General Manager Joegil Magtanggol Escobar leads the charge in proving that luxury hospitality and deep-rooted sustainability can thrive together on Dimakya Island.
Discovery Coron shows what real sustainability means. Located on the shores of Dimakya Island in Northern Palawan, the resort, led by Escobar, focuses on protecting the environment and supporting the local community.
This dedication has once again earned the resort the prestigious ASEAN Tourism Standards Award under the ASEAN Green Hotel category. This second consecutive recognition cements Discovery Coron’s status as a regional leader in sustainable hospitality, moving beyond compliance to champion a model where purpose and progress are inseparable.
Discovery Coron focuses on action: protecting marine life, reducing its impact, and supporting local communities. These efforts are guided by partnerships with groups like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, the UN Environment Programme, and Green Fins.
The resort’s commitment is clear underwater. Its house reef, home to the endangered Napoleon wrasse, is used for coral propagation and reef restoration, helping preserve marine life and seagrass ecosystems.
Operationalizing sustainability: Where luxury meets responsibility
Discovery Coron integrates sustainability into daily operations, showing that eco-friendly practices can enhance the guest experience. Solar energy powers key areas, water-saving methods are standard, and single-use plastics have been replaced with glass bottles and biodegradable alternatives. Guest rooms feature MAGWAI reef-safe sunscreens and plant-based SOAK toiletries, combining luxury with environmental responsibility.
For GM Escobar and his team, sustainability also means supporting people. About 70 percent of the staff come from Palawan, and programs like “Bili ng Ani” buy produce directly from local farmers, while “Adopt-a-Biik” helps small-scale hog raisers.
The resort also integrates education and culture into its sustainability approach. The Cheers for Chairs program has donated over 800 chairs and tables to local schools, helping students learn comfortably. The Discovery Achievers program rewards top students in eight schools across four barangays with cash gifts, supporting families and encouraging academic excellence.
Coupled with programs like Happy Weavers, which supports local artisans, these efforts weave local culture and community welfare into the fabric of the resort, enriching the guest experience while building a lasting legacy for the youth of Coron.
The resort’s duty of care also extends to its employees. Health and safety are paramount, with regular medical checkups, on-site support, and emergency preparedness protocols—all backed by partner medical facilities and medevac services—ensuring a secure and nurturing workplace.
Ethical Governance: The Foundation of Sustainable Tourism
What truly distinguishes Discovery Coron is its commitment to ethical governance. The resort actively pursues rigorous certifications like Green Destinations, strictly adheres to environmental regulations, and promotes ethical business practices rooted in fair wages, inclusivity, and transparency. This framework provides the stability and integrity that allow its environmental and social programs to flourish.
As the demand for responsible travel intensifies, Discovery Coron stands as a powerful testament to what is possible. Its second ASEAN Green Hotel Award is not merely a trophy but a reflection of consistent effort, thoughtful choices, and a long-term vision.
