History of MIMAROPA Provinces

PROVINCE OF ROMBLON
Romblon is a 4th class municipality in the province of Romblon, Philippines. It is the capital municipality of Romblon. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 36,612 people in 7,134 households.
Romblomanon or Tiyad Ini is the native language of its inhabitants.
Pre-Hispanic era
The Aetas
History taught us about the stunted kinky-haired tiny black “Aetas” (locally known as “Ati” or “Ita”) were believed to have descended from the “Orang Asli” native aboriginal people of the Malay Peninsula in Mainland Asia who have come to the Philippines. According to traditions, they crossed by land from Southeast Asia during Paleolithic Period. The Philippine Archipelago had once been connected to the great Asian continent by a causeway of rock, over which these tiny black Aetas crossed. They are believed to be the first settlers of our country.
Historians from Romblon’s various municipalities claimed that the original settlers of their towns were Aetas, including the towns of Odioñgan and San Agustin. Absolutely, they were correct for when the National Census under the American Administration was conducted in 1918, both Aetas and Mangyanes were still present and inhabiting the interior of Central and Southern Tablas (highlands of San Agustin, San Andres & Odioñgan), Carabao Island and the mountains of Sibuyan Island.
The Malays
When the land bridges sank beneath the sea, the next wave of migrants, the Malays between 200 B.C. and 400 A.D., the period recorded in history as the golden age of the Hindu Kingdoms of Madjapahit Empire based in Surabaya and the much later Shri-Vishayan Empire based in Palembang, Sumatra, Indonesia including the Malay Peninsula. Although it has never been clear whether they left their homeland as immigrants in search of better life or as political refugees seeking asylum elsewhere, wave after wave of Malays, the subject of these two empires arrived in the Philippines specifically in the Visayan Islands which included the Romblon group of islands. Hence, the word “Visayan” or “Visayas” and “Bisaya” was derived from the word “Vishayan” from Shri-Vishayan Empire, whose subjects have settled permanently in the fertile lowlands of its numerous islands. They drove the former black migrants further up the hills and deeper into the forest. As they came in large, outrigger boats called balanghays, which carried whole families or villages, their new settlements came to be known as balanghay and later Barangay. Ninety-eight percent of today’s people in Romblon are descended from this basic Malay stock, with an admixture of other racial strains of later colonizers.
The Malays, a mixture of Indo-Chinese ancestry with Caucasian strains due to its close contact with Semitic people could have been the pioneering settlers of the province. Evidences that these pre-historic people could have settled along the narrow coastal plains become real when human skeletal remains in various burial caves were found done in solid wood coffins. Most of these burial sites are concentrated in the islands of Cobrador, Alad and Banton and the slopes of Mount Payaopao and on the eastern slopes of Tablas summit located in barangay Talisay, Calatrava and to date many remained unexplored, evidence that these places were settled long before the coming of the European colonizers.
No other historical tribes aside from the early Malays could have been more advanced as they were skilled pottery makers and artisans. Today, countless broken pieces of potteries are found littered endlessly outside and inside the caves at Balinsasayao in Mahabangbaybay, Tablas Island, one of the caves already explored by the natives with three huge chambers. Porcelain and chinawares dating back to Ming dynasty of China were also found at this cave and at Bagusina cave in Sugod including antiquated jewelries and other treasured belongings of the deceased.
Burial Caves
Most of the coffins found are small around three feet in length only and were hewn out of solid wood, which did not use any nails. The other half of the coffin made also from solid wood serves as covering part. All coffins were finely made of hard wood. It is intricately designed with artistic carvings and design based on their contemporary animals but the most common is the monitor lizard that we call “Hayo” in Romblomanon. As of this writing, most human skeletons are found intact on these coffins. The coffins served only as depository or urn of exhumed human skeletal remains, an ancient practice of our ancestors practicing secondary burial.
At one instance, I personally examined one of these coffins out of curiosity. The remains have white teeth as found, uncommon among early Visayans. The stature of fully matured person was to my assessment, towering six feet in height or over if only they were alive today. But early Visayans are short in stature and don’t possessed white teeth as noted by English explorer Ralph Fitch in his writing in 1591 that the idea that only wild animals has white teeth was widespread among ancient Filipinos. The distinctive features of the Spaniards according to Fitch were their plain white teeth, a feature shared with monkeys, dogs and pigs. Human beings were thought to be distinguished by cosmetic refinements like filed and stained teeth. The Visayans called gold work tooth filling “sangka” and “bansil” and leveling was done by an expert with slender stone file, the desired effect was always to render them even and symmetrical. Once filed, the teeth were colored in different ways. Regular chewing of “mama” made them black or red and covered with inlays, crowns or plating of teeth goldwork known as “pusad”, an impressive example of Visayan dentistry. Other skeletal remains were weird. It was reported that one skull found in Balinsasayao got only one eye, a Cyclops? Another one found at Alad Island cave has a very unnatural elongated curving chin that seems like a bow or an extreme example of “babalu”.
The Mangyanes or May-as
Some Malays of the same stock and origin as their lowland counterparts choose to live in the forest in order to avoid forced conversion to Christianity and in paying tributes. Early local government persuaded and convinced some of these pagan tribes mostly found living in the interior of Tablas, the mountains of Sibuyan and the island of Carabao to submit them selves to the authority of the Spanish government and convert to Catholic religion. Remnants of these indigenous people who are called Mangyans, Mangyanes or May-as could still be found in the interior of Sibuyan Island.
Ancient Script, the Visayan Alibata
Early Filipinos could read and write using their own native alphabets. Alibata is an ancient writing system derived from two Arabic terms that refers to the first two letters “Alif” and “Bet”. It is also called “Baybayin”, which means, “to spell” in Tagalog, that was used in prehistoric Philippines. Although it was all but extinguished by Western colonization, variant of it are still used in parts of Mindoro, Palawan and Mindanao and is increasingly used by Filipino youth as a way to express their identity.
The script has had a rather short history, having come into use around AD 1000-1200 and for the most part becoming extinct in the late 18th century. However, four forms of the indigenous scripts all survived to present day; the script used by the Mangyan Buhid Tribe of Bansud and Hanonoo Tribe of Mansalay in the island of Mindoro, the Tagbanua’s in the island of Palawan, and in some pockets of Manobo Tribes in Mindanao. In truth however, the origin of the script has not yet been ascertained and various theories abound. They say that the writing was derived from Sanskrit, an ancient Hindu script that came from India that influenced most of Southeast Asian countries particularly the ancient Malay Filipinos, Indonesia and Malaysia. Pre-historic people of Romblon were literate. One example of Pre-Spanish Romblomanon style Visayan-Alibata Script could be found on a stonewall mural in Manonggoy Cave along the coast right at the boundary marker of Barangay Sugod and Carmen in Tablas Island perhaps to my evaluation, dated 1200–1300 AD. However, only recently, some careless treasure hunters destroyed the wall murals perhaps by using dynamites and only heaps of stones remained.
Spanish Exploration and Establishment of Spanish Settlements
Miguel Lopez de Legaspi (Born in 1502–Aug. 20,1572) also known as El Adelantado (The Governor) and El Maestro de Campo (Master of the Camp) was a Spanish Conquestador who established the first colony in the Philippine Islands at Cebu. He was the youngest son of Don Juan Martinez Lopez de Legaspi and Elvira Gurruchategui. He was born to a noble family and lived in the small town of Zumarraga in the Basque province of Guipuzcoa, Spain. In early 1564, he led an expedition in the Pacific Ocean to find the Spice Islands where the previous explorer Ferdinand Magellan and Ruy Lopez de Villalobos had landed in 1521 and 1543 respectively. King Philip II, after whom the islands were eventually named, ordered the expedition.
Lopez de Legaspi’s troops arrive in the Philippine Archipelago and landed in the shores of Cebu on February 13, 1565. Having heard of the rich resources of Manila, he dispatched two of his Lieutenant Commanders, Martin de Goiti and Juan de Salcedo. Salcedo was his eldest grandson aged 15 years old only at that time, to explore the northern regions of Luzon.
Juan de Salcedo concentrated in exploring the northern regions of the Philippines with a small force of 45 soldiers in the late period of 1571 where he traveled most of the Ilocos, Cagayan Valley and all the rest of northern Luzon and founded several towns and cities. On the other hand, Martin de Goiti left Cebu, explored and founded the rest of the Visayas particularly the western and northern Visayan Islands including Romblon Islands and Mindoro in late 1569. With a force of 300 Spanish soldiers, cavalrymen and several local natives, they conquered every native village and established many Spanish settlements, towns and cities in the area. In Mindoro, he encountered Chinese sea-traders in the area. Goite fought with the Chinese on the eastern coastline of Mindoro and defeated them off the islands. Each town and villages they conquered were organized into Encomienda.
The encomienda system was a trusteeship labor system used during the Spanish colonization. Conquestadores or the soldiers and staff of Legaspi were granted the lion- share of the trusteeship over the indigenous people they conquered, in an expansion of feudal system in the country. The system entails direct land tenure by the encomiendero. The encomiendero were authorized to tax the people under their care and to summon them to labor and were expected to maintain order through the established military and provide teaching – Catholicism.
The Legend of Romblon
[8] Legend has it that when the Spanish Conquestador Martin de Goiti’s expedition touched sand in the southern coastal tip of Romblon Island at Sitio Aglumyom sometime in late 1569, (formerly a barrio during Spanish time) now part of barangay Sablayan, his men wandered along the beaches searching for food and water. One of his men saw a low built hut and feeling thirsty, he sought the owner of the hut only to find in his surprise a hen’s nest settled somewhere on top of the post near a window. The Castellan upon noticing the house occupant sitting nearby asked if he could get the chicken free. A young woman, not understanding a single word he was saying as he pointed to the hen, answered in the vernacular “nagalumyom”, which meant that the hen was brooding some eggs. Perplexed, the Spaniard left the hut muttering in disgust the word “nagalumyom”. Asked upon his return to the ship from where he comes, he mockingly answered “nagalumyom”. When the Iberian left, they named the Island “Nagalumyom” which later was corrupted to “Lomlom” and later, officially to “Donblon”, the name mentioned and reported by Loarca in 1582, until it finally rested on its present name Romblon to sought the Spaniards pronunciation. Similarly, the place where this incident happened was named “Aglumyom” from the same word “Nagalumyom”. (Source: Also from the author of Romblon website)
Encomienda System
The earliest Encomienda’s established in what is now Romblon Province are the following: Island of Banton and Marinduque to Don Pedro de Mena established on October 31, 1571. That of Donblon (Romblon) to Don Gonzalo Riquel established on April 24, 1571. Tablas Island being part of an Encomienda together with the island of Çibuyan (Sibuyan) and settlements along the creek of Maharlu or Mahalud in Panay Island to Don Alvaro de Angulo established on November 2, 1571. Don Alvaro collects 600 tributes (taxes) which represents 2,400 people. All of these Encomienda’s are under the jurisdiction of the province of Panay in the Pintados. Its capital town is Arevalo, now a district of Iloilo City, being one of the seven early provinces established in the Philippines. The first census was done in 1582 by Spanish navigator Don Miguel Lopez de Loarca, under service to the King of Spain. Loarca in his writings mentioned Tablas (Flanks) Island or Osigan its original name, after he visited the place.
He placed the population of Tablas at 250 souls mostly living in a small village (Cabolutan) and lives by gathering wax. Çibuyan (Sibuyan) has 300 pintados, native painted “tattooed” Indians which affords by report a most agreeable and remarkable appearance, plenty of gold, hence the island is rich in gold mines. Simara or Cabras (goats in Spanish) has 150 inhabitants who lived by raising goats. Banton has 200 pintados residents who are mostly engaged in trading because the island is not fertile, very rocky and mountainous, though it abounds in coconut, sweet potatoes, yam and wax as for its other products. Romblon has 240 residents engaged in wax gathering. Anbil (Hambil) or the present day Carabao Island has 50 Indios who are boat builders or cagallanes in Spanish.
It is evident that Tablas was inhabited long before the coming of the Spaniards. To place the population at only 250 people in the 16th century who are mostly settled in its small village of Cabolutan and living by gathering wax was perhaps to my own opinion was before the late incursion by the Moors or Moros who have annually infested the islands carrying captivity. Like many regions in the country, Romblon suffered from frequent devastating raids of the Moros and the Dutch. So that I supposed it is safe to presume that they do not exceed 1,500 human conglomerates in the 16th century.
Early Provinces in the Philippines
The government district of the islands commonly called the Philippines comprises seven principal provinces, not to mention many other islands and smaller provinces within its jurisdiction. Five of these principal provinces are in the island of Luzon. This document describes the inhabitants, government, products and social condition of early created provinces (Alcaldias) in Spanish Philippines.
The first of the five provinces are in the island of Luzon, namely: the province of Manila, Ylocos, Cagaian, Vicor y Camarines, and Pangasinan. While the two provinces outside of Luzon are the provinces of Panay in the Pintados and the province of Zubu or Zebu. Panay, situated in the Pintados, one hundred leagues south of the city of Manila, is more fertile and yields more rice and other provisions, than any other province of the kingdom except Manila. Neither is there any province relatively densely populated, for, although it is not eighty leagues in periphery, it contains thirty thousand of the most profitable and peaceable tributes in the whole kingdom. The capital of this island is the town of Arebalo or Arevalo, which was settled by the Adelantado Legaspi in 1567, and enlarged by Don Gonzalo Ronquillo in 1582. It is near the village of Oton and the port of Yloylo, the most southerly port of the governmental district. In 1618, the province of Panay in the Pintados was subdivided into three judicial districts. These are the Alcaldia-mayor of Arevalo or Ogtong (Oton), the Corregiemento of Negros and the Corregiemento of Panay and Aclan. Romblon Islands including Tablas with its two early-established pueblos of Romblon and Bantoon (Banton) belong to the later. However, in 1658, Romblon and Banton’s jurisdiction were transferred to the newly created province of Catanduanes, only to be returned back to Panay ten years later.
The islands of Romblon and its neighboring islands are called Visayas and its people are called Visayans or “mga Bisaya”. The Visayans in the olden days are also called “Pintados” because they are in fact so; their whole body is covered by tattoos. Not by nature although they are well-built, well-featured and fair skinned, but by painting their entire bodies from head to foot as soon as they are young men with strength and courage enough to endure the torture of painting. The first impression of the Spaniards on the native Visayans was: “They were handsome among these people. Their hair was black and of shoulder length, they had silk cloth on their head and two large gold rings hang from their ears. They wore cotton cloth embroidered with silk to cover themselves from waist down to the knees. On their side, they wore a dagger with a long handle, all of gold with its scabbard made of wood. With this, they wore upon them scents of storac and benzoin (perfumes?). They were tanned and their faces were all painted.”
Establishment of Politico-Military Commandancia de Romblon in 1853
Romblon became a Politico-Military Commandancia taken from Capiz on March 19, 1853 with only four municipalities or pueblos. Namely: Pueblo de Romblon, the Cabesera or Capital town established as pueblo in 1631 during the term of Las Islas Filipinas Spanish Governor-General Juan Niño de Tavora, Banton in 1622,[12] Sibuyan (Cajidiocan) established in 1744 and Looc which was established in 1844.
The first Executive of the Political-Military Command of Romblon was Spanish national named Don Ramon Vieytes installed on that same date of its creation on March 19, 1853 the second was Don Joaquin de Prat followed by Don Joaquin Vidal. Then by Don Juan Perez y Ravago followed by Don Eduardo Asuero y Soto. When Romblon became a regular province in 1868, its first Spanish Military Governor and Commandant of Politico-Military province was Don Joaquin Corillo installed since 1866. The most feared Military Governor of Romblon who reigned from 1880 to 1883 was Don Jose Fernandez de Terran who was previously assigned in Leyte prior to his assignment as Military Governor of Romblon. He was most remembered because of his tyranny and cruelty among his people that greatly affected their lives of these early inhabitants.
Near the end of Spanish rule, the executives were Don Casimero Perez Davila, then followed by Don Antonio Lejos aka La Torre and Don Manuel Hernandez y Herrera who hold post until 1893. Beginning also in 1893, the title of provincial executives was changed into Governador de Politico Militares with Don Jose Cortes y Dominguez as its first provincial executive with that title, followed by Don Justo Cumplido y Montero in 1896. This was during the Filipino-Spanish war and finally, the last executive was Don Carlos de Mendoza y Cerra who was installed briefly from 1897 until 1898, when local Spanish authorities in the province finally surrendered to the revolutionary forces of the Visayas organized in the province under the command of Lt. Adriano Rios, a native Sibuyanon from visita de San Fernando in pueblo Azagra, Romblon.
Please take note that the Commandant was also the Military Governor of the province he governed. Like the rest of the Visayan region, Romblon province was ruled by a military governor ever since its creation in 1853 until the end of Spanish rule in 1898. Unlike in Luzon provinces and the more pacified regions in the country where civil governors were assigned here in Romblon, the inhabitants were not restless or troublesome, for none are more peaceable or more useful than the Romblomanon-Visayans themselves at their own disposals (Spanish authorities), but because they were on the frontier towards the seas of Mindanao and Moluccas. Their natives principally the Moros constantly infest the coast of these Islands, hence the necessity for a military governor.
List of Romblon Provincial Executives from earliest time
Commandantes Infanteria de Politico-Militar
Don Ramon Vieytes
Don Joaquin de Prat y Parella
Don Joaquin Vidal y Mallado
Don Juan Perez y Ravago
Don Eduardo Asuero y Soto
Don Joaquin Corillo
1853 – 1854
1854 – 1856
1856 – 1861
1861 – 1863
1863 – 1866
1866 - 1868
Commandantes de Politico Militares
Don Joaquin Corillo
Don Jose Veza
1868 – 1871
1871 – 1876
Commandantes Provincial de Politico Militares
Don Francisco Arespacochaga
Don Jose Fernandez de Terran
Don Carlos Valero y Valero
Don Luis Larella y Figueroa
Don Luis San Miguel (Acting)
Don Casimero Perez Davila
Don Antonio Lejos (aka La Torre)
Don Manuel Hernandez y Herrera
1876 – 1880
1880 – 1883
1883 – 1885
1886 – 1888
July 1888
1888 – 1890
1890 – 1891
1891 – 1893
Governador de Politico Militares
Don Jose Cortes y Dominguez
Don Justo Cumplido y Montero
Don Carlos de Mendoza y Cerra
1893 – 1895
1896 – 1897
1897 – 1898

