A multi-million peso resort project is underway in one of Palawan’s southernmost municipalities, as Pagmaya Beach Resort continues its construction in Balabac with a vision to become the province’s first 7-star eco-luxury destination.
The resort officially broke ground on May 11, 2023, in a ceremony attended by local government officials and representatives from the indigenous Molbog community. Located on a 14.7-hectare property in Sitio Pag-asa, Barangay Catagupan, the development aims to position Balabac as a high-end tourism destination while adhering to sustainability standards through what it describes as a Five-Point ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Plan.
According to the developers, Pagmaya’s ESG model centers on environmental stewardship, community engagement, and transparent governance practices. Its design blueprint features elevated villas and beachfront accommodations that reportedly blend with the natural landscape, using locally sourced and eco-friendly materials.
Updates from the resort’s official website and social media pages in December 2023 and January 2024 showed ongoing construction, particularly the rise of luxury villas overlooking the Sulu Sea.
In April 2023, Pagmaya signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the local government of Balabac to promote sustainable eco-tourism. The MOU outlines plans for joint initiatives in environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and local livelihood support.
The agreement was described by both parties as a “milestone” toward inclusive and responsible tourism development in the region.
“The Pagmaya project is not only an investment in infrastructure but also a commitment to the people of Balabac and to the protection of its unique ecosystems,” said the resort’s developers in a statement published on their official website.
The resort’s development comes at a time when Balabac is attracting increased attention from tourism investors. However, large-scale projects in the area have not been without controversy. In mid-2024, residents of nearby Mariahangin Island reportedly experienced harassment linked to land disputes involving a 25,000-hectare eco-tourism development plan by San Miguel Corporation.
The situation drew national attention after Apostolic Vicar of Puerto Princesa Bishop Socrates Mesiona and environmental groups raised concerns about forced displacement and lack of transparency in the negotiations.
While Pagmaya is not connected to the Mariahangin project, the developers have publicly emphasized their commitment to ethical and community-inclusive development practices. In contrast to projects mired in conflict, the resort has thus far focused on consultations with local stakeholders and the indigenous Molbog tribe.
As of May 2025, the resort has not announced an official opening date, but progress reports indicate that a soft launch may be possible in the near future. The resort’s team is actively promoting its vision of “barefoot elegance” and high-end hospitality grounded in sustainability and respect for Balabac’s cultural and ecological heritage.
Interested guests and tourism stakeholders can follow the project’s developments through the official website and social media channels of Pagmaya Beach Resort.
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