Palawan continues to wow nature-loving tourists and globetrotters with its idyllic islands brimming with dreamy beaches, surreal underwater gems, and out-of-this-world sceneries. Aside from the holidaymakers, many business owners and expats are also drawn to this island paradise that has a wealth of investment opportunities.
The country’s “last ecological frontier” is endowed with natural landscapes and seascapes. With its ideal location and thriving tourism industry, possibilities are endless in this tropical utopia hailed as one of the world’s best islands.
Agriculture too plays a pivotal role in the economy of the province, apart from fishing, forestry, energy, and transportation which are also some of the important sectors in Palawan. Good infrastructure programs can further reinforce these industries and benefit the lives of the people by sparking productivity, improving connectivity, and attracting more business ventures.
Here are some of the infrastructure developments that can help boost the growth of Palawan:
PUERTO PRINCESA PORT EXPANSION PROJECT
Puerto Princesa Port is considered the prime maritime gateway of Palawan. The seaport’s expansion project—completed and inaugurated last year—is expected to boost the growth not just of the province but also the whole archipelago by paving the way for better connectivity, mobility, and productivity. This is a welcome development for trade, commerce, and tourism in Palawan as well as its surrounding areas.
According to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Puerto Princesa Port handles a yearly average of 1.7 million metric tons of cargoes, 1,500 vessel calls, and 200,000 passengers—this includes around 6,000 cruise-tourism passengers, as cited in a press release by the Department of Transportation. With the expansion of the seaport, its current capacity is seen to increase twofold.
OTHER PORT IMPROVEMENTS IN PALAWAN
Aside from the Puerto Princesa Port, there were other seaport projects in Palawan that were inaugurated by the DOTr and the PPA last year. Kicking off their operations are the following: Borac Port in Coron (Brgy. Borac), Port of San Fernando in El Nido, and Port of Bataraza in Bataraza (Brgy. Buliluyan). These are also part of the Build, Build, Build infrastructure program of the government.
BORAX PORT
It’s about time to have a new port facility in the beautiful town of Coron, a haven for underwater explorers and adventurous souls. The growing demand for cruise tourism and the increasing volume of cargo that’s linked to the soaring number of tourist arrivals, both domestic and
international, are expected to be addressed with the completion of the Borac Port, said the PPA. According to the DOTr, the project involved the “development of its back-up area, construction of concrete pavement, as well as the supply and installation of lamp posts, rubber dock fenders and mooring bollards.”
PORT OF SAN FERNANDO
Celebrated for its pristine white-sand beaches, stunning limestone cliffs, and turquoise lagoons, El Nido is a popular tourist destination in the province. Likewise, the demands of tourism are expected to be dealt with by the newly constructed Port of San Fernando in El Nido, the PPA said. According to the DOTr, the project included the “development of causeway, back-up area, and a reinforced concrete (RC) wharf with RORO (roll-on, roll-off) ramps.”
PORT OF BATARAZA
Bataraza, a coastal municipality that sits on the southernmost tip of Palawan, is home to Ursula Island Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary—a hidden paradise that protects different species of birds and other wildlife. The Port of Bataraza can help beef up the tourism industry in this town, as well as the other sectors like trade and commerce. According to the DOTr, the seaport project included the “development works on the wharf, back-up area, and the port lighting system.”
CORON-BUSUANGA ROAD WIDENING PROJECT
Planning to explore the World War II Japanese shipwrecks in Coron Bay? You can also go snorkeling in Barracuda Lake and Siete Pecados to see the vibrant marine life, sunbathe in Banul Beach, or take a dip in Twin Lagoon and Kayangan Lake. If that’s the case, then Coron-Busuanga Road will be at your service.
A regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways said that the widening of the road from two to four lanes aims to make the tourist spots in Coron and Busuanga more accessible. This will make traveling from Francisco B. Reyes Airport (Busuanga Airport) to the town proper (and vice versa) more convenient. According to him, having better roads will also be beneficial to local traders who bring their agricultural and fishery products to markets.
INVEST IN THE TROPICAL PARADISE OF PALAWAN
Reap the benefits of having infrastructure developments in this breathtaking location by purchasing a holiday home in Palawan, which can also be a good source of passive income if you choose to rent out your unit.
Camella Manors Verdant, a ready for occupancy condo in Palawan, is for those who welcome a blend of island and city living. It is the newest affordable mid-rise condominium developed by Vista Land and is nestled along Gabinete Road, Brgy. Bancao-Bancao, Puerto Princesa City.
