Local Government

The present local administration is set to bring improvement to Puerto Galera and attract more tourist, divers and travelers to this beautiful area of Oriental Mindoro. Although several problems still exist, gradually changes become visible. The main problems of the last years since Puerto Galera was discovered by tourists were mainly in the sectors of infrastructure and water supply. Especially members of the business community have vented their frustrations about the slow pace of development, but nevertheless improvements have been forthcoming.

Water Supply

In the last years the water supply to all the barangays in Puerto Galera has become a reality. Crystal clear water of exceptional high quality is being piped in from the mountains.

Roads

Only a few years ago there were no hardened roads to speak of in Puerto Galera, which made transportation and even walking a real challenge after a day of rain. The streets in town have been paved and recently the road from town proper to White Beach has been completed. The road from town to Palangan and Sabang still needs a lot of work, although the worst parts have been hardened it can still be a slippery adventure to get back and forth to especially Sabang after a mere thunderstorm. The main problem lies in the fact the this road is not the property of the local authorities, but a Provincial Road, which makes the Provincial government directly responsible for construction, improvement and maintenance of the road that brings the bigger part of tourist to Puerto Galera. Without doubt the Governor is very much aware of this situation and according to the Mayor of Puerto Galera, the honorable Mr. Arestio Atienza, an amount of P 25.000.000,-- has been made available for construction and the possibility exists that the road will be constructed before the end of the year 2000.

Electricity

The electricity supply has been a major obstacle in the development of Puerto Galera. Power failures are a near daily occurrence, and put a constant burden on the local business community, that is being forced make up for the inefficiency of the local power company ORMECO by installing their own generators. Most resorts and hotels have their own power supply and thanks to that visitors to the island are able to secure comfortable accommodation. Promises that the power supply will improve shortly have been circulating for the past few years. The latest news is that a 34 megawatt power barge will be operational before Christmas 2000 and that other land based power plants will be built with an underwater supply line from Luzon to be completed before the year 2005.

Transportation in and round Puerto Galera

Just a few years ago the only means of transport were the local jeepneys and the outrigger boats or bancas. Then in about 1994 the first tricycle appeared. They give their passengers a bumpy ride, depending on the state of the roads, but are a relative convenient, albeit slow way to get where one wants to go. Jeepneys are still readily used for the longer distances like Calapan.