The city government presented several investment opportunities during the 2026 Puerto Princesa City Investment Forum held at Conrad Manila on Oct. 23, bringing together prospective investors, business leaders, government officials and development partners.
Led by Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron, the forum highlighted projects aimed at expanding economic activity, generating employment and encouraging public-private partnerships.
Tourism infrastructure
Among the major proposals is a 15,000- to 20,000-seat convention and events center at the Sta. Lucia Environmental Estate, designed to strengthen the city's meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry.
Complementary investment opportunities around the City Coliseum include hotels, restaurants, retail establishments and other commercial facilities.
“Rather than developing isolated attractions, we will have an integrated destination where each investment helps support the others,” Bayron said.
Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) representative Atty. Niño Aquino presented the agency's master plan for a 63.31-hectare development within the larger Sta. Lucia Tourism Enterprise Zone.
The proposed developments seek to attract more business events and visitors while creating opportunities for hospitality operators, retailers and other tourism-related enterprises.
Investment incentives
Board of Investments (BOI) representative Hannah Jamaign Barroquillo outlined government programs designed to facilitate investments, simplify regulatory procedures and align projects with national development priorities.
She highlighted the BOI's Investment Facilitation Network, which brings together 38 national government agencies to streamline permitting processes.
The agency's Green Lane for Strategic Investments also seeks to accelerate regulatory approvals and address delays arising from interagency coordination.
As of Sept. 30, 2026, the BOI had endorsed 247 Green Lane projects representing more than P6 trillion in investments nationwide.
“The BOI's mandate goes beyond approving incentives; we promote investments, develop priority industries, facilitate ease of doing business, and provide end-to-end investor aftercare,” Barroquillo said.
She identified agribusiness, logistics and renewable energy as additional sectors where Puerto Princesa could attract investments and strengthen its participation in broader economic value chains.
Private sector expansion
Major property developers and hospitality operators also outlined their expansion plans, reflecting growing private sector interest in the city's development prospects.
Megaworld Corp. first vice president Harold C. Geronimo presented Baytown Palawan, a 5.4-hectare township development with an initial planned capital expenditure of P7 billion over seven to 10 years.
The project will integrate residential, commercial, dining and entertainment establishments.
“We will continue to invest in Puerto Princesa. Our P7-billion is just the initial investment in Puerto Princesa,” Geronimo said.
He added that Megaworld intends to increase its investments as the city develops into a business, tourism and cultural hub.
DDTKI Group of Companies president Joseph V. Garcia also reaffirmed the company's commitment to Puerto Princesa, citing its investments in Best Western Plus, The Ivywall Hotel, The Miren Enclaves and Napsan Villas.
Local business confidence
Palawan Group of Companies founder and chair Bobby L. Castro highlighted the city's potential to support business expansion and long-term investments.
One-of Collection co-founder and CEO Atty. Lucas Niccolo M. Cauton III emphasized the role of hospitality developments in encouraging longer visitor stays and generating greater economic activity.
William Tan Group of Companies chief operating officer and business development head Atty. Patrick P. Tan likewise cited opportunities to expand operations, create jobs and strengthen partnerships with local suppliers and farmers.
The city government said stronger public-private collaboration would be central to translating proposed developments into investments that support employment, tourism and sustained economic growth. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
