With years of investments in infrastructure, tourism and environmental conservation, this Del Carmen is positioning itself as an investment-ready destination as it prepares to host Siargao Island’s first landmark luxury development.
The P2-billion Palmyra Siargao project was formally introduced during its Grand Launching, Unveiling and Investors’ Night on July 24 at NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu City, marking a new chapter in the island’s growing tourism and property sector.
The development will feature tourism, lifestyle, residential and commercial components designed to support Siargao’s growth while maintaining its natural character.
Del Carmen Mayor Alfredo “JR” Coro III said the municipality is ready to welcome investments that create economic opportunities while protecting the island’s environment and local identity.
“We are very excited for this project of Palmyra that will be erected in the municipality of Del Carmen,” Coro said.
Coro said Del Carmen has undergone major transformation over the years, shifting from an economy largely dependent on fishing and farming into a tourism destination supported by improved infrastructure, stronger governance and conservation programs.
He said the municipality now has a fully paved circumferential road, fiber-optic connectivity, improving power infrastructure and planned water investments that provide the foundation for larger developments.
“With that potential activity, we are seeing a resurgence in terms of tourist traffic,” Coro said.
The mayor said Siargao continues to attract visitors, including tourists from Cebu who seek to experience the island’s surfing culture and natural attractions.
Coro also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve Siargao Airport operations through coordination with the Department of Transportation and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, including plans to introduce night-flight capability and increase passenger capacity.
Beyond physical infrastructure, Coro said Del Carmen’s environmental programs have become a key factor in attracting investors.
He cited the municipality’s conservation efforts, which he said helped strengthen the island’s resilience during major weather events, including the impact of Super Typhoon Odette in 2021.
Project chairperson Lynie Bereso said Palmyra Siargao reflects her decision to invest in the municipality where she grew up.
“I grew up in Siargao without water. I grew up in Siargao where there is no transportation,” Bereso said.
She said seeing the island’s development over the years encouraged her to pursue the project on a portion of her seven-hectare inherited property.
Bereso described Palmyra Siargao as more than a business venture, saying the project aims to create opportunities for residents and contribute to the island’s long-term development.
She said Cebu was chosen as the venue for the project launch because the city serves as a major gateway for investors and travelers heading to Siargao.
Bereso noted that Siargao currently has no international flights, making Cebu a strategic location to introduce the project to potential investors.
Palmyra Siargao legal counsel Atty. Israelito Torreon said the development offers another property option for visitors and investors interested in establishing a connection to Siargao.
He said foreign nationals may acquire units in condominium developments subject to Philippine legal requirements, providing another option beyond hotels and rental accommodations for those seeking longer stays on the island.
Project management director and architect Emmelie Pepito said only 1.79 hectares of Bereso’s seven-hectare property will be developed to preserve much of the surrounding environment.
Pepito said the project will use a vernacular architectural approach inspired by Del Carmen’s mangroves and coconut trees instead of introducing designs that do not reflect the island’s identity.
“We have to preserve what is in Del Carmen. We don’t want to introduce a new type of architecture there,” Pepito said.
The residential component will include 164 studio units measuring 35 square meters, excluding balconies, as well as one-bedroom units measuring 60 square meters and two-bedroom units ranging from 80 to 90 square meters.
Pepito said the balconies are part of the project’s sustainability design, allowing units to maximize natural lighting and ventilation while reducing the development’s carbon footprint.
Palmyra Siargao will also include a destination resort and lifestyle commercial center designed to blend with the protected landscape while supporting responsible tourism development.
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