Baybayin ni Juan

05/05/2024

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞: Escape to the breathtaking shores of Entalula Beach in El Nido, Palawan, “loved for its incredible seclusion” and one of this year's World's 50 Best Beaches 🏖️☀️🇵🇭

Join the Department of Tourism (DOT) in celebrating Entalula and Bon Bon Beach’s well-deserved spot.

See for yourself why travel experts, Beach Ambassadors, and the esteemed World's 50 Beaches team described as "Palawan’s overlooked slice of heaven.”

Entalula Beach was voted based on criteria such as unique characteristics, wildlife, untouched nature, soundtrack of nature, ease of water access, calm waters, lack of crowding, and frequency of idyllic conditions.

| Department of Tourism - Mimaropa Office Mimaropa - The Destination of Choice

Read here: https://worlds50beaches.com/entalula-beach/

05/05/2024

𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤! 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐥𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐥 𝐍𝐢𝐝𝐨, 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧, 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬, 𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟓𝟎 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒.

With its pristine white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Entalula Beach captivates the soul and ignites wanderlust in every traveler's heart. 🌊 Known for quick photoshoots, this small pocket paradise promises unforgettable memories and breathtaking scenery. 📸

Dive into the refreshing waters or bask in the serenity of this coastal haven for an unforgettable escape into paradise. 🏖️

Full list here: https://worlds50beaches.com/top-50-worlds-best-beaches/

05/05/2024

05/05/2024

𝐋𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐠𝐦𝐞𝐠 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡.

It seems there might be some confusion about the correct name of a beach, often referred to as Marimegmeg Beach, Las Cabanas, or Vanilla Beach. To clarify, the correct name for this beach is Marimegmeg Beach.

While it's common for popular tourist spots to acquire various nicknames over time, it's important to use the official or locally recognized name to avoid any misunderstandings. Marimegmeg Beach holds its own unique charm and identity, and acknowledging it by its correct name honors its significance to the local community and visitors alike.

So, let's make sure to call it by its rightful name: Marimegmeg Beach.

05/05/2024

NEW ETDF (Eco-Tourism Development Fee) RATES AND ETDF MANAGEMENT BOARD

The local legislature, through Municipal Ordinance 01 Series of 2024, has enacted a new law establishing the Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF) for visiting tourists at 400 pesos (regular rate). This rate represents an increase from the previous rate of 200 pesos, which had been in effect for over twelve years.

The following new ETDF rates will go into effect from June 1, 2024.

Resident: 400 pesos (200 for Palaweños)
Filipino Government Employees: 400 pesos (200 for Palaweños)
Filipino Students: 300 pesos (100 for Palaweños)
Senior Citizens & Differently-abled Individuals/ PWDs: 320 pesos (160 for Palaweños)
Children 6-13: 250 pesos (150 for Palaweños)
Children below 6 years old: FREE

El Nido residents are FREE

The previous ETDF legislation allocated funds to various governmental departments and retained the remainder in an account, requiring departments to apply for grants to access these funds.

The new ETDF legislation aims to establish a more transparent and participatory process for investing ETDF funds. A newly formed Eco-Tourism Management Board, comprising members from the municipal government, barangay government, tourism council, and Civil Society Organizations, will oversee the allocation of the annual ETDF funds. This board will review and approve project and budget proposals, which will then be submitted to the local legislature/ Sangguniang Bayan for further review and approval.

Allocation of the funds will be as follows:

* At least 20% for tourism infrastructure projects
* 10% divided equally among the 18 barangays of El Nido
* 5% for tourism projects related to GAD (Gender and Development)
* 5% for Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund for tourism and environmental disaster mitigation and preparedness (for example, typhoons and floods).
* 2% for Protected Area Management Office

The remaining funds will be allocated to environmental and tourism projects, including:

* Municipal Tourism Office programs (tourism events, programs, trainings, etc.).
* Solid waste and coastal resource management, and environmental and natural resources conservation
* Other budget proposals through the ETDF Management Board process

Funds will not be allowed to go to the salaries of regular municipal employees (other than those in the ETDF office). In this way, funds will be preserved for infrastructure and environmental projects.

With the increased rates and an ETDF Management Board in place, we look forward to many more tourism infrastructure and environmental projects in the coming years!