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The city government has recently detailed its plans for Puerto Princesa for the next three years, focusing on infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic growth.
Mayor Lucilo Bayronn said the city is at the crossroads, and actions today will define its future. The roadmap, he said, is not merely about development but about ensuring a better quality of life for all residents and visitors.
“We will construct a multilevel street parking, then market the Coliseum as a venue for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), for sporting events and live shows,” Mayor Bayron stated. He said the parking facility will address traffic congestion in the city center, while improved public transportation, including Grab Taxi services and traditional taxis, will modernize the transit system.
Puerto Princesa aims to become a MICE destination by building a 10,000-capacity convention center with walkable hotels and nightlife establishments.
“Once we start building the convention center, we will start holding business forums to convince hoteliers to build one-star to six-star hotels,” Bayron explained.
Plans also include improving the Baywalk and Balayong People’s Park for light-and-sound shows, according to him. These attractions, combined with seafood culinary tourism hubs, will draw more visitors.
As a cruise ship destination, the city plans to create more attractions near the city proper. Developments include a Spiral View Deck, facilities at Balayong People’s Park, and preserving natural sites like Cleopatra’s Needle.
Bayron explained that to address environmental issues, informal settlers who contribute to pollution in the bays will be relocated.
“We will strive to save our bays from pollution to maintain marine biodiversity for the sake of future generations,” Bayron emphasized. Reclamation projects in Quito and Honda Bay Wharf will include wastewater treatment plants and plastic reduction initiatives. Infrastructure projects include completing drainage systems, farm-to-market roads, and urban street lighting.
Drainage system improvements are a priority, he stressed, with efforts to complete the systems in barangays San Manuel and San Jose.
He highlighted challenges in maintaining natural waterways, noting that many have been titled to private individuals, causing delays in resolving flooding issues.
“We need to find ways to finish these drainage systems and address encroachments on natural waterways,” Bayron stated.
The city will construct 22 dwelling units in Tandikanville for displaced families, enabling the reclamation of coastal areas.
Investment forums will encourage businesses to establish ventures.
“If we compute, we’ll need around 40 hotels, each with 300 rooms, to accommodate the influx of tourists and MICE participants,” Bayron projected.
Sports tourism will be supported through upgrades to facilities like the sports complex and football field.
“We need to improve local transport options and build more destinations for water-based sports events like Dragon Boat races, canoe racing, and aqua-cross races,” Bayron added. An extreme sports park with motocross tracks and drag race circuits will also be developed.
Puerto Princesa will strengthen its agricultural and fisheries sectors by developing integrated facilities like the Irawan Integrated Agriculture Center and livestock trading hubs.
Halal slaughterhouses and aquaculture ventures will support local producers and open markets in nearby countries.
The city’s seafood culinary tourism will rely on integrated fishports in Giacana and Buenavista.
“These fishports will centralize distribution and enhance profitability for our fisherfolk,” Bayron explained.
Healthcare initiatives will focus on preventive medicine, with diagnostic centers and free screenings for common health conditions. The City Health Medical Complex will serve as a main diagnostic center with hemodialysis capabilities.
Social welfare programs, including assistance for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), solo parents, and students, will continue.
A central command and response center at the old city hall will enhance public safety and disaster preparedness.
The city plans to expand services at mini city halls with fire and police stations. Revenue-generating measures, such as increased business taxes and property fees, will fund these projects. Solar-powered street lighting will be used to reduce environmental impact.
Mayor Bayron believes these initiatives will transform Puerto Princesa into a destination for tourism, commerce, and sustainable living.