HISTORY-OF-MINDORO WITH COMPLETE HISTORY

HISTORY OF MINDORO

1. Tamaraw, rare wild animal found only in the island of Mindoro
Fifteen Stars, represent the 15 towns of the province
Two dots, represent the two provinces of the island of Mindoro Oriental and
Occidental Mindoro
Green Color, stands for the verdant hill and mountains of the province
Red Color, stands for the bravery displayed by the inhabitants of Mindoro
during the Spanish revolution, Filipino-American War and Japanese
Occupation
Golden Yellow Color, stands for gold mine which is abundant in Oriental Mindoro
LOCATION
Oriental Mindoro is located in Region IV-B, otherwise known as the MIMAROPA Region.  It
lies 45 kilometers south of Batangas and 130 kilometers south of Manila.
BOUNDARY
It is bounded by Verde Island Passage on the North; Maestro del Campo Island and Tablas
Strait on the East; Semirara Island on the South; and Occidental Mindoro on the West.
LAND AREA
Oriental Mindoro has a total land area of 4,364.72 square kilometers or 436,472 hectares.  It
represents 1.5 % of the total land area of the country and 16% of the MIMAROPA Region.
TOPOGRAPHY
Oriental Mindoro has a rugged terrain and an irregular coastline. Numerous rivers and
streams traverse the province but none are navigable by large vessels.
CLIMATE
The province has two climate types: Type I and Type III.  Type I is characterized by two
pronounced seasons, dry and wet.  Type III has no pronounced season, relatively dry from
November to April and wet during the rest of the year.
CAPITAL
Calapan City
LEGAL BASIS
RA 505 (Division of Mindoro)
DATE OF APPROVAL
November 15, 1950
TWO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS
14 MUNICIPALITIES
426 BARANGAYS
ONE COMPONENT CITY
History of Oriental Mindoro
1. The Island of "Mina de Oro"
Legend has it that long before the Spaniards discovered the Philippines, Mindoro was already
among the islands that enchanted pilgrims from other countries.  It was said that vast wealth
was buried in the area, and mystic temples of gold and images of anitos bedecked the sacred
grounds of this relatively unknown land.  The Spaniards even named the island "Mina de
Oro", believing it had large deposits of gold.
The history of Mindoro dates back before the Spanish time.  Records have it that Chinese
traders were known to be trading with Mindoro merchants.  Trade relations with China where
Mindoro was known as "Mai" started when certain traders from "Mai" brought valuable
merchandise to Canton in 892 A.D.  The geographic proximity of the island to China Sea had
made possible the establishment of such relations with Chinese merchantmen long before
the first Europeans came to the Philippines.  Historians claimed that China-‘Mindoro relations
must have been earlier than 892 A.D., the year when the first ship from Mindoro was
recorded to have sailed for China.
Historians believed that the first inhabitants of Mindoro were the Indonesians who came to
the island 8,000 to 3,000 years ago.  After the Indonesians, the Malays came from Southeast
Asia around 200 B.C.  The Malays were believed to have extensive cultural contact with
India, China and Arabia long before they settled in Philippine Archipelago.
2.  Discovery
Mindoro was first discovered by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, the first Spanish Governor General
of the Philippines.  When Legaspi conquered Cebu in 1565, he heard of a flourishing
settlement in Luzon.  The search for abundant food evidently lacking in most Visayas Islands
prompted the exploration leading to the discovery of this island.  Captain Martin de Goiti,
accompanied by Juan de Salcedo, sailed for Luzon.  On May 8, 1570, they anchored
somewhere in Mindoro Coast, north of Panay.  Salcedo and de Goiti had the chance to
explore the western part of the island, particularly Ilin, Mamburao and Lubang.  From Ilin,
Salcedo sailed north of Mamburao where he found two Chinese vessels containing precious
cargo of gold thread, cotton cloth, silk, gilded porcelain bowls and water jugs to be exchanged
for gold with the natives of Mindoro.  In 1571, Miguel Lopez de Legaspi also visited the island
and brought the natives under the Spanish rule.
3. Evangelization
The evangelization of Mindoro started in 1572 through the Augustinians. In 1578 the
Franciscans took over and ten years later the secular priests.  Also in the seventeenth
century did a new phase in Christianization begin for the Mangyans were likewise visited by
missionaries.  The Jesuits erected seven œreduccionesâ in 1636.

  It was in these settlements
that Mangyans from the inaccessible forests and hills were induced to settle down and be
baptized as Christians.
4. The Province of Mindoro
Mindoro, which was formerly integrated into the province of Bonbon (Batangas) together with
Marinduque, was made a separate province in the beginning of the seventeenth century.  The
island was divided into pueblos headed by gobernadorcillo and composed of several
barangays headed by cabeza de barangay.  Minolo (now Puerto Galera) became the
provincial capital, then Baco and finally Calapan which was founded in 1679 as a result of
conflict between the Recollect priests and the Provincial Governor.
5. The Spanish Government

2. In 1801, the Spanish authorities started a program of re populating Mindoro but such
attempts failed since the people were afraid to migrate to the province.  Those who were
eventually sent to Mindoro still returned to their homes after several years.
It was only in the second half of the 19th century that the island's population started to
increase due to demographic pressure in the main settlement centers.  This resulted in the
founding of new administrative units.  The number of pueblos increased and education
expanded.  However, the number of teachers available was limited such that very few were
able to read and write and speak Spanish.  These people formed the small native upper class
in the province.
In terms of trade and agriculture, change came very slowly to Mindoro.  In 1870, only minor
quantities of crops were shipped out to Batangas due to neglected agricultural development.
The coal mines between Bulalacao and Semirara Island were discovered in 1879.  In 1898,
the Spanish colonial government granted titles for nine coal mines but exploitation in large
quantities never took place.
When the Philippine Revolution broke out in 1898, Mindoreños rallied to overthrow the
Spanish Government in the province; although the uprising predominantly originated from
outside the island as planned, organized and triggered off by the Caviteños and
Batangueños.  This was not for social changes but an anti-colonial war to gain
independence.  However, their victory was short-lived because the events that followed
marked the beginning of the American Regime in the Philippines.
6. The American Regime
The victory of Admiral Dewey over the Spaniards in Manila on August 13, 1898 brought about
general changes in Mindoro.  A general primary school system with English as the language
of instruction was established.  Calapan port was opened to inter-island commerce.  The U.S.
Army Signal Corps connecting Calapan and Batangas installed a series of military cables. 
Land telegraph for public use was also installed in Calapan and Naujan.  With the
construction of provincial road along the east coast, the most important towns of the province
were connected with one another.  Free trade was established between the U.S.A.  and the
Philippines that brought about significant changes in the economy of Mindoro. Infrastructure
and economic measures were adopted which induced massive wave of migration to the
island.
Changes in the affairs of the local government also took effect in the island.  Mindoro was
made a sub-province of Marinduque on June 23, 1902 by virtue of Act No. 423 of the
Philippine Commission.  On November 10, 1902, Act No. 500 separated Mindoro from its
mother province, thereby organizing its provincial government. The same Act provided further
that "the province shall consist the main island and the smaller islands adjacent thereof,
including the islands of Lubang, Caluya and Semirara".  Puerto Galera was made the seat of
government, with Captain R.C. Offley as the first civil governor.  In 1907, the province was
allowed to elect its first delegate in the person of Don Mariano Adriatico.  Mindoro was finally
declared a regular province in 1921.
In the years following the invasion of Mindoro by the United States Forces, there had been a
considerable increase in population due to the pouring into the highly underpopulated island
of a massive influx of new settlers.  For the first time, the development and cultivation of the
island's interior was made possible.  The structure of society and the distribution of
landholdings were likewise altered.  The minority policy of the Americans was adopted,
uplifting the Mangyans to the Filipino majority's level of civilization through special educational
regulation and separate settlements.
7. The Province of Oriental Mindoro
World War II wrought heavy damages, death and pain to the people of Mindoro.  However,
social conditions continued to exist without any definitive changes.  After the war,
reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructure and economy took place which ended with
the division of the island into two provinces of Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro on
June 13, 1950. It was finally signed into law through Republic Act 505 by the  President of the
Philippines on November 15, 1950.
In the decades after the war, the island continued to become one of the preferred areas of
new settlers coming from the overpopulated provinces in the Philippines in search of the new
land.  Apart from the hope to become landowners or to have better tenancy conditions, the
guerrilla war (Huk rebellion) in Central Luzon was an important factor for migration.  Under
the settlement program of the National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Administration
(NARRA) which was founded on June 18, 1954, families from Central Luzon were settled in
the Bongabong Pinamalayan area.  This project ended in 1956 after the settlement of 606
families (3,636 people) on 8,600 hectares of public land.  Since then new settlers have
incessantly migrated to Mindoro until today.
Due to demographic changes, an administrative reorganization of the province of Oriental
Mindoro was implemented.  Here, the rapidly expanding municipalities of Bongabong and
Pinamalayan, as well as the large municipalities of Naujan and Pola were separated.  Victoria
(in 1953), Bansud (in 1959), Socorro (in 1963) and Gloria (in 1966) became independent
municipalities.
In 1963, the citrus fruit industry in the provinces of Batangas and Laguna collapsed because
of plant diseases.  For this reason many farmers migrated to Mindoro and settled down in
Pola.  Here, the "calamansi revolution", as it was called, was initiated.  Owing to the absence
of competition on the other hand, the production of coconuts had retained the rank as
Oriental Mindoro's number one cash and export crop.

