San Vicente, Palawan, is not just a rising star in Philippine tourism-it’s also a model for collaborative, well-coordinated development. As the municipality transitions into a full-fledged Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ) under the supervision of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Vicente plays a crucial role in ensuring that the Conceptual Tourism Master Plan (CTMP) is implemented effectively, equitably, and sustainably.
This article explores how the San Vicente LGU works in tandem with national agencies, private developers, and local communities to bring the Master Plan to life-turning vision into reality, one policy and project at a time.
A Shared Vision: TEZ Implementation through Local Governance
At the heart of the CTMP is the belief that tourism development must be inclusive and grounded in local leadership. While TIEZA leads the planning and designation of the TEZ, the LGU of San Vicente remains the primary implementer on the ground.
Their responsibilities span governance, infrastructure, social services, zoning, and community engagement. This local stewardship ensures that development is not only aligned with national priorities but also rooted in the realities and aspirations of the San Vicenteños.
Key Roles of the San Vicente LGU
1. Policy Making and Local Legislation
The LGU enacts ordinances and resolutions that align with the CTMP. These laws regulate:
- Zoning and land use
- Environmental safeguards
- Tourism business operations
- Construction and architectural standards
- Waste management and utility regulations
By localizing the guidelines set by TIEZA and national agencies, the LGU ensures that development remains controlled, sustainable, and consistent with the master plan.
2. Land Use and Zoning Implementation
Through its Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and Zoning Ordinance, the San Vicente LGU allocates land for specific uses such as:
- Tourism facilities
- Residential areas
- Commercial hubs
- Protected forest zones
- Marine sanctuaries
This zoning approach is critical in protecting environmentally sensitive areas while promoting economically productive zones, as envisioned in the CTMP.
3. Infrastructure Development and Maintenance
While TIEZA prioritizes large-scale tourism infrastructure, the LGU is responsible for:
- Local roads and drainage
- Water supply and sanitation
- Barangay-level utilities
- Rural health and school facilities
These investments are crucial in maintaining quality of life for residents while supporting the needs of tourists and investors.
4. Business Permitting and Investment Facilitation
The San Vicente LGU manages the local business permit process and plays a key role in:
- Ensuring all tourism businesses are compliant with both local and national requirements
- Fast-tracking permits for TIEZA-registered tourism enterprises
- Coordinating with the Municipal Tourism Office to evaluate proposals aligned with the CTMP
- Promoting ease of doing business through a streamlined and investor-friendly local system
This function is especially important in a Flagship TEZ, where investment momentum must be matched by efficient governance.
5. Environmental Protection and Disaster Risk Reduction
As a municipality rich in coastal ecosystems, rainforests, and biodiversity, San Vicente’s LGU ensures that tourism development does not compromise its natural wealth. This includes:
- Enforcing Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs)
- Overseeing coastal clean-up and solid waste management
- Implementing climate adaptation measures
- Enforcing protected area regulations in coordination with the DENR and PCSD
Sustainability is central to the Master Plan, and the LGU is its first line of defense.
6. Community Participation and Livelihood Programs
The LGU champions inclusive tourism by:
- Involving barangay councils in development discussions
- Supporting livelihood training programs in hospitality, food production, handicrafts, and guiding services
- Allocating funds for capacity building and tourism awareness campaigns
- Establishing cooperatives and micro-enterprises that enable local ownership of tourism benefits
In San Vicente, development is not imposed-it is co-created with the people.
7. Monitoring and Compliance
The LGU, in partnership with TIEZA, regularly monitors tourism projects to ensure:
- Compliance with zoning and design guidelines
- Environmental mitigation measures are implemented
- Construction and operations adhere to health, safety, and labor standards
This ground-level accountability reinforces investor confidence and builds public trust.
Collaborative Governance in Action: San Vicente’s TEZ Implementation Committee
To ensure seamless coordination between stakeholders, the San Vicente LGU established a TEZ Implementation Committee comprising:
- Local chief executive (Mayor)
- Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO)
- Municipal Tourism Office
- Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council)
- TIEZA representatives
- Relevant national agency representatives (DOT, DENR, PCSD)
- Civil society and private sector stakeholders
This multi-sectoral approach enables responsive decision-making, real-time problem solving, and transparent execution of the Master Plan.
Flagship TEZ Advantages Enhanced by LGU Support
San Vicente’s designation as a Flagship TEZ would mean little without active LGU commitment. Fortunately, the municipality has demonstrated:
- Strong political will to implement the CTMP
- A pro-investment stance balanced with sustainability
- Institutional readiness to manage growth and change
As a result, the San Vicente LGU is widely seen as a model for tourism governance in emerging destinations across the Philippines.
Key LGU Initiatives Supporting the Master Plan
Some ongoing and planned LGU-led initiatives include:
- Establishment of a San Vicente Investment and Promotions Office (SVIPO)
- Barangay Tourism Development Plans aligned with the CTMP
- Public-private partnerships for rural electrification and digital connectivity
- Annual tourism summits and stakeholder consultations
- Tourism Code amendments to adapt to Flagship TEZ requirements
Each initiative contributes to the institutional foundation that makes San Vicente a viable, long-term destination.
Insights
The success of the San Vicente Master Plan doesn’t rely on big developers or distant agencies alone-it thrives on local leadership, community engagement, and a responsive LGU that treats tourism as a catalyst for inclusive growth.
With clear zoning, efficient permitting, proactive legislation, and participatory governance, the San Vicente LGU ensures that tourism serves not only visitors, but also the people who call this paradise home.