Puerto Princesa City is strengthening sustainability, environmental preservation, and community involvement initiatives to uphold its “paradise” image and promote responsible tourism in the Philippines.
City Tourism Officer Demetrio Alvior Jr. emphasized the importance of collective action in preserving the city’s natural environment and ensuring it remains a destination for future generations.
“Ang Puerto Princesa ay kilala sa kalinisan at ganda ng kalikasan. Kailangang pagtulungan nating lahat na i-maintain ito. Hindi lang sa i-maintain kundi mas pagandahin pa,” Alvior said Friday during the Amos Ta Ren sa Puerto Princesa program of the City Tourism Department (CTD).
“Yung sustainability natin ay hindi lang para sa kasalukuyan kundi para rin sa mga susunod na henerasyon,” he added.
Community cleanups, tree planting programs, and enforcement of policies against illegal logging and waste disposal are among the key initiatives to preserve its environment.
Tourism practices are also emphasized at destinations like the Puerto Princesa Underground River, Sabang, and Honda Bay.
He said that from tricycle drivers to tour operators, the community should embrace sustainability as a shared responsibility.
“Yung mga turista natin, unang napapansin ang kalinisan ng lugar. Mula pa lang sa airport, amazed na sila. Kaya mahalaga na bawat isa ay makibahagi para mapanatili ito,” Alvior added.
Demand for resources and infrastructure has created pressure to maintain its environmental standards. To address this, Alvior said that the city is prioritizing infrastructure projects, improving waste management systems, and exploring transportation routes to reduce environmental impact.
One such project is a proposed path to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, designed to provide access while preserving the natural landscape.
Alvior stressed the importance of ensuring tourism facilities align with standards while offering experiences that set the city apart.
By involving the community in conservation efforts and emphasizing education, Puerto Princesa continues its commitment to sustainability.
“Ang facilities natin ay kailangang sustainable at naaayon sa international standards. Hindi lang basta-basta may destination, dapat may kakaibang experience na walang katulad,” he said.
“Kailangan nating magtanim, maglinis, at sumunod sa mga batas para sa kalikasan. Ang future ng Puerto Princesa ay nakasalalay sa ating ginagawa ngayon,” Alvior added.
