By Cheryl A. Galili
“TOURISM IS a gold mine,” this was the statement made by economist and University of the Philippines (UP) Professor Solita “Winnie” Monsod in a press conference held at Dos Palmas Island Resort last May 10, 2008.
Monson said the province has great potentials in tourism considering its beautiful natural spots. What the province should do is to develop and save its environment.
“If you want mining, mine tourism,” Monsod said, adding having such wonderful place is a gift bestowed by God that should not be destroyed.
“Palawan is very beautiful that’s why it should invest in tourism,” the U.P. professor said.
Palawan, known as the “last frontier,” is on of the country’s top tourist destinations. Its pristine beaches, clean environment and security are mainly the reasons why local and foreign visitors keep coming back to visit.
Last year, from January to December, a total of 211,049 domestic and foreign tourists visited the city and the province.
Among the top destinations, Puerto Princesa got the largest number of visitors with 176,374 tourist arrivals, followed by El Nido (12,779); Brooke’s Point (10,037); Coron 7,100; Taytay 2,964; Quezon 1,032 and Cuyo 31.
In addition, Palawan is the only place in the country where two of World Heritage Sites can be found, namely Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, popularly known as “Underground River” and the Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park in Cagayancillo.
The two major sites are candidates for the New Seven Wonders of Nature, including the Chocolate Hills in Bohol.
Meanwhile, the local government of Palawan, headed by Governor Joel T. Reyes and Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn, are encouraging all Filipinos to vote for underground river and Tubbataha to be included in the N7W sites.