Status of Politico-Military Commandancia de Romblon in 1861
Before Romblon became an independent Politico-Military Commandancia in March 19, 1853, there were only four pueblos in existence, namely: Romblon, which later would become the Capital town, Banton, Looc and Sibuyan (Cajidiocan). Previously, these parishes or pueblos were under the jurisdiction of the province of Capiz prior to 1853.
Two years later, in 1855, 17 new pueblos were added including Guintiguian (San Agustin). The rest of the 16 pueblos (equivalent to present-day municipalities) were the following: Simara (Corcuera), Odioñgan, Andagao (Calatrava), Parpagoja (San Andres), Tingaray (Ferrol), Catolog (Magsaysay, Sta. Fe), Cabalian (Sitio Cabalian, Agmanic, Sta. Fe), Saban (Sitio Sabang, Danao Norte, Sta. Fe), Lauan (Alcantara), Guinbirayan, Cauit (Azagra), Pagalad (San Fernando), Magallanes (Magdiwang), España, Isabel (Cambalo) and Princesa (Cangumba) A tabulation of population done on censal year of 1861 is shown herewith below to show Romblon’s numerous pueblos’ or local units in existence at that time:
Distrito: Politico-Military Commandancia de Romblon, Año: 1861
Name of Pueblo
Romblon
Guintiguian /1
Guinpuc-an /2
Cagbagacay /3
Banton
Simara /4
Cajidiocan
Cauit /5
Pagalad /6
Magallanes /7
Rancheria de Infiel /8
España
Isabel /9
Princesa /10
Odioñgan
Andagao /11
Parpagoja /12
Tingaray /13
Looc
Catolog /14
Cabalian /15
Sabang /16
Lauan /17
Guinbirayan
Total
Population
4,792
814
147
97
2,111
1,158
1,858
936
1,279
286
“
135
138
81
1,771
198
365
129
1,435
284
“
158
454
162
18,488
Parish Priest
Fr. Miguel Galan
“
“
“
Fr. Pablo Biensobas
“
Fr. Eustaquio Cascarro
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
Fr. Pedro San Nicolas
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
Reference:/1 Guintinguian is now San Agustin /2 Guinpuc-an is now brgy. Carmen, San Agustin /3 Cagbagacay is now Santa Maria /4 Former name was Pueblo Simara, now it refers to the name of the island. This is now the municipality of Corcuera /5 Cauit is now brgy. Azagra, San Fernando /6 Pag-alad is now San Fernando /7 Magallanes is now Magdiwang /8 Rancheria de Infiel meant Ranch of Wild & Savage people (this refer to the special pueblo / parish for Mangyanes / May-as) located in what is now Dulangan, Magdiwang /9 Isabel is now brgy. Cambalo, Cajidiocan /10 Princesa is now both sitio Cangumba of brgy. Azagra, and brgy. Otod, San Fernando /11 Andagao in now Calatrava /12 Parpagoja is now San Andres /13 Tingaray is now Ferrol /14 Catolog is now Santa Fe, the former townsite converted into a barrio and is now renamed brgy. Magsaysay, Santa Fe /15 Cabalian is now a sitio of brgy. Agmanic, Santa Fe /16 Sabang is now a sitio in brgy. Danao Norte, Santa Fe /17 Lauan is now Alcantara. Its former townsite at Lauan was organized into brgy. Lawan
Population of Romblon at Various Time
Barrio/BarangayName
Land Area(Hectares)
1894
1896
1903
1918
1939
1948
1960
1970
1975
1980
1990
1995
2000
2007[e]
Poblacion (U)(Pueblo)

800

2,353
3,382
3,466
3,680
3,342
4,120






Barangay 1 (U)(Poblacion)
5.53








735
733
477
483
566
563
Barangay 2 (U)(Poblacion)
35.58








1,209
1,246
1,288
1,548
1,577
1,540
Barangay 3 (U)(Poblacion)
6.49








1,108
1,082
1,305
1,485
1,493
1,544
Barangay 4 (U)(Poblacion)
11.40








977
1,126
1,308
1,373
1,205
1,173
Agbaluto
414.40


253
325
266
165
233
378
343
359
431
613
533
577
Agbudia
161.33




207
231
284
364
522
636
808
834
621
616
Aglomiom

89













Agnaga
416.95
140*

261
253
494
430
538
630
547
661
764
712
945
872
Agnay
350.70
213*

185
237
500
262
368
411
456
481
560
627
744
752
Agnipa
298.50
270*

353
329
450
474
544
611
606
664
735
891
1,050
1,126
Agpanabat
257.30
220*

361
313
465
452
551
643
724
707
856
904
861
870
Agtongo
613.80



171
305
279
346
524
550
673
850
1,088
1,429
1,495
Alad
328.76
291*

332
343
481
535
715
1,063
1,157
1,368
1,818
1,938
2,179
2,224
Alfonso XIII [c]

248**













Bagacay
278.30


261
160
554
266
476
1,032
987
1,125
1,464
2,014
2,080
2,136
Cajimos (U)
153.73
200*

