Guardians unite for Cagayancillo’s CLUP review

For the development and sustainable growth of Palawan’s Cagayancillo municipality, the Provincial Land Use Committee (PLUC) convened on September 15, for an extensive review and evaluation of Cagayancillo’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP). The venue was the stately Conference Room of the A&A Plaza Hotel in Puerto Princesa.

The CLUP serves as a vital blueprint for the orderly utilization of land resources, infrastructure development, and environmental preservation in Cagayancillo, an island that can be reached in five hours by boat from Puerto Princes and is inhabited by around 7,000 people.

The meeting was graced by the presence of not only local officials but also key representatives from various national and regional agencies, making it a concerted effort towards sustainable and inclusive development.

Chairing this meeting was Ms. Sharlene D. Vilches, the Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator, who led the PLUC in an in-depth examination of Cagayancillo’s vision for its land.

This vision included plans for land allocation to different sectors, ensuring that each sector had access to the land required for production and resource fulfillment.

Importantly, these allocations adhered to topographical considerations to enhance the commitment to responsible development in this ecologically sensitive town. The CLUP also reflects Palawan’s commitment to harnessing its resources while protecting its natural beauty and unique ecosystems.

The PLUC and the Technical Working Group (TWG), which includes Engr. Rafael R. Balcueba, Jr., the Chief of the Physical and Geographic Information Management Division, and Atty. Philip Ray Nangkil from the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP), dove deep into Cagayancillo’s plans.

They meticulously identified areas for improvement and highlighted potential challenges that the municipality might face in its pursuit of sustainable growth. This process not only ensures that development aligns with best practices but also safeguards the ecological integrity of said municipality.

The gathering also welcomed representatives from several government agencies, such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), DOST PAGASA-Palawan, and more.