Puerto Princesa Today
April 01, 2008 10:43 pm
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A Model of Sustainable Development
Puerto Princesa City today under trhe leadership of Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn has gained the recognition and honor as the country’s cleanest and greenest City—reviving the glory that was bestowed upon in a century ago.
Puerto Princesa City stands proud of having been able to balance growth and development with the protection and conservation of the city’s rich natural environment Puerto Princesa City today is more than just a city on the road to progress, it has in fact become the country’s model in sustainable development.
A place of natural beauty and idyllic charm, Puerto Princesa is now a portrait of a flourishing and peaceful city. it is envisioned to grow into a park like city , a center for ecological tours and research, a place for healthful recreation and home of discipline inhabitants --- a destination no traveler can afford to miss!
Landmarks
Mendoza Park
The park was named after Dr. Higinio Mendoza Sr., the war hero of Palawan. His resistance to Japanese control led to his execution on January 24, 1944 at Canigaran Beach. His remains, together with several unknown soldiers, were interred into the memorial constructed at the far end of the park.
Plaza Cuartel
A National Historical Site, plaza Cuartel is a restored ruin of an old garrison where, in the evening of December 24, 1944, Japanese soldiers burned around 150 American prisoners of war in a tunnel found beneath the parks postals, which now stands as grim reminder of World War II atrocities. The remain of those who died where buried at St. Louis Country, Jefferson Barracks, National Cemetery, Missouri, U.S. in 1972. Only 11 prisoners survived to tell the story.
Iwahig Prison and penal Farm
This unique “prison without bars” was established by the Americans in 1904. The inmates tend vast farm instead of idly spending time behind bars. The more enterprising earn by making handicrafts and other productive activities during their spare time. Iwahig has since become synonymous to finely handcrafted bags and other souvenir items.
Sports Tourism and Recreation
Puerto Princesa is touted as a sports tourism capital and has played host to both international and national sporting events in recent years.
The international Sepaktakraw sports event, Asian Boxing Championships and International Motocross Asia Pacific Championships, Asian Mountain Biking Competitions, and in the Brunei- Indonesia- Malaysia- Philippines (BIMP- EAGA) Friendship Games are among the international events held in Puerto Princesa.
Sports facilitates are available to meet international standards including motocross and mountain biking race tracks and a modern City Coliseum that can seat 8,000 people. The highly popular PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) games play at the City Coliseum now and then.
The Puerto Princesa - Palawan Sports Complex is an ideal venue for track and field events, ball games and swimming competitions. National, regional, provincial and city-wide athletic meets are witnessed here.
For shooting enthusiasts, there is a shooting range in Magarwak, Sta. Lourdes. Golfers may tee off at the 9-hole Tara Golf Course at Western Command grounds. There are also recreation facilities for badminton and tennis fanatics.
Aqua sports dragon boat races and regattas which are held occasionally. Boat sailing and dinghy sailing at Abanico in San Pedro are exciting and challenging ventures at sea. Seasonal sports fishing tournaments are also conducted at Puerto Princesa’s rich fishing grounds.
Conventions and Conferences
Puerto Princesa is fast becoming a convention and conference destination. A range of convention and meeting facilities for international or local groups are available for different group size, from the huge city coliseum to big hotel convention centers and banquet halls, to medium-sized and smaller function rooms.
Exhibition and trade show organizers will also find the City Coliseum an ideal venue.
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