490
232
446
493
643
910
1,100
1,195
1,517
2,093
2,347
2,530
Calabogo (U)
912.17


322
297
402
324
490
561
575
598
687
749
871
864
Capaclan (U)
374.40
200*

349
186
427
380
1,181
1,843
1,595
2,033
2,979
3,384
3,855
4,136
Cobrador
329.59






460
588
738
756
866
906
894
888
Cogon

643*













Embarcacion




115










Ginablan
475.81
246*

341
279
318
322
380
502
516
531
617
571
676
676
Guimpingan
423.20
280*

309
300
273
211
366
506
514
588
587
882
875
763
Ilauran
1,086.60


491
395
472
393
581
697
810
802
1,143
1,463
1,450
1,576
Lamao
482.54


219
220
424
190
379
427
512
534
724
833
775
785
Li-o
815.60
310*

292
381
501
442
607
733
835
844
1,253
1,187
1,451
1,451
Logbon
120.30
188*

183
133
322
358
355
441
466
517
699
807
818
761
Lonos
398.50
697*

281
275
402
378
561
824
820
912
1,267
1,487
1,618
1,722
Lunas
233.47
200*

282
221
428
310
497
497
524
453
543
656
564
580
Macalas (U)
402.00


194
132
322
253
395
441
491
563
753
902
959
987
Majabangbaybay [a]

156













Mapula
274.30


219
173
234
221
363
414
468
442
523
529
606
624
Maria Cristina [b]

415**













Nagoso

200*

233
294
400
435








Palje
458.60
167*

179
138
220
182
295
322
353
374
441
607
562
568
Sablayan
654.72
350*

735
621
740
511
849
1,071
1,096
1,102
1,397
1,349
1,532
1,506
Sawang
346.50


370
338
475
463
567
826
771
779
900
868
946
1,064
Sogod [a]

164













Tambac
830.50


247
224
315
239
342
338
384
367
423
507
530
575
Total
14,516.14
6,731
[d]
10,095
10,467
14,309
12,879
16,708
21,717
22,489
24,251
29,983
34,290
36,612
37,544
Notes
a 1 2
Barrios annexed to Romblon taken from former Pueblo Guinpuc-an (Carmen) in 1868* - Hacienda, ** - Barrio
b 1
Renamed Sawang
c 1
Abolished in 1901 and annexed to Li-o
d 1
Population not mentioned
e 1
2007 NCSO Census
Development of Romblon's Barrios / Barangays
Romblon is one of the two oldest settlements or pueblo in the province, the other pueblo is Banton located north of the province and very close to Marinduque province. The first recorded census available so far under the Spanish administration showing breakdown of its barrios was in 1894 reporting a total of 23 existing barrios. There were two local political units identified as barrio on this census, these were barrios Alfonso XIII (now a sitio of Li-o) and Maria Cristina (renamed Sawang). Two additional barrios were added to its long list beginning 1868 when the former pueblo of Guinpuc-an (Carmen) in Tablas island was abolished and ceded two of its barrios of Majabangbaybay and Sogod to this town. Another two numbers had unspecific barrio category, these were Aglomiom and Agnaga, while the pueblo referred to in 1894 census was barrio Poblacion, the rest, 16 in numbers, were barrio haciendas with a combined population of 6,731 in 1894. In 1896, its population was not reported unlike the rest of other municipalities or pueblos/parishes in the province. Of the original 23 barrios reported in 1894, only a very slight change could be noted if compared to Romblon's present population done in year 2000, and also if compared to number of barangays created. It is therefore a fact that Romblon’s advancement was very minimal for the last 2 centuries of its history. Eitherway, Romblon in the 19th century is very much the same Romblon in the 21st century.
In 1901, 9 new barrios were created under the American administration, but it also abolished three of its existing barrios. Abolished barrios were barrio Aglomiom which was merged to Sablayan due to its small population, the coastal barrio of Alfonso XIII which was annexed to upstream barrio of Li-o and the inland barrio of Cogon which was reorganized and split into 5 TIMLA barrios. While the two barrios located in Tablas island of Majabangbaybay and Sogod were returned back to Badajoz, abolished as independent barrios and attached as sitios of barrio Guinpuc-an (Carmen) in 1901. Agtongo was created into a separate barrio in 1916 taken from Cajimos, while in 1918, those engaged in maritime industry were counted separately as a distinct barrio known as Embarcacion. However, in 1939 its population was annexed to barrio Poblacion or El Pueblo.
As mentioned, these 9 additional barrios of Romblon, Romblon beginning in 1901 were 1. Bagacay, taken from Lonos, 2. Mapula from territory of former barrio Maria Cristina, renamed Sawang also in 1901, 3. Calabogo, taken from Agnaga, and the 5 new TIMLA barrios of: 4. Tambac, 5. Ilauran, 6. Macalas, 7. Lamao, and 8. Agbaluto which were created from territory of former barrio Cogon. The last barrio to be created, 9. Agbudia was taken from Guimpingan in 1939.
The island barrio of Nagoso was renamed into Cobrador in 1960. In 1975, the urban barangay of Romblon Poblacion was split into four separate barangays of Barangay 1, 2, 3 and 4. Today Romblon is composed of 31 barrios or barangays, namely:
Barangays
Romblon is politically subdivided into 31 barangays.
Agbaluto
Agpanabat
Agbudia
Agnaga
Agnay
Agnipa
Agtongo
Alad
Bagacay
Cajimos
Calabogo
Capaclan
Ginablan
Guimpingan
Ilauran
Lamao
Li-o
Logbon
Lunas
Lonos
Macalas
Mapula
Cobrador (Naguso)
Palje
Barangay I (Pob.)
Barangay II (Pob.)
Barangay III (Pob.)
Barangay IV (Pob.)
Sablayan
Sawang
Tambac















PROVINCE OF MARINDUQUE
Marinduque is an island province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA region in Luzon. Its capital is Boac. Marinduque lies between Tayabas Bay to the north and Sibuyan Sea to the south. It is located south and west of Quezon, east of Mindoro, and north of Romblon.
Marinduque is a heart-shaped island situated about eleven miles (18 km) from the main island of Luzon. It is 370 square miles (960 km2) making it the thirteenth largest island in the Philippine archipelago.[1]
Marinduqueños are of Tagalog origin and speak Tagalog. However, because of the island's proximity to the Visayas region, the Marinduqueño variant of Tagalog has many words that are Visayan origin and are not comprehensible to other Tagalog speakers. Traces of Bicolano can also be found in this variant. Filipino and English are also well understood.
Marinduqueños are very hospitable in nature and are very welcoming. One such custom reflecting this is putong, which is a custom of welcoming and honoring friends and visitors. The honoree (or honorees) are seated and crowned with flowers while local women dance and sing for them. Other well-wishers throw coins and flower petals for long life.
The Moriones festival also plays a prominent role in Marinduque's culture. Marinduque is famous for this annual Moriones Festival. During the month of April, parades and celebrations can be seen on the streets. In Gasan, Boac, and Mogpog, a parade of people dressed as Moriones can be seen on the main road connecting the towns of the island. Boac and Sta. Cruz, the biggest town in the province, shows a reenactment in the evening of the actual event when Longinus, a blind soldier, punctures Jesus with his spear and blood droplets from the wound restores Longinus' sight.
Economy
Marinduque is an agricultural province, primarily growing rice and coconuts. It is also a place for handicrafts that is now being exported to dıfferent parts of the world. Fishing is also an important part of the economy. Mining was once an important player in the economy until a mining accident (the Marcopper Mining Disaster) occurred, bringing the industry to a standstill on the island and causing countless amounts of damage to the people and the island. The provincial government has just recently sued Marcopper's parent company, Placer Dome, for $100 million in damages. Placer Dome was purchased in 2006 by Barrick Gold, who has now been joined in the lawsuit.
Tourism also plays a major role in the economy especially during the lenten season. Whilst not a major source of economy for the island, it has shown great growth
Geography
Political
Marinduque is subdivided into 6 municipalities.
Municipalities
Boac
Buenavista
Gasan
Mogpog
Santa Cruz
Torrijos
Physical
Marinduque is a heart-shaped island between Tayabas Bay in the north and Sibuyan Sea to the south. It is separated from the Bondoc Peninsula in Quezon by the Mompog Pass. Some of the smaller islands to the northeast are Maniuayan Island, Santa Cruz Island, and Mompog Island. The highest peak in Marinduque is Mt. Malindig (formerly, Mt. Marlanga), a potentially active volcano with an elevation of 1157 meters.
The island has two major seasons--the dry season (November through February) and the rainy season (June through October), with a transitional period in between.
History
Legend has it that the island of Marinduque was formed as a consequence of a tragic love affair between two people: Marina and Garduke. Marina's father, a local chieftain, did not approve of this affair and ordered the beheading of Garduke. Before this could be done, the couple sailed out to sea and drowned themselves, forming the island now called Marinduque. Other versions of the legend also claim that the island was named "Malindik", named after Marinduque's highest mountain, Mt. Malindig. When Spanish conquistadors arrived in the Philippines, they found the name hard to pronounce, which led to the renaming of the island as "Marinduc" and later the current "Marinduque" when spelled in its French from (e.g. Antique for Hantik, Cavite for Kawit).
During the Spanish and early American occupations, Marinduque was part of the province of Balayan (now Batangas) in the 16th century, Mindoro in the 17th century, and had a brief period as an independent province in 1901, when the Americans arrived.
During the Philippine-American War, Marinduque was the first island to have American concentration camps.[2] Marinduque is the site of the Battle of Pulang Lupa, where Filipino soldiers under Colonel Maximo Abad, defeated a larger better trained force of Americans.
In 1902, the US-Philippine Commission annexed the islands of Mindoro (now two separate provinces) and Lubang (now part of Occidental Mindoro) to the province.
Four months later, the province became part of the province of Tayabas (now Quezon).
On February 21, 1920, Act 2280 was passed by the Philippine Congress, reestablishing Marinduque as a separate province.
In 1942, the Japanese Imperial forces landed in Marinduque.
In 1945, landed from the American and Philippine Commonwealth troops attacked from the Japanese Troops liberated to the Battle of Marinduque in the Second World War.
Schools/Educational Institution
Tertiary
Lighthouse Maritime Institute in Poblacion, Boac, Marinduque
Marinduque Midwest College in Gasan, Marinduque
Marinduque State College - Main Campus in Boac, Marinduque
Marinduque State College - Fisheries in Gasan, Marinduque
Marinduque State College - Sta. Cruz campus
Marinduque State College - Torrijos campus
St. Mary's College of Marinduque in Isok, Boac, Marinduque
Quezon-Roxas High School(private school)-[Dulong Bayan, Mogpog, Marinduque
If you're looking for some other educational institutions, kindly proceed to designated counties/municipalities for the direct statements of the secondary and primary schools.
How to Get There
By Air
Currently, Marinduque is served with a direct flight to and from Manila with Zest Airways (Formerly Asian Spirit), the aircraft lands at the Marinduque Airport in barangay Masiga, roughly in between Gasan and Boac.
By Water
Montenegro Lines- bounding from Lucena City to Marinduque through Balanacan Port in Mogpog, Buyabod Port in Sta. Cruz, and Cawit Port in Boac.
Jac Liner also served a direct route from Manila to Marinduque through roll on-roll off along the way.



