said

they have been receiving reports of trawl encroaching on fishing grounds within

GMRPLS. “There are also fishermen who use dynamite and cyanide,” she added. The

vicious cycle of unsustainable way of life must stop to protect the GMRPLS, Esguerra

said. The PMPI will continue to find ways to help people on the two islands return to their

sustainable way of life, hopefully, without mining, she added. “There is still hope in

Manicani and Homonhon Islands. All that is needed are assistance and training of the

residents. Fishing is a very important aspect of the people’s lives in Guiuan,” Esguerra

said. Not just in the waters but also in the land. The mining activity is posing its threat to

the island effects couldn’t be seen that early but it may affect the livelihood of the many

years from now.

15
Mining industry dawned already in area for such years in the island, several

environmental groups and locals are considering it to an end. (Mayuga, 2016) While

HMC claimed that its operation on Manicani Island had stopped as early as the 1990s,

antimining groups claimed that hauling the old stockpile of nickel ore from the island is a

mining activity in itself. The groups also demanded the rehabilitation of the island to

prevent geological hazards, particularly landslides, which may endanger the lives of the

people and further damage the island’s ecosystem, including its remaining mangrove

forest and coral reefs. Manicani Island is not the only island within the GMRPLS affected

by mining operations. Homonhon Island is host to several mining operations, as well.

According to Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI), the companies of Techiron

Resources Inc., Mount Sinai Mining Exploration and Development Corp. and Emir

Mineral Resources Development Corp. are operating on Homonhon Island. The

operation of Mount Sinai and Emir Mineral were suspended by Lopez several days after

that of HMC. A network of (POs), (NGOs), church/faith-based groups and Misereor, the

overseas development agency of the Catholic Church based in Aachen, Germany, PMPI

is opposing the mining operations on Manicani and Homonhon Islands, saying they are

the biggest threat to the islands’ ecosystems and livelihood of the communities. Mining

is a potential threat to the island’s biodiversity and enrichment which the locals disagree.

(Recuerdo, 2017) stated that Church officials and anti-mining advocates are fighting the

renewal of a suspended mining company's permit to operate on a protected central

Philippines island, despite the mine supposedly having the backing of local communities.

Calumpiano said the company has applied for a 25-year renewal to extract minerals on

Manicani, one of a cluster of islands covered by the GMRPLS. Movements like this are

continue to arise for the past years in order to protect the island of Guiuan.

16
CHAPTER 3 SUMMARY

Unlike the other islands here in the Philippines known in the whole world, The Guiuan is

still establishing its name. GMRPLS really showed its promising beauty and uniqueness.

It has a rich history and perfect setting for some happy campers. The biogeography of

the island seems to be unique compared to the other islands here in the country, we

really expect that this beauty will be discovered. A new tourist destination and opportunity

awaits. Were also able to identify the species of animals and different families of tree

that exist and seen in the secluded area. There are a lot of laws and ordinances along

with the movements to propagate the beauty of the island. Threats are also discussed

such as dynamite fishing, continuation of mining activities and pollution. The local

government unit in Guiuan is totally in charge of the island’s security and protection. It

was relevantly shown how these threats can cause a massive damage to the island.

Government agencies must interfere in how will they preserve the secluded area as a

marine reserve while promoting its beauty as an official tourist spot.

17
CHAPTER 4 RECOMMENDATIONS

• Since there are still few studies about the Guiuan Protected Landscape and

Seascape, you can have a new study or continue some existing studies to provide

a new and updated one.

• The biodiversity of Guiuan Protected Landscape and Seascape is still raw yet has

a lot of potential. Their LGU should address the needs of the island for the

continuity of its biodiversity.

• Government should allot more budget in our tourism department such as this.

• This place shouldn’t be capitalized and urbanized it might affect the biodiversity

of the secluded area.

• There are some species of animals, trees and plants that hasn’t been discovered

in the area, continuous research on the said place might help for cultivating herbal

and oriental medicines.

• The locals there must be empowered and educated to have a further knowledge

of their island Guiuan.

18
REFERENCES

Arellano Law Foundation (2018). Republic Act No. 11038. Retrieved from

https://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2018/ra_11038_2018.html

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (2020, February 4). DENR HOLDS

2nd REGIONAL PAMB SUMMIT. Retrieved from http://r8.denr.gov.ph/index.php/news-

events/press-releases/1298-denr-8-holds-2nd-regional-pamb-summit

Department of Environment and Natural Resources Biodiversity Management Bureau.