3. After the proclamation of Martial Law in 1972, the National Government and the World Bank
implemented the agrarian development program in the province.  Considerable funds were
allocated to improve the provincial roads in Oriental Mindoro to connect the semi-isolated
barrios to the main roads for easier and faster transport of agricultural products to the local
market.  The cultivation of subsistence crops (rice and corn) was given top priority.  Mindoro
became not only self-reliant in the production of rice but also a rice net exporter.
In spite of undeniable improvements, the integrated agrarian development program did not
affect any structural changes in land distribution because only rice and corn lands were under
land reform.  These lands were very limited in extent.  Coconut plantations and extensive
pasture lands were exempted.  Most of the Mindoro farmers still owned their parcels of land
and in some areas there were still land resources available.
In the years that followed, the social and economic situation of most of the population in
Mindoro worsened.  Debts and low income characterized the farm households' situation.  The
increasing influx of migrants caused more and more serious land conflicts with the Mangyans,
the original inhabitants of island.  The operation of the New People's Army (NPA) extended to
Mindoro.  Their main area of action up to present has been the hardly accessible interior of
the island. In Oriental Mindoro, the "hotbed of insurgency" is the RoManBul [Roxas-
Mansalay- Bulalacao] Triangle.
Immediately after Corazon C. Aquino assumed the presidency after the EDSA revolution in
February 25, 1986, almost all national, provincial and municipal officials were replaced by
OICs.  Rolleo Bong Ignacio being an Aquino supporter was appointed as undersecretary of
the Department of Natural Resources. His cousin Benjamin Chippy Espiritu was appointed as

OIC governor and all the mayors of the fourteen municipalities were likewise replaced.  Only
Mayor Renato U. Reyes of Bongabong remained in his position.
In 1993 the province experienced a series of natural calamities unprecedented in the history
of the province.  These successive strong typhoons Naning, Pepang and Rosing struck the
 
northern, central and southern parts of Mindoro within a span of four months causing floods,
destruction of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, inflicting enormous damage to crops
and properties and loss of human lives.  The province was still reeling from the devastation
when a more violent catastrophe hit the province.  In the early hours of November 15, 1994
which was the founding anniversary of both the provinces of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro,
the whole populace was jolted by an earthquake which measured 7.2 in intensity on the
Richter scale.
After two years, Oriental Mindoro had rebuilt the last of the 30 destroyed bridges and has
more than sufficiently recovered from the losses brought by the series of calamities. 
Agriculture productivity started to climb and business activities have become bullish.  For this
dramatic come-back, President Ramos during his visit on October 1, 1996 declared Oriental
Mindoro as the top province in terms of calamity management and gave Rodolfo G. Valencia
the Outstanding Governor in Calamity Management award.
The island provinces of Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and
Palawan formed in early 1996 a new socio-economic aggrupation acronymed as
MIMAROPA.  This is the counterpart of the CALABARZON industrial growth area composed
of the mainland provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Aurora, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.  Governor
Valencia of Oriental Mindoro was elected as chairman of MIMAROPA.
It was on May 17, 2002, by virtue of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Executive Order No.
103, that Region IV was divided into Region IV-A and Region IV-B.  Region IV-A shall be
known as CALABARZON and Region IV-B shall be known as MIMAROPA. The executive
order also transferred the Province of Aurora to Region III.
On January 30, 2003 at the University of Asia and the Pacific campus, the two Mindoreños,
jointly worked hand in hand for the resolution of a major problem  the energy and power
crisis.  The 1
st
 ever Power Summit was held with Governor Bartolome L. Marasigan, Sr. and
Governor Jose T. Villarosa of Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro, joining efforts to
formulate the Mindoro Island Power Development Plan.  It was meant to thresh out vital
issues on power development; to explore options for electrification; and to formulate viable
solution to achieve long-term power generation.
To promote/generate investment in the areas of power  and energy, ecotourism, agriculture
towards poverty alleviation, the Oriental Mindoro Investment Summit was held on April 5-7,
2006 at the Filipiniana Resort Hotel, Calapan City in partnership with the University of Asia
and the Pacific, the Offices of the Two Congressional Representatives, Provincial
Government of Oriental Mindoro and Shell Malampaya Foundation as the Private Sector
partner. There were pre-summit activities undertaken such as launching of ORMINVEST
Website (www.orminvest.com) and Lakbay Mindoro 2006. Summit proper activities included
agro-eco exhibit to showcase 14 municipalities and one city, presentation of UA&P
investment study for Oriental Mindoro and investor/business matching.
In order to spur and accelerate economic growth in the Region Executive Order No. 682 was
issued on 22 November 2007 designating Calapan City in the Province of oriental Mindoro as
the MIMAROPA Regional Government Center. This is not only to adhere to the government
policy to promote regional development but to push the MIMAROPA provinces to
interconnect with one another to hasten each other development and increase the Region's
contribution to national wealth. Moreover, the establishment of government center in the
region will foster efficient and effective delivery of government services.
His tory of City/Municipalities in Oriental Mindoro
BACO
Baco is one of the oldest towns of Mindoro. After Minolo which is now a sitio in barangay of
Puerto Galera, Baco became the official capital of the province since 1575. The place was
also called Voco, Bato, Bacoy. This town remained as the cabezera until 1679 when
Corregidor Joseph de Chavez was the governor and the capital was transferred to Calapan.
The original settlement where the Spanish friars started their mission was in in the coastal
barrio of Tabon-Tabon but because of the constant depredation of Muslim pirates it was

