MIMAROPA (Region 4B) Occidental Mindoro

MIMAROPA is a province of the Philippines located in the

MIMAROPA region in Luzon. "Home of the
• is an administrative region of the Philippines. It
Indigenous Mangyans". Its capital is Mamburao
is one of two regions of the Philippines having no
and occupies the western half of the island of
land border with another region, Eastern
Mindoro.
Visayas being the other.
Climate : WET PERIOD: August and September
• is located at the heart of the archipelago and is
_________ DRY PERIOD: March and April
dubbed as the "Treasure Trove of Southern
Luzon". History: Northeast of the Province of Palawan in
Region IV of the Philippine Republic is the island of
• MIMAROPA is envisioned as the food basket Mindoro, which (with surrounding smaller islands)
for the country and a haven for tourism, constituted the Province of Mindoro from 1921 until
industry, and technology. 1950, when it was split into Occidental and Oriental
halves. Occidental Mindoro has a population of
MIMAROPA 378,000 in eleven towns, of which Mamburao is the
capital, on 5880 sq.km.
Region 4-B (MIMAROPA) is awarded as one of
the top 5 rice producing regions in the country
for 2012. The award was given by the
The Chinese traded with the natives of Mindoro for
Department of Agriculture in recognition to the
centuries before the Spanish, in the person of Miguel
region's outstanding performance in line with Lopez de Legaspi, discovered the island in 1569. Gold
the rice production that contributes to the sediments in the streams led the Spaniards to christen
attainment of food sufficiency program of the the island "Mina de Oro" or "Gold Mine," but that
Aquino government. didn't pan out to any great extent. The name survives,
compressed. Spanish occupation began the next year
Calapan City is the regional center under Lopez de Legaspi's lieutenant and grandson,
Juan de Salcedo.
Languages

Tagalog is widely spoken in the region. In the

interior of Mindoro, various languages are Both provinces Mindoro Occidental and Mindoro
Oriental include primeval forest, nature reserves,
spoken by Mangyans. They are Iraya, Alangan,
many miles of unspoiled beach, and opportunities for
Tawbuid, Hanunoo, Tadyawan, Buhid, and
hiking, swimming, diving, wind-surfing, fishing,
Ratagnon. The latter is a Visayan language with
camping, nature-watching, etc. The island is sole
less than three speakers. home to the tamaraw, a wild relative of the carabao,
or water buffalo, with horns that grow up in a V
In Romblon, there are three main languages:
instead of curving in. Exotic birds and butterflies also
Romblomanon, Asi, and Onhan. These
abound. Oriental Mindoro has the oldest Spanish fort
languages belong to the Visayan language family.
in the Philippines, with the cannons that were used
Economy against Moro raiders, whose depredations continued
well into the nineteenth century. Occidental Mindoro
In 2007, MIMAROPA's economy surged by 9.4%, includes the islands where Japanese soldiers Hiroo
making it the fastest growing region in the Onoda and Fumio Nakahira prolonged World War II
country in that year. History Executive Order No. until 1974 and 1980, respectively. Both provinces are
mainly agricultural, growing rice, maize, coconuts,
103, dated May 17, 2002, divided Region IV
bananas, and vegetables. There is some light industry,
(Southern Tagalog) into Region IV-A
and the ocean teems with commercial and sport fish
(CALABARZON) and Region IV-B (MIMAROPA).

6. The name is an acronym combining the names

of its provinces, which are: TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

 Occidental Mindoro a) Apo reef -which is regarded as the second

 Oriental Mindoro largest in the world. This 34-kilometer reef in
 Marinduque Sablayan, which is located in Apo Island, is
 Romblon acclaimed as the best in Asia and as the diving
 Palawan mecca of the Philippines.

