This Week in Palawan (May 22 to 28, 2018)

Get timely transportation news and other updates about Palawan here!

By: Keith Anthony S. Fabro | May 22, 2018

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minimum tricycle fare Puerto Princesa City

Long Beach in San Vicente, Palawan

Image by writer

So summer’s going to end in the coming weeks. What better way to cap it off than having a trip to Palawan? Spending a day or two in El Nido or Coron is the usual itinerary of most tourists, but Palawan also has other destinations and beaches to offer. One such beach is San Vicente, which is expected to welcome an influx of tourists after the opening of its airport. If you haven’t heard much about it, then we’ve got fast facts, plus other travel updates and transportation news below for you.

Weather: Anticipate showers and thunderstorms

This week’s weather packs a couple of showers and thunderstorms, AccuWeather’s forecast shows [1]. But, wait! Don’t cancel your planned trips right away. Like in the past few weeks, this wet weather won’t last as the chance of rain showers is low to moderate. However, it’s still a great idea to keep your umbrella wherever you go.

AccuWeather’s temperature estimate of 28 0C to 32 0C is telling everyone to stay hydrated. Clutching a refillable water bottle is the coolest and greenest way to quench your thirst. Also, slather on some sunscreen to protect your skin from the scorching sun when you go outdoors.

Traffic News: Clampdown on ‘colorum’ PUVs

Expect to get stranded in Puerto Princesa City’s terminal as there is a shortage of public utility vans (PUVs) that ply various destinations like San Vicente, El Nido, and other tourist towns in Palawan [2]. This as the Land Transport Franchise Regulatory Board has gone after “colorum” transport vans since a few weeks ago.

In Coron, there are virtually no PUVs operating [3]. Most of them are without franchise and are thus subjected to clampdown. To ease the situation, the municipal government has been providing free rides from the Busuanga airport to the town proper. Alternatively, passengers can rent out a tricycle for an agreed amount, preferably PhP150 per head.

Travel Updates

PAL, Cebu Pacific consider flying to San Vicente

Airline companies Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific consider offering flights to the newly-opened San Vicente Airport in San Vicente town, according to Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade [4]. Both companies, however, have made no announcement about this so far.

Tugade on May 10 led the inauguration of P62.7-million San Vicente Airport, which took nine years to complete. Even before its opening for commercial operation, the airport has already been catering to light aircraft since last year. Currently, San Vicente Airport only serves Air Juan, which offers charter flights mainly from Puerto Princesa International Airport.

Port Barton sees crackdown on erring establishments

After El Nido and Coron, now it’s San Vicente’s turn to restrain erring establishments. Unlike the first two towns’ crackdowns which were led by the national government, this move of holding erring establishments in San Vicente’s tourism epicenter, Barangay Port Barton, is being carried out by the local government [5].

“There will be a number of establishments who will be compelled to self-correct,” municipal administrator James Inawasan said. He cited problems with drainage, septic tanks, coastal easement, and road setback as among the common environmental law violations in Port Barton. For a hassle-free stay, simply avoid hotels, resorts, and even restaurants which are affected by the crackdown.

San Vicente to welcome 100,000 tourists in 2018

With the opening of its airport, the San Vicente municipal government is anticipating the arrival of some 100,000 tourists this year [6]. This northern Palawan town has 22 islands and islets with white sand beaches, azure-blue waters, lush rainforests, and more.

San Vicente is also home to 14-kilometer Long Beach, the country’s longest white beach. Being the Philippines’ first Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone, this town, located 186 kilometers north of Puerto Princesa City, is carefully master-planned and geared towards sustainable tourism development.

New Ordinance: City approves hike for minimum tricycle fare in Puerto Princesa City

Tricycle operators in Puerto Princesa City are expected to implement the new minimum tricycle fare this week, after the ordinance supporting it was approved by the City Council three weeks ago [7]. The ordinance has increased the minimum tricycle fare from PhP8 to PhP10 for every first two kilometers and PHP1.50 for every succeeding kilometer in the city.



References:
[1] https://bit.ly/2KG0iaZ
[2] https://bit.ly/2rWT1wL
[3] https://bit.ly/2GCUnkz
[4] https://bit.ly/2wXbQVn
[5] https://bit.ly/2keBgEO
[6] https://bit.ly/2x85Fhx
[7] https://bit.ly/2Gy1RFD

About Keith Anthony S. Fabro

Keith Anthony Fabro is a freelancer based in Narra, Palawan. He explores the great outdoors, talks to strangers, and designs promotional materials for a living. In his free time, he practices mindful meditation or reads anything about personality psychology and the natural environment, all while listening to mellow music. When inspiration strikes, he writes spoken poetry. He can live with just water and chocolates.

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