4. transferred later to Libtong (now Lumangbayan) where a church was constructed on top of a
hill.
There is a story about the early church of Baco and the priest who put a curse on the town. It
was said that thirty years after the church was established, a Moro hunter named Magna’vi
came. He made the convent his residence but allowed the priest to remain and continue
saying mass on one condition, that no mass will be held whenever he is not in town. On the
second year of his stay, the Moro left to hunt for mid game in the interior. He got engrossed in
his hunting and overstayed in the forest. Meanwhile, the priest decided to conduct mass in
the absence of the Moro. When he returned and found out that the priest violated his order,
he tied the priest and put him inside a chicken crate (tangkal). The missionary was confined
without food except jackfruit. Not content with that, Magnawi then took the big bell from the
bellfry, tied it to the crate and threw it into the river. Before he died, the priest casted a curse
on the town. He vowed that the town would never prosper unless it is founded on a safer
place mth a church building and priest living there permanently. The people then relocated
their settlement near the seashore where they founded another town and constructed a new
church. But this did not exist long because it was destroyed by water. Many of the people
again decided to leave the place and built a new church in honor of San Andres. This time far
from the shore.
During the revolution in the year 1898, the people of Baco under the leadership of Capitan
Ccrvullo Leuterio joined the uprising against the Spaniards and the Americans in the
succeeding years (1899 – 1901)
In 1902 Baco, together mth San Teodoro was incorporated with Calapan by virtue of Act
2824. It gained back its distinction as a regular municipality under Act 3498 in 1920 upon the
representation of Mariano P. Leuterio, a native son, who was then the representative of the
province.
The town was again transferred to Alag in 1945, then it was transferred to San Andres, but
because it was being eroded by water the people had to relocate again. In 1948, the town
proper was relocated to barrio Calabugao where the town site was donated by Catalino
Calderon. A new municipal building was constructed here.
Only 15 kilometers from the capital, Baco is now a 5th class municipality with a growth rate of
3 .32 percent. It is endowed with rich natural resources such as marble reserves, black clay
and gold. It has 27 barangays and boast of several natural scenic wonders; the Dulangan
waterfalls, the Mamangan tunnel and Mt. Halcon, the fourth highest mountain in the
Philippines.
Baco has a total land area of 24, 174,000 hectares. Its parish church is now known as is the
Blessed Trinity parish. The Baco town fiesta is being held every November 30 in honor of
Patron Saint San Andres.
The list of officials of Baco recorded from 1896 to present. 1896 to 1900
Juan Aceveda Sr, Pedro Quiambao, Quintin Villar, Bartolome Garcia, Gonzalo Aceveda,
Cerbulo Leuterio. 1900 to 1924
Benito R. Villar, Brigido R. Atienza, Jose Lopez, Juanito Aceveda, Jr. 1935 – 1946
Braulio Zulueta, Froilan Aceveda, P;itcmo Sauchez, Vitaliano Alferez, Benito Villar.
1947 – l 998
Vicente Ramos, Pedro Aceveda, Wise Almario, Gaudencio Zulueta, Julito Hernandez, and
Graciano dela Chica
BANSUD
The municipality of Bansud was formerly a part of Bongabong. This town was created by
virtue of Rep. Act. No. 2514 sponsored by then Congressman Jose Leido Sr. The Bill was
signed by President Carlos P. Garcia and its inauguration was made on July 4, 1959,
coinciding with what was then the 13th Independence celebration of the Philippines and the
Independence Day celebration of the United States of America (The Philippine Independence
Day had been changed to June 12 since the presidency of Diosdado Macapagal)
Bansud, incidentally is the thirteenth municipality of Oriental Mindoro. It has also thirteen
barangays.
According to stories handed down by the old generation, the name of the town was given by
the Mangyans who used to settle the area near the mouth of Bansud River. The delta’s fertile
soil provided the natives with bountiful crops, hence they lived peacefully and in relative
comfort until settlers from Marinduque and Romblon arrived. The settlers who were mostly
Tagalogs and Visayans pushed the Mangyans inland but the name of the place remained.
The Original name, “Basud” which means delta in the native toungue, was eventually
changed to Bansud. The present inhabitants now are lowlanders made up of Marinduquenos,
Batanguenos , Romblomanons, Bicolanos and Ilocanos. The aborigines moved inland and
occupied the areas on the hills.
The first appointed Mayor in 1959 was Leon S. Mampusti. He was elected the following year
and held the position until 1964. Alejandro E. Minay won in the next election but Mampusti
regained the post. He occupied that position until he retired due to old age (85) in 1977. Noel
C. Averion, a member of the Sangguniang Bayan was appointed as officer-in-charge but he
was soon replaced by Dr. Prudente D. Soller in August 27 by order of President Ferdinand E.

5. Marcos. Soller then won in the next election and remained as mayor up to the present except
for a short interlude after the EDSA revolution when Averion was again appointed as OIC.
Bansud has under its territorial jurisdiction six towering mountains namely: Mt. Merill – l400
meters, Mt. Hitching – 1200 m, Mt. Uraidex – I 000 m, Mt. Porter. 800 m, Mt. Rice 800 m, Mt.
Frilshigh 800 m.
Mainly agricultural, Bansud ranks sixth in the production of palay in the province, eight in the
production of poultry and livestock and third in the production of corn.
The principal tourist spots are the waterfalls of Malo, Manihala, Langcawan and Paypayama
and the sandy beaches of Proper Bansud and Proper Tiguisan.
The total area of Bansud is 260, sq. km. Its fiesta being held every January 17-18 & 19,
Divine Savior Parist.
BONGABONG
The town of Bongabong was said to have been established in the 16th century. Its first name
was “Binagao”, a Mangyan word that means ‘big and dangerous river ‘. The area near the
Bongabong river which is now Barangay Anilao was called Sucol and it was where
the Kuta and church was erected during Spanish times. This was when the first Jesuit
missionaries from Naujan came to spread the gospel to the natives during the 17th century.
The Recollect order from Mangarin later took over. Because of the frequent attacks of the
marauding pirates, the people moved to the sitio of Mararog. It was only later when the town
was moved to its present site. But the old ruins of the kuta in Anilao still remains and the
cannons of the Spanish ship Tortuosa still stand as symbol of its glorious history.
After the revolt against the Spaniards, Juan Naguit, the revolutionary leader, changed the
name of the town to Sumilang to signify its being the first town to be born under the Mindoro
Revolutionary government.
The present name according to an anecdote was taken from an incident that happened
during the American regime. It was said that an American soldier shot the fruit of a bettle nut
called locally as “bunga”. The” bunga” and the sound of the gun “bong” were combined into
one word and came to be associated with the place.
In 190 l during the uprising against the Americans many residents were garrisoned at
the kuta in Anilao while
the soldiers were burning their houses and properties. A ship, the Fortuosa el Quiros, which
ran aground at the Sucol River was also burned by the white invaders. The local insurgents
were led by Antonio Jalos.
When the area was “pacified” by the Americans in 1902, the first civil government was
organized with Isidro Umali as town president under the Philippine Commission. The town
then was downgraded it having been placed under the jurisdiction of Pinamalayan.
It was only on November 7, 1927, after repeated efforts of the leaders and constituents of
Bongabong when the town was eventually granted the status of a regular municipality. This
was by virtue of Legislative Act. 3415. The town was finally linked by road to the rest of
Northern Mindoro when the 112 kilometer highway from Calapan was finally completed and
opened.
During the guerilla campaign against the Japanese in 1944, the infamous “Jurado ambush”
happened in the remote area in the barrio of Sumague, this town. ·When the Americans
returned, Bongabong was the first town in Eastern Mindoro to be liberated by American
forces who leap-frogged from San Jose. (January I, 1941)
Bongabong is now a third class municipality and is growing by leaps and bounds due to the
efforts of local officials and private entrepreneurs. It has currently 35 barangays. Mt. Davidson
and Mt. Chekdon are within its territorial boundary. These high peaks are the source of water
that flow to the big Bongabong River( it used to be called Sucol River). Its black and gray
beaches that stretch from Labasan all the way to Masaguisi provide scenic vista to nature
lovers.
The total land area of Bongabon is 49,824.000 hectares. Its patron saint is St. Joseph. and
fiesta is held on March 15.
The following are the town leaders since the American period:
Juan Naguit, Camilo Umali, Antonio Jalos -1898 -1904; Isidro Umali (govierno de aldea) -
1904; Juan Gozar (presidente de aldea) 1907 -1909; Leonardo Ubal 1914 – 1917; Fausto
Abao 1919; Rosendo Umali 1922 -1930; Rosendo Umali 1948-1951 ; Ismael Manalo
(liberation), Dr. Angel S. Rodriguez 1952-1959; Felipe V. Manalo 1960-1963; Ernesto Umali
1964 – 1968, Pedrito A. Reyes 1969-1971; Jose A. Enriquez 1972 -1979; Renato U. Reyes
1980 – 1995; Alex Enriquez 1995 to present.
BULALACAO
Before the advent of the Spanish conquistadores, a group of people from the island of Panay
arrived in Mindoro. They organized a settlement and called it Calido in honor of its founder.
As years went by the settlement grew and developed into a town. The town was headed
successively by the following Capitanes: Jacinto Fajado, Narciso Fandino, Gabriel Contreras
and a certain Captain Faigao who was known as a ruthless leader.

