Palawan board eyes ordinance declaring province as ‘safest and premier island’

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Palawan is studying a proposed ordinance that would officially declare the province as the country’s “best and premier island” and one of the “safest strategic safe zones” since it is not earthquake prone.


Board Member Rafael Ortega Jr. pushed for the measure during their regular session on Tuesday, October 14, saying it would help promote Palawan’s image and attract more visitors.

He added that the declaration would highlight Palawan’s global reputation and strong record on peace and security.

“Sa nangyayari ngayon sa ating bansa… bagamat takot na takot yong ibang lugar… tayo ay panatag ang loob dahil ang alam natin ay tayo ay nakapatong sa isang stable tectonic plate. Napakaganda na i-declare ang Palawan as one of the safest zones at napaka ganda rin na sabihin to declare Palawan as the best and premiere island in the Philippines,” Ortega said.

Ortega also said that the ordinance he is proposing hinges on the fact that the province is now “insurgency-free” following the elimination of the presence of the New People’s Army.

But some board members warned that the proposal might sound self-congratulatory if it comes from the province itself.

“I think it would be better if somebody else will praise us and declare us. For example if we can get a declaration from the DOST that we are an earthquake-free province, that will sound better,” said Board Member Winston Arzaga.

Arzaga said he supports the proposal and understands its purpose but suggested revising it so it would not appear as self-praise.

He said that instead of the provincial government declaring Palawan as the “best and premier island” on its own, it would be more credible if the recognition would come from an outside body like the Department of Tourism (DOT).

He pointed to examples like having a tourism organization or an institution such as UHT issue the declaration, saying that would make the branding stronger and more believable.

The proposal was referred to a joint review by the Committee on Rules and the Committee on Disaster Management for further study.

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