Philippines Protected National Parks, Sanctuaries, Major Watersheds and Protected Areas
Philippines Protected National Parks, Sanctuaries, Major Watersheds and Protected Areas
Philippines Protected National Parks, Sanctuaries, Major Watersheds and Protected Areas
The Hundred Islands National Park is the first national park and a protected area
Hundred Islands National Park located in Alaminos, Pangasinan in the northern Philippines. The islands, totaling 124 at
low tide and 123 at high tide, are scattered in Lingayen Gulf covering an area of 16.76
square kilometres (6.47 sq mi).
The national park was created by Presidential Proclamation No. 667, covering an
area of 16.76 square kilometres (6.47 sq mi) and signed by President Manuel L. Quezon
on January 18, 1940, for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of the Philippines and
known as the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP).
The Executive Order No. 436 signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on June
21, 2005 transferred the administration, management, maintenance, and operation of the
whole Hundred Islands National Park (HINP), including all the activities, facilities, and
improvements thereafter, from the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) to the city
government of Alaminos, Pangasinan in pursuit of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise
known as the Local Government Code of 199.
The islands are believed to be about two million years old. There are actually ancient
corals that extend well inland, in an area previously comprising the seabed of an ancient
sea.
Protected Landscape Palaui Island lies on the northeastern tip of mainland Luzon under the jurisdiction the
town of Sta. Ana, a special economic zone bustling with modern industrial establishments
and blessed with beautiful coastline. Despite the developments, Sta. Ana is still rural and
laid back, projecting contrasting features that add to its mystique. But what makes Sta.
Ana more beautiful is Palaui, the island off its shore that offers so much – white sandy
beaches and panoramic coves, a century old lighthouse, hidden waterfalls and lovely
people, all in a scenic ragged terrain surrounded with huge waves and echoing wind.
With a land area of more than 3,000 hectares, Palaui Island is made up of volcanic debris.
It is home to a fishing community without electricity and commercial accommodation. Its
main attraction aside from its beaches is the Farol de Cabo Engaño, an 18th century
lighthouse built by the Spaniards that guides ships entering and leaving Sta. Ana specially
those using Port Irene and San Vicente, as well as those traversing the Babuyan Channel
and Philippine Sea.