Occidental Mindoro extends beyond its breathtaking vistas of rice paddies and mountain ranges. With pristine white beaches, and underwater paradise, and other enchanting sights, the province emerges as a promising center for sustainable tourism.
As the abode of the second-largest contiguous coral reef globally, Apo Reef, the province boasts a diverse range of attractions, spanning from marine biodiversity to mountainous terrain to untouched white sands, and more.
Governor Ed firmly believes that tourism holds the potential to drive growth in any province, and he sees Occidental Mindoro as ripe for sustainable tourism development. With the gradual reopening of the economy, it is anticipated that the province’s tourism industry will rebound in 2023 following the pandemic’s adverse effects.
After the reopening last year, the province began to register a significant number of tourism arrivals, with the figures gradually increasing each month. As of December 2023, the Provincial Tourism Office documented a total of 592,591 tourist arrivals in our province based on the tourLISTA App of the DOT – MIMAROPA.
The increase in percentage is attributed to the fact that in 2022, there were only 299,368 tourist arrivals, whereas this year, the number has already surged to 592,591.
The Provincial Government of Occidental Mindoro embarked on a significant endeavor aimed at invigorating the tourism sector: the development of a Tourism Master Plan. This comprehensive initiative sought to chart a course for the sustainable growth and management of tourism in the province.
The planning process began with a meticulous assessment of various aspect crucial to tourism development. This included evaluating the current state of tourism resources, infrastructure, market demand, social acceptance, and prevailing issues. Through this process, key priorities emerged, guiding the selection of three primary development sites across municipalities.
Central to the planning effort was establishment of a cohesive vision and mission for tourism development, to be embrace by all involved municipalities. Goals and objectives were meticulously crafted to address identified challenges and align with overarching vision.
Drawing upon the diverse natural and cultural assets of the region, potential tourism products were conceptualized, with an eye towards maximizing economic benefits for eacho municipality. Standards for service providers were established to ensure high-quality visitor experiences, while mitigating measures were devised to address associated risks.
Environmental sustainability remained a paramount concern throughout the planning process. Recommendations for safeguards, mitigation strategies, and climate change adaptation measures were integrated into site development plans, ensuring responsible stewardship of natural resources.
Despite significant progress, the completion of the final plan documents faced delays due to pending submissions from municipalities. Recognizing the importance of thoroughness and adherence to timelines, Blue Water Consultancy sought an extension to finalize the plan, with the aim of delivering comprehensive and actionable strategies by the end of March 2024.
In 2023, the Provincial Tourism Office expanded its initiatives with meticulous attention to developing promotional materials. They carefully selected captivating photographs and crafted engaging tourism videos to allure potential visitors, which were then shared across their official social media platforms. Additionally, they took on the responsibility of creating and distributing 1,500 meticulously designed tourism brochures. These brochures were strategically disseminated during various travel and tour expos, ensuring broad visibility and easy access to information about the province’s attraction.
The Provincial Tourism Office actively engaged in regional and provincial tourism trade fairs, food fairs, and travel expos. These gatherings served as vital platforms for showcasing the province’s diverse cultural and culinary offerings, capturing the interest of both local and international tourists.
Moreover, the office committed efforts to enhance and support regional, provincial, and municipal festivals that are steeped in rich cultural and historical significance. By actively participating in these celebrations, which featured a multitude of traditional activities and events, the office contributed to the comprehensive advancement of tourism within the province. This endeavor fostered a deeper appreciation for the province’s cultural heritage among both visitors and locals alike.
PGOM remains dedicated to advancing and overseeing a reliable and well-coordinated transportation network, ensuring swift, secure, efficient, and dependable transportation services across Occidental Mindoro province.
The province has a tri-modal transport system and numerous possible points of entry from mainland Luzon and the Western Visayas Region. Three (3) access roads to Regional Center-Calapan were also established. It has seven (7) existing seaports, two (2) domestic airports, and one (1) military airport. Province’s hub centers are connected through the West Coast Road and Tilik-lubang Road Several provincial roads serve as arterial roads that connect dispersed barangays and communities. Ccation system and services are also in place.
In 2023, the Provincial Engineering Office made significant strides in enhancing the transportation infrastructure across various communities within the province. From meticulously planned maintenance projects to ambitious road upgrades, their accomplishments have notably improved accessibility and connectivity for residents and travelers alike.
One noteworthy achievement was the completion of special maintenance work along the JNR Casague Provincial Road in Brgy. Casague, Sta. Cruz. This endeavor encompassed a thorough refurbishment, covering a substantial length of 84.64 meters and a width of 6.10 meters, along with the construction of essential drainage and slope protection structures.
Similarly, in Brgy. Adela, Rizal, the Provincial Engineering Office successfully concluded another special maintenance project along the Adela Provincial Road. This effort involved addressing crucial infrastructure needs, spanning 167.86 meters, and included the implementation of concrete drainage systems and slope protection structures to ensure long-term durability.
Meanwhile, ongoing endeavors such as the concreting of the Ibud-Tagumpay-Victoria-Ilvita-Pinagturilan Provincial Road in Brgy. Ibud, Sablayan, demonstrate a commitment to sustainable development. Despite facing a suspension order, the project aims to transform Pinagturilan Provincial Road in Brgy. Ibud, Sablayan, demonstrate a commitment to sustainable development. Despite facing a suspension order, the project aims to transform nearly a kilometer of road, incorporating essential features like drainage and slope protection structures to enhance resilience against natural elements.
In So. Pianga, Brgy. Ligaya, Sablayan, rehabilitation and improvement efforts continue along the Provincial Roads, signaling a dedication to addressing infrastructure needs comprehensively. This ongoing construction work includes the installation of stone masonry and reinforced concrete box culverts to fortify the roadway against erosion and other environmental challenges.
Additionally, the ongoing upgrading and improvement of the JNR-Malpalon Provincial Road in Brgy. Malpalon, Calintaan, underscore the province’s commitment to progress. This project, spanning 900 meters, aims to widen the road and bolster its structural integrity with additional shoulders and drainage systems, ensuring safer and smoother journeys for all travelers.
The Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) is a comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming the public land transportation sector into a more rationalized, modern, and environmentally sustainable system.
In alignment with the PUVMP, the Department of Transportation, in collaboration with the Department of Interior and Local Government, through Memorandum Circular No. 001 dated June 19, 2017, mandates Local Government Units to develop, submit, and implement their respective Local Public Transport Route Plans (LPTRP). These plans serve as a foundation for the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in granting franchises to public utility vehicles operating within their jurisdiction.
Currently, the province is undergoing a revision of its LPTRP. This revision process involves extensive data collection, conducted through surveys conducted across various municipalities including Mamburao, Sablayan, San Jose, Looc, and Lubang. Analysis of this data has led to proposed alterations in transport routes. Notably, the plan suggests consolidating the Sablayan-San Jose and Sablayan-Mamburao routes, while discontinuing the Tagbac, Looc to Poblacion, Lubang route.
Once these proposed adjustments are made, the revised plan will be submitted to the LTFRB for evaluation. If the LTFRB deems no further modifications necessary, it will issue a notice of compliance, officially confirming the plan’s alignment with the objectives of the PUVMP.
Collectively, these initiatives reflect the Provincial Engineering Office’s proactive approach to transportation development, laying the groundwork for improved connectivity, economic growth, and overall quality of life throughout the province.