PROVINCE OF OCCIDENTAL MINDORO
Occidental Mindoro (Filipino: Kanlurang Mindoro, “Western Mindoro”; Spanish: Mindoro Occidental) is a province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA region in Luzon. Its capital is Mamburao and occupies the western half of the island of Mindoro, on the west by Apo East Pass, and on the south by the Mindoro Strait; Oriental Mindoro is at the eastern half. The South China Sea is to the west of the province and Palawan is located to the southwest, across Mindoro Strait. Batangas is to the north, separated by the Verde Island Passage.
Climate
Occidental Mindoro has two distinct weather types: rainy season and dry season. Rains begin to fall in the province in late May, intensifying through June, July, August, September and October, then gradually subsides in November. The months of August and September are the wettest period, with storms directly passing through the area.
On the other hand, the dry season starts in November, with rainfall subsiding in intensity, and altogether ceasing in January, February, March and April. March and April are the driest period, with cloudless skies and parched earth characterizing the general area.
Political divisions
Occidental Mindoro is subdivided into 11 municipalities.
City/Municipality
No. ofBarangays
Area(km²)
Population(2000)
Pop. density(per km²)
Income Class(2004)

Abra de Ilog
9
533.70
22,212
41.6
4th Class

Calintaan
7
382.50
23,503
61.4
4th Class

Looc
9
90.40
9,132
101.0
5th Class

Lubang
16
250.06
22,896
91.6
4th Class

Magsaysay
12
296.70
28,740
96.9
4th Class

Mamburao
15
339.50
30,378
89.5
4th Class

Paluan
12
565.40
12,023
21.3
4th Class

Rizal
11
242.50
29,785
122.8
4th Class

Sablayan
27
2,188.80
63,685
29.1
1st Class

San Jose
38
551.93
111,009
201.1
1st Class

Santa Cruz
11
438.41
26,887
61.3
3rd Class







Demographics
The population of Occidental Mindoro is 380,250 as of the 2000 census, making it the country's 21st least populated province. The population density is 65 persons per km². Major languages spoken are Tagalog, Ilokano, Visaya, Kapampangan, Bikolano, Mangyan, and other mainstream languages in the country. Occidental Mindoro is a cultural melting pot, populated mostly by recent immigrants.
The indigenous people in the province are the Mangyans (Manguianes in Spanish, Mañguianes in Old Tagalog), consisting of 7 distinct tribes. They occupy the interior, specially the highlands. Mangyans have inhabited the island since pre-history. They are believed to have originally travelled from Indonesia and settled down for good in the island.
There have been many evidences, historical and geophysical, that Mangyans were formerly living near the coastlines, but they were compelled to move into the interior jungles of the island when the Spanish colonizers came, to avoid cultural altercation which brought diseases to them, and to preserve their way of life.
Today, Mangyans number to only around 80,000 (freely moving in and out in both provinces of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro). But there is no accurate accounting of them since many still live elusively in the upper regions of the island, avoiding contact with lowlanders.
Economy
The present Occidental Mindoro is an agricultural area devoted to the production of food. It 's economic base is rice production (Oryza sativa culture), a Philippine staple crop. It is the leading activity and source of seasonal employment in the province, participated in by almost 80 per cent of the population, including children.
Wet land or lowland rice is a rainy season crop, being heavily dependent on water, and therefore produced from July (planting season) to October (harvest season). Tobacco, onions, garlic and vegetables are rather grown during the dry season (November to May)since they are not water-intensive crops, and require longer photoperiodicity.
Rice, corn, onions, garlic, salt, fishes(both wild water and cultured) are some of the relatively significant surpluses produced in the province in exportable quantities. Mangoes, cashew nuts, cooking bananas (saba) and some other fruits grown in upland orchards are among the other exports of Occidental Mindoro that have traditionally contributed to its income. Peanuts are also comfortably grown in some parts of the province, as well as cassava, sweet potatoes, ginger and other minor cultivars.
Forest resources include timber and minerals, among them gold, copper, silver, chrome, and non-metallic minerals such as lime for making cement, and greenstones for ornaments. Timber groups include many species of hardwoods, such as mahogany, and other types of trees in high demand for durability.
There are no large industries in the province. The government is the biggest employer, absorbing most of the off-farm labor force. The local electric cooperative, Occidental Mindoro Electric Cooperative (OMECO), is the biggest employer in the private sector, with nearly 150 regular employees. The rest of the population are engaged in private trades.
Problems
There are many multi-faceted problems in Occidental Mindoro's economy. In rice farming, the biggest confronting the producers are the high cost of production. This is attributed mainly to the spiraling prices of farm inputs. A study concludes that from 1997 to 2003, the cost of production rose by 47 per cent, while the income derived from marketing rice has maintained 1997 levels. There are also confused reports that the average production rate has declined due to the reduced application of necessary farm chemicals. In street language, this means that the farmers simply cut the amount of inputs because they cannot afford the high capital requirements of following all the recommended inputs in the farming calendar.
Another structural problem is the inadequacy of irrigation. Most of the river systems in the province no longer have the demanded volume of water to make irrigation feasible. This is attributed to the greatly deforested watersheds.
Geography
General land surface features that characterize Occidental Mindoro are mountains, rivers, hills, valleys, wide plains and some small fresh water lakes.The taller mountains can be found in the interior that it shares with Oriental Mindoro.
Mountain ranges converge on the two central peaks, namely Mt. Halcon in the North, and Mt. Baco in the South. The northern part of the province has relatively fewer plains, while the southern parts have wider flatlands. Most of the plains are cultivated fields, with few remaining untouched forests.
There are several major drainage or river systems flowing on a generally westerly course: Mamburao river, Pagbahan, Mompong, Biga, Lumintao, Busuanga and Caguray.
Significant hilly areas can be found rolling off in Sta Cruz in the north, and in San Jose and Magsaysay in the south. These are grassed-over rather than forested.
Swamp areas are restricted to the south, specially, along the river mouths.
Climate
The province has two distinct weather patterns, rainy from June to October, and dry from November to May. Wettest period is from August to September, and driest from March to April. Temperature range is from 78 °F (26 °C) in the windy uplands to 90 F (32 °C) in the unstirring lowlands.
Political history
The political history of Occidental Mindoro necessarily begins with the commercial history of Mindoro Island. Mindoro Island was originally known to the ancients as Ma-i. It was formally called Mait, and known to the Chinese traders before the coming of the Spanish. It's existence was mentioned in the old Chinese chronicles in 775 A.D. and more elaborately in 1225. It was a major anchorage in the Southeast Asia trade route during the pre-Philippines period. Chinese, Arab and Indian merchants traded with the natives. In 1570, the Spanish began to explore the island and named it Mina de Oro (mine of gold) after finding some of the precious metal, though no major gold descoveries were ever made.
The natives of Mindoro were called Manguianes by the Spaniards. But the natives refer to themselves by their ethnic or clan identification. There were seven such ethnic or clan distinctions, which are differentiated by language and areas where each can be found.
The Mangyans, as they are now anthropologically known, do not have a warrior society. They are a peaceful, shy but friendly people. They are rarely known to be hostile, and have had no significant record of violent conflict with other people in the entire history of the province. They grow root crops in forest clearings (slah and burn farms), and hunted wild animals in the forest for their meat needs.
There are no authentic documents in existence explaining the original stock of the Mangyan people, but later theoreticians postulate that they migrated from Indonesia before 775 A.D They hopped from island to island, until finally settling down permanently in Mindoro. It appeared that clan settlements existed in the North as well as in the southern ends of the island. By 779, the southwest coast of the island was already a known trading center, and its fine natural harbor frequented by Arab, Indian and Chinese maritime traders who plied the route. But there was no attempt of subjugation, just trading.
The first semblance of polital system in Mindoro's experience was provided by China in the 13th century. Chinese imperial forces under Admiral Cheng Ho with a powerful armada of 60 war junks visited Mindoro and other parts of the archipelago in the 13th century, with the purpose of gaining more trading favors for Chinese merchants.
For a time, Admiral Ho tried to exert some effort of rule as a prelude to Sino annexation. Internal trouble in the Chinese home front, however, recalled the armada, and the attempts of the empire to annex the archipelago did not materialize.
Some time after the Ho overture, Islamic influence reached the island, probably, through Suluanons who traded with the natives. Moslem peoples, possibly - Orang Dampuans (economic refugees from Sulu)crossed Mindoro Strait from Paragua (now Palawan) and settled along the coastal areas, developing progressive maritime communities.
In 1572, Captain Juan de Salcedo of the Spanish expeditionary army set sail from Cebu and explored the West coast of the island, encountering the Mangyans, who appeared used to seeing foreigners and were not at all a bit surprised at their arrival. On the contrary, it was he and Martin de Goiti who were surprised to see cross designs on the clothing and basketwork of the natives, and thought some early Christian missionary had been there before them. But later scholars believed the design was Indic in origin and had no religious meaning.
They also encountered moro settlers in Lubang Island that were vassals of and paid tribute to the kingdom of Maynila in the North, under Raha Sulaiman. This was the first real political system in the island. The moros, who apparently have heard of the invaders from their kinsmen in the south, engaged the small Spanish force who landed on their shore, but the Spaniards' arquebuses, and cannon fire from the ships hoved-to broadside to the Island, took the field. The moros fled to the hills, and Salcedo burned their village.
After the defeat of Sulaiman in the same year, Mindoro and other vassal states of Maynila became subject of Castillan rule. The island was officially referred to from then on as Mina de Oro (mine of gold), compressed later on into Mindoro. The free land name, Ma-i, fell into disuse, replaced by the colonial place name, Mindoro. But the Spanish-Moro war would rage on in Mindoro until toward the end of the Spanish regime in the 19th century.
In 1602, Moro forces plundered the most important Spanish towns along the coasts of Mindoro and Southern Luzon, and subsequently reestablished their hold in Mindoro by constructing a fort at Mamburao. From 1720 onwards Moro raids became devastating not only to the island's Hispanized communities but to other parts of the archipelago as well.
In 1757, the Moros, more particualrly, the Iranuns (a relative of the Maranaws of the Lake Lanao regions) organized a war fleet of 74 fast native ships called prahus they destroyed completely several settlements in the island, carrying off their inhabitants to be sold as slaves in the slave market in Jolo.
The fact that a Moro fort at Mamburao threatened Manila, the very capital of the colonial government, embarrassed the conquerors in the eyes of their native subjects, which was politically intolerable to the Spanish administrators. So in 1766, the Spaniards gathered a large force of 1,200 fully armed marines, augmented by a large army of native mercenaries, and burned the Iranun fort. But the moros simply faded into the hills to escape, and came back when the counter-raid was over and the raiders returned to Manila.
The moros not only plundered goods, but also—more importantly—took prisoners of war which they sold as slaves. Many Islamic leaders in Mindanao, in spite of the peace settlement with the Spaniards contained in treaties and formal agreements, supported piratical raids with arms, ammunition and food, not only because it was a patriotic act (defending moroland), but this patriotism was also giving them handsome profits. They received part of the "prisoners of war" when a successful raider returns, which earned them huge amounts.
Most of the raids were successful because of the fast watercrafts in the employ of the raiders. It was not until the commission of the vapor, fast steamships, in the mid-18th century that the Spanish navy successfully patrolled the archipelagic waters, and fared well against the wind-powered native seacrafts of the pirates. Many pirate fleets were sunk at sea, or confined to their hiding places.
The invention of machines during the industrial revolution, which gradually replaced manual labor, and the consecutive abolitions of slave ownership in many liberalized countries, caused a great decline in the demand for slave labor. Many of the pirate markets closed, and prices fell severely for captives.
With the loss to the Spanish navy increasing, and the eventual fall in profits from slave selling, raiding became less appealing to the Iranuns and their Islamic supporters. Uneconomical patriotism simply did not make quite an appeal. Thus, it came to pass that the moro pirates faded away from Mindoro's history. The pirates fort in Mamburao was abandoned, and the moros retreated to Mindanao to consolidate their forces and continue the moslem resistance at the homefront. Mindoro Island then became a Spanish possession in a truer sense for the first time. But not for long.
In 1896, the Philippine revolution begun, which spread like wildfire throughout the islands.In 1897, the Spaniards posted a rifle company of 140 troops and 51 marines to Calapan to secure the island from the forces of General Emilio Aguinaldo and his revolutionary army, then beginning to overrun Spanish positions in the archipelago. Only Mindoro was relatively safe. In 1898, the revolutionaries attacked and overwhelmed the settlement that is now Bongabong. The revolution also ignited in the western part (Occidental Mindoro), which seized control of the settlements there from the Spaniards. Finally, they marched against the capital of Calapan with some 1,000 ill-armed foot soldiers.
But the attack came to nothing. The Spanish defenses held. It was only the arrival of 1,000 regular army, with artillery, under General Malvar in Batangas that compelled the surrender of the Spaniards under Governor Morales. Hence on July 1, 1898, the Spanish rule in Mindoro Island, lasting for 328 years, came to an end.
A new battalion "Mindoro", with two rifle companies, was formed under the command of Captain Ruperto Hernandez and Estanislao Cayton, both from Batangas. The revolutionary political reins were held by the elite, who also held the same reins under the Spaniards (and later under the Americans). The revolution, therefore, was a revolution for liberation against colonial rule but not a war for social change, which was to be defeated late in the US-Filipino war that followed.
The political waltz continued, from Spanish colonialism to U.S. neo-colonialism.Im 1910, the succesor United States politico-military administration granted over 50 km² of land to the Welch and Fargo Sugar Company in what is now San Jose, which built the first modern and biggest sugar mill in the Far East at siete central (now barangay Central). In the same year, the boldly developing community of sugar cane planters, mill workers, company professionals and businessmen enabled the creation of San Jose as an official Philippine town.
Interesting sites
Paleonthology
LARGE SNAKE SKELETAL IMPRINT ON MILLION YEAR OLD ROCK
Location: Montangcob point, Anahawin River, Barangay Poypoy, Calintaan.
In a bend of Anahawin river called Montangcob point, a house-size boulder rests on the river bed, like an island. Etched on the side of the boulder is what is clearly a skeletal impression of a snake. The boulder may be millions of years old.
Online Community for Mindorenyos
WOW Philippines - Occidental Mindoro





















