24/10/2026
BUSINESS LEADERS BACK MAYOR BAYRON’S INVESTMENT PUSH, SHARE WHY THEY KEEP CHOOSING PUERTO PRINCESA
Established businesses are giving prospective investors reasons to take a closer look at Puerto Princesa: responsive government support, access to markets across Palawan, tourism opportunities, and the confidence to pursue long-term expansion.
These were among the experiences shared by representatives of five business groups during the 2026 Puerto Princesa Investment Forum at Conrad Manila on October 23, 2026, lending support to Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron’s push to attract investments that create jobs and expand opportunities for Puerto Princesans.
From homegrown enterprises to hospitality developers and a major township investor, the speakers described how Puerto Princesa has supported their growth and why they continue to invest in its future.
For Atty. Patrick P. Tan, COO and Business Development Head of the William Tan Group of Companies, investor confidence begins with practical assistance. He commended City Government employees for explaining requirements and guiding businesses through compliance, citing the city’s openness to different projects as another reason for continuing to invest.
Tan identified opportunities in fuel, food, and farming, with Puerto Princesa serving as a base for reaching communities across Palawan. He emphasized that business expansion creates opportunities to generate jobs, engage local suppliers, and support farmers, extending the benefits of investments to more families and communities.
“This is why we keep choosing Puerto Princesa. This is our home and we believe in its future. And we also believe that our company and the community can grow together,” Atty. Tan said.
That confidence is also reflected in the Palawan Group of Companies’ decision to maintain its headquarters in the city despite its nationwide expansion.
Drawing from more than four decades of business experience, the group’s Founder and Chairman, Bobby L. Castro, cited the city’s people, support from the City Government, improving infrastructure and connectivity, and quality of life as reasons for staying. Having witnessed Puerto Princesa’s transformation alongside the company’s growth, he highlighted its continuing appeal as a place to invest, build enterprises, and create lasting impact.
“Puerto Princesa has been our partner in our growth from the very beginning…The story of the Palawan Group of Companies is in many ways also the story of Puerto Princesa City’s growth,” Castro said.
For investors in hospitality, the opportunity lies in developing businesses that grow with the destination and its communities.
Atty. Lucas Niccolo M. Cauton III, Co-Founder and CEO of One-Of Collection, shared the company’s experience with Amorita Resort & Spa Puerto Princesa and The Funny Lion Puerto Princesa. He highlighted the city’s accessibility, established visitor economy, and demand for quality accommodations. He also acknowledged the local government’s initiative in offering investment incentives and emphasized developing local teams who can build careers as the business expands.
“We were looking at the long-term potential of the destination. And asking whether this was a city where we could build a sustainable business and grow with the community. Puerto Princesa gave us that confidence,” Cauton said.
Megaworld Corporation’s investment plans offered another indication of confidence in the city’s long-term prospects.
First Vice President Harold C. Geronimo presented Baytown Palawan, a 5.4-hectare township with an initial ₱7 billion in planned capital expenditure over seven to ten years. Envisioned to combine residential and commercial developments with dining and nightlife experiences inspired by Forbes Town, the project reflects opportunities to serve both residents and visitors.
Geronimo cited Puerto Princesa’s extensive land area, position as the gateway to Palawan, tourism potential, and governance as reasons for investing. He also thanked Mayor Bayron and the City Government for supporting investors and facilitating ease of doing business.
“We will continue to invest in Puerto Princesa, our seven billion is just initial investment in Puerto Princesa as we go along in the coming years …” Geronimo said.
Joseph V. Garcia, President of the DDTKI Group of Companies, likewise affirmed confidence in Puerto Princesa through DataLand’s hospitality and residential investments.
Garcia traced the group’s investment journey from property acquisitions to Ivywall Hotel and subsequent residential developments. He credited the city’s natural attractions, people, community, and economic potential for sustaining their interest, while thanking the City Government for encouraging investment.
“Puerto Princesa is a city worth believing in,” Garcia said. “We came to Puerto Princesa because we saw its potentials. We continue to invest because we believe in its future.”
Together, the business leaders’ experiences reinforced Mayor Bayron’s investment push, highlighting Puerto Princesa’s growing opportunities and the City Government’s role in supporting investors. Their continued confidence and investments demonstrate the city’s potential to attract more businesses, generate employment, and create lasting economic opportunities for Puerto Princesans.
