Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron expressed keen interest and support for a science-based initiative that seeks to integrate natural capital into local planning and resource management during a project presentation by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) College of Public Affairs and Development (CPAf) on October 27, 2026.
The project, titled “Decision Support System for Integrating Natural Capital into Local Planning and Resource Management,” is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) and is implemented by UPLB-CPAf. It aims to help local government units (LGUs) assess how land-use changes affect natural resources and the benefits they provide including water supply, soil protection, flood regulation, carbon storage, and habitat.
During the discussion, Mayor Bayron shared insights on Puerto Princesa’s environmental initiatives, including the Balayong People’s Park, an urban forestry project that helps sequester carbon and mitigate urban heat. He also cited Pista Y ang Cagueban and Love Affair with Nature, which reflects the City Government’s continuing efforts to promote community participation in environmental conservation and protect the city’s natural resources.
The Decision Support System (DSS) will help local planners better understand the environmental benefits and potential trade-offs of development decision. The project will integrate Natural Capital Accounting and ecosystem service modeling to support evidence-based planning and resource management.
The presentation was led by Gemmalyn M. Trespalacio, Co-project Leader and Technical Lead under the leadership of Project Leader Dr. Nico Jayson Anastacio of UPLB-CPAf.
Puerto Princesa City is among the four pioneer project sites, and this initiative strengthens the city’s efforts to balance development with long-term protection of its natural capital.
