Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park- Discover the Wonders!

Stories: DOT and DOST Collaborate for a Smart and Sustainable Future in Tourism; Cathay Expands Tree-Planting Initiative; Congratulations to the Winners

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KGM Resorts
September 03, 2024

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Hello Everyone,

Welcome to Finding Utopia, your go-to newsletter for discovering how to travel the Philippines and beyond.

Here is what we have for you today.

  • Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park- Discover the Wonders!

  • The Pulse: DOT and DOST Collaborate for a Smart and Sustainable Future in Tourism

  • The Pulse: Cathay Expands Tree-Planting Initiative

  • Congratulations to the Winners of the Finding Utopia Draw!

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park- Discover the Wonders!

The Puerto Princesa Underground River, located in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan, Philippines, is one of the world's longest navigable underground rivers, stretching over 8 kilometers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features stunning limestone karst landscapes, a complex cave system with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, and an array of unique flora and fauna. photo by Canva

Welcome to this week's edition of Finding Utopia! We're excited to share our latest blog post, published last Monday, which highlights the breathtaking beauty and ecological significance of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan, Philippines. Known for its stunning underground river and rich biodiversity, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Explore the Mysteries of the Underground River

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is home to one of the world's longest underground rivers, stretching over 8 kilometers through a mesmerizing limestone karst landscape. The river flows directly into the sea, creating a unique ecosystem that supports a wide variety of flora and fauna, some of which are found only in this part of the world.

Highlights of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • Recognized for its outstanding universal value, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its global importance and the need for its preservation.

Spectacular Limestone Formations

  • Inside the cave, visitors are treated to a visual feast of stalactites, stalagmites, and massive chambers that have been shaped over millions of years. The dramatic rock formations create an otherworldly atmosphere that is both eerie and enchanting.

Rich Biodiversity

  • The park is not just about the underground river; it also boasts an incredible variety of wildlife. From endangered species of birds and mammals to unique flora, the park is a biodiversity hotspot that offers a glimpse into Palawan's natural heritage.

Guided Boat Tours

  • A guided boat tour through the underground river is the highlight of any visit. As you glide through the dark waters, your guide will point out the most impressive formations and share fascinating insights into the cave's geology and history.

Travel Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is during the dry season, from November to May, when the weather is perfect for exploring the park's natural wonders.

  • What to Bring: Don’t forget to bring comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, a waterproof camera, and a sense of adventure!

  • How to Get There: The park is accessible from Puerto Princesa City, with a scenic 2-hour drive to Sabang, followed by a short boat ride to the park entrance. Detailed travel information is available on our blog.

Take Away

Visiting the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is not just about seeing one of the world’s most impressive natural wonders; it’s about experiencing the magic of nature in its purest form. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this destination promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Palawan’s natural beauty. We encourage you to explore this incredible site and immerse yourself in the wonders of the Philippines.

Read our full blog post here Blog | Kubo Explore the Extraordinary-Unveiling the wonders of La Union, Philippines and beyond. (kgmresorts.com) to uncover all the incredible experiences this natural wonder has to offer.

Thank you for being part of our community. Stay tuned for more exciting travel insights in our next newsletter!

The Pulse: DOT and DOST Collaborate for a Smart and Sustainable Future in Tourism

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) oversees the development of the country's tourism industry, ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth. The DOT is tasked with creating policies, programs, and partnerships that enhance the country's tourism offerings, preserve cultural heritage, and improve tourism infrastructure, all while boosting the local economy through job creation and investment. Photo by Canva

DOT and DOST Join Forces for Science-Based Tourism Innovations

  • In a significant step towards transforming the Philippine tourism industry, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) have partnered to integrate science-based innovations into tourism. This collaboration, formalized through two major agreements, aims to elevate the country’s tourism landscape, making it smarter, more sustainable, and resilient.

Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP)

  • One of the key initiatives under this partnership is the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP). This program focuses on developing communities across the Philippines to become not only tourist-friendly but also sustainable and inclusive. Through the SSCP, the DOT and DOST will promote smart technologies, deliver transformative science and technology (S&T) products and services, and build capabilities to ensure long-term impact and sustainability. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of making the Philippines a tourism powerhouse, enriched by its culture, heritage, and identity.

TourLISTA: A New Tool for Analyzing Tourist Arrivals

  • The second initiative is the development of the TourLISTA application, a web-based tool designed to analyze and assess tourist arrivals. Initially piloted by the DOT in the MIMAROPA region, this application will now be expanded to provide real-time data and insights, helping the government and industry stakeholders make informed decisions and enhance the tourist experience across the country.