6. It was said that during one of his inspection, Faigao saw the dirty surroundings of his town
and castigated all the townsfolk. In his anger, he invoked nature to vent his ire on his town,
thereupon, a big flood occurred and washed the whole community clean. The people fled to
higher grounds in sitio Damagan where a baluarte (fort) stood.
After the calamity, the capitanes called a meeting. Through the suggestion of Capitan
Pandino they agreed to transfer the town to Kaburayan, a place where there were plenty of
vines called buray. Pandino said the place is ideal because its vantage position gave them a
panoramic view of the sea where the Moro pirates and other enemies usually comes from.
The town progressed but after many years, an epidemic swept the community. Old believers
said the plague was brought by a sinister bird that shows up whenever there are people
dying. The bird was called “bulalacao”. This name stuck to the place up to 1906 when
Glicerio Ordonez was the municipal president.
On December 24, 1940 a big fire razing 90% of houses in town occurred. Another fire also of
the same magnitude hit Bulalacao on July 6 1950. Because of these conflagrations which the
townsfolk attributed to its name which is synonymous to a burning meteor, the town council
headed by Mayor Lazaro Visconde asked Congress to change the town’s name to San
Pedro. The wish was granted by virtue of R.A. 2789. The new name however, brought
problems and complications to the populace. Mails were delivered very late if ever they reach
the town because it was usually brought to San Pedro, Laguna.
Through the initiative of Mayor Felipe Z. Familara a new request was sent to Congress to
grant back the old and historical name of Bulalacao.
Bulalacao is the southernmost town of Oriental Mindoro. It sits on a mountainous terrain rich
in mineral deposits (coal) and possibly oil. It is well known as the land of bawang (garlic). The
people of Bulalacao has its own dialect similar to the Ilonggo, Kanaray-A but most can speak
tagalog.
Its fiesta falls on June 29 in honor of the patron saint, St. Peter.
Some of the interesting places in this southern town are: Sitio Rizal, named after the national
hero. This is the place where Gat Jose Rizal rested while on the way to his exile in Dapitan,
Zamboanga; Caram Cave in barangay San Miguel; Talisay beach lined by big
shady talisay trees; Suguicay cove considered as the safest haven for small bancas during
adverse weather; the islands of Aslom and Silad; and Mt. Agong where giant limestone rocks
can be found. Buyayao Island, an international tourist destination popularized by Freddie
Elizalde during his stint as head of President Assistant on National Minorities (PANAMIN).
The succession of leaders of Bulalacao are: Kapitan Pandino -1901-1903; Tenyente Morris-
1903-1905; Glicerio Ordonez -1905-1907; Felix Templanza – 1908-1910; German Ramirez -
1910-1911 ; Potenciano Contreras – 1911-1913; Felix Templanza 1914- 1915; Exequiel
Dimatulac -1915-1916; Teotimo Cusi 1916-1928; Juan Templanza -1928-1931 ; Arturo Salas-
1931-1934; Jose Gonzales – 1934-1938; Generoso Villas -1938-1941; Eugenio Maka 1941-
1945; Juan Templanza -1946-1947; Generoso Villas -1948-1953; Ricardo Bago 1954-1958;
Lazaro Visconde 1959-1967; Felipe Familara -1968-1971; Dolores Bago -1972-1986;
Guillermo Salas 1986-1995; Gemma Salas -1995-1998;
CALAPAN/CALAPAN CITY
Calapan, the capital town of Oriental Mindoro is the urban center of the province. It is the
main center of government and commerce in the whole island. All cargoes bound for
Batangas and Manila pass through the port of Calapan making this the busiest ferry boat
routes in the whole country.
There are twelve commercial banks in· Calapan, three government (DBP, Land Bank and
PNB) and two rural banks.
Communication facilities are available in Calapan with a local telephone company, PLDT,
Bayantel, Extelcom, Mobiline, RCPI. PT &T. There are four amateur radio groups: OMARC,
Mangyan Amateur Radlo Club, Kabalfr.at and Pugad Lawin. There are two radio stations
DZOM and DWMI, four weekly commercial newspapers (Island Sentinel, Halcon Star,
Peoples Courier, Island Observer, Southwest Times).
Because Calapan has been the capital of Mindoro since 1679, the history of this town has
been adequately written about in the early chapters of this book.
The municipal leaders of Calapan since its founding:
Alfonso Madrigal -1758; Felipe Madrigal 1759; Feliciano Garcia -1760; Sebastian delos
Angeles -1761; Diego de San Miguel -1762; Geronimo de San Agustin – 1763; Miguel
Fernando – 1764; Felipe Manuel – 1765; Francisco Zamora – 1766; Diego de San Miguel -
1767: Andres Evangelista -1768; Francisco de! Espiritu Santo ~ 1769; Bartolome Calma –
1770; Juan Salvador -1771; Cayetano Macalalad -1772; Felipe Manuel – 1773; Jose
Fernando – 1774; Francisco del Espiritu Santo – 1775;
Joaquin dela Cruz – 1776; Nicolas dela Concepcion -1777; Agustin Roman 1778; Domingo
Soriano -1779; Jose Fernando – 1780; Juan G. Madrigal – 1781-1782; Agustin Guillenno -
1783; Miguel Custudio -1784-1785; Domingo Soriano -1786; Basilio Nicolas – 1787; Agustin
Guillermo – 1788; Juan Victorio – 1789; Juan Francisco – 1790; Mariano Rivera – 1791;
Vicent delos Angeles – 1772; Felipe Apolinario -1773; Lorenzo Sto. Nino – 1774; Mariano
Quiambao -1795; Javier Fajardo – 1796; Pedro Basilio – 1797; Jose Pantoja -1798; Manuel
Alejo – 1799- 1800; Mariano Rivera – 1801; Nicolas Mariano- 1802; Manuel del Espiritu
Santo – 1803; Mariano Rivera 1804; Agustin Nepomuceno -1805; Juan_ Barrientos 1806;
Mariano Rivera 1807; Miguel Roman 1808-1809; Pedro Gonzales – 1810; Claudio Fulgencio
– 1811-1812; Juan Serfain -1813; Nicolas Mendoza – 1814; Fernando Guillermo 1815; Juan
Gonzales -1816; Vicente Nicolas – 1817; Nicolas-delos Santos – 1818; Jose Pantoja – 1819;
Manuel del Espiritu Santo – 1820; Vicente dela Rosa – 1821; Marcos San Miguel -1822;

