Golf, hot spring projects eyed in Puerto Princesa

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — South Korean investors have returned to this city, with a strong interest in developing golf courses and a local hot spring destination in the Sta. Lucia Environmental Estate.

Mayor Lucilo Bayron disclosed Monday that a meeting with these investors, spearheaded by an individual known as “Mr. Won,” happened last week.

The focus of their exploration was the 1,072-hectare environmental estate in Sta. Lucia, a site the local government intends to convert into a meticulously planned community.

“Our Korean investors, led by Mr. Won, visited last week. The progress on the four-lane road within the environmental estate proved timely. It conveyed a strong sense of our commitment, which they reciprocated with their intent to invest,” Mayor Bayron stated.

The investors perceived the road construction as a tangible demonstration of the city’s dedication to developing infrastructure conducive to financial ventures.

Back in October 2022, Bayron unveiled a grand scheme to transform the Sta. Lucia Environmental Estate into a leading ecotourism and environmental hub during a presentation to potential backers at Conrad Manila.

He emphasized that the project’s core objective is to pioneer a model of sustainable development, harmonizing ecological preservation with economic expansion.

The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority subsequently granted the city’s request to designate the estate as a Tourism Enterprise Zone, a move designed to stimulate investment in the area’s tourism potential.

The development blueprints feature a man-made lake, envisioned as a hub for various water-based recreational activities, catering to both tourists and residents. Bayron stressed that this addition would enhance the estate’s allure for eco-tourists.

Furthermore, a P3 billion water retention project, spanning 120 hectares, is in the pipeline. This multifaceted project aims to manage floods, store water and bolster tourism, ensuring a stable water supply for the city during dry spells and El Niño phenomena.