PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA) -- The city government believed that efforts to clean coastal areas and bays in Puerto Princesa would help the city host international sports tourism activities to boost the economy and provide job opportunities to locals.
Mayor Lucilo Bayron said that the city is on the right track with its ongoing efforts to clean the bays in Puerto Princesa to meet its goal as a host of seawater-based sports events. Bayron expressed the commitment of the city government to focus on promoting sports tourism to attract the international market.
"Itong ginagawa natin na pag-save ng bay, alam natin para sa future generations yon. Pero bihira talaga yong ganyang klaseng ganda. Kung ganda lang ang pinag-uusapan, maganda talaga ang lugar natin. Walang alon kasi nasa loob siya ng bay. Siguro ika-career na natin itong seawater-based sports tourism, daming pwedeng ganapin diyan," he said.
The city government will host another episode of Save the Puerto Princesa Bay on September 9, which will be joined by Miss Earth Philippines 2023, Yllana Marie Aduana. The activities at the host area, Barangay Bagong Sikat, include coastal cleanup, mudball throwing, and Scoop Basura 2.0.
Bayron added that it is possible for Puerto Princesa to be known internationally if the government and locals continue their efforts to save and clean the bays.
Members of the Philippine National Police join collecting trash during the thirs episode of Save the Puerto Princesa Bays program in Barangay Pagkakaisa. (Photo from City Information Department of Puerto Princesa)
The city government is now preparing to host around 72 countries to participate in the World Dragon Boat Championship in the city. Bayron said hosting such a large number of nations is one of the requirements for hosting the World Games in 2025 and its qualifier in 2024. He said the city can also be a venue for triathlon, standup paddleboard, and kayak competitions.
"Ang requirement para mag-qualify ang Dragon Boat na maisali sa World Games, at least 72 countries ang darating. Ang hinihintay sana natin ay 32 countries lang kaya medyo nakakatakot dahil paano natin ilagay lahat sa hotel yon? Marami yon, may mga hotel naman na patapos na so tinitingnan natin kung ano ang pwede natin magawa para ma-accommodate lahat ng mga bisita na darating," he said. (RPG/PIA Mimaropa - Palawan)
