San Vicente

San Vicente, a master planned municipality and a Pilot Eco-town!

San Vicente is the first Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ) by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). As a TEZ, a tourism master plan had been created to develop a comprehensive plan that will transform the town into one of the leading destinations in the Philippines.

In addition, the municipality is the Climate Change Commission’s Pilot Eco-town as it aims to improve the resiliency of the town’s communities and ecosystems against the impact of climate change.

Having a rich biodiversity index, a total of approximately 334 kilometers white sand beaches including its pride, Long Beach, the longest contiguous white sand beach in the Philippines, and the thickest forest cover in the country at 86%, it is of paramount importance of the communities and its guests to help protect and preserve the natural wealth of the place.

Futhermore, with its tourism master plan, it is of the town’s great pride to make tourism right by keeping its thrust towards inclusive and sustainable development.

MUST SEE

Long Beach

  • the longest white sand beach in the Philippines and second in Asia at approximately 14.7 kilometers.

Port Barton Islands

  • with pristine waters and white sandy beaches perfect for holiday getaways such as; Inaladelan, Exotic, Paradise, Double, Tandan, Maxima/ Albaguen, and Boayan.

Turtle Sanctuary

  • a perfect place for swimming with sea turtles.

Reefs

  • rich coral reefs with large corals and variety of fish and other marine life at Twin Reef, Wide Reef and Fantastic Reef.

Sandbars

  • distinct sandbars with stunning views of the beaches that can be seen around Naked Sandbar and Capsalay Sandbar.

Mangrove Forests

  • thick mangrove forests such as Tugdunan and Decala where venturan snakes, monitor lizards, and other species are seen that add to the rich natural beauty of the town.

Forests

  • the lush virgin forests of San Vicente that makes the town distinct among other tourist destinations.

Waterfalls

  • waterfalls in the midst of the thick forests are simply mystical that make the town more captivating such as Pamuayan and Bigaho falls.

Agricultural Site

  • an organic farm that provides not only cheap and fresh fruits and vegetables to the community, but an education to everyone about farming and backyard gardening.

Bato ni Ning-ning

  • an overlooking vista that feeds one’s eyes a stunning view of the beaches, islands and the forest.

MUST DO

  • Swimming at white sandy beaches
  • Visit waterfalls
  • Go island hopping
  • Snorkeling
  • Diving
  • Kayaking at Inandeng River and other beaches
  • Trekking
  • Sunset watching

MUST TRY

  • Bar hopping
  • Eating local foods (lamayo, local sardines, etc) and exotic food (tamilok)
  • Skydiving
  • Tilapia fishing

WHERE TO STAY

(AS OF 2019)

Poblacion

  • Basio’s Place
  • Louisscia Lodging Inn
  • Acuario Resort
  • Palmera Garden Inn
  • Picardal Lodge

New Agutaya

  • Turublien Long Beach Inn and Beach Bar
  • Farmbelle Restaurant and Cottages
  • Jurisu Resort
  • Nativo D’ Kubo
  • Narayani Villas

San Isidro

  • Club Agutaya Resort Inc.

Alimanguan

  • Lazuli Resort
  • Victoria’s Guest House

Sto. Nino

  • Peak View Resort

Port Barton

  • Westpoint Inn
  • Pisces Tourist Inn
  • Morning Star Hotel
  • Ausan Beach Front Cottages
  • Besaga Beachfront Cottages
  • Inaladelan Island Resort
  • Coconut Garden Island Resort

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

ECO CARD

It is the responsibility of each tourist to help the objective of the places visited such as collecting of eco tourism fee. Hence, paying the eco-card is highly appreciated as to help in preserving the natural environments of the place. Eco-cards are released by an official employee of the local government from the Office of the Municipal Tourism. The rates are as follows: 50 PHP for 1-10 days duration of stay; 100 PHP for 11-6 months duration of stay, and; 200 PHP for more than 6 months up to 1 year duration of stay.

TRASH

Everyone is required to be responsible with his own trash especially the plastic. In fact, bringing his own water tumbler is highly encouraged to lessen the use of plastic bottles.

ESSENTIALS

Apart from bringing basic essentials such as sunblock, hats, sunglasses, scarf, insect repellents and among others in visiting a place, virgin coconut oil or baby oil is advised to be brought in San Vicente since “niknik” or sand flies are common in some beach areas like in some parts of the Long Beach.

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

San Vicente lies at the Northwest of Palawan Province (MIMAROPA IV-B Region) facing West Philippine Sea. It is bounded by the municipalities of Taytay (North) , Roxas (East) , and Puerto Princesa City (South). It is the gateway to among of the famous tourist destinations in the province such as, El Nido and Puerto Princesa Underground River.

LANGUAGES SPOKEN

Tagalog, English, Bisaya, Cuyunon, Agutaynin, Ilonggo, Waray, Tagbanua, Bicolano, Masbateño and Mindoreño

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS

Poblacion

“The Center of Commerce, Governance and Education”

Attractions: Beaches, coves, fishing village, PAMANA (Agricultural Site), and Balangay Sultan Sin Sulu, the National Boat of the Phils.