PROVINCE OF PALAWAN
Palawan is an island province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA region. Its capital is Puerto Princesa City, and it is the largest province in the country in terms of total area of jurisdiction. The islands of Palawan stretch from Mindoro to Borneo in the southwest. It lies between the South China Sea in the northwest and Sulu Sea in the southeast. The province is named after its largest island, Palawan Island, measuring 450 kilometers (280 mi) long, and 50 kilometers (31 mi) wide.[3][4]
Palawan is composed of the long and narrow Palawan Island, plus a number of other smaller islands surrounding the main island. The Calamianes Group of Islands, to the northwest consists of Busuanga Island, Culion Island, and Coron Island. Durangan Island almost touches the westernmost part of Palawan Island, while Balabac Island is located off the southern tip, separated from Borneo by the Balabac Strait. In addition, Palawan covers the Cuyo Islands in the Sulu Sea. The disputed Spratly Islands, located a few hundred kilometers to the west is considered part of Palawan by the Philippines, and is locally called the Kalayaan Group of Islands.
Palawan's almost 2,000 kilometers (1,200 mi) of irregular coastline are dotted with 1,780 islands and islets, rocky coves, and sugar-white sandy beaches. It also harbors a vast stretch of virgin forests that carpet its chain of mountain ranges. The mountain heights average 3,500 feet (1,100 m) in altitude, with the highest peak rising to 6,843 feet (2,086 m)[4] at Mount Matalingahan. The vast mountain areas are the source of valuable timber. The terrain is a mix of coastal plain, craggy foothills, valley deltas, and heavy forest interspersed with riverine arteries that serve as irrigation.[3]
History
The history of Palawan may be traced back 22,000 years ago, as confirmed by the discovery of bone fragments of the Tabon Man in the municipality of Quezon. Although the origin of the cave dwellers is not yet established, anthropologists believe they came from Borneo. Known as the Cradle of Philippine Civilization, the Tabon Caves consist of a series of chambers where scholars and anthropologists discovered the remains of the Tabon Man along with his tools and a number of artifacts.[3]
Ancient times
Waves of migrants arrived in the Philippines by way of land bridges between Borneo and Palawan. From 220 up to 263 AD, during the period of the Three Kingdoms, "Little, dark people" living in Anwei province in South China were driven South by Ham People. Some settled in Thailand, others went farther south to Indonesia, Sumatra, Borneo. They were known as Aetas and Negritos from whom Palawan's Batak tribe descended.[5] Other tribes known to inhabit the islands such as the Palawano and Tagbanua, are also descendants of the early settlers, who came via ice-age land bridges. They had a form of indigenous political structure developed in the island, wherein the natives had their non-formal form of government, an alphabet, and a system of trading with sea-borne merchants.[6]
In 982 AD, ancient Chinese traders regularly visit the islands.[5] A Chinese author referred to these islands as Kla-ma-yan (Calamian), Palau-ye (Palawan), and Paki-nung (Busuanga). Pottery, china and other artifacts recovered from caves and waters of Palawan attest to trade relations that existed between Chinese and Malay merchants.[6]
Pre-colonial era
In the 12th century, Malay settlers, who came on boats, began to populate the island. Most of the settlements were ruled by Malay chieftains. These people grew palay, ginger, coconuts, camote, sugar and bananas. They also raised pigs, goats and chickens. Most of their economic activities were fishing, farming, and hunting by the use of bamboo traps and blowguns. The local people had a dialect consisting of 18 syllables.[6] They were followed by the Indonesians of the Majapahit Empire in the 13th century, and they brought with them Buddhism and Hinduism.[7]
Because of Palawan's proximity to Borneo, southern portions of the island was under the control of the Sultanate of Borneo for more than two centuries, and Islam was introduced. During the same period, trade relations flourished, and intermarriages among the natives and the Chinese, Japanese, Arab, Hindu. The inter-mixing of blood resulted to a distinct breed of Palaweños, both in physical stature and features.[6]
Spanish period
After Ferdinand Magellan's death, remnant of his fleet landed in Palawan where the bounty of the land saved them from starvation. Antonio Pigafetta, Magellan's chronicler named the place "Land of Promise."[5]
The first ever recorded act of piracy in the Philippines happened in Palawan when Chief Tuan Mohamad and his staff were captured aboard their vessel and taken hostage by the Spaniards who demanded ransom within 7 days consisting of 400 sukats or 190 sacks of clean rice, 450 chickens, 20 pigs, 20 goats and several jars filled with tuba.[5]
The northern Calamianes Islands were the first to come under Spanish authority, and were later declared a province separate from the Palawan mainland. In the early 17th century, Spanish friars sent out missions in Cuyo, Agutaya, Taytay and Cagayancillo but they met resistance from Moro communities. Before 18th century, Spain began to build churches enclosed by garrisons for protection against Moro raids in the town of Cuyo, Taytay, Linapacan and Balabac. In 1749, the Sultanate of Borneo ceded southern Palawan to Spain.[6]
In 1818, the entire island of Palawan, or Paragua as it was called, was organized as a single province named Calamianes, with its capital in Taytay. By 1858, the province was divided into two provinces, namely, Castilla, covering the northern section with Taytay as capital and Asturias in the southern mainland with Puerto Princesa as capital. It was later then divided into three districts, Calamianes, Paragua and Balabac, with Principe Alfonso town as its capital. In 1902, the Americans established civil rule in northern Palawan, calling it the province of Paragua. Finally, in 1903, pursuant to Philippine Commission Act No. 1363, the province was reorganized to include the southern portions and renamed Palawan.[6]
American rule
When the Spaniards left after the 1898 revolution, a civil government was established by the Americans. Provincial boundaries were revised in 1903, the name of the province was changed to Palawan, and Puerto Princesa declared as its capital..[6]
Many reforms and projects were later introduced in the province. Construction of school buildings, promotion of agriculture, and bringing people closer to the government were among the priority plans during this era.[6]
Japanese invasion
The Palawan Massacre
During World War II, in order to prevent the rescue of prisoners of war by the advancing allies, on 14 December 1944, the Japanese herded the remaining 150 prisoners of war at Puerto Princesa into three covered trenches which were then set on fire using barrels of gasoline. Prisoners who tried to escape the flames were shot down. Others attempted to escape by climbing over a cliff that ran along one side of the trenches, but were later hunted down and killed. Only 11 men escaped the slaughter and between 133 and 141 were killed. The site of the massacre can still be visited. The massacre is the premise of the recently published book "Last Man Out: Glenn McDole, USMC, Survivor of the Palawan Massacre in World War II" by Bob Wilbanks, and the opening scenes of the 2005 Miramax movie, "The Great Raid".See also:
133 Palawan Massacre Victims Roster
123 Palawan Victims gravesite
Liberation
The island was liberated from the Japanese Imperial Forces by a task force consisting of Filipino and American military personnel between February 28 and April 22, 1945.

