MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte has put the spotlight on one of Palawan’s lesser-known attractions after sharing photos from her visit to Bato ni Ningning in Barangay Sto. Niño, San Vicente.
In a social media post published Saturday, Duterte said she was happy to have visited the destination, describing it as a place known for its cool breeze and scenic views. From the viewpoint, visitors can see portions of San Vicente’s coastline, which she described as among Palawan’s notable destinations.
Duterte also used the visit to emphasize the potential of domestic travel to support communities outside the country’s better-known tourist centers.
She said visiting provinces can help promote local tourism and contribute to local economies, while highlighting the Philippines’ beaches and natural attractions.
Why Bato ni Ningning is drawing attention
Bato ni Ningning is a scenic rock formation and viewpoint in San Vicente. Travel features have highlighted the elevated site for its views of the surrounding coastline, beaches and nearby landscape.
San Vicente itself has been gaining attention as an emerging Palawan destination. The municipality is home to Long Beach, recognized as the longest beach in the Philippines, while Port Barton has developed into another popular attraction for visitors seeking beaches, snorkeling and island-hopping experiences.
The local government also promotes San Vicente as a flagship tourism destination and emphasizes responsible and sustainable tourism.
Palawan’s tourism numbers show why local destinations matter
Duterte’s remarks come as Palawan continues to attract large numbers of visitors.
Data from the Palawan Provincial Tourism Office showed that the province recorded 1,084,648 overnight tourist arrivals from January to June 2026. Foreign travelers accounted for about 54.2% of those arrivals, while domestic visitors represented 45.8%.
San Vicente ranked fourth among Palawan destinations in overnight arrivals during the first half of the year, recording 64,292 visitors, behind Puerto Princesa, El Nido and Coron.
At the same time, the Department of Tourism’s MIMAROPA office reported that tourist arrivals in the region fell by about 7.92% during the first quarter of 2026, with weaker domestic travel, higher airfares and reduced or suspended flights cited among the challenges. The tourism agency said it remained optimistic about recovery.
That makes efforts to promote destinations beyond Palawan’s biggest tourism hubs potentially significant for local communities and businesses.
San Vicente offers more than a scenic viewpoint
The municipality’s tourism appeal extends beyond Bato ni Ningning.
San Vicente is known for its long coastline, Port Barton and various nature-based activities. The municipal government describes the area as an eco-town and the country’s first flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone.
The national Tourism Promotions Board has also highlighted Palawan’s continuing international tourism appeal. Palawan was included in Frommer’s Best Places to Go for 2026, with the recognition emphasizing its natural attractions and the importance of responsible tourism.
A tourism message amid a complicated travel picture
Duterte’s post was primarily focused on the scenery and the potential of provincial visits to promote local tourism. It did not announce a new government tourism program or policy connected specifically to Bato ni Ningning.
That distinction is important: her comments should be understood as promotion and advocacy for local tourism, rather than an announcement of a new tourism initiative.
Her visit nevertheless puts additional attention on San Vicente, a destination that tourism officials and local stakeholders have been trying to develop while balancing visitor growth with environmental and community considerations.
For travelers looking beyond the heavily visited beaches of El Nido and Coron, the question now is whether places such as Bato ni Ningning and San Vicente can become the next major attractions on Palawan’s tourism map.
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