7. Francisco delos Angeles -1823; Juan Roman – 1824; Juan Gonzales – 1825; Manuel Zamora
– 1826; Jose Isidro – 1827; Leon de Mendoza – 1828; Jose Francisco – 1829; Marcos de
San Miguel – 1830; Anselmo Guillermo – 1831; Juan Gonzales -1832; DomingoPantoja-
1833; Manuel Zamora-1834; Juan Roman – 1835; Gregorio Fulgencio – 1836; Francisco
Marcelino – 1837; Patricio Santo Nino; 1838; Jose Rafael – 1839; Jose Ramos – 1840;
Domingo Pantoja – 1841; Patricio Santo Nino – 1842; Domingo Pantoja – 1843; Rufino
Pantoja – 1844; Patricio Santo Nino – 1845; Gregorio Nicoias – 1846; Carlos Gonzales –
1847; Jose
Rafael – 1848; Fulgencio del Mundo – 1849; Mateo Quiambao – 1850; Nicolas Alcanices –
1851; Benedicto Acedillo – 1852; Aniceto Mendoza – 1853; Geronimo Abela – 1854; Fausto
Orense – 1855; Luis Lino Barrientos – 1856 Pascual Alcedo -1857; Fausto Vega Alberto –
1858; Bonifacio Avena – 1859; Manuel Acob – 1860; Julian Figueroa – 1861; Manuel Adeva
– 1862-1866; Alejo Marasigan – 1867 -1868; Jose Basa – 1868; Dionisio Luces Luna – 1869-
1870; Lucas Alberto – 1871; Mariano Barcelona – 1872; Isidro Alveyra – 1873; Dionisio
Luces Luna – 1874; LucianoM. Adriatico – 1875- 1876; Leoncio Martinez – 1877-1878;
Fabian Pangilinan – 1879-1880; Manuel Vega Alberto – 1881-1882; Dionisio Luces Luna –
1883; Pedro Luces Luna – 1884-1885; Antonio Arce Ignacio – 1886; Cirilo Arias – 1887;
Manuel Adeva- 1888; Don Feliciano Alveyra – 1889; Paulino Abela – 1890; Manuel Adeva –
1891-1892; Benigno Paras – 1893; Manuel Adeva – 1894; Francisco Pangilinan – 1895-
1898; Fernando San Agustin 1898 -1899: Francisco Pangilinan -1900 – 1901; Felix E. Lopez-
1901.
Pres. Mun. Toribio Gonzales -1902; Antonio Luces Luna – 1903 -1904; Antonio Arce Ignacio
– 1904 -1905; Luciano Lopez – 1905-1907; Jose Vega Alberto – 1908; Agustin Quijano –
1909; Leonardo Garcia – 1910-1911; Antonio L. Luna – 1912-1915; Agustin Quijano – 1916-
1922; Quirico Alcanices – 1922; Hermogenes Adeva – 1922-1924; Felix del Rosario – 1925-
1934; Demetrio Aboboto – 1934-1937;
Mayor Benigno Sales – 1938- 1941 ; Epifanio Cueto – 1941-1942; Antonio L. Luna
(Japanese Occupation) -1942-1944; Francisco Infantado (American Liberation) – 1945-1946;
Damaso Abac – 1946 : Demetrio Aboboto – 1946· Rodolfo A. Ignacio – 1946-1947; Felimon
Samaco 1948-1949; Diosdado Gutierrez, Sr. -1952; Gregorio A. Paras -1952-1955: Antonio
L. Adriatico – 1956-1962; Felix Cuasay -1962-196 : Nestor E. Aboboto- 1968-1972; Jose P.
Leido – 1972-1980;
Cesareo M. Cueto – 1980-1986; Conrado G. Paras (OIC) -1986-1988; Rosalia I. Umali –
1988-1995; Aman C. Panaligan
– 1995- 1998;
Calapan Town fiesta – January 1. Patron Saint, Sto Nino.
Area: 265.2 sq.km.
GLORIA
At the turn the 20th century, a group of families from the western part of Marinduque arrived
by banca in a place south of Pinamalayan. They settled the coastal area and called it
Tambong owing to the abundance of a species of wide-leaf plants called tambong. The
newcomers traded with the Mangyans and opened the vast hinterland for economic crops
particularly rice and corn.
When the Pinamalayan to Bongabong road was opened, the settlers moved to the roadside
and the barrio of Maligaya was born. The name was given because of the happiness of the
people in their new found wealth and progress in this bountiful land. More people arrived from
other regions and soon the area was teeming with newcomers eager to clear homesteads or
conduct business among the inhabitants.
It was inevitable that Maligaya and the neighboring barangays will become a new town. With
the leadership of Nicolas Jamilla through the help of the then Mindoro governor Rodolfo
Ignacio, Maligaya together with 25 other adjacent barrios petitioned Congress to carve their
area from the municipality of Pinamalayan and create a new town. Subsequently Executive
Order No.117 was passed by President Diosdado Macapagal on October 2 1964. Jamilla was
appointed as the first Mayor in 1964. He was elected in 1967 and continued to assume that
position until Martial Law was declared in 1972. He ran in the election of 1980 without any
opposition. He was replaced by an OIC when Cory Aquino ascended but regained the
mayorship in the election of 1987. He was later on defeated by Jaime de Castro by a measly
five votes. He filed an election protest but it became moot and academic when he died before
the Commission on Election (Comelec) can make final judgement on the protest.
The name Gloria was taken from Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the only daughter of President
Macapagal and is now a Senator of the Republic of the Phlippines.
Although Gloria is the youngest town to be added to the original eleven towns of Oriental
Mindoro-provinces in 1966, it has since then rose to the 4
th
 class rank with income increase at
an average rate of 30 percent annually.
By the year 1988 Gloria will have the distinction of being the gateway to the commercial
airport to be opened in Baragay Pambisang Munti of Pinamalayan but which is nearer to
Gloria (5 kilometers).
Total Land Area – 23,800 hectares.
Patron Saint: Sacred Heart Fiesta (December 8)