Political divisions
Palawan consists of 432 barangays, 23 municipalities, a lone city, Puerto Princesa, and two congressional districts that divide the province into north and south portions. Out of this, 13 are considered as mainland municipalities, and these are, Aborlan, Narra, Quezon, Sofronio Española, Brooke's Point, Rizal, and Bataraza (located south), Puerto Princesa (positioned in the center), and San Vicente, Roxas, Dumaran, El Nido, and Taytay (found in the north). The remaining municipalities are island municipalities, and they are: Busuanga, Coron, Linapacan and Culion (forming the Calamianes group of islands), Cuyo, Agutaya and Magsaysay (the Cuyo group of islands), Araceli, Cagayancillo, Balabac and Kalayaan (Spratly Islands).
It has a total land area of 14,896 square kilometer (sq km), which is distributed to its mainland municipalities, comprising 12,239 km², and the island municipalities, which altogether measure 2,657 km². On the average, each municipality has an area of 620 km². On the other hand, the island municipality of Cuyo (4,003 km²) ranks largest in terms of municipal waters. On the latter, the mainland municipality of Sofronio Española has the smallest marine area with only 485 km².
The largest municipalities are situated in the central and northern mainland, and they are: Puerto Princesa (2,106 km²), Taytay (1,390 km²), and Roxas (1,220 km²). On the contrary, the smallest local government units are the island municipalities of Cagayancillo (15.40 km²), Magsaysay (27.70 km²) and Cuyo (57.30 km²). All 24 local government units have 431 barangays as of June 2002.
[edit] Island Municipalities
Agutaya
Araceli
Balabac
Busuanga
Cagayancillo
Coron
Culion
Cuyo
Kalayaan
Linapacan
Magsaysay
Region
In 2001, the residents of Palawan voted in a plebiscite to reject a move from Region IV (Southern Tagalog) into an expanded Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
On 17 May 2002, Executive order No. 103 divided Region IV into Region IV-A (CALABARZON) and Region IV-B (MIMAROPA), placing the province of Palawan into MIMAROPA.
On 23 May 2005, Executive Order No. 429 directed that Palawan be transferred from Region IV to Region VI.[1] However, Palaweños criticized the move, citing a lack of consultation, with most residents in Puerto Princesa City and all municipalities but one preferring to stay with Region IV-B. Consequently, Administrative Order No. 129 was issued on 19 August 2005 that the implementation of EO 429 be held in abeyance pending approval by the President of its implementation Plan.[2] As of July 2008, the abeyance is still in effect and Palawan remains a part of MIMAROPA.
Demographics
People and culture
Further information: Tribes of Palawan
Based on the 2000 census, the population of the entire province is 737,000. The province is a melting pot of 87 different cultural groups and races who live together in peace and harmony. Basically, its culture bears a strong influence from China, India and the Middle East. Influx of migrants from other parts of the Philippines, particularly from Muslim Mindanao, accounts for the high population growth rate of 3.98% annually. The native-born Palaweños still predominate the populace. Eighteen percent is composed of cultural minority groups such as the Tagbanua, Palawano, Batak, and Molbog.
Language/Dialect
There are 52 dialects in the province, with Tagalog being spoken by 28 percent of the people. Other major dialects are Cuyonon (26.27 percent), Palawano (11.08 percent), and Ilonggo (9.6 percent). English is also widely spoken.
Religion
The predominant religion in Palawan is Roman Catholicism. Pockets of indigenous Muslims can be found in the southern municipalities with Muslims making up the majority of the population in some municipalities in the far south like Balabac and Bataraza. Members of the Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormons or LDS) are present on Palawan, as well as the Seventh-day Adventists, Iglesia ni Cristo, Jesus Miracle Crusade, Jesus Touch Fellowship,LifeChurch(LRCM and other Christian denominations. There are also Buddhists - mainly Vietnamese refugees who settled in Palawan, as well as some ethnic Chinese Buddhists. One notable Vietnamese Buddhist Temple in Palawan being Vihara Van Phat. Most of the ethnic minorities such as Batak and Tagbanwa are animists, but many have become Christians (usually Protestant) or have joined other sects.
Education
Enrollment in public elementary schools is steadily increasing. From 146,114 in 2003, the number of students in the public elementary schools went up to 147,013 in the year 2004 while enrollees in public secondary schools reached 55,887.[10]
Literacy rate in Palawan is increasing by 2% annually because of expanding access to education. Among these programs are the establishment of schools in remote barangays, non-formal education, multi-grade mobile teaching and the drop-out intervention program.[10]
Public schools in the province consist of 623 elementary schools, 126 secondary schools and two universities. Private schools are as follows: 26 – elementary; 19 – secondary; 4 private colleges and 10 vocational schools. Some of the private institutions are the Holy Trinity College, Fullbright College, Palawan Polytechnical College Inc., in Roxas, San Vicente and Puerto Princesa City, Systems Technology Institute (STI), AMA Computer Learning Center (ACLC) in Puerto Princesa City, San Francisco Javier College in Narra, Loyola College in Culion, St. Jpseph Academy in Cuyo, St. Augustine Academy in Coron and the Coron Technical School.[10]
Among the public institutions are the Palawan State University, Western Philippines University in Aborlan and Puerto Princesa, Coron College of Fisheries, Puerto Princesa School of Arts and Trade and the Palawan College of Arts and Trade in Cuyo, Palawan.
Environment
Palawan, the only Philippine island cited, is rated by National Geographic Traveler magazine as the best island destination in East and Southeast Asia region in 2007, and the 13th best island in the world having "incredibly beautiful natural seascapes and landscapes. One of the most biodiverse (terrestrial and marine) islands in the Philippines...The island has had a Biosphere Reserve status since early 1990s, showing local interest for conservation and sustainable development".[11][12]
The province was also categorized as "doing well" in the 4th Destination Scorecard survey conducted by the National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations, and Conde Nast Traveler magazine voted its beaches, coves and islets as the tourist destination with the best beaches in Asia.[13] Renowned underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau has described the province as having one of the most beautiful seascapes in the world.[14] and Caril Ridley, founder of Palawan Environmental and Marine Studies Center (PEMS) says the Islands of northern Palawan are destine to become a future destination for Asia's growing economic and environmental conferencing.
Palawan is the habitat of 232 endemic species. Some of these unique creatures are the metallic-colored peacock pheasant, the shy mousedeer, the cuddly bearcat, and the reclusive scaly anteater. In the forests and grasslands, the air resonates with the songs of more than 200 kinds of birds. Over 600 species of butterflies flutter around the mountains and fields of Palawan, attracted to some 1500 hosts plants found here. Endangered sea turtles nest on white sand beaches, and the gentle dugong feeds on the seagrass that abound in Palawan’s waters.[14]
Total forest cover is about 56 percent of the total land area of the province while mangrove forest accounts for 3.35 percent based on the 1998 Landsat imagery. Grasslands dwindled from 19 percent in 1992 to 12.40 percent in 1998. This is an indication of improving soil condition as deteriorating soil is normally invaded by grass species. Brushlands increased to 25 percent of the total land area. Sprawled beneath the seas are nearly 11,000 square kilometers of coral reefs, representing more than 35% of the country’s coral reefs.[14]
Notable sites
Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary
A game reserve and wildlife sanctuary of exotic African animals and endangered endemic animals of Palawan. The reserve was established on August 31, 1976 by virtue of the Presidential Decree No.1578, this was initiated in response to the appeal of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature to help save African wildlife when former President Ferdinand Marcos attended the 3rd World Conference in Kenya. By virtue of the Republic Act 7611 (SEP), administrative jurisdiction of DENR was given to the local government of Palawan, effective December 31, 1993. Management of the area is the responsibility of the Office of the Palawan Council of Sustainable Development (PCSD). It is located in Calauit Island in Busuanga.
Coron Reefs, Coron Bay, Busuanga
Seven lakes surrounded by craggy limestone cliffs attract hundreds of nature lovers to Coron Reefs in Northern Palawan, near the town of Coron. Busuanga Island, whose main town is Coron, is the jump-off point for numerous dive operators. The principal dive sites are 12 World War II Japanese shipwrecks sunk on September 24, 1944 by US Navy action. They range in depth from the surface to 40 meters. This large variety offers exciting wreck exploration for enthusiasts, from novice divers and snorkelers and recreational divers to experienced TEC divers. Dive operators offer PADI dive courses ranging from Discover Scuba to Assistant Instructor, Technical and Enriched Air Diving, as well as other specialty courses. Dive operators offer day diving, snorkeling trips, and overnight dive safaris. Live-aboard and charter boats also offer diving in the area. The aquatic views from the sunken Japanese warships off Coron Island are listed in Forbes Traveler Magazine’s top 10 best scuba sites in the world.[13]
El Nido Marine Reserve Park
The January 2008 issue of international magazine Travel + Leisure, published by the American Express Co. (which partnered with Conservation International) listed El Nido’s sister hotel resorts El Nido Lagen Island and El Nido Miniloc Island in Miniloc and Lagen Islands as “conservation-minded places on a mission to protect the local environment.” Travel + Leisure’s 20 Favorite Green Hotels scored El Nido Resort’s protection of Palawan’s giant clam gardens and the re-introduction of endangered Philippine cockatoos: "8. El Nido Resorts, Philippines: Guest cottages on stilts are set above the crystalline ocean. The resorts are active in both reef and island conservation."[15]
Malampaya Sound Land and Seascape Protected Area
Located in the Municipality of Taytay, this important ecological and economic zone is a watershed and fishing ground, and the habitat of Bottle-nosed and Irrawaddy dolphins.[16]
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park (1999)
This park features a large limestone karst landscape with an underground river. One of the river's distinguishing features is that it emerges directly into the sea, and its lower portion is subject to tidal influences. The area also represents a significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. The site contains a full 'mountain-to-sea' ecosystem and has some of the most important forests in Asia.
Tubbataha Reef Marine Park (1993)
The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park covers 332 km², including the North and South Reefs. It is a unique example of an atoll reef with a very high density of marine species; the North Islet serving as a nesting site for birds and marine turtles. The site is an excellent example of a pristine coral reef with a spectacular 100 m perpendicular wall, extensive lagoons and two coral islands.
Ursula Island
This game refuge and bird sanctuary is situated near the Municipality of Brooke's Point in southern Palawan. The islet is a migratory and wintering ground for shorebirds and seabirds.[16]
Climate
The province has two types of climate. The first, which occurs in the northern and southern extremities and the entire western coast, has two distinct seasons – six months dry and six months wet. The other, which prevails in the eastern coast, has a short dry season of one to three months and no pronounced rainy period during the rest of the year. The southern part of the province is virtually free from tropical depressions but northern Palawan experiences torrential rains during the months of July and August. Summer months serve as peak season for Palawan. Sea voyage is most favorable from March to early June when the seas are calm.[3]
Geology
The crust of northeast Palawan was derived from mainland China. It is the exposed portion of a microcontinent that drifted southward with the opening of the South China Sea. This microcontinent also forms the shallow water north of Palawan in the Reed Bank-Dangerous Grounds area of the southern South China Sea. Some of the oldest rocks of the Philippines are found in northeast Palawan (Permian-Carboniferous age). Southwest Palawan exposes primarily ophiolitic material (rocks derived from uplifted oceanic crust and mantle). This oceanic material appears to have been thrust upon the continental crust. The transition from "oceanic" (ophiolitic)-type units in the southwest to "continental"-type rocks in the northeast occurs in the area of central Palawan around Ulugan Bay. In the Dalrymple Point area, on the east side of Ulugan Bay, are several exposures showing that the Palawan ophiolite has been thrust on to the continent-derived clastic rocks ("Sabang thrust").
Specific rock types in the "continental" northeast, include clastic rocks (sandstones and mudstones). Good exposures of these rocks types can be found on the main road running along the southern coast east of Puerto Princesa all the way up to Malampaya Sound. These rocks probably formed the continental shelf, rise, slope or even deeper marine deposits on the southeast margin of China prior to the opening of the South China Sea.
Further north, around the Malampaya Sound area and up to the El Nido area, one finds deep marine chert and limestone. Based on the structure of these sedimentary units, it is thought that they formed part of an accretionary prism on the southeast margin of China at a time when that part of China was an Andean-type plate margin (an ocean-continent subduction zone). The chert and limestone were scrapped off of an oceanic plate and accreted to the margin of China (again, prior to the opening of the South China Sea). Some of the limestones are also thought to be of olistostromal origin (i.e., they formed in shallow water but were transported to deeper water by submarine slides).
It is interesting to note that the spectacular karst limestones in the St. Paul area and El Nido area that Palawan is somewhat famous for are of different origin and age. The limestones in the St. Paul National Park east of Ulugan Bay (where the famous Undeground River is located) are relatively young. Based on their fossil content they are assigned an Oligocene-Miocene age (~30 to 15 million years old). These younger limestones formed largely as reef structures on the bit of continental crust that drifted south from China during the opening of the South China Sea. These are the same limestones that host most of the oil and gas that is being extracted offshore in the South China Sea. In contrast, the limestones in the El Nido area are largely Permian in age (~300-250 million years old). They are the equivalent of the karst limestones found in Vietnam and China.
Intruding these rocks in central Palawan (Cleopatra's Needle area) and northern Palawan (Mount Capoas or Kapoas area) are young granite bodies (true granite to granodiorite) of Miocene age (13-15 Million years old based on zircon and monazite U-Pb dating). In the Taytay area of northern Palawan, a young basaltic cinder cone is another manifestation of young magmatic activity. The granitic magmatism and basaltic magmatism are both expressions of what has been identified as a widespread post-South China Sea spreading magmatism that has affected many areas around the South China Sea. Hydrothermal activity associated with mercury mineralization near Puerto Princesa is yet another sign of recent magmatic-hydrothermal activity. Surprisingly though, Palawan is relatively "quiet" in terms of seismic activity. Very few moderate-sized earthquakes are recorded in the area in contrast to the rest of the Philippines east of Palawan which are very seismically active.
Security
Spearheading the maintenance of the peace and order situation are the Armed Forces of the Philippines–Western Command in Canigaran and the Philippine National Police-Palawan Command with headquarters in Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa. Military units in the province under the Western Command are the Philippine Air Force 4th Naval District IV, Delta Company and 10th Marine Battalion Landing Team located in Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa.
Economy
Palawan's economy is basically agricultural. The three major crops are palay, corn and coconut. Mineral resources include nickel, copper, manganese, and chromite. Logging is also a major industry. Palawan has one of the richest fishing grounds in the country. About 45% of Manila's supply of fish comes from here. Having natural gas reserves of approximately 30,000 trillion cubic feet, the province is the only oil-producing province in the country.[17][18] In addition, tourism is also a thriving sector.
The economic and agricultural business growth of province is at 20% per annum.[18] Coconut, sugar, rice, lumber, and livestock are produced here.[4]
Communication
Four telecommunication companies provide local and international direct distance dialing and fax services. Inter island communications is available through the government’s telegraph network and the Provincial Radio Communication System. In addition, there are 19 post offices, a number of cargo forwarders provide air parcel and freight services.[10]
The province has access to two satellite-linked television stations. Cable television in the City of Puerto Princesa offers dozens of foreign channels while smaller firms provide cable services in selected towns. Individual cable facility (Dream Cable) is available locally. Seven radio stations are based in Puerto Princesa, four on the AM and three on the FM bands. Community-based radio stations operate in some of the municipalities in the north and south of the province. Additional stations are expected to set up local affiliates in the capital city of Puerto Princesa.[10]
Two mobile phone companies, Smart Communications and Globe Telecom, are operating in the province. Sun Cellular is expected to start operations in the province soon.[10]
There are three Internet Service Providers in the Province-Kawing Internet, Mozcom Puerto Princesa and Pal-Isla Globelines Broadband, PLDT My DSL and Smart Amazing Wireless Broadband are also available.[10]
AM Radio stations
DYPR 765 kHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by Palawan Broadcasting Corporation
DWMR Radyo ng Bayan Palawan, owned by Philippine Broadcasting Service
DZRH Puerto Princesa DYPH 693 kHz, owned by Manila Broadcasting Company
FM Radio stations
DYUN 89.3 MHz in Aborlan, owned by State Polytechnic University of Palawan
91.1 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by ZOE Broadcasting
92.3 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by Interactive Broadcasting Media
94.3 MHz Home Radio in Puerto Princesa, owned by Aliw Broadcasting
95.9 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by Katigbak Enterprises
95.9 MHz in Taytay, owned by Palawan Boradcasting Corporation
97.5 MHz Campus Radio in Puerto Princesa, owned by Republic Broadcasting Systems (Radio GMA)
DYEZ 98.3 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by Manila Broadcasting Company
DWWA Radyo Cabayugan 98.5 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by Palawan Council for Sustainable Development
The Hit FM 99.1 in Puerto Princesa, owned by Rajah Broadcasting
DYPR IFM 99.9 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by Palawan Broadcasting Corporation
DWRZ Radyo Natin 100.5 MHz in Coron, owned by Manila Broadcasting Company
DWGA Radyo Inogbong 101.1 MHz in Bataraza, owned by Palawan Council for Sustainable Development
DWRO Radyo Natin 101.3 MHz in Roxas, owned by Manila Broadcasting Company
Bay Radio 103.1 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by Baycomms Broadcasting Corporation
Radyo Natin 103.3 MHz in Taytay, owned by Manila Broadcasting Company
DYMS 103.9 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by Romeo Servando (Rolin Broadcasting)
DWMI Radyo Natin 104.5 MHz in Brooke's Point, owned by Manila Broadcasting Company
105.5 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by VTV
TV stations
DYPR -TV Channel 7, in Puerto Princesa, owned by Palawan Broadcasting Corporation (an affiliate of ABS-CBN)
NBN Channel 4 in Puerto Princesa, owned by National Broadcasting Network
GMA Channel 12 in Puerto Princesa
Cable Television Companies
Calamianes Cable Television, Inc.-Coron, Palawan
Culion CATV Services, Inc.-Culion, Palawan
Cuyo Cable TV Corporation-Cuyo, Palawan
Global Destiny Cable-Puerto Princesa
Palawan Cable Television Corporation-Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa CATV, Inc.-Puerto Princesa
Roxas Cable Television, Inc.-Roxas, Palawan
Taytay CATV Service-Taytay, Palawan
Treasure Cable Television, Inc.-Cuyo, Palawan
Vinta Cable Services-Brooke's Point, Palawan
Vinta Cable Services-Narra, Palawan
Print media
The Palawan Times by Luntian Publishing Inc., a weekly newspaper in Puerto Princesa
Palawan Sun Online
Bandillo ng Palawan
Health facilities
There are nine provincial government hospitals, two national government hospitals, one military hospital and nine private hospitals in the province. The Ospital ng Palawan, managed and administered by the Department of Health (DOH), and the Palawan Adventist Hospital are located in Puerto Princesa. The Culion Sanitarium and General Hospital in Culion is also a DOH-run hospital.[10]
Hospitals in Palawan
Medicare Hospitals
Aborlan Medicare Hospital
Quezon Medicare Hospital
Roxas Medicare Hospital
District Hospitals
Brooke’s Point District Hospital
Taytay District Hospital
Cuyo District Hospital
Coron District Hospital
Municipal Hospital
Narra Municipal Hospital
Dumaran Municipal Hospital
Rural Health Units with Lying-In
Rizal Rural Health Unit
Bataraza Rural Health Unit
San Vicente Rural Health Unit
Araceli Rural Health Unit
Linapacan Rural Health Unit
Busuanga Rural Health Unit
Cagayancillo Rural Health Unit
Private Hospitals
Palawan Adventist Hospital - San Pedro, Puerto Princesa
Sacred Heart Hospital - Narra
Manipol Hospital – Brooke’s Point
RTN Hospital – Rio-Tuba, Bataraza
Palawan Baptist Hospital – Roxas
Alfonso Birthing Home – Malvar St., Puerto Princesa
Leoncio General Hospital – Brooke’s Point
Sagrado Hospital – Brooke’s Point
Cooperative Hospital/Medical Mission Group - Burgos St., Puerto Princesa
Public services
Electricity
The National Power Corporation has 14 electric facilities all over Palawan. It operates with a total of 51.363 megawatts of electricity. These electric facilities include:[19]
Agutaya Power Plant
Araceli Power Plant
Balabac Power Plant
Cagayancillo Power Plant
Culion Power Plant
Cuyo Power Plant
El Nido Power Plant
Linapacan Power Plant
Delta P (IPP)
Puerto Princesa Power Plant
Roxas Power Plant
San Vicente Power Plant
Taytay Power Plant
NPC Modular Power Plant (Irawan)
Water facilities
Water facilities in Palawan are classified as Level I (deepwell, handpump), Level II (communal faucet), or Level III (house connection). Among all of these types, Level I has the most number of units, accounting to 17,438; this is followed by Level III, with 1,688 units; and Level II, with only 94 units.[19]



