PROPOSED PALAWAN ECO-AGRITOURISM COMPLEX: SMART VERTICAL FARMING

The growing tourism industry and agricultural economy in Palawan make an opportunity for an Eco Agri-
tourism facility which combines agriculture with a tourism experience. It is an innovative agricultural
activity for the public that can either be a source of food or source of income.

Problem: The rural areas of Palawan especially those areas with the absence of beaches and bodies of
water lack livelihood and tourism opportunities. The population of Palawan are also increasing resulting
to a high demand of food production. Palawan lack innovations and mechanisms that could help
develop the agriculture industry. Years from now, there will be limited land availability and high prices of
land properties.

Objective/Solution: An Eco-Agritourism Complex that provides financial, educational, and social benefits
to tourists and local community.  A facility that enhances the tourism industry with agricultural features
by offering overnight stays through self-sustaining accommodations, recreational activities and events,
and allows them to engage in farming activities, appreciating our own nature, cuisine and culture.
Adding innovations through smart vertical farming which includes: Hydroponics (Growing Plants
Without Soil), Aeroponics (Growing Plants with No Soil and Very Little Water), Aquaponics (An
Ecosystem that Promotes Plants and Fish Farming Together)
PROPOSED PALAWAN ARTS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL QUARTERS
A facility that requires presence of cultural activities including cultural production and cultural
consumption through exhibits and performance areas. It also provides opportunities for the tourists,
youth, family and adult entertainment including live plays, literature, film, arts and music as well as
showcase local heritage, art & crafts.
Problem: Cultural awareness and activities are slowly dying. Modern civilization including western
cultures are easily embraced and cultural values are neglected. The Northern Palawan cluster lack
appropriate space for arts and culture and exhibition spaces. There is no space for social enterprise,
community training and heritage events and it lacks offices for promotions. There was an existing
ethnographic center at Bgy. Cabayugan but it’s no longer effective.
Objective/Solution: Relocating the ethnographic center and transforming it to a bigger and
multifunctional facility that shows, promotes and educates the community and tourists the ethnicity,
tradition, culture and heritage of the local people of the Palawan. A facility that will provide for artistic,
cultural and recreational activities which reflect the diversity and creativity of the citizens of Palawan.
REDEVELOPMENT OF SITIO SABANG MANGROVE ECO-PARK
The existing Mangrove Forest located at Sitio Sabang is a pioneering Community-based Sustainable
Tourism site in Puerto Princesa City, it showcases its flora and fauna, and the natural inhabitants, such as
the different mangrove species, nipa palms, birds, tree crabs, monitor lizards, macaques, and mangrove
snakes.
Problem: Despite being among the most productive ecosystems, mangrove forests have historically
been undervalued. The existing Mangrove Forest only have a small hut to receive guests before
engaging in the paddle boat tour. Due to lack of facilities, it is not well-known by the tourists. It has been
a part of Community Based and Sustainable Tourism for a very long time yet unvisited. It was always
been a side trip for the tourists to kill time before going to the Underground River.
Objective/Solution: Redeveloping the existing Sabang Mangrove Forest by transforming it to a newly
improved facility that would not only attract tourists but create a livelihood and social enterprise
opportunities to the community within the area. This would develop the eco-tourism potential of Sitio
Sabang, educate people with environmental protection, increase tourism appreciation and added
protection and conservation to the environment and the marine eco-system. Additionally, the tourists
that are brought to the mangrove park and can be taught about the benefits of the mangroves, wildlife,
and marine life. By giving this place a complete facility provided with all its necessities and amenities, it
would be an effective part of the CBST and would give an impact not only for the tourist but also for the
local community.