“People often exclaim their superlatives. ‘What an astonishing view! Indeed Coron is a natural wonder; God’s creation at its finest! The Best of the best! Look at these photos.’ People are in love with Coron. It’s a beautiful island after island. There’s Kayangan Lake, blue lagoon, towering limestone cliffs, rich marine life, white sand beaches and perfect seascapes for everybody to enjoy. I always tell my friends to come to experience it. It’s so peculiar that when you’re here you would not want to let go. Modesty aside, I’m very proud of my hometown.” Sr. Luz is spirited in telling her story of her coming home this year.
Sr. Luzviminda Escal, a religious, teacher, and friend, shares her thoughts and insights about Coron’s commercial success. She finished elementary at Claudio Sandoval Elementary School a valedictorian, and then the class salutatorian in high school at St. Augustine Academy. Sr. Luz belongs to the Congregation of Augustinian Recollects who once administered St. Augustine Academy in Coron.
“Fishing is our source of livelihood. My parents and relatives are into it for so long a time. In Coron we live a simple life then. You cannot think of anything that the island is enjoying right now. Schooling is difficult. If access to education is difficult, commerce is all the more challenging. From a very composed town sitting in the Calamian group of islands, who would have thought that having such a parcel of land in the town would be of great commercial advantage nowadays?” Sr. Luz excitedly recalls.
“I’m happy about Coron being the first class municipality in the first district of the province. There is a hectic atmosphere, busy market and ports. The frolicking children at the pier have now grown-up, working either as boat men, waiters, tourist guides, office workers, or leaders and movers of Coron’s flourishing economy. My town has waded its course far beyond in terms of economics, tourism in both local and international appellation,” she added.
Top Chart The influx of visitors pouring in the heaven-on-earth tourist’s attraction in Coron keeps increasing every day. It is acclaimed as the “Commercial Capital of Calamian Archipelago.” Home of Natural Biotic Area dates back to the Pleistocene Period, the UNESCO World Heritage puts the island of Coron in the tentative list. Coron ceaselessly captivates visitors who are coming or getting to know the place. This municipality was founded during the American regime in 1902. Its total land area is 689.10 km2 (266.06 square miles). Coron has 23 Barangays starting off from Banuang Daan or Banuang Lague to Turda in the southern tip with the population of about 52, 000 residents. The Church of St. Augustine keeps historical records along with Taytay, Cuyo and Culion. The Recollect missionaries came to the Calamianes group of islands as early as 1637. The current data report of its annual revenue soared up to PhP202 million in 2016. Travel bloggers nominate Coron next to Amanpulo as one of the best tourist destinations. Coron, in due time, is going to be a progressive city.
Phlegmatic
In the past, Coron is a laid-back municipality up north. Ferry boats from Manila to Puerto Princesa dock on this island and there’re only a handful of foreign guests visiting the place. There’s a time when ferries allow passengers to disembark in Coron, to roam around the area for about two hours. Longer trips are off the beat and oftentimes appalling to some passengers. A 24-hour trip from Manila to Puerto Princesa via Coron is almost unbelievable. It has served its purpose though for the time being. The airport in Busuanga is the best solution to those long trips by ferries. I remember way back in the 90’s, while on board to Manila or down south, the mesmerizing view of the Calamian archipelago is a perfect visual satisfaction, something that passengers from the plane are also deprived to see. Up close to the natural limestones towering like cathedral is a fascinating encounter with Mother Nature. (I know it because of my trips to Manila during my college days; when flights to Manila were only three times daily. I grinned at her revelation because I knew by experience what she’s sharing to me). State colleges are just around the corner unlike before it is considered a privilege limited to a few individuals—the rich. There’s a complete transformation in Coron these days. Indeed tourism in Coron offers a lot of opportunities. Government projects, community support, private institutions are collaborating with each other making the town more competitive and more aggressive in moving forward.
Vibrant Culture
Having the right as a resident of the place, how do you see Coron in terms of its culture?
“Well, historical record recognizes the Tagbanuas, Cuyunon and Calamianen tribes as among the first settlers of Coron. Tribute must be given to those pioneers. It is difficult to identify these ethnic groups at present despite the fact that there are still few people speaking the indigenous languages. It has already advanced in time and there is harmony of diverse culture in the town. We have foreign guests from all over the world. We afford them accommodation and to facilitate service, run the business we have to speak the language understood by everyone. Cuyunon dialect is spoken in Coron, well and good but there is a question however on the diminishing character of being a Palaweno. What happened to our culture, dance, Tipano Band and songs, art and comedies? For me, that’s what we are.”
What do you think is the way forward?
“I’m pretty sure what runs in our blood is what we are. In my opinion, I believe every culture is unique and therefore must be preserved. We cannot set aside who we are. It has to be given attention by educators and people who are promoting eco-tourism. I know there are initiatives already done in the past, but there must have a continuous prodding and suggesting on how to integrate our culture. We must be creative as people of Calamianes and Coron are known for. If there is an initiative to at least make young people aware of our rich identity then, it may not come to a point of asking questions in the future. Questions may vary from the value of integration to the simplest neglect to appreciate cultural identity. Apparently excuses will not serve as an answer. If it happens, it will be regrettable. What will save the day is to act now. So let us sing our songs, dance our beat and show the world our unique gifts. This is what it means for us the song we knew by heart, sa kapoporoan mambeng.”
It is quite a thought. Sr. Luz has a great idea and is worth considering. Over the years Palawan has become the focus of eco-tourism. The country’s doorstep is wide open to everyone. This does not limit every citizen to let others know what and who they are. This Cuyunon lines from “Ploning” the movie do not make sheer promises but reaffirm a very resilient statement of the will. “Tigbas mo sa Bato, kemkemen sa Panio, indi enged ag kupas maski ara ren ang lawas” (Strike it on stone, conceal it win a handkerchief; it shall not diminish even if the body is vanished). #ILoveCoron#ILovePalawan!#RevisitingCoron