[UPDATED] The UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM) has raised concern regarding the “abrupt change in management” of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP).
The UNACOM, an attached agency to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for UNESCO matters in the country, was referring to the summary dismissal order issued against Elizabeth “Beth” Maclang as its Protected Area Superintendent (PASu).
“This abrupt change in management may raise concerns, particularly within UNESCO and its networks. As a World Heritage site, one of the pillars in ensuring the integrity of the property is proactive, stable, and effective management that is able to rise above crises,” it stated in a letter dated November 26, addressed to Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron.
UNACOM pointed to “the lack of publicly available information” regarding the replacement of Maclang, which the city government explained in its decision to remove Maclang as a matter of “exigency of service.”
UNACOM asked the city government to transmit a formal communication to UNESCO “clearly conveying the change in leadership at PPSRNP” and an assurance “that the site will continue to uphold strict conservation measures in accordance with global standards under the new leadership.”
Maclang has been replaced by Atty. Christine Longno as the new PASu of PPSRNP.
In its statement, UNACOM also acknowledged the competence of Maclang as head of the park, enumerating a long list of her supposed accomplishments.
“Over more than a decade as site manager, Ms. Maclang demonstrated unwavering commitment and exceptional professionalism amid challenging threats, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Typhoon Odette in 2022,” it stated.
While acknowledging that Maclang’s tenure in the office depends on the confidence of the local chief executive, it also stated that PPSRNP as a World Heritage Site is a special case with a broader global context.
The agency asked the city government in the wake of Maclang’s dismissal to “reaffirm its commitment to adhere to the PAMB of the PPSRNP, including its role in approving major infrastructure, land use changes, budgets for the Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF), and the City’s role in supporting the Board’s decisions.”
It also urged the city government to adopt “monitoring and reporting mechanisms that ensure PPSRNP’s management remains consistent with the Operational Guidelines of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and that periodic reports required under the World Heritage Convention are submitted on time and accurately reflect any changes in governance or management.”
Maclang’s removal as PASu was ordered by Bayron on November 17 after she warned the public in media interviews against the use of AI to spread disinformation about her and the PPSRNP with the intent of misleading and confusing them.
She stated that they have screenshots of social media users spreading fabricated claims, including an AI-generated photo that is not in the PPSRNP.
Maclang said this is “tantamount to cybercrime,” and they may file complaints against those who deliberately destroy the image of the park.
On November 10, the local administration issued a press statement refuting her claims that it would pursue legal action against anyone who spread disinformation.