A Commitment to Sustainability

  • This collaboration between DOT and DOST is more than just an agreement; it symbolizes the government’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in tourism. During the signing ceremony, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum Jr. also handed over DOST-developed "halal modules" to support the DOT's upskilling programs for Filipino tourism workers, further emphasizing the focus on inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in the industry.

Take Away

These exciting developments mark a new chapter in the Philippine tourism industry, where science and innovation play pivotal roles in creating a sustainable and inclusive future. As the country continues to recover and transform its tourism sector, partnerships like these are crucial in ensuring that the Philippines remains a top destination for both local and international travelers.

Stay tuned to Finding Utopia for more updates on how these initiatives will shape the future of tourism in the Philippines!

The Pulse: Cathay Expands Tree-Planting Initiative: Greener Together

The Philippine mangrove forests are among the most extensive and diverse in Southeast Asia, playing a crucial role in coastal protection, biodiversity, and local livelihoods. These forests cover approximately 250,000 hectares, making the Philippines one of the countries with the largest mangrove areas in the region. However, the mangroves face threats from deforestation, land conversion, and climate change, prompting ongoing conservation and reforestation efforts to preserve and restore these critical ecosystems. Photo by Canva

Manila, Philippines- Cathay's continued efforts to make the world a greener place. In a recent initiative that expands their already impactful environmental program, Cathay is taking its commitment to sustainability to new heights.

Cathay's "1 Ticket, 1 Tree" Initiative: A Green Commitment

For the past four years, Cathay has been leading the charge in environmental responsibility across Southeast Asia with its "1 Ticket, 1 Tree" initiative. This program plants one tree for every flight ticket purchased from countries like the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, and more. Since its inception in 2021, this effort has resulted in the planting of 30,000 mangrove trees, significantly contributing to the restoration of local habitats and the enhancement of climate resilience.

Expanding the Initiative: "1 Tonne, 1 Tree"

This year, Cathay has expanded its green initiative to include its cargo operations. Under the new "1 Tonne, 1 Tree" program, the airline pledges to plant a mangrove tree for every tonne of cargo booked in Southeast Asia. This extension of the program underscores Cathay's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices in all facets of its operations.

Greener Together: Cathay's Vision for a Sustainable Future

Cathay is not just focused on tree planting. As one of the first airlines in Asia to set a goal of 10% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in its total fuel consumption by 2030, Cathay is leading the way towards a more sustainable aviation industry. The airline's collaborative ethos, "Greener Together," encourages all stakeholders to unite in the pursuit of carbon neutrality by 2050. This includes extending its carbon-offset program, Fly Greener, to air cargo services, allowing customers to contribute to carefully selected carbon-offset projects.

Join the Movement

Cathay’s initiatives are a reminder that every small step contributes to a larger impact. Whether you’re booking a flight or shipping cargo, your choice can make a difference in preserving our planet for future generations.

Thank you for being part of our community. Stay tuned for more exciting updates in our next newsletter!

🌟 Congratulations to the Winners of the Finding Utopia Draw! 🎉

We are thrilled to announce the lucky subscribers who have emerged as winners in our August 20,2024 raffle draw!

Thank you for your continuous support in reading our Newsletter and interacting with our links!

A round of applause for everyone!

🏆 Winner Highlights:

1st Place PHP 10,000.00

Name: Theresa L.R. 

Location: Naga City, Camarines Sur

Subscribe: June 12,2024

2nd Place PHP 5,000.00

Name: Jhona A.J.

Location:Butuan, Agusan Del Norte

Subscribe: March 28,2024

Five Runner-Ups PHP 1,000.00

Name: Angle Kristhen V.L

Location: Isabela, Cagayan

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Location:Tacloban, Leyte

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Location: Hong Kong

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Location: Iloilo City, Iloilo

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Name: Remy P.C.

Location:Malolos Bulacan

Subscribe: May 07,2024

📅 Next Draw: Don’t forget, another chance to win is right around the corner! Mark your calendar for our next draw on October 22, 2024. Keep engaging with our emails for more chances to win big!

👀 Stay Updated: For more details on the winners and upcoming draws, visit our website and make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter. Let’s keep the spirit of adventure and discovery alive!

Thank you to all our subscribers! and let's continue this exciting journey with Finding Utopia!

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