PUERTO PRINCESA CITY
The City of Puerto Princesa (Filipino: Lungsod ng Puerto Princesa), the capital of Palawan, is a first class city in the Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 210,508 people in 33,306 households. It is famous for its crocodile farms, underground rivers and dive spots. It is also the largest city in the Philippines in terms of total land area. This city is the hometown of the former House Speaker Ramon Mitra, Jr..
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features a spectacular limestone karst landscape with its underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it flows directly into the sea, and the lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. The area also represents a significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. The site contains a full mountain to the sea ecosystem and protects forests, which are among the most significant in Asia.
On 30 June 1992, Edward S. Hagedorn was elected Mayor of the city and completed his three term limit of three years for every term. In November 2002, Hagedorn was re-elected as mayor of the city.
Although a highly-urbanized city, its charter permits its voters to vote for provincial positions but not does not allow them to run for these positions.[1]
Geography
Puerto Princesa City lies at the mid-section of the long strip of Palawan Island province. It is approximately 306 nautical miles from Manila, 206 nautical miles to Panay Island and about 250 nautical miles to Zamboanga. It is bounded on the North by the Municipality of San Vicente and Roxas and on the South by the Municipality of Aborlan. Its Western side is a coastline of the South China Sea while to the East lies the Sulu Sea.
Total land area is 253,982 hectares stretched over 106 kilometers long with the narrowest breadth of 8.5 kilometers in Barangay Bahile.
Puerto Princesa City has now 35 urban barangays and 31 rural or a total of 66 barangays.
History
Legend attributes the name “Puerto Princesa” to a princess-like maiden who in the early days is said to have roamed around the place on certain nights of the year. On the other hand, practical people attribute the name to the geographical advantages of the place as a seaport – naturally protected the whole year round and endowed with a depth that can accommodate any size of shipping – a royal heaven for vessels or a virtual princess of ports as thus indicated by Spanish Colonizers on the country’s map.
Historically, the place was named after Princess Eulalia of Spain, born in 1864 to Queen Isabel II and her consort, Dr. Francisco de Asis. When the princess suffered an untimely death, the Queen changed the name to Puerto de la Princesa. Eventually, the name was reduced to Puerto Princesa as it is known today.
Spanish Colonizers founded the settlement on 4 March 1872 in the course of their exploration of the province. As they scanned the Palawan shoreline for a capital site, they came upon a hill with steep declivity. Rowing to shore, they surveyed the hill and discovered an extensive plateau which they decided as ideal for settlement.
Soon after, Fr. Antonio Muro levelled a portion of the hill to make way for a chapel. (That section is now occupied by the Catholic Cathedral, the P.C. Barracks and the Rizal Park. The Old Municipal Building used to be there, as well as an Elementary School). The first mass celebrated in Puerto Princesa took place at a site where a marker now stands.
In May 1872, the port became the center of Spanish Naval Operations in the area because the few natives were peaceful and the Bay met all the Navy’s requirements. Royal Decrees later provided incentives to settlers, such that by 1883 settlement had flourished into a town of twelve roads, a hospital and well built port.
In 1894, Puerto Princesa was recognized by government authorities as one of the most beautiful towns in the country by virtue of the orderly distribution of streets, buildings and houses as well as the cleanliness of the community.
In 1911, the New American Administration made Puerto Princesa the seat of the Palawan Provincial Government with Major John Brown as Lieutenant Governor.
The town was converted into a city on 1 January 1970 under R.A. 5906 as amended by P.D. 437, through the effort of then Congressman Ramon V. Mitra, Jr. Feliberto R. Oliveros, Jr. became the first City Mayor.
Since its foundation, Puerto Princesa has been the nerve center of activities in Palawan. Aside from being the seat of public administration, it is the heart of trade, commerce, service, and industry in the province.
Today, under the leadership of Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn, the City has gained the distinction of being a model city – in cleanliness, environmental protection and conservation, and local governance in general.
And so, with a responsive leadership and an inspired citizenry, the tradition of Puerto Princesa being a beautiful and clean city lives on.
People/Culture
Waves of migrants from other Philippine provinces, and even other countries, have turned Puerto Princesa into a melting pot of various cultures. Among the original inhabitants are the Cuyunons who have a rich legacy of folklore and traditions. Indigenous groups include the Tagbanuas and the Bataks, each group with its distinct culture and system of beliefs.
Total inhabitants number about 161,912 (as of May, 2000), Three fourth of the population resides in the city proper, an urban settlement on the shores of Puerto Princesa Bay. While the predominant local tongue is Cuyuno, Tagalog, Visayan, as well as English are widely spoken.
E-tricycle
Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn unveiled the environment-friendly and economical electric-powered “Trikebayan” (which does not emit any noise or carbon monoxide) at the Kapihan sa Sulo forum, Sulo Hotel, Quezon City. The Trikebayan costs only P 48 or $ 1.20 per day to operate, while a gasoline-powered tricycle operation would cost P 200. Rolly Concepcion, who conceptualized the Trikebayan, said that converting a tricycle engine to electric costs P 68,000. The 36-watt rechargeable battery under the passenger seat can run for 12 hours.[2]
Barangays
Puerto Princesa City is politically subdivided into 66 barangays, 35 in urban area and 31 in rural area.
Bagong Bayan (Rural)
Bagong Pag-Asa (Urban)
Bagong Sikat (Urban)
Bagong Silang (Urban)
Bahile (Rural)
Bancao-bancao (Urban)
Buenavista (Rural)
Cabayugan (Rural)
Concepcion (Rural)
Inagawan (Rural)
Irawan (Urban)
Iwahig (Rural)
Kalipay (Urban)
Kamuning (Rural)
Langogan (Rural)
Liwanag (Urban)
Lucbuan (Rural)
Mabuhay (Urban)
Macarascas (Rural)
Magkakaibigan (Urban)
Maligaya (Urban)
Manalo (Rural)
Manggahan (Urban)
Maningning (Urban)
Maoyon (Rural)
Marufinas (Rural)
Maruyogon (Rural)
Masigla (Urban)
Masikap (Urban)
Masipag (Urban)
Matahimik (Urban)
Matiyaga (Urban)
Maunlad (Urban)
Milagrosa (Urban)
Model (Urban)
Montible (Rural)
Napsan (Rural)
New Panggangan (Rural)
Pagkakaisa (Urban)
Princesa (Urban)
Salvacion (Rural)
San Jose (Urban)
San Miguel (Urban)
San Pedro (Urban)
San Rafael (Rural)
Santa Cruz (Rural)
Santa Lourdes (Urban)
Santa Lucia (Rural)
Santa Monica (Urban)
Seaside (Urban)
Sicsican (Urban)
Simpocan (Rural)
Tagabinet (Rural)
Tagburos (Urban)
Tagumpay (Urban)
Tanabag (Rural)
Tanglaw (Urban)
Mangingisda (Rural)
Inagawan Sub-Colony (Rural)
Luzviminda (Rural)
Mandaragat (Urban)
San Manuel (Urban)
Tiniguiban (Urban)
Television Networks
AZ Communications: Channel 2
National Broadcasting Network: Channel 4
Conamor Broadcasting System: Channel 5
Palawan Broadcasting Corporation: Channel 7
GMA Network: Channel 12
Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation: Channel 13
ABS-CBN: Channel 23
ACQ-Kingdom Broadcasting Network: Channel 35
Radio Stations
DYEH 729 khz.- ConAmor Broadcasting Corporation
DYEH 95.9 mhz Yeah FM- ConAmor Broadcasting Corporation
94.3 MHz Home Radio in Puerto Princesa, owned by Aliw Broadcasting
91.1 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by ZOE Broadcasting
DWWA Radyo Cabayugan 98.5 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by Palawan Council for Sustainable Development
The Hit FM 99.1 in Puerto Princesa, owned by Rajah Broadcasting
DYPR The Beat 99.9 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by Palawan Broadcasting Corporation
Bay Radio 103.1 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by Baycomms Broadcasting Corporation
DYMS 103.9 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by Romeo Servando (Rolin Broadcasting)
105.5 MHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by VTV
DZRH Puerto Princesa DYPH 693 kHz, owned by Manila Broadcasting Company
DYPR 765 kHz in Puerto Princesa, owned by Palawan Broadcasting Corporation
DWMR Radyo ng Bayan Palawan, owned by Philippine Broadcasting Service



















