Puerto Princesa

City of Puerto Princesa (Filipino: Lungsod ng Puerto Princesa), the capital of Palawan, is a first class city in the Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 210,508 people in 33,306 households. It is famous for its crocodile farm, underground river and numerous dive spots. It is also the second largest city in the Philippines (after Davao City) in terms of total land area. The outlying parts of the city contain the hometown of the former House Speaker Ramon Mitra, Jr..

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features a spectacular limestone karst landscape with its underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it flows directly into the sea, and the lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. The area also represents a significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. The site contains a full mountain to the sea ecosystem and protects forests, which are among the most significant in Asia.

On 30 June 1992, Edward S. Hagedorn was elected Mayor of the city and completed his three term limit of three years for every term. In November 2002, Hagedorn was re-elected as mayor of the city.

People/Culture

Waves of migrants from other Philippine provinces, and even other countries, have turned Puerto Princesa into a melting pot of various cultures. Among the original inhabitants are the Cuyonons who have a rich legacy of folklore and traditions. Indigenous groups include the Tagbanwas, Palawanos, Molbogs and Bataks, each group with its distinct culture and system of beliefs.

Total inhabitants number about 161,912 (as of May 2000), Three fourth of the population resides in the city proper, an urban settlement on the shores of Puerto Princesa Bay. While Cuyonon is widely spoken, the predominant language is Tagalog; Visayan, as well as English are widely spoken.

E-tricycle

Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn unveiled the environment-friendly and economical electric-powered “Trikebayan” (which does not emit any noise or carbon monoxide) at the Kapihan sa Sulo forum, Sulo Hotel, Quezon City. The Trikebayan costs only P48 or $ 1.20 per day to operate, while a gasoline-powered tricycle operation would cost P200. Rolly Concepcion, who conceptualized the Trikebayan, said that converting a tricycle engine to electric costs P68,000. The rechargeable battery under the passenger seat can run for 12 hours.Mr. Conception died before the project was completed.

This has not discouraged Mayor Hagedorn from pusuing his dream of seeing all electric vehicles, especially replacing the gas tricycles in his city. He continued to purchase several styles from various manufactures to find the best unit for his city in the forest. There is now a dealership for these trikes on the north highway.

Television Networks

AZ Communications/Associated Broadcasting Company:DYAZ-TV Channel 2

National Broadcasting Network: Channel 4

ConAmor Broadcasting Systems: Channel 5

Palawan Broadcasting Corporation: Channel 7

GMA Network: Channel 12

Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation: Channel 13

ABS-CBN: Channel 23

ACQ-Kingdom Broadcasting Network: Channel 35

FM Radio Stations

91.1 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by ZOE Broadcasting

94.3 MHz Home Radio in Puerto Princesa, owned by Aliw Broadcasting Systems

95.9 KiSS FM (DYEH-FM 95.9 mHz), owned by ConAmor Broadcasting Systems

97.5 Campus Radio (DWRG-FM ) owned by GMA Network Inc.

98.3 Love Radio (DYEZ FM) owned by Manila Broadcasting Company

98.5 Radyo Cabayugan (DWWA FM), owned by Palawan Council for Sustainable Development

99.1 RJFM Puerto Princesa, owned by Rajah Broadcasting System

99.9 DYPR-FM 99.9 mHz, owned by Palawan Broadcasting Corporation

103.1 Bay Radio, owned by Baycomms Broadcasting Corporation

103.9 DYMS-FM, owned by Romeo Servando (Rolin Broadcasting)

105.5 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by VTV

106.3 DYWA-FM also known as LIPS-FM, owned by AMP Broadcasting Network