Puerto Princesa City Palawan Philippines

Barangays of Puerto Princesa City, in the Palawan Province within Region IV-B – MIMAROPA in the Republic of The Philippines
Babuyan • Bacungan • Bagong Bayan • Bagong Pag-asa (Pob.) • Bagong Sikat (Pob.) • Bagong Silang (Pob.) • Bahile • Bancao-Bancao • Barangay ng mga Mangingisda • Binduyan • Buenavista • Cabayugan • Concepcion • Inagawan • Inagawan Sub-Colony • Irawan • Iwahig (Pob.) • Kalipay (Pob.) • Kamuning • Langogan • Liwanag (Pob.) • Lucbuan • Luzviminda • Mabuhay (Pob.) • Macarascas • Magkakaibigan (Pob.) • Maligaya (Pob.) • Manalo • Mandaragat • Manggahan (Pob.) • Maningning (Pob.) • Maoyon • Marufinas • Maruyogon • Masigla (Pob.) • Masikap (Pob.) • Masipag (Pob.) • Matahimik (Pob.) • Matiyaga (Pob.) • Maunlad (Pob.) • Milagrosa (Pob.) • Model (Pob.) • Montible (Pob.) • Napsan • New Panggangan • Pagkakaisa (Pob.) • Princesa (Pob.) • Salvacion • San Jose • San Manuel • San Miguel • San Pedro • San Rafael • Santa Cruz • Santa Lourdes • Santa Lucia (Pob.) • Santa Monica • Seaside (Pob.) • Sicsican • Simpocan • Tagabinit • Tagburos • Tagumpay (Pob.) • Tanabag • Tanglaw (Pob.) • Tiniguiban

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan is within Region IV-B (Mimaropa), in the Republic of the Philippines.

People of Puerto Princesa City

As of the 2020 Census, Puerto Princesa City had a population of 307,079 residents.
In 2015, the city recorded a population of 255,116, reflecting a robust annual growth rate of approximately 3.8%.
Puerto Princesa is a cultural melting pot shaped by waves of migration from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Among its original inhabitants are the Cuyunon, known for their rich folklore and traditions. Indigenous groups such as the Tagbanua and Batak also reside in upland and coastal areas, preserving ancestral customs and spiritual practices.
The predominant local dialect is Cuyuno, though Tagalog and Visayan are widely spoken. In keeping with national policy, English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and global readiness for students.

Location of Puerto Princesa City

Puerto Princesa is located on the eastern coast of Palawan Island and serves as the provincial capital. It is the largest city in the Philippines by land area and is often referred to as the “City in a Forest.”
Travel access:
- Air: Puerto Princesa International Airport offers daily flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, Davao, and Iloilo. Travel time from Manila is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Sea: Ferries from Manila and Iloilo dock at Puerto Princesa Port. Travel time ranges from 20 to 24 hours depending on the vessel.
- Land: Within Palawan, buses and vans connect Puerto Princesa to towns like El Nido, Roxas, and Brooke’s Point. The San Jose Bus Terminal is the main hub for inter-town travel.

Tourist Attractions of Puerto Princesa City

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, featuring a navigable underground river and limestone karst formations.
Honda Bay: A popular island-hopping destination with white-sand beaches and coral reefs.
Iwahig River: Known for firefly-watching tours and mangrove conservation.
Baker’s Hill and Mitra’s Ranch: Family-friendly attractions offering panoramic views and local delicacies.
Festivals:
- Balayong Festival: Celebrated every March 4 to commemorate the city’s founding anniversary, featuring street dancing and cherry blossom planting.
- Pista y ang Kagueban: Held in June, this “Feast of the Forest” promotes environmental stewardship through mass tree planting.
- Love Affair with Nature: A Valentine’s Day event focused on mangrove reforestation.
- Tandikan Festival: Celebrated in September to honor the Philippine rail bird and promote eco-tourism.

Economy of Puerto Princesa City

Puerto Princesa posted a GDP of ₱53.08 billion in 2022, up from ₱46.27 billion in 2021, marking a growth rate of 14.7%—the fastest in the MIMAROPA Region.
Top contributing industries include:
- Tourism: Eco-tourism and hospitality services remain the backbone of the local economy.
- Transportation and storage
- Construction
- Retail and food services
The city’s economic performance has consistently outpaced regional averages, positioning it as a leading urban center outside Metro Manila.

Educational Institutions of Puerto Princesa City

Young residents pursue higher education at several institutions:
- Palawan State University (PSU): The largest public university in the province, offering programs in law, medicine, engineering, education, and marine sciences.
- Holy Trinity University: A private Catholic institution founded in 1940, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in business, education, and health sciences.
- Western Philippines University – Puerto Princesa Campus: Focused on agriculture, fisheries, and environmental sciences.
- Palawan Polytechnic College: Offers vocational and technical training in business and IT.

History of Puerto Princesa City

Puerto Princesa was founded on March 4, 1872 by Spanish colonists and is named after Infanta Eulalia of Spain.
It became a city on January 1, 1970 and was declared a highly urbanized city on July 21, 2007.
The city sprawls across 253,982 hectares, making it the largest in the country by land area. Its unique geography includes coastal plains, mountain ranges, and protected forests.
Puerto Princesa is often called the “City in a Forest” due to its commitment to sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.

Elected Officials of Puerto Princesa City

As of the 2025 elections, Puerto Princesa City is led by:
- Mayor: Lucilo R. Bayron
- Vice Mayor: Nancy Socrates
- Representative: Edward S. Hagedorn
- City Councilors: [Refer to official Halalan 2025 results for complete list]
For full election results and updates, visit: Puerto Princesa Election Results.

January 7, 2026

1️⃣ Andas for Traslación 2026 now ready, with upgrades

The Andas carrying the Black Nazarene for January 9 Traslación features new steering wheel and reinforced underchassis to handle massive devotee crowds safely.

2️⃣ Over 3,500 affected by Mayon volcano unrest

NDRRMC reports 3,515 people from 964 families evacuated in Albay due to recent magmatic eruptions, ashfall, and pyroclastic flows; all in permanent danger zone.

3️⃣ Magnitude 6.4 quake hits off southern Philippines

USGS detects 6.4 quake off Davao Oriental coast—no tsunami threat reported, but locals feel shaking; no immediate damage confirmed.

List of Cities in the Philippines

The move towards Federalism in the Philippines is simply a ploy to create political dynasties and establish a Bangsamoro State (an autonomous Islamic State).