Puerto Princesa, the gateway to Palawan, is a key economic hub in the MIMAROPA region, balancing development with environmental preservation. Known as hthe "City in a Forest," it is one of the cleanest cities in the Philippines, with a focus on sustainable growth. The local government, with support for USAID, through the Urban Connect Project, is enhancing governance and promoting sustainable development while maintaining its natural beauty. Investors play a crucial role in Puerto Princesa's growth, contributing to the city's competitiveness on the national-level.

Urban Connect x LocalLab, focused on building inclusive communities through collaboration between the government, private sector, civil society, and citizens. Speakers included city officials, business leaders, and representatives who presented key issues and challenges of the city such as sustainable tourism, business and investment, digitalization and connectivity, sustainability, and energy.

The lab served as a platform for open dialogue, bringing together both the private and public sectors to collaborate to transform Puerto Princesa into a livable, future-ready city.