Nestled in the heart of Palawan, the charming municipality of San Vicente-with its 14-kilometer Long Beach, verdant hinterlands, and ten diverse barangays-stands on the cusp of transformation. The Conceptual Tourism Master Plan (CTMP) emerges as a bold framework designed to unlock the true potential of this coastal gem, harmonizing economic growth with environmental preservation and community well-being. Crafted through a dynamic collaboration between the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the LGU of San Vicente, key stakeholders, and the esteemed planning firm Palafox Associates, this visionary roadmap extends far beyond Long Beach-it stretches across all barangays, weaving together San Vicente’s destinies into a unified, sustainable journey.
What Is the CTMP?
The CTMP serves as a comprehensive planning document that:
- Offers a 10-20 year vision for tourism-led development
- Balances economic opportunity, ecological protection, and local culture
- Sets forth strategic guidelines aligned with national tourism goals
- Includes pre-feasibility assessments and placemaking recommendations
Unlike development plans limited to single zones, the CTMP:
- Covers all 10 barangays-Población, New Agutaya, San Isidro, Alimanguan, Binga, New Canipo, Sto. Niño, Kemdeng, Port Barton, and Caruray
- Responds to each village’s unique assets-from glowing silica sands of Sto. Niño to the rural stillness of Caruray
Together, these elements create a masterplan that celebrates the municipality’s intrinsic beauty, cultural heritage, and economic promise.
Why It Matters?
Broad Reach, Shared Benefit
By addressing every barangay, the CTMP:
- Distributes prosperity evenly across San Vicente
- Encourages partnerships between coastal and inland communities
- Prevents competition between zones, encouraging cooperation
Future-Proof Integration
By aligning with the Underground River-San Vicente-El Nido corridor vision, this roadmap:
- Envisions San Vicente as a major tourism node
- Lays groundwork for improved connectivity-roads, maritime routes, eco trails
Locally Rooted, Globally Relevant
With Palafox’s expertise and stakeholder engagement, the CTMP:
- Blends international best practices with local culture and ecology
- Signals to investors-both domestic and foreign-that the plan is credible and strategic
CTMP’s Key Components
Current Tourism & Infrastructure Assessment
Palafox and the LGU conducted a county-wide audit of:
- Transport access-road quality, maritime piers, airport linkages
- Utility coverage-power, water, sewerage, pest control in barangays
- Tourist facilities-lodging, restaurants, public restrooms
- Cultural and natural attractions-silica sands, wetlands, traditional festivals
This baseline ensures that future phases are grounded in reality.
Asset-Based Zoning & Clustering
The municipality is grouped into 4 clusters based on shared attributes:
- Long Beach Cluster: High-end tourism, hospitality, leisure services
- North Clusters (Sto. Niño/Binga/Canipo): Ecotourism with agri-heritage focus
- South-West Clusters (Kemdeng/Port Barton/Caruray): Resort and island-hopping hubs
- Central Hinterland (Agriculture + Low-density tourism)
Clustering enables tailored development pathways.
Strategic Infrastructure Objectives
Road Network
- Grand Tourism Connectivity Plan: A two-decade vision linking Palawan’s prime destinations
- Bypass road inland: Keeps Long Beach traffic calm & scenic
- Pedestrian & bike lanes: Zero-emission, health-friendly travel
- Barangay access pathways: Seamless movement between villages
Utilities & Services
- Reliable solar-municipal water systems
- Wastewater treatment to safeguard land and sea
- Integrated waste collection & segregation
- Digital connectivity-broadband readiness
Tourist Amenity Builds
- Eco-trails, boardwalks, cultural villages, viewing decks
- Information centers for barangays
- Visitor-friendly facilities near natural features
Environmental & Cultural Safeguarding
- Coastal buffers: 20 m marine, 30 m footpaths to ensure shoreline resilience
- No-build zones: Along the micronesian coastlines
- Building-to-open-space ratio: 50/50 for resorts to maintain green visuals
- Environmental restoration zones: Where nature is reforested
- Community-based heritage preservation: Safeguarding traditions, crafts, and storytelling
Economic & Community Empowerment
- Village visitor centers-entryway knowledge hubs with local guides
- Home-stay networks-hospitality income for residents
- Craft and agriculture markets-local production showcased and sold
- Training programs-hospitality, language, environmental management upskilling
- Public-private partnerships-ensuring community benefits from tourism
Implementation Strategy
Stakeholder Governance
Implementation is overseen by a multi-tier task force:
- Chaired by LGU-backed by TIEZA (Flagship TEZ authority)
- Technical subcommittees for planning, environment, heritage, infrastructure, investment
Funding Strategy
Financing comes from:
- National sources: DOT, TIEZA infrastructure grants
- Local investment: Private resorts, community eco-tours
- International aid: climate and biodiversity funding
- Public-private partnerships: e.g. power lines or water stations
Phased Rollout
- Phase 1 (Years 1-3): Long Beach cluster pilot-roads, pedestrian walkways, setbacks, zoning
- Phase 2 (Years 3-7): Northern barangays-agri/ecotourism, community facilities
- Phase 3 (Years 5-10): Southern hubs-port facilities, island-hopping infrastructure
- Phase 4 (Years 10-20): Corridor linkages, integration into regional tourism ecosystem
Monitoring & Adaptive Management
- KPIs tracked: Waste patterns, tourist arrivals, community satisfaction
- Annual task force reviews: To align with progress and community feedback
- Amendments through Barangay & Sangguniang Bayan input-ensures grassroots validation
Supporting Long-Term Outcomes
Tourism Diversification
The CTMP avoids “resort hub” pitfalls by distributing opportunities, pulling tourists beyond Long Beach and reducing ecological footprint.
Environmental Resilience
Buffers and zoning protect against:
- Climate threats-sea-level rise, coastal erosion
- Habitat degradation and biodiversity loss
Cultural Preservation
By involving barangay cultural workers, the plan ensures:
- Integrity and authenticity in local arts and traditions
- Preservation of intangible heritage across the municipality
Economic Empowerment
Community-run enterprises-homestays, tours, craft markets-ensure that tourism benefits stay local, uplifting livelihoods across San Vicente.
Insight:
The Conceptual Tourism Master Plan marks a pivotal moment for San Vicente. It outlines a migration from agricultural reliance to an integrated, sustainable tourism economy. Guided by Palafox Associates, galvanized by LGU and TIEZA support, and enriched by barangay-level engagement, this blueprint charts a future where:
- San Vicente is preserved and promoted with integrity
- Ecology and economy thrive in balance
- Every barangay becomes a tourism destination in its own right