Meet Doctor Vic Salas

Hello PFAC Family,

 

I worked in PFAC Palawan from January 1988 to June 1989 as the Medical coordinator and IOM medical officer. I took up a position in IOM Thailand and then in IOM Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon) from July 1989 to June 1992. 

 

I'm still in touch with former IOM staff since I try to visit Palawan whenever I can.  The last time I visited Palawan was in May of 2011 or 2012. My Palawan and IOM experience was a turning point--I got more involved in migrant and refugee health care and public health, and I left clinical care and private medical practice.  

 

My best memories--and there are many-would be an introduction to cross cultural experiences, and working with an amazing team of people, including our OPD volunteers. It's an experience I will never forget.

Dr. Vic Salas

Dr. Vic Salas served as IOM physician and medical coordinator in PFAC Palawan from January 1988 to June 1989.  He is currently based in Cambodia.

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Puerto Princesa City

The Cleanest City in the Philippines

Puerto Princesa City, the second largest city in the Philippines and the capital of Palawan has been the face of the last ecological frontier in the Philippines. Lying along the midsection of the long island of Palawan province, the capital city of Palawan is considered to be a first class city among the cities of the Philippines.

Puerto Princesa City is also known as the cleanest city in the Philippines and one of the cleanest and safest cities in the world.

The Immaculate Conception Cathedral (Built by the Spaniards)

The best time to visit Puerto Princesa would be the summer months from April to June, when seas are usually calm. Humidity is high but annual average temperatures are comfortable at 27 degrees Celsius. Nights may be chilly during rainy days, especially in forested areas, so it is advisable for visitors to bring warm clothing at all times.

One of Puerto Princesa’s main tour attractions and a source of pride for the locals is the Subterranean River National Park one of the world’s new 7 wonders of nature. The site features a very spectacular limestone landscape display in its navigable underground river, which flows directly to the sea. The underground river represents a habitat for conservation biodiversity.

Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park

(place where families and cultures gather)

Galloping dolphins are a common site on Honday Bay, Puerto Princesa, an additional treat to the locals and tourists while they go island hopping.

Puerto Princesa is also the jump off point for Honda Bay which is rich in pristine white beaches with fine white sand. You can find them anywhere in the island. These water sceneries provide quite a contrast to the island’s green canopies. The clear emerald-green waters are truly a fascinating sight to behold. The islands in Honda Bay give the beach lovers a much sought-after uncrowded and unspoiled haven that one can never find anywhere else in the Philippines.

Puerto Princesa Philippines climate consists of pronounced wet and dry seasons equally divided throughout the year. The wettest month is September while the driest month is February. From October to April, the northeast monsoon whips up waves on the coast facing the South China Sea. The southwest monsoon blows from April to August.

    This is the aerial view of Puerto Princesa.

OOOOOOOO

THE UNDERGROUND RIVER

IMAGES OF THE UNDERGROUND RIVER 2012

 The mouth of the Underground River

 

The Puerto Princesa Underground River is located about 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. It features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km. navigable underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. The underground river is reputed to be the world's longest. At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water's edge. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave.

 You'll be mesmerized when inside the cave.

 I was there with my students in 1992.  it was beautiful then. 
 It's much more beautiful now.

Puerto Princesa City, my mom's birthplace.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!!!

                  PFAC Palawan, Our Second Home

Hello everyone!  We are on Facebook with over 1,000 members.  If you wanna join us, go on Facebook, type Pfac Palawan on the search box and click add friend.  We are a group of PFAC Palawan former refugees and volunteer workers.  Our Facebook page is a great venue to reconnect with your friends, lost family members, teachers and relatives.  See you there.  Please be advised that we will add you as a friend/member only if you have a profile picture.

Thanks a lot.

OOO