This Week in Palawan (January 19 to 25, 2018)

It’s going to be cloudy to rainy this week, based on AccuWeather’s forecast [1]. Cloudy skies would prevail on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (Jan. 19-20 and 22-24). It’s good to bring an umbrella as you go out as it is expected to be rainy from Monday til the weekend. Throughout the week, the temperature will range from 25 °C to 27 °C the daytime, while it’ll be cool at night with a range of 19 °C to 20 °C.

The construction of a six-lane national highway in Palawan is going on, and to prevent nighttime accidents the Provincial Board earlier this month passed a resolution urging the contractors to be responsible enough by putting up safety precautions [2]. These include the installation of reflectorized paint on pavement markings as an early warning device for vehicles at night. The legislative body believes the lack of these road warnings and markings could result in drivers’ errors leading to accidents. It also enjoined the Department of Public Works and Highways to do its part in reminding the contractors to adhere to the aforesaid measure.

See Also: 9 Hiking Destinations in Palawan for an Adventurous Vacation

The Palawan Provincial Board passed a resolution urging municipal governments to address the issue on overcharging of tricycle drivers [3]. The legislative body said the overcharging happens due to the lack of awareness of commuters, especially the tourists, on the tricycle fares prescribed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. This is the reason why it wants the placement of warning posters in transport terminals and loading areas to inform the commuters of their rights and ultimately prevent tricycle drivers from overcharging. The measure also reminded tricycle drivers to give discounts to students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

Cruise ship tourism remains a thriving industry in Puerto Princesa City as it’s expected to welcome 14 cruise ships this year [4]. Most of the visits are set in the first quarter with three for each month, according to the City Tourism Office. The first ship that docked here was the Superstar Virgo on January 5; it carried 1,200 passengers who are mostly Filipinos and Chinese tourists. On one hand, the biggest ship to arrive in the city this April is Queen Elizabeth, which has a carrying capacity of 2,000. Puerto Princesa is primarily visited for its world-famous underground river.

The Yamang Bukid Farm is a new destination that sees hundreds of visitors a day [5]. It’s main attraction: the sprawling sunflower plantation. Tucked away in Puerto Princesa City’s Barangay Bacungan, the farm is set amidst a lush forest where visitors can spot Palawan endemic species, such as hawks, hornbills, falcons, squirrels, bees, dragonflies and butterflies. Meanwhile, the farm management has also put up a restaurant where visitors could dine in. There’s also a pasalubong center where you could buy rice cakes prepared by the wives of Yamang Bukid farmers.

See Also: 8 Souvenir Stores in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan You Must Check Out

Visit Yoorekka for more news and updates about Palawan.