This Week in Palawan (April 13 to 19, 2019)

Although the week would start with a passing morning shower, Palawan will see more sunshine throughout the week [1]. The weather varies from partly sunny to plenty of sun, with day and night temperature ranging from 28.30 C to 32.20 C and 24.40 C to 280 C respectively. Since summer is in full swing, the best way to combat heat and avoid dehydration is through drinking plenty of water and consuming lots of watery fruits which are abundant during this season. If you’re out in the sun, it’s better to slather on sunscreen to avoid getting sun burn and to also wear light-colored dress.

The Puerto Princesa City Council has passed an ordinance aimed at preventing road accidents posed by junk vehicles that have been abandoned along highways, streets and other similar public properties [2]. Ordinance author Councilor Jonjie Rodriguez said the measure also seeks to improve the traffic in Puerto Princesa City. In the ordinance, the junk vehicles that obstruct portions of city roads will be brought to the city government-owned lots for impounding. Their owners will be given 15 days to reclaim them before the city government destroys or sells them through public auction.

Tourists vacationing in El Nido can now flight directly to Panglao, Bohol via AirSWIFT [3]. The Ayala-owned boutique airline launched its inaugural flight on March 25, with its 72-seater ATR72-600 departing El Nido’s Lio Airport and arriving in Panglao airport in approximately one hour and 20 minutes. AirSWIFT offers the said flights four times weekly every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. “If the demand picks up, then we can easily make this into a daily flight,” said AirSWIFT President and CEO Alfonso Javier D. Reyes. “So far, the market from El Nido and Bohol is doing great… Hopefully, this will grow faster so we will be able to increase the frequency of our flights,” Reyes added.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has encouraged vacationers to choose accommodations in El Nido that are adhering to environmental rules and regulations [4]. That way, the agency said tourists are doing their share in restoring the water quality of this beach destination. “The law is clear, and so was our appeal to everybody to cooperate with us in rehabilitating El Nido,” said regional environment chief Henry Adornado. Last week, the environment department charged Outpost Beach Hostel in El Nido after its sewage line was found discharging a black and foul-smelling liquid directly into Bacuit Bay. The bay is one of Palawan’s ecotourism sites undergoing massive rehabilitation since last year. Meanwhile, the El Nido Tourism Facebook page has posted lists of compliant accommodations to guide tourists.

El Nido’s popular Small and Big Lagoons will be temporarily closed to the public for the hosting of the 11th Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series on April 12 to 13 [5]. As only organizers are allowed to enter in the competition area, tour operators have been advised to offer tourists other island hopping package options during the two-day event, according to the municipal government. Two platforms have been installed on limestone cliffs for a total of 24 male and female professional cliff divers from 18 countries who will compete for the world title. The event will be shown live on April 13 at 4:45 PM local time via Red Bull’s Facebook and YouTube.

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