7. A. LOCATION • North-Batangas • South- b) Mt. Iglit -in San Jose is a game sanctuary for
Mindoro Strait • West –west philippine sea • the tamaraw, a wild animal found nowhere else
East-Oriental Mindoro Occidental Mindoro in the world, bearing a resemblance to the
Philippine buffalo, commonly known as carabao.
c) Bundok ng Susong Dalaga, the "Maiden's MidoroDugoy Festival. The Dugoy Festival is an
breast mountain" annual festival in the municipality of Sablayan,
Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. It is celebrated
d) White Island- True to its name, this island has
during the town fiesta and through street
a mile long beach with divinely white and
parades and street dancing which feature the
powdery smooth sand that makes it an ideal site
Mangyan culture. It is becoming popular in
for lounging under the sun. Aside from
recent years and is now in its seventh year
vacationers who go for swimming, fishing and
scuba diving, the island is also a favourite MARINDUQUE
nestling ground of turtles. Turtle eggs are often
26. MARINDUQUE MAP A. LOCATION North-
found buried in the sand, and visitors are
Tayabas Bay South- Sibuyan Sea West –Mindoro
enjoined to leave these undisturbed.
East- Quezon
Oriental Mindoro
History: East of the Province of Oriental Mindoro
A) Location North-Batangas South- Semirara is the smaller province of Marinduque. Its
Caluya Islands and Antique West –Occidental population is 217,000 in six towns, of which Boac
Mindoro East-Romblon is the capital, totalling 959 sq. km. It has been a
separate province since 1920. It has considerable
(Filipino: 'Silangang Mindoro', "Eastern mineral resources, but a disastrous leak of mine
Mindoro"; Spanish: Mindoro Oriental) is a tailings in 1996 forced the closure of the copper
province of the Philippines located in the island mines. Its chief products are coconuts, rice,
of Mindoro under MIMAROPA region in Luzon, maize, fruits, vegetables, livestock, fish, wood,
about 140 km southwest of Manila. • Oriental and the products of a number of small-scale
Mindoro is composed of 14 municipalities, with industries. Off the coast are three small islands
one city, Calapan City serving as the provincial called the Three Kings, individually Gaspar,
capital. Melchor, and Baltazar, a favoured spot for day-
•Oriental Mindoro has no distinct wet or dry trips and diving; a Spanish galleon was found off
seasons. • Maximum rainfall- June to October B) Gaspar in forty meters of water in 1981. It has
CLIMATE yielded a wealth of archaeological treasure. Both
provinces seem to offer sufficient wilderness,
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS wildlife, and water to make many vacationers
• Puerto Galera was voted a member of the happy, but here has been little touristic
UNESCO affiliated ‘The Club of the Most development.
Beautiful Bays in the World. •Puerto Galera is a • the Geographical Center of the Philippine
soothing vision of shimmering seas surrounded Archipelago by the Luzon Datum of 1911, the
by lush mountains. It is considered one of the mother of all Philippine Geodetic surveys.
most beautiful and developed beach resort
community in the country. •The province is a "heart-shaped" island

 TAMARAW FALLS • The 423 feet (129 m) Climate •Marinduque is categorized on Type
waterfalls, situated alongside the road, is III climate having rainfall more or less evenly
actually a series of asymmetrical falls, leading distributed throughout the year and no clear
to the grand one, dropping to a frothy boundary between dry and wet seasons.
waterbed below. The cascading waterfalls is a TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
great attraction to passers-by. Tamaraw Falls
is located in Barangay Villaflor, Puerto Galera. a) PAADJAO FALLS A 15-foot high cascading falls
It can be reached in two hours by taking a that nature hunter might surely enjoy. This falls
jeepney bound for Barangay Villaflor from formed bathtubs downstream and you will enjoy
Puerto Galera, or Calapan. its Jacuzzi-like effect. It is an ideal place for
picnicking or camping, a perfect get-away for the
SABANG BEACH • This area is ideal for whole family! •
swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. A
cluster of nightspots abound in this area, which b) BELLAROCA ISLAND RESORTS and SPA This
make it popular for evening socials. Cottages newly opened Resort is located in an exclusive
with entertainment facilities stand close to each island minutes away from Marinduque’s
other. Low-budget accommodations are mainland. With Marinduque’s tranquil
available. It is located east of Puerto Galera, and environment, Bellaroca Island Resort and Spa is
can be reached in 15 minutes from the Puerto perfect for tourists who wish to relax and at the
Galera pier by taking a jeepney or an outrigger same time experience luxurious amenities and
banca. services.
All villas are equipped with its own private Recollects. In 1818 it was united with the
infinity pool that look out into Sibuyan Sea. province of Capiz and 1853 the "Comandancia
Individual golf carts are also provided. Hotel político militar de Romblon" was created. In
facilities include fine dining restaurant, Piano 1898 the region was under the rule of a Spanish
Lounge, lap pool for swimmers and deck beds for army officer with the rank of captain, and in 1899
sun worshipers. was under control of the Philippino
revolutionary leader General Mariano Riego de
Dios, head of the revolution in the Visayas, in the
struggle against America. A civil colonial
government was established by the Americans
ROMBLON on 16 March 1901. In that year it became a
A) LOCATION • North-Marindoque Island • regular province, but due to insufficent income,
South- Panay Island • West –Mindoro • East- it became a sub-province of Capiz in 1907 until 7
Masbate Romblon December 1917 when act 2724 restablished the
former province. Reorganization on 8 June 1940
• Romblon is an island province of the resulted in the formation of four municipalities
Philippines located in the MIMAROPA region. (Tablas, Romblon, Banton and Sibuyan). A
Due to its geography, the province is endowed Japanese garrison was established in 1942 which
with lush vegetation and mineral resources. The was surrendered after the Sibuyan Battle, 25
fertile soil nurtures various agricultural activities. October 1945. On 1 October 1946 the province
Mining is also a lucrative industry in the province was abolished and four special municipalities
due to its vast mineral resources. • Romblon is were created. (act 581), but on 1 January 1947
the country's leading producer of high- quality the provincial status was restored (Republic act
marble, comparable to that of Italy. Romblon nº 38), sponsored by Congressman Modesto
B) CLIMATE • Heaviest rainfall- September to Formilleza. A new municipality was created
January • Driest- March and April • Coldest- (Santa Fe).
February • Warmest-May

