This Week in Palawan (March 13 to 19, 2022)

The government now considers Alert Level 1 as the new normal in this ongoing time of the pandemic.

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, and the whole province of Palawan are currently under Alert Level 1 and Alert Level 2, respectively. In general, alert level systems implemented in Puerto Princesa City and Palawan are in effect until March 15, until further notice.

The Alert Level 1 classification allows certain establishments and transportation to operate at maximum capacity. Some limits vary depending on each area’s local government units under Alert Level 1. There are no more restrictions implemented regarding the movement of the public, regardless of age. On the other hand, under Alert Level 2, dine-in services, restaurants, barbershops, salons and spas, and religious gatherings are allowed at only 50% indoor capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and 70% outdoor capacity. Activities prohibited under this alert level classification are casinos, horse racing, cock fighting, and the like. [1]

Puerto Princesa, Palawan now welcomes all inbound tourists and travelers regardless of vaccination status under all inbound tourist categories: returning residents, authorized persons outside of residence (APORs), and non-residents, without the requirement of any tests.

However, inbound tourists and travelers shall still undergo on-site health assessments and further validation once they arrive at Puerto Princesa City International Airport.

The Incident Management Team of Puerto Princesa, Palawan appeals to all inbound tourists and travelers to cooperate with the on-site process for monitoring purposes. Everyone must adhere to the health and safety protocols, such as wearing face masks, frequent disinfection, and proper sanitation.

Another announcement for the current Alert Level 1 classification status of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, is likewise addressed to all inbound tourists and travelers. They are also no longer required to comply with an S-PASS Travel Coordination Permit, as per a recent announcement last March 1.

Transportation drivers and car owners come to blows with the oil price hike in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. As of writing, diesel costs at PhP66.85 to PhP74.85 and premier or premium gasoline costs at PhP80.60 to PhP86.75.

The country is currently struggling with the oil price hike and a significant increase in prices of petroleum products, as recently implemented in all gasoline stations nationwide.

Meanwhile, Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s land transport terminal in Baranggay San Jose, shall be converted to tricycles and multi-cab vehicles. Puerto Princesa Land Transport terminal manager Joseph Vincent Carpio says that this will ease and provide convenience to the Puerto Princesa, Palawan residents. Carpio added that the management also allows other government offices to use the said facility. All transportations will be reassigned to a new bus and jeepney terminal in Baranggay Irawan. Carpio also reiterated that this system is much more organized and improved the city. [3]

As for the upscaling tourism sector of Palawan, Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron expects a hopeful recovery this year, following the loose pandemic regulations and decline of cases, particularly in Palawan. Recovery plans should still be further discussed with the city development planners.

The City Tourism Office Chief Demetrio Alvior reported that inbound tourist arrivals had increased since December when Palawan reopened its borders to travelers after two years of strict close boundaries.

As for traveler accommodations, only a few hotels and inns were accredited to be back in operations and are fortunately operating now. [4]

The Puerto Princesa city government has also recently eradicated the mandatory compliance of any tests following the city’s classification under Alert Level 1.

Rapid antigen tests are now available in Palawan for as low as PhP660 pesos, care of Adventist Hospital and Adventist Clinic in Palawan.

For further inquiries, individuals who want to avail the rapid antigen tests may reach them at 0968 5719928 for Smart users and 0915 7888863 for Globe users.

Visit Yoorekka Magazine for more travel and COVID-19 updates and guidelines in Palawan!