Cluster 1 is the flagship of the San Vicente Tourism Master Plan-a dynamic region destined to drive the municipality’s emergence as a premier ecotourism destination in Southeast Asia. Anchored by the legendary 14.7-kilometer Long Beach, Cluster 1 encompasses five barangays: Poblacion, New Agutaya, San Isidro, Alimanguan, and Kemdeng.
According to the Conceptual Tourism Master Plan (CTMP) crafted by Palafox Associates, Cluster 1 has the highest development priority, with an estimated transformation timeline of 5 to 10 years. Thanks to its accessibility, flat terrain, titled lands, and already increasing investor activity, this cluster is where the future begins.
Let’s explore why Cluster 1 is ground zero for San Vicente’s rise-and why it presents unmatched opportunities for sustainable tourism, business, and community growth.
🗺️ Barangays Covered in Cluster 1
- Poblacion – The government and civic hub of San Vicente, home to the Municipal Hall and several public facilities.
- New Agutaya – The site of the San Vicente Airport, a game-changer for accessibility.
- San Isidro – One of the access points to Long Beach, with developable plains and existing small resorts.
- Alimanguan – Known for its fishing culture and rural charm; emerging as a beachfront investment zone.
- Kemdeng – The nearest barangay to Paragua Coastown, a flagship development of Megaworld and Paragua Beach Village, a lot-only community near the Mercato Shophouse District.
🏖️ Why Cluster 1 Was Prioritized
- Immediate Accessibility The presence of San Vicente Airport in New Agutaya makes this area the most travel-ready destination in the municipality. The airport cuts travel time from Puerto Princesa to just under an hour by air.
- Flat, Buildable Terrain Unlike other clusters that require mountain-cutting or heavy site development, Cluster 1 features relatively flat terrain and land ideal for resort, residential, and mixed-use development.
- Titled Land Availability A key advantage: much of Cluster 1 is already covered by land titles. This is critical because land classification issues (such as “timberland”) in other clusters often delay or block development.
- Presence of Utilities & Roads Ongoing upgrades in road access, water lines, and electric connectivity in Cluster 1 make it the logical starting point for major investments.
- Long Beach Frontage The crown jewel of Cluster 1 is Long Beach, the longest white sand beach in the Philippines, triple the length of Boracay’s famous strip. Its immense scale offers room for master-planned, low-density tourism development-avoiding the mistakes of overdevelopment seen in other Philippine beach towns.
💼 Business & Investment Potential
Cluster 1 is ideal for:
- Resort developers seeking large titled beachfront parcels
- Local entrepreneurs aiming to open restaurants, cafes, dive shops, and souvenir stores
- Eco-tourism ventures such as mangrove tours, kayaking, and birdwatching in forest zones
- Residential developers interested in low-density housing or lot-only communities
- Hospitality investors seeking first-mover advantage near the airport and Long Beach
💡 Opportunities for Locals
The clustering strategy ensures that economic development uplifts residents, not just investors. In Cluster 1, residents of Poblacion, New Agutaya, and surrounding barangays stand to benefit from:
- Job generation in construction, hospitality, and tourism services
- Skills training and capacity-building partnerships from incoming resorts and hotels
- Local entrepreneurship support, particularly in food services, transportation, and tour operations
- Property value appreciation for landowners within development zones
⚠️ Challenges and Mitigations
Despite its advantages, Cluster 1 still faces hurdles:
1. Infrastructure Catch-up
While the airport is operational, full commercial flight schedules and reliable road access across all barangays are still improving.
2. Environmental Safeguards
With great development potential comes the risk of overdevelopment. Strict adherence to environmental codes, building regulations, and low-density zoning must be enforced.
3. Sociocultural Preservation
Cluster 1 is not just a beach-it’s home to fishing communities, local traditions, and sacred landscapes. Development must respect and integrate local culture, not erase it.
4. Inclusive Development
There is an ongoing need to ensure that the economic uplift reaches small landowners, fisherfolk, and informal workers-not just corporate stakeholders.
🌿 Sustainability by Design
The CTMP emphasizes ecological protection as a non-negotiable pillar of development in Cluster 1. Among the sustainable tourism practices outlined:
- Setback zones from shorelines and mangroves
- Cap on building heights and density
- Open space allocations for parks, community gardens, and green buffers
- Sewage and waste management systems embedded in all large developments
This ensures that tourism growth doesn’t come at the cost of Palawan’s delicate ecosystems.
🚀 The Future Starts Here
Cluster 1 represents the front door of San Vicente’s transformation. With its infrastructure, land readiness, and flagship beach destination, it is set to become the beating heart of ecotourism in Palawan.
Whether you’re an investor, a developer, a traveler, or a local entrepreneur, Cluster 1 is where the action begins-and where opportunity meets vision.
