Management History

The management of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) was officially transferred from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to the City Government of Puerto Princesa through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on December 16, 1992. The agreement was executed between DENR Secretary Angel C. Alcala and City Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn, marking a significant milestone in the country’s approach to protected area governance.

This transfer gave PPSRNP the distinction of being the first national park in the Philippines to be devolved to and successfully managed by a local government unit. Since then, the park has been widely recognized as a model for effective protected area management, demonstrating how strong local leadership, community involvement, and sustainable tourism practices can work together to conserve natural resources while supporting local development.