8. MANSALAY
The name of this town was derived from the Mangyan word “‘un man malay!’ which means I
don’t know or in Tagalog Ewan ko or anong malay ko.
During Spanish times, Mansalay was under the jurisdiction of Mangarin. The barrio was first
led by Eulalio Filosopo, Felix Fetalver, Ramon Oracion, Patricio Cobarrubias and Victorino
Salazar.
In 1905 under the American government, the town was consolidated wiith Bulalacao, Tikling,
Caluya and Mangarin with the seat in Bulalaco. After the American-Filipino war, the people
returned from their evacuation areas in the interior and settled in the present town which they
originally called Pookan. Mansalay was eventually given the status of a municipality during
the term of Mariano P. Leuterio as Representative. Since then migrants from Batangas,
Romblon, Marinduque, Panay, Ilocos, Nueva Ecija, Quezon, Pangasinan and Occidental
Mindoro continue to arrive.
The leaders of Mansalay since 1916
Exequiel Dimatulac -1916; Teotimo Cusi -1919-1919; Ildefonso Maliwanag-1931; Lucio
Suarez Sr. -1934; Marcelo I. Cabrera -1941; Andres E. Torrefiel – 1948; Mariano Marciano -
15?50; Marciana V. Merino – 1952-1956; Eleuterio A. Presto -1956-1960; Gerardo P.
Cobarrubias – 1960-1964; Sergio F. Maliwanag-1964-1986; Fausto Sangil (OIC) 1986-1988;
Fernando Faustino (OIC) 1988-1989; Sergio F. Maliwanag – 1989-1993; Celestino Papasin –
1994-1998;
Places in Mansalay with tourism potentials include Mansalay beach, Palaylay point, Del
Mundo Beach, Cagulong Beach, the mountain ranges of Mansoil point, Bugtong point and
Knob Peak.
The Mangyan settlement in Panaytayan is a favorite destination of ethnological scholars. This
is where Dutch anthropologist Antoon Postma is dwelling among the members of the
Hanunuo tribe.
The Airport at Bgy. Wasig, if put into commercial use, will play a very important role in the
development of this southern Mindoro town.
Land Area: 51,314 sq.km. Patron St. Santa Catalina
Town Fiesta – November 26.
NAUJAN
The town of Naujan was established in 1639 under the Royal Decree of King Phillip II of
Spain. Prior to the arrival of the Spaniards however, traces of earlier civilization existed as
evidenced by the unearthed artifacts of Chinese origin dating from the Sung, Yuan and Ming
dynasties. This reinforces the theory that natives of Naujan had been having trade relations
with the Chinese during those early years. Its name, according to legend, came from the word
“Na – Ujao”.
During the 17th century, a Recollect priest built a church with wall made of stone in barrio
Bancuro. This church served as house of worship and at the same time as a fort and place of
refuge against Moro invaders. But in 1842 the Moros were able to conquer the fort and
burned it. The settlement was then transferred to Lumangbayan along the sea coast in 1898
when the insurrection against Spanish rule started in Mindoro. The moro raids had ceased by
then but the new problem was the emergence of groups of tulisanes operating around the
lake area. Valeriano Gasic was then the presidente municipal of Naujan. Gasic went
underground when the Americans started their rule of Mindoro. He was dubbed by the Arneri·
can as a tulisan and public enemy number one of the government. He was captured in a
wooded area east of Naujan Lake and was sentenced to life imprisonment. This was later
commuted to five years of exile in Culion Island, Palawan where he died.
On January 4, 1905, Naujan was recognized as a full pledged municipality.
The municipal leaders of Naujan Spanish era: 1894- Valeriano Gasic; 1903 – Bonifacio Evora
and Carlos Basa Sr.; 1911-Leon Garong;
American era: 1916-1922 – Agustin Garong; 19221927 -Jose L. Basa; 1928 -1934 – Santiago
Garong; 1935-1940 -Porfirio Cornia;
Japanese occupation: 1941 – Cirilo Gaba (went underground); Agustin Garong Sr.,
Felicisirno Garing; 1945-Marciano Roldan; PCAU (Philippine Civilian Affairs Unit) Ambrocio
Silva; American Liberation: 194 7 – Cirilo Gaba; Republic of the Philippines – 1948-1951 –
Marcian Roldan; 1952-1959 – Amando G. Melgar; 1960-1962 – Porfirio Cornia; 1962 1967 –
Manuel R. Marcos; 1986- 1987 – Dr. Rolando R. Mendoza (OIC); Dec. 1-7 1987 – Arnulfo
Bautista (OIC); Dec. 8-Feb. 1988 – Audel Arago; Feb. 1988 – 1997 – Nelson Melgar;
Naujan is the biggest municipality of the province composed of 70 barangays with a total land
area of 528 square kilometers. Geological survey has revealed the presence of iron deposit in
San Andres. Calcite and other non-metalic minerals are found in Masaguing.
The most significant tourist attractions of this townare the famous Naujan Lake, the baklad at
Bancuro where banglis is being caught mostly by the lake concessionaire, the Lagarian-
Estrella beaches, the 257 meter Dig Dome hill, Pungao hot spring The town plaza is one of

9. the most well-kept in the province. The Mangyan reservation in Metolza, the simbahang bato
and the Balwarte in Lumangbayan.
Land Area: 528.0 sq.km. Patron St. San Nicolas de Tolentino Town Fiesta – S eptember 10.
 
PINAMALAYAN
The town of Pinamalayan is close to the shore at the mouth of the river of the same name.
The name of the town was said to be taken from the word “ipinamalay” which means to make
aware or to show the way. According to an old story, the early settlers of this town came from
Marinduque. While they were on their way to Mindoro in their big bancas, they encountered
turbulent weather and lost their direction. They prayed to God Almighty for deliverance and
guidance, whereupon, the weather cleared and a rainbow appeared on the horizon. The crew
shouted “ipinamalay” (it was made known). They followed the direction of the rainbow
believing that at its end lies a pot of gold and good fortune. They finally landed at what is now
barangay Lumangbayan and established the first settlement which they named Pinamalayan.
They found good fortune in the new land which brought them prosperity because of the good
soil and abundant resources.
Some other sources attribute the name Pinamalayan simply to the fact that the area was
once a vast area planted to rice, hence the name “pinagpalayan” or “pinamalayan”. Since
then the place grew and became a town. However during the entire 18th centm)i
Pinamalayan was one of the coastal areas frequently attacked by Moro pirates.
People were decimated and many fled to the interior for safety. lnspite all these, the town site
remained in that place until 1914 when it was transferred by the Americans to its present site.
In the year 1888 to 1890 the territory of Pinamalayan included the settlements at Pola,
Sumagui, Anilao. At that time the gobernadorcillo Juan Morente, Sr. was replaced by his
<;on, Juan Morente, Jr. who assumed the position until 1898 when the uprising against the
Spanish government broke out. Morente Jr., joined the revolutionary forces as a captain.
Juan Medina replaced him as the town head. When the Spaniards surrendered, Morente Jr.
became the governor of the province of Mindoro while Cornelio Nable was appointed as the
municipal president.
In April 28, 1904 under the American government, the towns of Pola and Bongabon were
consolidated with Pinamalayan by virtue of Act 1155. It was only in January 12,1912 when
Pola regained its status as a regular town. Bongabon likwise regained its township status in
March 1919 uinder Act 2824.
During the American period the town was transferred to its present site. The American
planners saw to it that this new town will be laid out properly according to modern planning
system. Wide roads with proper drainage system and symmetrical vertical and horizontal
roads. A big plaza was constructed in front of the municipal building. The Pinamalayan town
still stands as a model in town planning to all the municipalities in Oriental Mindoro.
When the Japanese occupied Mindoro in 1942, Dr. Abelardo Bunag, the mayor then, joined
the underground movement. The Japanese appointed Carlos Aguilocho followed by Manuel
Medina until the Americans returned in January 15, 1945.
The town steadily grew from 1947 to 1990 under different administrations. There are now two
private colleges and three secondary schools and several barangay high schools. A private
sports complex owned by the Reyes family was constructed in barangay Pag-asa.
The interesting tourist destinations in this town are the beaches at Pili, Bongo!, Banilad and
Ranzo. At the peak of Mt. Longos, one can see the panoramic vista of the stretch of sea that
separates eastern Mindoro from Marinduque and the Tres Reyes islands. Other areas that
would interest mountaineers are the towering ranges of Mt. Dumali, Mt. Bayer, Mt. Worcester,
the Agus hill and Bongol Pt.
Land Area: 556 sq.m. Patron St. – San Agustin Town Fiesta – April 25.
The leaders of Pinamalayan since the American era: 1901-1902 – Cornelio Nable; 1902-1903
– Juan Aguilucho; 1903-1904 – Vicente Dominguez; 1905-1906 -FlorencioMorente; 1907-
1912-Juan Morente, Jr.; 1913- 1915 – Jesus Dominguez; 1915-1916 -Jose Benitez; 1916-
1919 – Elias Semilla; 1925-1928 – Carlos Aguilucho and Francisco Luarca; 1928-1929 –
Aniceto Villamin; 1929- 1934 – Conrado Morente; 1934-1938- Felipe Venturanza 1938-1940
– Carlos Aguilucho; 1941-1942 – Abelardo Bunag; 1942-1943 – Carlos Aguilucho; 1943-1945
– Manuel Medina; 1946-1947 – Tomas Vtllarnin; 1948-1951 – Dominador Madrid; 1952-1955
– Remigio Pio Baldos; 1956-1967 – Dominador Madrid; 1967-1968 – Santos Frane (OIC);
1968-1972 – Jose Reynaldo Morente, Jr.; 1973-1979 – Crispulo La Rosa; 1980-1986 –
Emilina Baldoz; 1986-1987 – Reynaldo Mambil; 1988 – Lydia L. Olea (OIC); 1988-1995 –
Manuel 0. Morente, Sr.; 1955-1998 – Wilfredo L. Hernadez, Sr.
POLA
The quaint little town of Pola sits on a hilly area adjoining the waters of Pola Bay that curves
from Dayap to Anahaw points. Its name was derived from the color of the soil in the locality
which is reddish brown. In tagalog this is termed “pula”. This name remained until the
Spaniards came and adopted it as the name of the town.
The Poblacion sits at the estuary of the Pula River encircled by rocky hills to the west
providing the people with a suitable haven for fishing and nipa weaving.

