Project Title & Location
PUERTO GALERA COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN AND ZONING ORDINANCE
Municipality of Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Client
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT OF PUERTO GALERA
Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Project Completion
June 2000

Associated Firms
Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines
LVL Foundation

Services Provided
- Visioning
- Technical Assistance
- Planning
- Public Consultations

At the instance of Mayor Aristeo Atienza and the active participation of the Sangguniang Bayan, the Municipality of Puerto Galera took the initiative in formulating the comprehensive land use plan with its constituency. Considering that Puerto Galera is designated by UNESCO as its marine site for the "Man and the Biosphere" program, environmental consciousness among its people is ingrained. Balancing development with environment-consciousness, particularly with the town's marine resources is therefore a development imperative.

The comprehensive land use plan gives emphasis on eco-tourism particularly in conjunction with its dive-sites where coral clusters and colorful tropical fishes thrive. The people's council is organized not only to monitor the proper use of the natural environment, but also in sustaining livelihood opportunities.

The town's land use plan covers zones for coastal areas as well as marine waters. Areas designated for agricultural estates and varied forest zones are in keeping with modern cultivation practices. With the town's agricultural potentials coupled with its eco-tourism opportunities, the lands of the municipality are recognized in the Provincial Framework Development Plan for Mindoro Oriental as an eco-tourism zone.