(2016, April 4). Brief Profile on Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Retrieved from

Brief_Profile_of_Guiuan_Eastern_Samar.pdf

Foundation for the Philippine Environment. Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Retrieved from

https://fpe.ph/conservation_site/location_details/guiuan-eastern-samar

Garcia D. (2018, September 12). The geography of risk and resilience in Guiuan, the first

town hit by Haiyan. Retrieved from https://bluprint.onemega.com/coastal-hazards-

guiuan-haiyan/

Labro. V (2011, June 11). Guiuan’s treasure chest of history, natural wonders. Retrieved

from

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/13922/guiuan%E2%80%99s-treasure-chest-of-history-

natural-wonders

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Mayuga. J (2016, September 4). Marine ecosystems under siege. Retrieved from

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2016/09/04/marine-ecosystems-under-siege/

Ordas J, et al (2019, March). A checklist of Rubiaceae species from Eastern Samar,

Visayas,Philippines Retrieved from

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332059144_A_checklist_of_Rubiaceae_speci

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Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board (2013, April 24). Province: Eastern

Samar. Retrieved from https://easternsamar.gov.ph/guiuan/

Prag. A. (2018, July 9). Sea wardens protect ecosystems and livelihoods in the Calicoan

Islands. Retrieved from

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Recuerdo E. (2017, September 27). Filipinos vow to fight mining permit renewal on

protected isle. Retrieved from https://www.ucanews.com/news/filipinos-vow-to-fight-

mining-permit-renewal-on-protected-isle-/80362

Reuben J.C. (1919). United States Coast Pilot, Philippine Islands, U.S. Coast and

Geodetic Survey Part 1. pp. 41–42.

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Robles C. Republic Act 8400. Retrieved from

https://www.chanrobles.com/republicacts/republicactno8400.html#.Xp-pdcgzbcc

Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas (2017, November 16). A Day with Protect Manicani

Island Society, Inc. (PROMISI). Retrieved from https://www.cbcplaiko.org/2017/11/16/a-

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The Freeman. (2017, June 24). Samar’s lovely Guiuan. Retrieved from

https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-lifestyle/2017/06/24/1713474/samars-

lovely-guiuan

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ANNEX A

Defining the terms used in the study

1. Rubiaceae: this term denotes a family of flowering plants commonly known as

the coffee, madder or bedstraw family. Can be terrestrial trees, shrubs, lianas or

herbs.

2. Endemic: these are the species at risk of extinction perhaps of poaching or

inadaptability to the climate

3. Mangrove: is a shrub or small tree that grows in the coastal saline, they protect

shorelines from storms, flood and erosion

4. Peninsula: piece of land, surrounded by the body of water

5. Cyanide fishing: method of collecting live fish with the involvement of sodium

cyanide that stuns all the fishes, it also destroys the coral reefs as well.

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ANNEX B Timeline of the Guiuan and its marine reserve the GMRPLS

Around 16th century, Ferdinand Magellan first landed on the island of Homonhon

part of the GMRPLS

The occurrence of World War II shook the town and people moved to the

mountains to find comfort. On June 28, 1943, several Japanese soldiers set foot

on Guiuan soil.

First sign of liberation of the town came on November 27, 1944, when a US Navy

submarine chaser steamed the harbor for reconnaissance duty. On December 1,

1944, a fleet of LCTs, Liberty ships and barges poured into the Guiuan Bay to

unload machines that was to transform Guiuan into one of the biggest Naval

Bases in the Far East that time.

On November 10, 1978, Proclamation No. 1801 was issued declaring Guiuan as

a Tourist Zone and Marine Reserve under the administration and control of the

Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA).

It was re-proclaimed and re-classified as a protected landscape/seascape in 1994

under the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992

On November 8, 2013, the city suffered heavy damage, along with 110 fatalities

and over 3,625 injuries, as it was hit by the eye of Super Typhoon Yolanda

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ANNEX C

The lagoon in one of the islands of GMRPLS, the Tubabao

Fig. 1 Ramos Angelo, Small lagoon on Tubabao Island, 2008

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Transportation is by means of the sea whether it’s that small or huge as a carabao

Fig. 2 Cabrera Angelo, Transportation of the carabaos, 2015

The aerial view of Calicoan Island a potential beauty that will shroud for the next years

Fig. 3 Adrianvill, Aerial view of Calicoan Island, 2007

25
Protect Manicani Island Society, Inc. (PROMISI) will do whatever it takes just to keep

their place away from harm such as illegal mining activies.

Fig 4. Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI), Manicani Residents Reclaim Former

Mine Sites; Call for Immediate and Full Rehabilitation of the island, 2018

The island where the history showed itself the “Homonhon”

Fig 5. MAXJJ, Homonhon Island,Guiuan, Eastern Samar, 2014

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