Oriental Mindoro is hoping to regain momentum in the final months of 2026 as persistent electricity and water supply problems continue to pose challenges to the province’s tourism industry.
The concerns were raised during the presentation of the 2026 Local Tourism Product and Market Survey at the Oriental Mindoro Heritage Museum on September 2, where officials reviewed visitor trends and the issues affecting tourism destinations across the province.
Tourist Arrivals Decline
From January 1 to August 16, Oriental Mindoro recorded 684,622 tourist arrivals, according to Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) head Dhon Calda.
The figure represents a decline from the 908,917 visitors recorded in 2024 and 1,035,705 in 2025.
Calda identified unreliable electricity and water supply as among the concerns affecting tourism establishments and destinations.
“Our problem in power and water impact our tourism industry,” Calda said, adding that frequent brownouts and water shortages can discourage tourists from returning.
The water situation became particularly serious in Puerto Galera, one of the province’s major tourist destinations. In March, the local government declared a state of water emergency after its water sources were found to be non-potable.
Tourism Revenue Reaches P15.7 Billion
Despite the decline in visitor arrivals, Oriental Mindoro’s tourism sector generated P15.76 billion in revenue from 2024 through August 16, 2026.
Of this amount, P6.25 billion was recorded in 2024, while tourism revenues reached P6.39 billion in 2025. The sector has generated another P3.11 billion from January 1 to August 16 this year.
Calda remains optimistic that tourism performance could improve before the end of the year, with the province expecting more visitors during the second peak season from October to December.
Ormeco: Power Is Not the Main Factor
Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative (Ormeco) General Manager Engr. Humphrey Dolor acknowledged that electricity problems have affected tourism but said they are not the industry’s primary challenge.
Dolor pointed to Palawan, which he said faces more serious power concerns but continues to attract tourists.
He also called for greater support in addressing Ormeco’s challenges and urged stakeholders to avoid finger-pointing.
As the peak season approaches, tourism officials are counting on stronger visitor arrivals to help improve the province’s 2026 performance, while continuing efforts to address basic utility concerns.
