Palawan is the biggest province of the Philippines in terms of land area (see comparison). It is actually an archipelago in itself because it is composed of several groups of islands including Busuanga and the Calamianes group in the north, Dumaran and Cuyo group in the northeast, and Balabac and Bugsuk in the south. Located southwest of Mindoro Island specifically Occidental Mindoro and west of Panay Island, it is bounded by the Sulu Sea on the east and south and the South China Sea on the north and west. The province is often referred to as the last frontier of the Philippines because it is the most exotic part of the country with its lush forests teeming with wildlife and its virgin beaches, coral reefs, and spectacular limestone cliffs. The province is home to many rare and endangered species such as the man-eating crocodiles, the "dugong" or sea cow, Philippine cockatoo, mouse deer and Philippine mynah.

Palawan Provincial Capitol

The main island of Palawan is mountainous at the center while the coastal areas are flat. The northwestern part has two pronounced seasons: dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year. The southeastern side has no very pronounced seasons: relatively dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year.

Most of the people of Palawan are Tagalogs, Ilonggos, and Aklanons.

1. Ramon Mitra - Senator, House Speaker (1987 - 1992), Cabinet Secretary

Main economic activity is agriculture. Farm and fishery output in 2007 are as follows (figure in thousand metric tons, rank among 79 provinces)

Animal inventory of Palawan in 2007 are as follows (figure in thousand, rank among 79 provinces)

Manufacturing consists of small scale rice mills, furniture and automotive shops, hollowblock making, and handicraft production. The province is endowed with rich mineral reserves of gold, silver, nickel, copper, and chromite. As such. mining has become a major industry but a very controversial one. Many sectors oppose mineral extraction because of the environmental harm that it brings. The discovery of oil and gas has made the province the country's center of oil and gas industry.

Tourism is a booming industry in the province. Hotels and resorts are mushrooming in the different parts of the province. As of 2007, there were 32 banks operating with total deposits of 6.2 billion pesos.

Inspite of its vast natural resources, most of the people are poor. Its poverty incidence stood at 49.3 in 2006, way above the country's average of 32.9%.

Palawan has an enormous economic potential. With its rich natural resources coupled with its strategic location along the shipping route in the South China Sea, the province has the potential to become a major transhipment, transportation, manufacturing, and tourism hub. But first things first, infrastructure should be in place such as international airport and seaport and a modern all weather highway traversing the province from north to south.

The province right now is encouraging investments in tourism-related ventures. Manufacturing plants such as mineral processing, food processing, seaweed processing, furniture, and jewelry are recommended. Agribusiness ventures like cacao, coffee, rubber, bamboo, fruits and vegetable plantations are encouraged. The cutflower industry especially orchids has big export potential. As the number one producer of fishery products, fish bottling and canning should be developed. Goat and cattle raising should lead to the development of meat and dairy processing. In support to the modernization of agriculture, a modern cold storage facility should be put up.

1. Subterranean River also known as St. Paul Underground River
2. El Nido Marine Reserve
3. Calauit Island where you can find African and endangered Philippine animals
4. Coron Bay - features nature at its best - emerald waters, karst formations, islets for snorkeling, hidden lagoons, and white sand beaches
5. Tubbataha Reef Marine Park - included in the World Heritage List
6. Ursula Bird Sanctuary
7. Calamianes Resorts
8. Palawan Museum
9. Beaches in Nagtabon, Sabang, and Honda Bay

Capitol photo credit to eye-in-the-blue-sky.blogspot.com

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