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History Thriving settlements with active trading relations with the Chinese existed along the Mindoro coast at the time of Spanish conquest. Ilin, Mamburao and Lubang were important settlements established by both local inhabitants as well as settlers from the south. In 1570, the Spanish explorer Martin de Goiti traveled up the western Mindoro coast to attack Muslim settlements in Mamburao and Lubang. These settlements were allegedly harassing the settlements under Spanish rule in northern Panay Island. The island of Mindoro, together with Lubang, was put under the jurisdiction of the province of Balayan, or Bombon in 1581. In the early 17th century, Mindoro was constituted as a separate corregimiento. Moro raiders ravaged the island and depopulated most of the western coast. Mamburao and Balete (near present-day Sablayan) became important points from where raids on surrounding Visayan and Luzon settlements were launched. The Spaniards destroyed the Moro settlement at Mamburao in 1770 but raiding continued until the middle of the 19th century. Mindoro was annexed to the province of Marinduque in June 1902, but was made a special province in November of the same year. Mindoro became a regular province through Act No. 2964 on February 20, 1921. On June 13, 1950, the island was divided into two provinces through the passage of Republic Act No. 505.
People, Culture and the Arts About 70% of the people living in Occidental Mindoro are Tagalogs. Ilocanos account for 15% while settlers from the Visayas account for about 10%. Mangyans account for the rest. Occidental Mindoro is migrant territory with many families tracing their roots to other provinces. This was the result of government programs in the mid-20th century encouraging settlement in sparsely inhabited regions. The province is also home to the Sablayan Penal Farm that has also drawn settlers to work and live in the province. As a result, different ethnic communities have come to live in Occidental Mindoro. In the interior highlands live the indigenous Mangyan peoples of Mindoro. These docile peoples are slash and burn agriculturists who occasionally trade with lowlanders. During market day, groups of Mangyans sometimes descend upon the marketplace to exchange forest products for cloth, metal and other necessities. The Iraya Mangyans live mostly in settlements along the northern border with Oriental Mindoro. This culturally distinct group is noted for their fine basket tradition, which they embellish with octagonal designs.
Trade and Investments Occidental Mindoro positions itself as a major source of agricultural products at the gates of the country's premiere growth area. The province holds the record of being the Southern Tagalog Region's leading rice producer Aside from rice, the province also produces corn, coconut, tobacco, garlic, mango, banana, melons and peanuts. The province still holds vast expanses of land suitable for agriculture. Its many freshwater ponds produce high-quality "Mindoro Bangus", while its offshore waters teem with tuna, grouper and octopus. Occidental Mindoro is also known for high-quality beef. Limestone, guano, chromite, jade, quartz, talc, and asbestos exist in deposits in the province. The provnice's more than 350,000 residents provide adequate manpower for present industries. Abra de Ilog is a mere two hours from Batangas City by ferry and accommodates medium sized roll on/roll off cargo ships. There are ports in Mamburao, Sablayan and San Jose. There are 1,600 kilometers of roads mainly along the coast of the province that interlink the towns. Three existing airports and regular commuter service between San Jose and Manila facilitate air travel. Power, water and telecommunication facilities are adequate to meet current demand. The main opportunity for business lies in increasing productivity and facilitating access to larger markets. The proximity of Occidental Mindoro to CALABARZON is a decidedly major advantage. Improving the infrastructure to facilitate better transport of goods is a focal concern. Agricultural production and agri-industrial pursuits can bank on the province's record as an excellent performer. Rice milling and trading as well as providing support services and facilities for farmers are sure to pay good dividends. High value crop raising, cattle raising, and aquaculture also remain very attractive ventures. Processing fruit, fish, prawns and nuts, feedmilling, gemstone and marble finishing, handicrafts, toys and gifts manufacture are some of the light industries that can make use of abundant and available resources. Tourism is another bright area for investments. The province is home to many natural attractions such as the Apo Reef Marine National Park, Pandan Grande Island and Mount Iglit National Park. The province has remained rarely visited, but better transportation is expected to increase tourist arrivals and the demand for facilities and services.
Development Initiative Highlights:
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back to Fujian in the 13th century spoke of this land of Ma'i,
which came into the annals of a Chinese functionary Chao Jukua. Thus is
recorded the ancient trade between the Chinese and the people of Mindoro
or Mait. Occidental Mindoro is the western half of the fabled island.
The Verde Passage separates it from the Batangas coast. Its eastern
coast faces the Mindoro Strait, which separates the island from Busuanga
in Palawan. Several islands lie off the coast of the main island. The
largest of these islands are Lubang, Ambil and Golo, in the north, and
Ilin in the south. The plains hug the irregular coastline while valleys,
and plateaus alternate with high mountains towards the interior. The
climate is dry from December until May and wet the rest of the year.