The new face of Bohol’s bustling tourism industry is set to rise soon in Panglao.
Panglao Shores, a 25-billion PHP (545 million USD) township, will feature six hotel and resort developments, including a luxury resort with villas, a mid-range hotel with three hundred rooms, and an expansion of the South Palms Resort.
Inspired by the Boholanos’ love for socializing and the fiesta culture, the project shall also feature a 37,000 sqm indoor and outdoor retail and commercial hub. Here, visitors can shop, dine, and enjoy live performances. Additionally, they may walk through the vast garden walkways and courtyards.
There will also be international medical facilities, pocket gardens, communal spaces, convention centers, greenbelt areas, and over 1000 condominiums and residential units to be constructed as part of the 50-hectare integrated community.
Panglao Shores is the brainchild of Panglao Bay Premiere Parks & Resorts Corp, a subsidiary of Alturas Group of Companies (AGC). This low-density, mixed-use development – located on the southern coast of Panglao – is a flagship project under the Tourism Infrastructure & Enterprise Zone Authority (ZETA) and is expected to drive economic and social benefits to the local community.
A responsibility to uphold sustainability for the environment
The development was inspired by the success of South Farm, a nine-hectare organic farm built by the Alturas Group in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The farm was established to help South Palms Resort employees affected by the travel restrictions and temporary halt of the tourism industry.
South Farm became a venue for these workers to maintain a livelihood by planting vegetables, creating pottery, and tending farm animals, prawn farms, and tilapia ponds. This passion project became a haven for the displaced resort employees and a platform for sustainability and social responsibility. At present, South Farm provides produce to several resorts and in-farm restaurants.
Photo: XCO2
Panglao Shore’s guiding principles are sustainability, community, and local culture. Alturas Group partnered with Singapore-based master planners SCSY and London-based sustainability expert XCO2 to develop a holistic strategy that will spotlight the environment, culture, and locals to achieve sustainability and a circular economy.
The establishments will utilize international eco-building standards and environmental design solutions, such as solar harvesting, innovative water treatment, smart technologies, and electric transport. Waste reduction and removal of single-use plastics will also be prioritized throughout the development of the property.
Related Article: Bohol as a Model of Eco-Tourism in the Philippines
A deep focus on a livable and economical local community
The developers also ensure that the architecture and landscaping of the structures are meticulously planned. Buildings will be low-density, with a maximum height of five stories, to avoid blockage of the ocean views. Villas shall have green buffers and limited fencing, while streets will have extensive footpath systems, making the community bike-friendly and walkable. Flora and tree species endemic to Bohol will also appear along the roads, in pocket gardens, and on green walkways connecting the resorts.
Photo: XCO2
Infrastructure development will also highlight natural ventilation, solar power, internal lighting, and locally-available materials like limestone and repurposed wood. In addition, buildings will be constructed facing the east and the west for more efficient solar and temperature control and to lessen the disruption of sunlight meant for the surrounding vegetation. Environmental efficiency standards are also to be implemented, such as using green roofs and walls, utilizing a rainwater harvesting system, and growing and distributing locally-grown produce.
Aside from environmental conservation and protection, Panglao Shores also aims to support the local community. The construction and imminent operations in Panglao Shores shall provide thousands of job opportunities to the Boholanos. There will be farmer markets and village centers to be built inside the compound, where local producers and merchants can sell their crafts and products. Raw produce like meats, fish, and vegetables will also be sourced from native farmers and fishermen to boost the local supply chain.
When is Panglao Shores expected to open?
The project will be segmented into two phases: the first phase includes building initial infrastructure like roads and the 188-room South Palms Resort, which will open in early 2024. Meanwhile, the construction of the commercial zones, residential areas, and the remaining hotels and resorts will mark the second phase. Furthermore, the entire development shall reach completion within ten years.
Overall, the development of Panglao Shores may further cement Bohol’s position as one of the Philippines’ top tourist destinations.
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Featured Image: Panglao Shores via Alturas Group
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