History: East of the Province of Oriental Mindoro Romblon is more identified with marble than any
are two smaller provinces, Romblon and other province. In the province there are
Marinduque. Romblon, a separate province since historical and tourist landmarks, such as the
1921, has a population of 263,000 in seventeen ruins of Spanish forts, the beach of Romblon and
towns on several islands with a total land area of the waterfalls of San Andres and Odiongan
1533 sq.km. The town of Romblon (on an island
of the same name) is the capital. The province is Festivals: Talabukon Festival is a religious
famous for its marble quarries and marble celebration in the municipality of Looc, Romblon
products. It also produces wood and wood province, Philippines, held during the 3rd week of
products, and agricultural products and fish. April
Here, as in so many other places, Moro slave- TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
raiding forced the development of a coastal
defense system, which seems to have been Mt. Guiting-Guiting, Sibuyan Island, Romblon
successful; a large Moro force attacked Romblon Romblon's highest peak. It is an attraction to
town in 1753, and was driven off. Several parts mountaineers and is the province's major source
of the fortification can still be seen. of timber and metallic products. It is also
abundant with wildlife, plant species, and
waterfalls. a) Romblon Province Tourist
The province of Romblon was created by Act Attractions, Philippines
2711 on 10 March 1917. The flag is orange with Cantingas River, Taclobo, San Fernando,
the seal. In the seal is white with a map of the Romblon Known for its enchanting vistas. In its
province. The white is for the marble quarries mountain are found the world's smallest bat,
found in the islands of Romblon and for which it the endangered wild cat or the singalong, and
was known. The province include several islands the hardest wood, the mancogo or iron wood.
(Tablas, Sibuyamm Romblon, Banton, Simara, Cantingas River Valley is known to have the
Carabao, Alad, Logbon, Cobrador and number of second cleanest inland water in the region.
scattered islets). The first Christian mission was
founded by Recollects in 1635 in Banton Busay Falls, Panangcalan, San Fernando,
Romblon and Cajidiocan. In 1646 it suffered an Romblon Desciption: One of the last remaining
attack by the Dutch. A fort was built in Romblon untouched falls in the Philippines.
in 1650 and another in Banton Island by the
42. A) Location • Northeast- Busuanga Island, Baragatan serves as a big opportunity for those
Coron Island and Culion Island • Southwest- from far municipalities to show what products
Balabac Island • West –Durangan Island Palawan they have and what they can offer.
Baragatan would be a very great time for tourists
PALAWAN
to look around and scan through the products
Its capital is Puerto Princesa City, and it is the Palawan could offer.
largest province in the country in terms of total 2. Tarek Festival
area of jurisdiction. It lies between the west The Tarek Palawan Festival is annually
philippine Sea and the Sulu Sea. The province is conducted during the third week of the month
named after its largest island, Palawan Island of January by indigenous groups particularly
measuring 450 kilometres long, and 50 those who belong to the Tagbanua tribe and
kilometres wide. • In addition, Palawan covers the Batak tribe.
the Cuyo Islands in the Sulu Sea. The disputed This festival is a ritual that is being
Spratly Islands, located a few hundred commemorated by the traditional tribal
kilometres to the west, are considered part of dances being performed by the indigenous
Palawan by the Philippines, and is locally called group Batak. Like the Pgdiwata, Tarek is only
the "Kalayaan Group of Islands". Palawan's celebrated under a full moon and is actually a
economy is basically agricultural. The three follow-up celebration of the Pagdiwata.
major crops are palay, corn and coconut. Having