CALAPAN CITY
City of Calapan is a 2nd class city in the province of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. It is the capital city of Oriental Mindoro. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 116,976 people in 20,929 households.
Since its cityhood in 1998, the city's economy is dependent on agriculture and fishing however, a growing industry in machinery and tourism has contributed well to the city's annual income making it one of the fastest growing new cities in the last 10 years. Calapan also plays a big role in the growth of the whole province of Mindoro as it serves as a gateway with the implementation of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway, an integrated Roll On-Roll Off project of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo that extends further to the southern part of the Philippines. The Calapan City Seaport is the largest and busiest seaport in the Mindoro island through ships that travels to and from Batangas City International Seaport.
Calapan City is currently one of the only two cities (the other one is Puerto Princesa City) in the MIMAROPA region of the Philippines. Since the declaration of Puerto Princesa City as a highly urbanized city and the possible removal of Palawan, Calapan City has been the center of the newly created MIMARO region.
Institutions of Higher Learning
The city has more private colleges/universities than public institutions. The Divine Word College of Calapan (DWCC), a Catholic college run by the Divine Word Missionaries (SVD) is currently the largest institution of higher learning in the city and the whole province of Oriental Mindoro. Other private institutions of higher learning includes Luna Goco Medical Center and Colleges (Nursing and Medicine), St. Anthony College of Science and Technology (Information Technology), Filipino Academy of Scientific Trades (Maritime Studies), AMA Computer Learning Center (Information Technology), and CLCC Institute of Computer Arts and Technology (Information Technology).
The only public college is the Mindoro State College of Agriculture and Technology however, the city government announced its plans of building the Calapan City Colleges on 2008 through the initiative of Mayor Salvador "Doy" Leachon.
In addition, the city is home to more than 10 public high schools including Jose J. Leido Jr. Memorial National High School or Lemnahis, the flagship campus of Oriental Mindoro and one of the largest public high schools in Region IV.
San Vicente Central
San Vicente Central is one of Calapan City's barangays as well as the center of the growing metropolis Calapan. It is the city's major financial and commercial district. Some of the big establishments in San Vicente Central are the Hotel Mayi, the tallest building in Oriental Mindoro; the Citimart Island Mall and Cinema; the Calapan City Public Market; GE Mart (Golden Eagle Mart); Globe Telecom; Smart Communications Wireless Center; Caballero Marketing; Good Morning Enterprises and Juanita Mart.
Notable restaurants include Mabuhay Restaurant, L & V Restaurant and 3M Pizza while Filipino fastfoods include Jollibee Foods Corporation, Chowking Foods and Greenwich Pizza.
San Vicente Central is divided by the busy J.P Rizal Avenue where hundreds of internet cafes, boutiques, electronic gadgets stores, digital imaging studios, hardware stores, pawnshops, beauty salon, accessory booths, and local shopping centers span.
Chinese Calapenos make up the majority of the vendors however, a growing number of Muslim merchants from the southern Philippines also constitutes a minority group.
Being the only city in the island of Oriental Mindoro, Calapan City receives the largest numbers of visitors from other municipalities everyday, mostly local store owners who buy supplies for retail in their area. The city also has the largest wet market in the province complete with all kinds of fish and meat for sale.
Calapan City flooding in 2005
Calapan City was hit by tropical depression Quedan and heavy moonson rains on December 11, 2005 resulting to massive floodings all over the city and nearby municipalities. It is reported that 60 out of the 62 barangays were affected by the floodings due to the swelling of the Bucayao River, a big river located at the southern part of the city that spans seven barangays and a landslide occurrence in the Bucayao dike.
On December 18, 2005, PAGASA issued the final bulletin of TD Quedan however, as it moved farther away from the country, eastern and southern Luzon still experienced continuous rains which resulted to the renewed breaching of the temporary dike in Calapan City.
According to the website of the International Red Cross Federation and Red Crescent Society, 14,247 families or 85,446 people affected in Calapan City and four other towns.
National Response
Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo visited Calapan City on December 7, 2005 to personally assess the situation and presided the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) emergency meeting with concerned local government officials in Oriental Mindoro and turned over 200 sacks of rice to PDCC Oriental Mindoro and City Disaster Coordinating Council (CDCC) Calapan City.
On December 8, 2005, Ms. Arroyo presided the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) emergency meeting at the National Disaster Management Center and gave instructions to fast track the restoration of electricity in the affected city and municipalities of Oriental Mindoro and to issue a memorandum to all implementing agencies to maintain a 24-hour operations in their respective operation centers in view of PAGASA's forecast of long period of rains induced by northeasterly wind.
In compliance with the above instructions, the NDCC wrote a letter of request addressed to the General Manager of the Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative (ORMECO) to fast track the full restoration of electric power supply of the affected areas particularly in Calapan City. In addition, Memorandum Circular No. 08 was issued to NDCC member agencies for the maintenance of round the clock manning of respective agency operations center for quick response in case flooding and other similar disaster situations.
The NDCC Operations Center coordinated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the availability of all aircraft for the conduct of ocular inspection, damage assessment, search, rescue and relief operations in the flood-stricken areas in Mindoro and Palawan. With the cooperation of the Department of Transportation and Communications (Philippines) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), trips from Calapan City to southern Mindoro were suspended.
On the other hand, the National Food Authority (Philippines) (NFA) released 1,000 sacks of rice (300 to PDCC Oriental Mindoro, 200 to Calapan City and 500 to PDCC Palawan) while the Department of Health (Philippines) (DOH) provided assorted medicines worth of P1,788,287.00 that were divided to Mindoro and Palawan provinces. The Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Philippine National Red Cross provided assorted relief goods (food and non-food items) to familied affected by flood.
Senator Manny Villar also donated 1000 boxes of repacked rice and 1000 boxes of used clothing on December 11, 2005.
Local Response
The City Government of Calapan established a community kitchen at Jose J. Leido Jr. Memorial National High School evacuation and provided assorted relief goods to more than 100 affected families.
Calapan City was also declared a State of Calamity to enable to utilize its 5% local Calamity Fund for emergency relief operations.
Barangays
City of Calapan is politically subdivided into 62 barangays.
Balingayan
Balite
Baruyan
Batino
Bayanan I
Bayanan II
Biga
Bondoc
Bucayao
Buhuan
Bulusan
Sta. Rita
Calero
Camansihan
Camilmil
Canubing I
Canubing II
Comunal
Guinobatan
Gulod
Gutad
Ibaba East
Ibaba West
Ilaya
Lalud
Lazareto
Libis
Lumangbayan
Mahal Na Pangalan
Maidlang
Malad
Malamig
Managpi
Masipit
Nag-Iba I
Navotas
Pachoca
Palhi
Panggalaan
Parang
Patas
Personas
Puting Tubig
San Raphael (formerly Salong)
San Antonio
San Vicente Central
San Vicente East
San Vicente North
San Vicente South
San Vicente West
Sta. Cruz
Sta. Isabel
Sto. Niño (formerly Nacoco)
Sapul
Silonay
Sta. Maria Village
Suqui
Tawagan
Tawiran
Tibag
Wawa
Nag-Iba II
Notable Calapeňos
N. V. M. Gonzalez - Internationally acclaimed writer and educator
Charo Santos-Concio - President, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation
Arleo E. Magtibay - 1983 Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Awardee - in the field of Engineering
Marielle Infantado - National Filipino Swimmer; 1st ASEAN Games; 2nd POF Championship; 27th, 29th and 31st SEA Games; Nestle MILO Product Endorser
Edzen Dinglasan - National Filipino Swimmer; 29th and 30th SEA Games
Edson Dinglasan - National Filipino Swimmer, 30th SEA Games; Philippine National Open
Patrick dela Rosa - Filipino actor, politician
Jireh Ibanez, Basketball Player, UP Diliman
Kevin Durant (Basketball) NBA Player Brother of Calapan Native 5"10' IHMA Varsity.



















PROVINCE OF ORIENTAL MINDORO
Oriental Mindoro (Filipino: Silangang Mindoro; Spanish: Mindoro Oriental) is a province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA region in Luzon. Its capital is Calapan City and occupies the eastern half of the island of Mindoro; Occidental Mindoro is the western half. To the east of the province lies the Sibuyan Sea and Romblon. To the north is Batangas across the Verde Island Passage. The Semirara Islands of Antique are to the south.
Oriental Mindoro is famous among tourists for Puerto Galera. This municipality, only a few hours from Manila, boasts splendid white beach resorts and diving spots. For the adventurous Mt. Halcon, on the western border of the province, provides one of the most challenging mountain climbing experiences in the Philippines.
History
Spaniards first arrived on Mindoro in the 16th century and initially administered it as part of Batangas. The island gained full provincial status in 1921. In November 1950, the island was divided into the provinces of Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro.
Economy
Oriental Mindoro relies on tourism and agriculture, especially fruits, for its income. 70% of the population is engaged in agriculture and fishing; the remaining 30% engages in commercial and other livelihood means.
Famous personalities from Oriental Mindoro
Florante D. Villarica - writer, historian and an expert on Mindoro from History, politics, to Myths and Lores - Calapan
Justice Luciano A. Joson - Former Associate Justice SANDIGANBAYAN ; Congressman (Oriental Mindoro) 5th-6th Congress ; Father of Provincial Board Member Philip Joson - Socorro
Jose J. Leido, Jr. - Former Minister of Natural Resources (now DENR) Calapan City ; Former Congressman
Ernesto Lopez Umali (local hero and ex Mayor) Bongabong
Atty.Arnan C. Panaligan-Provincial Governor
Atty. Estee Aceron-Vice Governor, Ms. UST-1st Runner Up
Philippine Vice-President Noli de Castro - Pola
Adrian Jr."Adi" A. Maronilla. The Wonder Boy of the Philippines for his intellectual supremacy. - Victoria
Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Awardee - in the field of Engineering -1983 Arleo E. Magtibay - Calapan City
Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Awardee - in the field of Human Settlements -1983 Rodolfo G. Valencia - Naujan
NBI Director Atty. Nestor M. Mantaring - Bongabong
IBP Governor for Greater Manila Atty. Marcial M. Magsino -Bongabong
SEC Commissioner Thaddeus E. Venturanza - Pinamalayan
Customs Deputy Commissioner Reynaldo V. Umali - Bongabong
La Salle Prof. Benjamin Espiritu - Calapan City
ABS-CBN President and actress Charo Santos - Calapan City
ABS-CBN News and Public Affairs program host and reporter Gus Abelgas - Calapan City
N. V. M. Gonzalez - Internationally acclaimed writer and educator
Former Makati Councilor Dr. Rosalinda Bondal - Bongabong
Composer Lito Camo of Wowowee - Bongabong
Councilor Patrick dela Rosa - Calapan City
Joey Antonio - Chess Grandmaster
Antonio Lining - Billiard Player
PBA player Robert Sanz - Puerto Galera
Former PBA star Nelson Asaytono - San Teodoro
PBL and La Salle basketball player Rico Maeirhofer - Puerto Galera
Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus winner Ejay Falcon
Little Big Star winner Ralp Salazar Pinamalayan
Jayvee Nava Fontarum - cheerdance choreographer
Alvin Paul Casalan Cordero - acoustic guitarist
Adrian Jr."Adi" A. Maronilla. The Wonder Boy of the Philippines for his intellectual supremacy. - Victoria