PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The Tubbataha Reef Natural Park in Cagayancillo municipality in Palawan will soon have a new and modern ranger station as ongoing construction progresses to Phase II with the backing of the provincial government.

The project, which began on 19 April this year is being carried out by the Provincial Engineering Office, according to provincial information officer Atty. Christian Jay Cojamco said Friday.

He added that the development marks an important step for the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site  and popular marine protected area in the world.

"The project is funded with a budget of P58,234,005.51, which originates from reparations paid by the United States to the Philippines as compensation for the damage incurred due to the grounding of the USS Guardian on Tubbataha Reef in 2013," Cojamco said.

He also said that Palawan Governor Dennis Socrates of Palawan is happy with the support provided by the provincial government's engineering office in building the facility, which functions as a central hub for Tubbataha park rangers, marine conservationists and environmental authorities.