natural gas reserves of approximately 30,000 3. Pagdiwata Tribal Ritual
trillion cubic feet, the province is the only oil- This event is a tribal ritual that is being practised
producing province in the country by the locals in the municipality of Aborlan in
Palawan.
Torrential rains-July and August Sea voyage-
March to early June when the seas are calm. In this ritual, the locals give thanks to God for the
Average Temp.- 31 degrees C B bounties which they continuously receive and
History: The province of Palawan, an requests for God to heal the ill who resides in the
archipelago in itself, stretches southwest of province of Palawan. Since this is a spiritual
Luzon almost as far as Borneo, forming one of ritual, the people celebrate this on the month of
the four sides of the Sulu Sea. It consists of a December when the moon is bright and full.
principal island, Palawan, and more than
seventeen hundred minor islands. Its capital and TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
only city is Puerto Princesa. A surviving fortress
church in Cuyo with cannon on its four towers • Coron Reefs. Seven enchanting lakes
bears witness that Palawan was a regular route surrounded by craggy limestone cliffs attract
of the Moro pirates. The province's ethnography hundreds of nature lovers to this island in
is extremely complex. The population is some northern Palawan, near the town of Coron.
737,000 on 16,456 sq.km. Its wildlife is
• Tabon Caves. Known as the "Cradle of
remarkably diverse, including many species not
Philippine Civilization,"" Tabon Caves consists of
found elsewhere. The government encourages
a series of chambers where anthropologists
eco-tourism to prevent habitat destruction, and
discovered the remains of crude man and his
there are a number of national parks and wildlife
tools. Anthropological significance came to the
refuges. Palawan produces maize, rice, coconuts,
fore with the discovery of the remains of the
cashews, natural gas and oil, and huge amounts
22,000 year old Tabon Man in one of its interiors,
of fish. Livestock raising, seaweed farming, and
along with other artifacts decades ago.
food processing are being developed.
• The world's longest underground river system
Festivals:
accessible to man can be found at the St. Paul
1. Baragatan sa Palawan National Park in Purto Princesa, Palawan. A
Baragatan sa Palawan which is celebrated every world heritage site, this natural wonder features
third week of June is probably one of the most an 8.2 kilometer navigable underground river
significant events for the constituents of that winds through a spectacular cave before
Palawan. This week-long event commonly opens emptying out in to the West Philippine Sea.
with a Eucharistic celebration, a ribbon-cutting
TRIVIAS
ceremony, and a grand parade where colorful
floats, perfectly choreographed street dances, A) The Philippines' biggest game preserve and
and angelic voices usher the guests and tourists wildlife sanctuary of exotic African animals and
to a festive week that is ahead of them. endangered endemic animals of Palawan is
located on Calauit Island. it is a major
conservation showcase for wildlife habitat
holding the single distinction as the first
successful wildlife translocation experiment in
Asia.

B) World's Smallest Hoofed Mammal - South of

Palawan., lies the Balabac Island, home of the
world's smallest hoofed mammal - the Philippine
mouse deer. Locally known as Pilandok (tragalus
nigicans), this ruminant stands only about 40
centimeters at the shoulder level.

C) Palawan is home to the seacow, known locally

as dugong, a unique animal, being the only
herbivorous mammal in existence today.

D) The Tubbataha Reefs is the country's premier

dive spot and is listed in the UNESCO world
heritage site. The Marine park covers 33,200
hectares and contains what is believed to be the
world's largest grouping of marine life, per unit
area. Scientists claimed that more than 300 coral
species, and at least 40 families and 379 species
of fish were recorded in the area.