10. This settlement was under the supervision of the Recollect Missionaries during the 17th
century whose main station is Naujan. During the 18th century at the height of the Spaillsh -
Moro wars, Pola bay became a convenient stop-over and launching area of the moros for
their sporadic attacks in the bigger settlement of Naujan and Calapan. Because of this the
population in the settlement never grew because many of them were dispersed deeper into
the hills to avoid capture by the Muslims.
In the years during the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution (1898) in Mindoro, Pola was one
of the towns where agitation against Spanish rule was more manifested. This was because of
a certain Esteban de Castro from Taal, Batangas who instigated the unrest.
When the Americans came in 1901 local government was established until 1904. But on April
28, 1904, Pola was reverted back into a barrio by virtue of Act 113 5 of the Philippine
Commission. The town was consolidated with Bongabong and Pinamalayan with the latter as
seat of the municipality. This was in accordance with the American administrators’ desire to
reduce the fifteen (15) municipalities of Mindoro to eight (8) for economic reasons.
The leaders of Pola expressed their desire to be reverted back to a town and on 1910 under
Executive Order 31 Pola was separated from Pinamalayan. The order took effect on January
1, 1912.
In 1962, the municipality of Socorro was carved out of Pola, reducing its area to the present
13,662 hectares.
The principal tourist spots are the Bayanan beach, the Tayuid islet, the Calima point, and the
excavation areas all along the Pola coast. Places in the inland areas that may also be
considered as interesting scenic areas are Barangay Matula-tula overlooking Naujan Lake.
Sitio Bahid and Tagbakin provide a commanding view of the surrounding area and are coolly
enveloped by calamansi and citrus growths.
Area 130.2 sq. km. Patron – St. John the Baptist
Town Fiesta – June 24
Officials of Pola since 1900
Rosendo Comia (1900), Jose Basa Sr., Gregorio Basa Sr. (1901), Mamerto Umali, Juan
Pineda, Martin Loreto Reyes, Santiago Lafuente, Francisco Umali, Ramon Acapulco,
Guillermo Raymundo, Anastacio Gaba, Ramon Calanog, Agustin Quijano, Gervacio Laracas,
Hilarion Senatin, Apolonio Francisco (1922-1925, 1941-1945, 1947-1951), Eleuterio Alikpala
(1925-1928), Gervasio Laracas (1928-1931), Manuel Genabe (1931-1934), Eleuterio Alikpala
(1934-1937), Pablo Laracas and Gregorio Holgado (PCAU 1945-1946), Pedro Aceron,
Rosauro Venturanza, Romualdo Dandy Martinez, Jose Jarninola (OIC) 1986 -1987,
Romualdo Martinez, 1988-1998.
PUERTO GALERA
Puerto Galera is the oldest settlement in Mindoro. It was founded by Juan de Salcedo in
1570. Even before the Spaniards set foot in the Philippines, there was already a thriving
settlement in Minolo, which is now a sitio of the town. The earliest cabezera of Mindoro during
Spanish times was Minolo. It was founded by Augustinian friars in 1574. It was transferred to
Lagundian (now Barangay. San Isidro) at the mouth of Muelle Bay, but was later moved to
the present site inside the cove because of the constant Moro raids.
The name of Puerto Galera was taken after the galleons which used the bay as refilling
station and repair area. It means “port of galleons” or in Spanish “Puerto de Galera”.
The galleon trade between Manila and Acapulco lasted for more than a century and Puerto
Galera became an important stop-over of these vessels during the 18
th
 century.
Surviving under the vicissitudes of time, an epitah in Spanish engraved on March 18, 1897 on
a wooden cross in Muelle beach is inscribed ‘· Ultima Tierra Que Pesaron Los Tripulantes del
Canoneros Mariveles El 18 De Noviembre de 1879″. This cross, a relic of past century, was
renovated in 1938 by a Spaniard named Luis Gomez.
In 1672, the capital of Mindoro was later transferred to Baco.
The municipality of Puerto Galera now has thirteen barangays. The municipality is rich in
mineral deposits of marble, gold, lime and silica granules: Its major economic activities are
tourism, mining and fishing. Its numerous coves and sandy beaches and colorfull undersea
coral garden are the prime interests of many tourists who flock all year round. It has white
sugary sand in many of its beaches particularly in White Beach, Talipanan and Haligi
beaches. There is a museum in the old convent where unearthed artifacts of precious
Chinese jars are displayed. Further inland is the famous Tamaraw falls.
Puerto Galera with its zig-zag roads and steep ravines is considered as the Little Baguio of
Mindoro. Its combined panoramic landscape and exotic scenery is also a navigator’s haven
seeking refuge during inclement weather in its excellent harbor which is effectively protected
by an island at the mouth of the bay. The bay 15 also renowned to botanists and biologists for
its bountiful specimens of marine flora and fauna.
At present Puerto Galera leads all locality in tourism. It has become an international tourist
destination but it seems that the influx of tourism has affected the ecological balance of this
once nature haven.

11. The Legend of the “black rice” in Puerto Galera
Newcomers in this scenic town never stop to marvel and wonder about the petrified black rice
sand that used to litter the shores of Muelle Bay, this town. According to stories told by old-
timers, There was a big rice warehouse constructed near the docks during the early years of
the Spanish era. This was opposite the stone convent built by the friars.
One day, an old beggar came and ask for a cup of rice. The caretaker of the bodega shooed
away the beggar who sadly left the place. That night a big fire consumed the whole
warehouse and all the rice in it The burned rice spilled into the shore where it was wash, l
away by the waves. Since then the shores of Mulle bay It has been littered with these black
rice which had been turned into a stone-like material that do not decay, rot or melt in the
water. For so many centuries the black rice sand of Puerto Galera remained as a mystery.
Through the years, the black rice was never depleted until the present time when the then
officials of the town constructed a pier at the site.
The whole beach area had been filled with soil where stores, restaurant and various
establishments now stand. The garbage and pollutants dumped daily on the beach and shore
have almost totally covered the whole area where the famous and legendary black rice used
to be found in abundance. What nature had preserved and nurtured for hundreds of years,
the people of Puerto Gal era had wiped out in barely two decades.
223.5 sq.km. Patron St. – Lady of Fatima
Town Fiesta – May 13.
Former Town officials of Puerto Galera
Isidoro C Suzara (1919-1921), Leoncio Axalan (1922-1925), Urbano C. Atienza (1925-1928),
Anacleto Atienza (1928-1931), Estanislao Cobarrubias (1931-1934), Ariston Y. Atienza
(1934-1937), Leoncio Axalan (1938-1941), Rafael Garcia (1946-194 7), Estanislao Brucal (1
948-1955), Rogelio Cataquis (1955 – 197 1), Herminigildo Atienza, (1971-1980), Rogelio
Cataquiz (1980-1986), Pablo Lineses (1986-19]1) Gregorio Delgado (1986-1998).
ROXAS
Roxas started as a small settlement at the banks of Tilding River. The place was settled by a
mixture of people coming from Panay, Romblon and Batangas.
The community was first recognized as a barrio of Mansalay. Its first name was Tikling, based
on the river of the same name. Later it was renamed Paclasan a word that was derived from
“palasan”, a specie of palm that grows abundantly on the marshy surroundings. This name
remains up to the present as a barrio in this town.
The growth of the settlement in Paclasan was rapid even before the outbreak of World War II
such that people then had already manifested their desire to have their own municipality.
These desire was finally realized in October 15, 1948 when then President Elpidio Quirino
enacted Executive Order No. 1.81 mandating the separation of barrios Paclasan of Cantil,
Danggay, San Mariano, San Aquilino, San Miguel and San Isidro from Mansalay. The seat of
the government would be in Paclasan. The new town would be called Roxas in honor of the
late President Manuel A. Roxas. The order took effect on November 15, 1948.
Up to the year 1950 Roxas was hardly accessible by motorized land transportation from
northern towns of Mindoro. In April, 1950, the Everett Steamship Company inaugurated a
route from Manila, Tilik (Lubang), Calapan, Roxas and Odiongan (Romblon). The Sta. Clara,
steamer called once a week. This was followed by M/V Bastan and Lanao, Paclasan then
served as port of business center. The town then has no telegraph service.
Since then Roxas has grown into the busiest commercial trading post in Southern Mindoro. It
has now one private Catholic High School, several National high schools, and one tertiary
level school, the Roxas Colleges. RC started as Fabella Institute in 1947.
Roxas is now considered as the gateway to Odiongan in Tablas Island with daily trips of big
outrigger motorized
bancas. It is also a convenient jumping point for tourists who wish to proceed to the
internationally famous Boracay Island.
Some significant points of Roxas today:
It has since become the seat of church and education in the southern part of
Oriental Mindoro.
It has one of the most modern gym auditorium in Oriental Mindoro.
Total Land Area: 8710 has. Patron St.: Santo Nino Town Fiesta – January 23-24-25.
Leaders of Roxas since its founding Andres Torrefiel (appointed Nov. 15,1948), Jose
Maulion, Francisco Famero, Serafin Dalida, Nonoy Suarez, Gelacio Yason.
 