New Agutaya

“The Home of the Champions”

Attractions: Long Beach, Inandeng River and mangrove, waterfalls and forest

San Isidro

“A Wide Stretch of Possibilities”

Attractions: Long Beach and Bok-bok point

Alimanguan

“The Surfing Paradise”

Attractions: Long Beach, tandol (iconic rock), waterfalls, View Point (overlooking vista)

Sto. Nino

“The Stunning Vista”

Attractions: Bato ni Ning-ning and white sandy beaches

New Canipo

“The Beautiful Campsite”

Attractions: white sandy beaches, Imuruan island and waterfalls

Binga

“The Secret Haven”

Attractions: white sandy beaches, waterfalls, forests, islands, Bird sanctuary and Lapus-lapos rock formation

Kemdeng

“The Home of IPs”

Attractions: waterfalls, beaches, forests, rivers, and Carabao Breeding Center

Port Barton

“The Tourism Capital”

Attractions: Islands, beaches, mangrove forest, waterfalls, reefs, and forest

Caruray

“The Hidden Gem”

Attractions: waterfalls, beaches, islands, mangrove forest, and forest

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS

Poblacion

“The Center of Commerce, Governance and Education”

Attractions: Beaches, coves, fishing village, PAMANA (Agricultural Site), and Balangay Sultan Sin Sulu, the National Boat of the Phils.

New Agutaya

“The Home of the Champions”

Attractions: Long Beach, Inandeng River and mangrove, waterfalls and forest

San Isidro

“A Wide Stretch of Possibilities”

Attractions: Long Beach and Bok-bok point

Alimanguan

“The Surfing Paradise”

Attractions: Long Beach, tandol (iconic rock), waterfalls, View Point (overlooking vista)

Sto. Nino

“The Stunning Vista”

Attractions: Bato ni Ning-ning and white sandy beaches

New Canipo

“The Beautiful Campsite”

Attractions: white sandy beaches, Imuruan island and waterfalls

Binga

“The Secret Haven”

Attractions: white sandy beaches, waterfalls, forests, islands, Bird sanctuary and Lapus-lapos rock formation

Kemdeng

“The Home of IPs”

Attractions: waterfalls, beaches, forests, rivers, and Carabao Breeding Center

Port Barton

“The Tourism Capital”

Attractions: Islands, beaches, mangrove forest, waterfalls, reefs, and forest

Caruray

“The Hidden Gem”

Attractions: waterfalls, beaches, islands, mangrove forest, and forest

CLIMATE

June- December (Wet season)
January – May (Dry season)

*Despite that November and December are still in wet period, peak season starts in November and ends in May. Anyhow, January – April is the best time to travel.

FINANCE

ATMs

  • can be found at the Municipal Economic Enterprise and Development Office (MEEDO) and at Bgy. Port Barton (White House).

Pawnshops

  • MLhuillier (Bgy. Poblacion)
  • Palawan Pawnshop (Bgy. Poblacion, across Tourist Information Center)

*Both pawnshops accept local debit cards only.

Note: Bringing enough cash to San Vicente is recommended to avoid inconvenience since the town has only limited ATMs.

COMMERCIAL CENTERS

Abot Kaya Commercial

  • Bgy. Poblacion (close to the Municipal Gym and San Vicente Central School)

Roxas Commercial

  • Bgy. Poblacion (at the supermarket area)

Ausan General Merchandise

  • Bgy. Port Barton (Beachfront)

Kadz General Merchandise

  • Bgy. Port Barton

*Smaller shops/stores are available around town proper particularly at the supermarket area and Bgy. Port Barton for essentials.

ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES

Fishing and farming are the main livelihood activities in the municipality. However, as the tourism industry progresses in town, more and more people have started venturing into tourism products and services.

ACCESSIBILITY

How to get to San Vicente?

Direct Flights to San Vicente

  • Manila – San Vicente plane (via SKYJET)
  • Clark- San Vicente plane (via PAL)

Via Puerto Princesa (Air and Land)

  • Manila –Puerto Princesa City (Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia)

Puerto Princesa City – San Vicente

  • by van, 3.5 to 4 hrs
  • by bus (non-aircon), 4.5 to 5 hrs

Puerto Princesa City – Port Barton

  • by van 3 hrs. max
  • by bus 4 hrs. max

Getting around San Vicente

  • E-trike
  • Motorbike

EDUCATION

Tertiary

Only one (1) university in town, Palawan State University – San Vicente Campus which is already a great help to many students.

Secondary

There are five (5) public high schools in the municipality situated in Bgys. Poblacion, Caruray, Port Barton, Alimanguan, and New Canipo.

Primary

Each barangay in town has public primary school and some sitios have also their own primary schools, including those in the islands, and only one (1) private primary school in the municipality located at Bgy. New Agutaya.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

In general, the town is a safe haven for both locals and tourists. However, in case of emergencies, please contact the following hotlines:

 

  • PNP- 0947-8938-030
  • Phil. Marines- 09369045136
  • RHU – 0998-9880-501
  • MDRRMO – 0950-4953-326
  • Phil. Coastguard Pob. 0921-5377-659
  • Phil. Coastguard Port Barton 0998-585-8451

HEALTH

At present, only the Municipal Health Office is the main provider of health services such as; ambulatory service, health check-ups, birthing services and among others. The provincial hospital built in Bgy. San Isidro is not yet operational.

