Information about San Vicente
The municipality of San Vicente was created on June 21, 1969 by virtue of Republic Act 5821. It officially functioned as distinct municipality on January 2, 972. San Vicente is located in the northwestern side of the main island of Palawan and is 186 kilometers from Puerto Princesa. Bounded by the South China Sea in the West, Taytay in the north, Roxas in the east and Puerto Princesa in the Southwest. It occupies a total land area of 165,797 hectares. With a forest area of 82,080 hectares and 22 identified islands and islets within its municipal boundaries. It has a jurisdiction over ten barangays: Alimanguan, Binga, Caruray, Kemdeng, New Agutaya, New Canipo, Poblacion, Port Barton, San Isidro and Sto. Nino. Based on the 2010 NSO Census, San Vicente has a total population of 30,565 at a growth rate of 6%. The total number of households is 6,460 with average household size of 5 members. Fishing and farming are the major economic activities in San Vicente. Rice and coconut are the major agricultural crops and fish products are adequate here. The Municipality continues to promote and support tourism industry. San Vicente is noted for its awesome gifts of nature like its white sandy beaches particularly the 14 kilometer long beach, waterfalls, dense forest cover and rich fishing ground.CLIMATE
San Vicente`s dry season begins in December, lasting until the month of May while the onset of the wet or rainy season is in June, usually drying up again in November. Northestern winds, the amihan prevail from November to May. Rough costal waters characterize the season of habagat, or the southwestern winds.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
The diversity of San Vicente derives from its 24 ethno linguistic resident groups, each with their own distinct dialects, and culture heritage. Filipino (Tagalog), however, remains the dominant lingua franca these diverse people that comprise San Vicente populace. In homage to its patron saint, San Vicente Ferrer, the municipality celebrates its town fiesta from April 1 - 5, Foundation Day on June 21 and Malagnang Festival on June 17 - 21 of every year.
ATTRACTIONS
Endowed with white sand beaches, thriving coral reefs, enchanting islands and islets, magnificent waterfalls, vast forest cover, mangroves, and varied endemic flora, San Vicente serves as habitat for 23 of the 25 wildlife species found in the island of Palawan. Still largely untapped. San Vicente`s diversity awaits discovery.
TRANSPORTATION
San Vicente is accessible by bus & shuttle vans from Puerto Princesa via Roxas and El Nido. Within San Vicente, in 2013 the government started a huge project to expand the road from Itabiak through the mountains to San Vicente. tricycles, motorcycles, and outrigger boats are the usual mode of transportation. With the airport reopened we will also have flights again and San Vicente is reachable directly by plane.
ELECTRICITY
There are five barangays which are partly served by electricity. Palawan Electric Cooperative “PALECO” Serves mostly 16 hours daily from 8:00 am to 12 midnight.
But lucky we, since 2015 there is power supply almost 24/7, exceptions are only when they do lineworks or the power plant changes between their generators.
COMMUNICATION
There are two (2) telecommunication companies, SMART and GLOBE which have installed cell site facilities. No problem in town proper but in countryside its sometimes difficult to get signal. For San Vicente it is recommended to have the Smart SimCard in your phone. Even the Data (internet) use is quite good these times.
We hope you found these informations interesting and we would like to tell you also something about our Sunset Beach:
The RESORT is located in Macatumbalen (meaning “The place with many chili” in the local dialect). Sadly, but today there is no more chili to find around except at the market (and in my garden!). Macatumbalen is a sitio of the barangay Poblacion of San Vicente. Its around 3 minutes with the motor bike from town proper, with its bus and van terminal, tourist information, local market, shops and some native restaurants and bars. Walking time is around 20 minutes.
After fencing and leveling the area I started to build in spring 2013 with the watertower, continued with the 5 apartment construction and added the swimming pool. Many of the work I have done myself, like the electric, plumbing, carpentry, landscaping or designing. Since march 2014 we are finish to operate but the work will never end. Many ideas are still waiting to get realized.
But step by step and everything to its time! - ISLAND TIME:)
Your Sunset Beach Resort, Roberto