Palawan is more than just a paradise of turquoise waters and dramatic limestone cliffs, it’s a province where resilience, culture, and history beautifully intertwine.

In Brooke’s Point, a vital flood protection project safeguards homes and livelihoods, proving how infrastructure can strengthen communities. Over in Coron, the breathtaking Twin Lagoon offers travelers a surreal encounter with nature’s beauty, where crystal-clear waters meet towering cliffs. On Cuyo Island, the centuries-old Cuyo Fort stands tall as a reminder of faith and endurance, preserving stories that have shaped the island for generations. Together, these sites showcase Palawan’s rare harmony of progress, natural wonders, and cultural heritage.

Flood Protection and Resilient Communities in Brooke’s Point, Palawan

In Brooke’s Point, Palawan, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 2nd District Engineering Office (DEO) has completed the Mambalot CIS Drainage Canal and Slope Protection project.

The initiative aims to protect the Mambalot Communal Irrigation System (CIS), as well as nearby homes and farms, from recurring erosion and flooding by establishing a reliable drainage system that safeguards both lives and livelihoods.

In his report to DPWH MIMAROPA Regional Director Gerald A. Pacanan, CESO III, District Engineer Noel L. Fuentebella explained that the project involved constructing a 200mm thick reinforced concrete revetment, reinforced with steel sheet piles to withstand water pressure and erosion. To further strengthen the canal and ensure easier maintenance, segmental walls were also built at 20-meter intervals.

Twin Lagoon in Coron Town

Twin Lagoon is one of Palawan’s most beautiful places. It’s in the town of Coron and has turquoise waters that meet dramatic limestone cliffs, making it feel almost like a dream. As the name suggests, the area is made up of two lagoons that are separated by tall rock formations and connected by a narrow passageway.

Getting to the secret inner lagoon is part of the fun. Visitors swim or kayak through a small opening under the cliffs when the tide is high, which adds a little excitement and magic to the experience.

When the tide is low, a wooden staircase makes it easier to get in without having to swim. The lagoon’s interesting thermocline effect, where warm and cool waters meet, makes every dip feel like something from another world.

Most island-hopping tours in Coron include Twin Lagoon on their list of places to see, so travelers can enjoy its beauty along with other stunning destinations. All you have to do on a guided tour is relax, explore, and let the wonder of the place sink in.

Cuyo Fort 

In the center of Cuyo Island, Cuyo Fort is a centuries-old Spanish fortress that is a testament to the community’s tenacity and faith. From the late 1800s until the early 1900s, Cuyo, the oldest town in Palawan, was the province’s second capital.

In order to protect the town from Moro raiders, Spanish troops constructed the fort in 1680. It is still among the finest examples of Spanish-era fortifications in the Philippines and has been exceptionally well-preserved. Cuyo Fort stands out, however, because it served more than one function in addition to defense. Faith and safety came together in one location as the town’s church, adoration chapel, and convent were all housed within its stone walls. To bolster its defenses, watchtowers and a belfry were later added.

The fort’s striking ten-meter-tall walls are still intact today. Visitors are able to walk around the perimeter and take in expansive views of Cuyo Island thanks to renovated areas. The annual Feast of St. Augustine, which takes place on August 28 and is a vibrant celebration of devotion, history, and culture, elevates Cuyo Fort beyond just a historical site.

Palawan’s charm goes far beyond its postcard-perfect scenery. From the resilience shown in Brooke’s Point’s flood protection projects, to the natural magic of Coron’s Twin Lagoon, and the timeless heritage preserved in Cuyo Fort, the province tells a story of balance between progress and preservation, nature and culture, past and future. These landmarks remind us that Palawan is not only a destination to admire but also a living testament to strength, beauty, and legacy.