    RELIGION

    There are Baptists, Seven Day Adventists, Iglesia ni Cristo and among others, but most people in town are Roman Catholics.

      FIESTAS/FESTIVALS

      Most barangays in the municipality have its own fiesta/festival, but Malagnang Festival is the biggest festival in town held every June 19-21 that honors the town’s history as a muddy place and shows its pride of its current development.

        UTILITIES

        Electricity

        A 24-hr electric supply is provided by Palawan Electric Company (PALECO) in Bgys. Poblacion, Port Barton Proper, New Agutaya, San Isidro, Alimanguan and Sto. Niño. The rest five (5) barangays don’t have an electricity yet, including the islands in town, so they depend on generators.

        Water

        Water in San Vicente is potable which is truly safe for drinking. However, mineral water is still recommended for tourists’ safety.

        Communication

        Using Globe, Smart, TNT, TM, and Sun Cellar sim cards for cellphones are acceptable in most areas of the town. However, there are areas particularly the isolated ones don’t have signals. But nevertheless, communication is still convenient.

        Connectivity

        Internet connection for cellphones is quite good in the town proper and in some open areas such as along the beaches only. Internet shops are also available in the town proper, Alimanguan proper, and Port Barton proper.

        LEADERSHIP

        (AS OF 2019)

        Municipal Mayor

        Hon. Amy Roa Alvarez

        Vice – Mayor

        Hon. Antonio V. Gonzales

        Sangguniang Bayan Members

        • Hon. Renato M. Fernandez
        • Hon. Walter E. Dela Cruz
        • Hon. Lilibeth Uapal-Osorio
        • Hon. Enriquito P. Libarra
        • Hon. Menchie Libarra- Silagan
        • Hon. Antonio E. Rabina, Jr.
        • Hon. Ramir R. Pablico
        • Hon. Romulo B. Molo
        • Hon. Lovicel V. Bonggat/Pres. Liga ng mga Barangay
        • Hon. Mark Anthony D. Tabangay/ SK Federation President

        Head of Offices

        • SBO – Ms. Gina A. Pacto/SB Secretary
        • Municipal Planning and Development Office – Mr. Jessie C. Velete
        • Municipal Engineering Office – Engr. Juliet A. Clavecilla
        • Municipal Tourism Office – Ms. Lucylyn F. Panagsagan
        • Human Resource and Management Office – Ms. Merriam D. Etchinique
        • Municipal Accounting Office – Ms. Salome R. Varquez
        • Municipal Budget Office – Mr. Thor O. Bendanillo
        • Municipal Treasurer’s Office – Mr. Ervin G. Buitizon, Jr.
        • General Services Office – Mr. Alfredo V. Tan
        • Municipal Assessor’s Office – Ms. Penny Pennel R. Rombo
        • Municipal Civil Registrar’s Office – Ms. Veneranda B. Parcon
        • Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office- Mr. Anacleto A. Sasuman, Jr.
        • Municipal Cooperative and Development Office – Mrs. Flora F. Mandolado
        • Municipal Economic and Enterprise Development Office – Mr. Edgar T. Andante
        • Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office – Ms. Jennylyn C. Laro
        • Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office – Engr. Randy D. Dela Cruz/ OIC
        • Municipal Agriculture’s Office – Mr. Rufino I. Clavecilla
        • Municipal Health Office – Dr. Mercy Grace Sipole- Pablico

        PUBLIC OFFICES/ESTABLISHMENTS

        Major Offices

         

        • Executive Building/Mayor’s Office – Bgy. Poblacion
        • Legislative Building/ Sannguniang Bayan Office- Bgy. Poblacion (across the Executive Bldg.)
        • Liga ng mga Barangay Bldg. – Bgy. Poblacion (beside the Legislative Building)
        • Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) – Bgy. New Agutaya
          Office of the Municipal Tourism- Bgy. New Agutaya (in front of TIEZA bldg.)
        • Municipal Engineering Office – So. Macatumbalen, Bgy. Poblacion (close to San Vicente Airport)
        • Municipal Economic and Enterprise Development – Bgy. Poblacion (at the supermarket)
        • Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office – Bgy. Poblacion (beside the Municipal Gym)
        • Municipal Social Welfare Development Office – Bgy. Poblacion (across the Municipal Gym)
        • Municipal Agricultural Office – Bgy. Poblacion (across Palawan State University- San Vicente Campus)
        • Municipal Health Office – Bgy. Poblacion (close to PSU-SV Campus and MAO)
        • Commission on Election Office – Bgy. Poblacion (beside MSWDO)
        • Provincial Hospital – Bgy. San Isidro (on going construction)
        • San Vicente Airport – So. Macatumbalen, Poblacion

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