The Faro de Punta Capones, also known as Capones Island Lighthouse, has been a navigational landmark since its construction in 1890 during the final years of Spanish rule in the Philippines. The lighthouse remains functional, but its surrounding structures and environment have deteriorated over time, prompting local authorities to initiate restoration efforts.
Mayor Arvin Antipolo, who recently visited the site with municipal officials and personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), said the initial assessment is underway to document the remaining materials of the 135-year-old complex.
“To measure the area and document what was left, we went up. Some materials are already gone, the fence and the spiral staircase going up are still there, though heavily rusted,” he said.
The restoration project is entering a research, coordination, and planning phase expected to last one year. Mayor Antipolo noted that if planning proceeds on schedule, physical restoration work could begin in the first quarter of 2027.
The local government plans to integrate tourism development into the project. The proposed site could include a restaurant and a glamping area designed to offer visitors panoramic views of the West Philippine Sea and the Zambales mountains.
“Access is a challenge because boats cannot approach during low tide, so we may need a floating dock in the future,” the mayor told Inquirer.net.
The lighthouse is currently accessible by boat from Barangay Pundaquit or Barangay San Miguel, with trips taking 30 to 40 minutes depending on tides and weather. Visitors usually arrange transport through local operators serving nearby beaches and tour sites.
Logistics for construction pose another challenge. Mayor Antipolo explained that coordination with the PCG and the Philippine Navy could allow materials to be airlifted by helicopter, which could be integrated into their training exercises, reducing costs. Without such support, transporting materials could cost millions of pesos.
Capones Lighthouse is one of the few remaining Spanish-era lighthouses in the Philippines. Originally equipped with a first-order Fresnel lens, it served as a navigational aid for vessels entering Subic Bay or traveling to Manila.
While modern equipment has kept the tower operational, the keeper’s house and adjacent brick structures have suffered deterioration over time.
For operators and developers in the outdoor hospitality and glamping sectors, the project demonstrates the potential to repurpose heritage sites for tourism while preserving historical structures, offering a model for similar initiatives in remote or coastal locations.