SAN TEODORO
The town of San Teodoro was first known as Subaan owing to the fact that it is being
traversed by Subaan River.

12. As a settlement, it was first organized under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of Baco during
Spanish times.
Before the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution, the head of the settlement was Kapitan
Juan Roxas. During the American-Filipino war in 1902, the American forces headed by
Theodore Hutchine and Sargean Teodoro Viray attacked Subaan on February 1902. The
people evacuated to the nearby hills. When the fighting subsided, they went back to the
lowland and established the town in a new site. They named it San Teodoro in honor of three
Teodoros. Theodore Hutcruke, Teodoro Viray and Theodore Roosevelt, president of the
United States of America.
The first appointed president of San Teodoro during the American regime was Melecio
Apolinar. At one time San Teodoro was a barrio of Puerto Galera. In 1902, it was under the
jurisdiction of Calapan until 1919. In February 16, 1929 the town became a municipality by
virtue of Act 3498. Its first appointed mayor was Blas Apolinar.
It is in this municipality where the Saclag Settlement Farm School for Mangyans is located.
This was establisbed way back in 1930. It has a long coastline and a wide stretch of gray
sandy beaches from Tacligan to Lumangbayan. San Teodoro is also noted for the crystal
clear water at the Lambingan and Binay bay falls, the Tiboy river resort, Punta beach and
Wawa beach. Spelunkers are welcome to explore the Aras cave which has a rich stock of
guano deposited by bats which had used it as their nocturnal habitat for centuries.
Land Area: 36,911. has.
Patron St – La Purisima Concepcion
Town fiesta – December 8
The leaders of San Teodoro since its founding
Melencio Apolinar -1920-1921; Blas Apolinar – 1921 Emilio Ponce -1929-1931; Espiridion
Dimaculangan -1931 -1934; Francisco Arenillo -1934-1937; Exequiel Fernandez -1937-1940;
Tomas Mendoza – 1941-1947; Melanio Tuazon Sr. -1948-1951; Faustino Aldaba -1952-1955;
Maximo Feraren- 1956-1963; Melanio Tuazon Jr. -1964-1967; Claro Patulan 1981-1986;
Antonio Chua (OIC) 1986 -1987;Antonio Chua -1989 – 1994; Oscar Aldaba – 1994 to
present.
 
SOCORRO
The town of Socorro was formerly a part of Pola. It became an independent municipality by
virtue of Republic Act. No. 3609 which was approved by the fifth congress of the Philippines
in June 22, 1962 and signed by the then President Diosdado Macapagal. The bill for creating
the town of Socorro was filed by Oriental Mindoro Congressman Luciano A. Joson. It was
inaugurated on July 27, 1963. The name was inspired by the Congressman’s wife Socorro.
The twenty six barangays of Socorro are mostly planted to fruitcrops as calamansi, citrus,
rambutan, coffee, banana. Although it is an inland town, it has within its boundary the
southern portion of Naujan Lake. This lake is nearest to the Mindoro national highway in
Barangay Pasi by only 150 meters to its shore. Its first mayor upon its founding up to 1967
was Paulino B. Cabrera.
He was followed by Eusebio Villanueva who held that position until his deathin Nov. 10 in
1983. He was succeeded by Tomas de Claro. Feliciano A. Montalban was appointed as
Officer in Charge Mayor after the EDSA revolution on Feb. 26, 1986. Then the present
mayor, Melinda Perez, won the next election and served for three consecutive terms.
Although relatively young, Socorro has surpassed in terms of progress the older towns
ofi’,findoro because its location is in the crossroad of commerce in the Pinamalayan-Pola-
Victoria area (PIPOVIC). It has a private high school run by the Catholic parish, the Mina de
Oro Academy (formerly owned by the Villanueva family) and a big national high school in
Leuteboro.
Area: 149.4 sq. km.
Patron Saint – Holy Family
Town Fiesta – September 19
VICTORIA
The town of Victoria started as a small barrio of Naujan known then as Borbocolon. This word
in the local dialect means big continuously gushing water.
Coincidentally, Borbocolon is the place where the first flowing artesian well was constructed.
During the early years travelers on public and private transportation always stop by the
roadside to drink fresh cool water gushing generously from the well beside the road in km. 32.
Since then people have discovered that they only have to drill a few meters of pipe into the
earth and water will flow without interruption. Today while many towns of Oriental Mindoro are
still suffering from water shortage or lack of potable drinking water, it can be said that the
eternal fountain (of water) can be found in the town of Victoria.

13. The town was proclaimed as a municipality by virtue of Executive Order no. 620 of the late
President Elpidio
Quirino. It was named after Victoria, the president’s daughter.
Victoria, among all Mindoro towns, has the biggest concentration of Ilocano migrants. The
barangays of Urdaneta, Alcate, Macatoc and Bethel are largely Ilocano.
The first appointed mayor of the town is Marciano Roldan who was a former Mayor of Naujan.
He stayed in this position until his retirement and was replaced by his vice mayor Gelacio
Ocampo.
The present Mayor is Levi Arago,Sr. also known as the ” Durian King of Mindoro”. He is the
eldest son of the late Aurelio Arago who was dubbed as the “Rambutan King of the
Philippines” during the sixties.
Victoria, like the town of Socorro, is at the crossroad of commerce. Its geographical location
along the national highway is ideal for marketing agricultural products. It is like a main river
gathering the flow of tide from the different tributaries and streams coming from the
mountainsides. Hence, Victoria today is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Oriental
Mindoro.
The Mindoro College of Agriculture and Technology, is situated in barangay Alcate. The
swampy areas along Naujan Lake in barangays Duongan, Malayas and Bambanin are
traditional mating place of migratory ducks from China. Nature scholars and lovers can
observe and study the plight of this diminishing species of wild fowls. On the western sector
in the uplands, the virgin forest that used to be the pride of Victoria has been gradually
destroyed by illegal loggers but is now being checked. With the introduction of commercial
tree farming it is expected that forest growth will again envelope this lush area of the
municipality.
Total Land Area: 286.0 sq.kms.
Patron Saint: Our Lady of the Holy Rosary
Town fiesta – October 15