Mindoro Oriental Province, Philippines

People of Oriental Mindoro

• As of the 2020 Census, Oriental Mindoro had a population of 908,339 residents.
• In 2015, the province recorded a population of 844,059, reflecting consistent growth due to agricultural expansion, inter-island migration, and urban development.
• Oriental Mindoro is home to several indigenous groups, most notably the Hanunuo, Buhid, and Bangon Mangyan communities. These groups preserve rich oral traditions, spiritual practices, and sustainable forest-based livelihoods.
• The major dialect spoken is Tagalog, although Mangyan languages are still actively used in upland barangays. As in all Philippine schools, English is the official medium of instruction, ensuring students are equipped for both national and global engagement.

Location of Oriental Mindoro

• Oriental Mindoro is located in the MIMAROPA Region (Region IV-B), occupying the eastern half of Mindoro Island. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 13.00°N latitude and 121.25°E longitude.
• The province spans a land area of 4,238.38 square kilometers, featuring coastal plains, river valleys, and mountainous interiors. Mount Halcon, one of the highest peaks in the Philippines at 2,616 meters, dominates the northern landscape. The climate is tropical, with a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October.
• The capital of Oriental Mindoro is Calapan City, which serves as the seat of provincial governance and the gateway to the province.
• Most people reach Oriental Mindoro via sea and land. The Port of Batangas connects to Calapan via fast ferries, with travel times averaging 1.5 to 2 hours. Buses and vans operate between Calapan and other municipalities. Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is approximately 3–4 hours away via combined land and sea travel.

Tourist Attractions of Oriental Mindoro

• Puerto Galera: A world-renowned beach and diving destination, known for its coral reefs, white sand beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
• Lake Naujan: A protected wetland and bird sanctuary, ideal for eco-tourism and wildlife observation.
• Mount Halcon: A challenging trekking destination for mountaineers, offering panoramic views and rich biodiversity.
• Tamaraw Falls: A multi-tiered waterfall located along the Puerto Galera–Calapan road, surrounded by lush forest.
• Festivals:
  • Bahaghari Festival: Celebrated in Calapan City every March, showcasing the province’s cultural diversity and Mangyan heritage.
  • Sanduguan Festival: Held in Pinamalayan, commemorating the historical blood compact between natives and settlers.

Economy of Oriental Mindoro

• Oriental Mindoro’s economy is anchored in agriculture, tourism, and fisheries, with emerging sectors in trade and services.
• In 2023, the province posted a GDP of ₱61.23 billion, growing by 5.1% from the previous year. It ranks among the top-performing provinces in MIMAROPA.
• Key industries include:
  • Agriculture: Rice, coconut, banana, and calamansi are major crops. The province is also a leading producer of tilapia and bangus.
  • Tourism: Puerto Galera and eco-parks attract both domestic and international visitors.
  • Trade and services: Calapan City serves as the commercial hub, with growing retail, banking, and logistics sectors.

Educational Institutions of Oriental Mindoro

• Young residents pursue higher education at several institutions:
  • Mindoro State University (MinSU): A public university with campuses in Calapan, Bongabong, and Victoria, offering programs in agriculture, engineering, education, and marine sciences.
  • Divine Word College of Calapan: A private Catholic institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs in business, education, and liberal arts.
  • Filamer Christian University – Calapan Extension: Offers programs in nursing, criminology, and information technology.
  • Technical-vocational schools: Located in municipalities such as Pinamalayan and Roxas, offering TESDA-accredited programs.

History of Oriental Mindoro

• Mindoro was originally a single province until it was divided into Oriental and Occidental Mindoro through Republic Act No. 505, signed on June 13, 1950. The law defined the municipalities that would comprise each province and granted administrative autonomy.
• President Elpidio Quirino issued Proclamation No. 186 to fix the effectivity date of the division as November 15, 1950. Calapan was designated as the capital of Oriental Mindoro.
• Historically, the island was known as “Mina de Oro” by Spanish explorers, who believed it contained vast deposits of gold. Long before colonization, Mindoro had trade relations with Chinese merchants, who referred to the island as “Mai.”
• Today, Oriental Mindoro is a province of ecological richness and cultural diversity. It continues to balance development with conservation, especially in protecting the Tamaraw and its marine ecosystems. Its strategic location and natural beauty make it a vital part of the MIMAROPA region.

Elected Officials of Oriental Mindoro

• As of the 2025 elections, Oriental Mindoro is led by:
  • Governor: Humerlito “Bonz” A. Dolor
  • Vice Governor: Antonio S. Perez Jr.
  • Representative (1st District): Paulino Salvador C. Leachon
  • Representative (2nd District): Alfonso V. Umali Jr.
  • Provincial Board Members: Refer to the official Halalan 2025 results for the complete list.
• For full election results and updates, visit: Oriental Mindoro Election Results.

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