Palawan Province, Philippines

People of Palawan

• As of the 2020 Census, Palawan Province had a population of 939,594 residents.
• In 2015, the province recorded a population of 849,469, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 2.0% annually.
• Palawan is home to several indigenous ethnolinguistic groups, including the Tagbanua, Palaw’an, Batak, Molbog, Tao’t Bato, Agutaynen, and Cuyonon. These communities have lived in the region for centuries, preserving unique traditions, spiritual beliefs, and sustainable practices.
• While Tagalog is the dominant spoken language today, especially in urban centers, many indigenous dialects such as Palaw’an and Cuyonon remain active in rural and upland areas. English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring access to national curricula and global communication.

Location of Palawan

• Palawan is an elongated island province in the western Philippines, part of the MIMAROPA Region. It stretches between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea, with over 1,700 islands and islets. The provincial capital is Puerto Princesa City.
• Travel access:
  • Air: Puerto Princesa International Airport is the main gateway, with flights from Manila, Cebu, and international hubs. El Nido and Busuanga (Coron) also have domestic airports.
  • Sea: Ferries from Manila, Batangas, and Mindoro connect to Puerto Princesa, Coron, and other coastal towns. Travel time varies from 8 to 24 hours depending on the route.
  • Land: Within Palawan, buses, vans, and jeepneys connect major towns. Tricycles and motorbikes are common for short distances.

Tourist Attractions of Palawan

• 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.
• El Nido: Known for the Bacuit Archipelago’s limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and white-sand beaches.
• Coron: Famous for WWII shipwreck diving sites, Kayangan Lake, and Barracuda Lake.
• Calauit Safari Park: A wildlife sanctuary in Busuanga with African and endemic species.
• Festivals:
  • Baragatan Festival: Held every June in Puerto Princesa, celebrating Palawan’s cultural diversity and founding anniversary.
  • Subaraw Biodiversity Festival: Celebrated in November to honor the Underground River and promote ecological awareness.
  • Kalag-Kalag Festival: A local All Saints’ Day celebration in Roxas, blending tradition and community spirit.

Economy of Palawan

• Palawan posted a GDP of ₱130 billion in 2020, representing the highest provincial share in the MIMAROPA Region at 35.1%.
• Key industries include:
  • Tourism: Eco-tourism and marine-based activities drive local income and employment.
  • Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing (AFF): Palawan is a major producer of rice, coconut, seaweed, and fish.
  • Mining and energy: Nickel mining and renewable energy projects contribute to industrial growth.
• Puerto Princesa City was recognized as the top economic performer in MIMAROPA in 2022, with a growth rate of 14.7%.

Educational Institutions of Palawan

• Young residents pursue higher education at several institutions:
  • Palawan State University (PSU): The largest public university in the province, with campuses in Puerto Princesa and 17 municipalities. Offers programs in law, medicine, engineering, education, and marine sciences.
  • Holy Trinity University: A private Catholic university offering liberal arts, business, and graduate programs.
  • Fullbright College and Palawan Polytechnic College: Provide vocational and technical training in Puerto Princesa.

History of Palawan

• Palawan was founded as a province in 1818 under Spanish rule. It was originally known as Paragua and later renamed Palawan.
• The American colonial government established civil governance on June 23, 1902, with Major John Brown as the first appointed governor.
• Palawan is often called the “Cradle of Philippine Civilization” due to the discovery of Tabon Man fossils in Lipuun Point, Quezon, dating back over 22,000 years.
• In 2019, Republic Act No. 11259 proposed dividing Palawan into three provinces, but the measure was rejected in a 2021 plebiscite.

Elected Officials of Palawan

• As of the 2025 elections, Palawan Province is led by:
  • Governor: Dennis M. Socrates
  • Vice Governor: Leoncio N. Ola
  • Representative (1st District): Edgardo L. Salvame
  • Representative (2nd District): Jose C. Alvarez
  • Representative (3rd District): Edward S. Hagedorn
• For municipal-level officials and councilors, visit the official Halalan 2025 results page: Palawan Election Results.

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