Municipalities of Romblon, in Region IV-B (MIMAROPA) in the Republic of The Philippines
Alcantara • Banton • Cajidiocan • Calatrava • Concepcion • Corcuera • Ferrol • Looc • Magdiwang • Odiongan • Romblon • San Agustin • San Andres • San Fernando • San Jose • Santa Fe • Santa Maria
People of Romblon
- As of the 2020 Census, Romblon Province had a population of 308,985 residents.
- In 2015, the province recorded a population of 292,781, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 1.1% annually.
- Romblon has been inhabited by aboriginal Filipinos long before Spanish colonization in 1569. Archaeological finds, including burial jars and porcelain, suggest a rich pre-colonial culture.
- The province is home to three major ethnolinguistic groups: Asi (spoken in Banton, Corcuera, and parts of Tablas), Ini or Romblomanon (spoken in Romblon Island), and Onhan (spoken in southern Tablas and Carabao Island).
- While Tagalog is widely spoken and used in government and media, the original dialects remain vibrant in local communities. English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and national integration.
Location of Romblon
- Romblon is an archipelagic province in the heart of the Philippines, part of the MIMAROPA Region. It is bordered by Marinduque to the north, Oriental Mindoro to the west, Masbate to the east, and Panay Island to the south.
- The province consists of three main islands—Tablas, Sibuyan, and Romblon—along with smaller islands such as Banton, Corcuera, and Carabao.
- Travel access:
- Sea: Ferries from Batangas and Lucena ports connect to Odiongan (Tablas), Romblon town, and Sibuyan. Travel time ranges from 8 to 12 hours depending on the route.
- Air: Tugdan Airport in Tablas Island offers flights from Manila, though schedules may be limited.
- Land: Local transport includes jeepneys, tricycles, and vans connecting towns across the islands.
Tourist Attractions of Romblon
- Bonbon Beach: A stunning white-sand beach in Romblon Island, known for its sandbar and turquoise waters.
- Mount Guiting-Guiting: A challenging peak in Sibuyan Island, popular among mountaineers for its jagged ridges and biodiversity.
- Fort San Andres and Fort Santiago: Spanish-era twin forts in Romblon town built in 1644 to defend against Moro raids.
- Mainit Falls: A natural hot spring waterfall in Odiongan, Tablas Island.
- Festivals:
- Biniray Festival: Held every January in Romblon town, reenacting the arrival of the Santo Niño image and celebrating maritime heritage.
- Talabukon Festival: Celebrated in Looc, Tablas Island, honoring a mythical giant who saved the town from pirates.
- Sanrokan Festival: A harvest and thanksgiving celebration in San Andres, Tablas Island.
Economy of Romblon
- Romblon’s economy grew by 6.3% in 2024, reaching a GDP of ₱33.06 billion.
- In 2023, the province posted a GDP of ₱31.14 billion, up from ₱29.02 billion in 2022.
- Key industries include:
- Marble quarrying and processing: Romblon is known as the “Marble Capital of the Philippines.”
- Agriculture and fisheries: Coconut, rice, root crops, and seafood are major outputs.
- Tourism and hospitality: Eco-tourism and heritage sites continue to attract domestic and international visitors.
Educational Institutions of Romblon
- Young residents pursue higher education at:
- Romblon State University (RSU): The province’s premier public university with campuses in Odiongan, Cajidiocan, San Fernando, San Andres, San Agustin, Calatrava, Sta. Fe, and Sta. Maria.
- Romblon College: A private institution in Odiongan offering business and education programs.
- Romblon College of Fisheries and Forestry: Located in Calatrava and other towns, focusing on agriculture and marine sciences.
History of Romblon
- Romblon was first established as a province by the Taft Commission on March 16, 1901.
- It was annexed to Capiz in 1907, reestablished in 1918, annexed again in 1942 during World War II, and finally restored as a province on October 1, 1946.
- Spanish missionaries arrived in 1635, founding churches and Christian communities. Forts were built in Romblon and Banton to defend against Moro and Dutch raids.
- The province’s name may derive from “roblon” (Spanish for bolt) or “doubloon” (a Spanish coin), referencing the island’s shape.
Elected Officials of Romblon
- As of the 2025 elections, Romblon Province is led by:
- Governor: Trina Alejandra Q. Firmalo-Fabic
- Vice Governor: Armando Gutierrez
- Representative: Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona
- For municipal-level officials and councilors, visit the official Halalan 2025 results page: Romblon Election Results.
Featured News of the Philippines
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