Brief History | Major Industries | How to Get There | Historical | Cultural
Natural | Religious | Festivals

CAPITAL: Calapan
LAND AREA: 4,364.7 sq. km.
TEL. AREA CODE: 043
NO. OF MUNICIPALITIES: 15
ZIP COD: 5200

BRIEF HISTORY

Created on February 20, 1921, Mindoro is the seventh largest island in the Philippines. In the early years of Spanish rule, Mindoro was administered as part of the province of Batangas. But during the 17th century, Mindoro was separated from the Batangas having Puerto Galera as its capital. However, it was in 1950 that the island-province was divided into two through Republic Act. No. 505 designating the eastern portion of the island as Oriental Mindoro with Calapan as its capital and the western part as Occidental Mindoro with Mamburao as its capital.

MAJOR INDUSTRIES

Rice, copra, sugar, corn, abaca - all can be grown without difficulty. So, too, other fruits and vegetables. Good quality coal can be obtained. There are white marble and slate deposits. Sulphur, gypsum, hot springs, salt springs and guano deposits for fertilizer are present.

Numerous rivers with falls and rapids assure energy and power for economic developments. The waters around support a lucrative fishing industry.

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HOW TO GET THERE

Access to Oriental Mindoro from Manila is by a two and a half hour land trip to Batangas City, and then by a two-hour ferry boat ride either to Calapan or Puerto Galera. There are several commercial buses that regularly ply the route from Manila to Batangas City. Ferry boats have daily trips from Batangas City to Calapan or Puerto Galera.

HISTORICAL

Kuta (Anilao, Bongabong)
Constructed by the Jesuits during the early part of the Spanish Era, Kuta is the oldest Spanish fortress in the country. It includes old Spanish cannons and a Spanish boat.

Baluarte in Lumang-Bayan (Lumang Bayan, Naujan)
A watch tower was erected on top of a hill overlooking the Bay, used by the Christian settlers to warn the townspeople of Muslim raiders.

The Cross at Muelle
Located at the Puerto Galera town proper - This marble cross is one of the historical landmarks of Puerto Galera. It was erected to commemorate the sinking of the battleship Canonero Mariveles at the Manila Channel on November 18, 1879.

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CULTURAL

Mangyan Settlement (Brgy. Dulangan, Baco)
Ethnic groups known as the Bukids are found in the mountains of Batongan and Siange.

Escavation Museum
Located at the Puerto Galera town proper. It houses several collections of Chinese and Siamese pottery from the 15th to the 19th centuries and Ming Dynasty burial jars as well as fine collection of shells.

Baclayan Mangyan Settlement (Puerto Galera)
It is an area reserved for Mangyans under the auspices of Fr. Erwin Thiel of the SVD Missionary.

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NATURAL

Hidden Paradise (Baco)
It is a natural spring with a swimming pool and picnic cottages.

Alibatan Island
Located at northeast of Bacunagan Points. It is a five-hectare island noted for its white sand. A half-hectare lake is found in the island. The place serves as the breeding place for seagulls and turtles. Oral and oysters can be found all around the area. The island is also called the "Target Island" because bombing practices in 1946 were made in this place by the Americans staying in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

Buyayao Island
Located off the coast of Mansalay. This island is rocky except for the area facing Buyayao Peninsula. Big snakes called "sobre kama" are found in the mountains. The waters around are suited for deep sea fishing.

Mt. Halcon (Baco)
Towering 8,488 feet above sea level, it is the country's third highest peak.

Suqui Beach (Suqui, Calapan)
It is a public beach built with cottages and other facilities.

Banilad Beach (Pili, Pinamalayan)
A good spot for picnicking and swimming.

Bongol Beach (Bongol, Pinamalayan)
It is a secluded beach with a two-kilometer white sand beach.

Tamaraw Falls (Brgy. Villaflor, Puerto Galera)
It is a 423-ft. waterfalls located alongside the road. The cascading waterfalls attract the attention of passers-by.

La Laguna Beach (Laguna, Puerto Galera)
This area is more popular for its social life than for swiming and snorkeling. Cottages stand close to each other with entertainment facilities available.

Sabang Beach
Located east of Puerto Galera. This area is more popular for its social life than for swimming or snorkeling. Cottages stand close to each other with entertainment facilities available.

Small La Laguna
Located beside Sabang Beach. It has coral reefs, good for snorkeling and scuba diving. There are diving equipment for rent at nearby dive shops. Contrary to its name, it is bigger than La Laguna and has more facilities.

Talipanan Beach (Puerto Galera)
The area is not as busy as the other beaches located in Puerto Galera. Good site for swimming with privacy.

White Beach (Brgy. San Isidro, Puerto Galera)
It has nice beaches good for swimming with some entertainment facilities.

Punta Guarda Beach (Puerto Galera)
A beach far from the busy areas of Puerto Galera. It is good for those who seek privacy and retreat from the home.

Melco Beach (Roxas)
It is a beige-colored sandy beach with cottages for rent.

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RELIGIOUS

Simbahang Bato (Brgy. Bancuro, Naujan)
It is an old church with a chapel constructed on its original site.

FESTIVALS

Moriones Festival
Celebrated during the week before Easter (Holy Week). It is a religious festival held annually by the local folks to re-enact the "Pugutan" as part of the ritual.

Sanduguan
Celebrated every November 15. It is a re-enactment of the first historical trade and cultural contacts between the natives of the island of Ma-I (Mindoro) and traders from China. Sanduguan was derived from the native word "Sandugo" which literally means "brother". It is also done in consonance with the founding anniversary of Mindoro Oriental.

source: Department of Tourism

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