The largest surfing competition in the Palawan province, the 3rd Paragua SanVicSurf Festival, is currently being held in the scenic Barangay Alimanguan of the Municipality of San Vicente in Palawan. The SanVicSurf Festival is initiated by the United Tourism Enterprise Association (Unitea) in collaboration with the Local Government of San Vicente.
During the festival’s opening program on January 30, 2024, Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Ferdinand Jumapao represented DOT Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina Garcia Frasco and relayed the support of the Department. “Today, we are not only here to witness impressive surfing but also to celebrate the continuous support of the DOT for the San Vicente Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (SVFTEZ). The DOT stands right behind all Palaweños in making Palawan a premier destination,” stated Usec. Jumapao.
He further highlighted the DOT’s commitment in promoting tourism by launching the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) Training for tourism workers, a program extending its benefits to San Vicente. Usec. Jumapao proudly announced that the FBSE-trained workers have exceeded the initial target of 100,000, with a total of 126,343 tourism workers having completed the training.
However, the DOT’s support for the SVFTEZ extends beyond training but also to critical infrastructure projects being implemented by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), being its prime Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone. Monument markers for the 50-meter setback easement for the long beach were already laid down, while solar street lighting and access roads for the beach are also being constructed.
Accompanying him were DOT MIMAROPA OIC-Regional Director Roberto Alabado III, TIEZA’s TEZ Management Sector ACOO Karen Mae G. Sarinas-Baydo and San Vicente Flagship TEZ Administrator Bernardo Alarilla. Together with San Vicente’s very own Mayor Alvarez and the president of the Unitea Mr. Antonio Habana, the group actively participated in a press conference organized by Unitea, addressing various crucial aspects of the festival and tourism development in San Vicente.
During their brief visit to the Municipality, Usec. Jumapao and RD Alabado seized the opportunity to explore the burgeoning tourist attractions such as the breathtaking SanVic Viewpoint that offers panoramic vistas of the 14-kilometer-long beach in San Vicente. Usec. Jumapao also made a swift visit to the renowned islands of Barangay Port Barton. He expressed great satisfaction with the natural beauty and tourism potential of the locale.
In a productive lunch meeting with TIEZA and Municipal Tourism Officer Lucylyn F. Panagsagan, RD Alabado shared valuable inputs on the development of tourism products and the strategic implementation of critical infrastructure projects in San Vicente. These inputs are expected to guide the strategic initiatives and projects that will contribute to the sustainable growth of San Vicente.
The Municipality of San Vicente was designated as a flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone by the TIEZA Board of Directors on September 29, 2015. Known for its natural wonders, including beaches, islands, seas, forests, and diverse flora and fauna, it is becoming a magnet for tourism-related activities such as hiking, diving, and, notably, surfing.