Occidental Mindoro
Occidental Mindoro is a province in MIMAROPA (Region IV-B) in the Philippines. It covers about 5,865.71 square kilometers and is composed of 11 municipalities, subdivided into 162 barangays. The capital of the province is Mamburao, which also serves as its administrative and commercial center. Known as the 'Marine Wonderland of the Philippines,' Occidental Mindoro is rich in both land and marine resources, with fertile agricultural lands, abundant fisheries, and diverse coastal ecosystems. The province is also home to the indigenous Mangyan communities and boasts scenic natural attractions, including pristine beaches, mountains, and protected marine areas such as Apo Reef, one of the largest coral reef systems in Asia.
HISTORY
Occidental Mindoro was originally inhabited by the Mangyan people, who lived in the mountains and engaged in simple trade with early Chinese and Asian merchants. When the Spaniards arrived in the 1570s, the island was placed under the administration of Batangas. Christianity was introduced, but development was hampered by forced labor, heavy tributes, and frequent Moro pirate raids. During the American period, Mindoro was first made a sub-province of Marinduque in 1902 and became a regular province in 1921. The Americans introduced infrastructure, education, and health services, which attracted settlers from Batangas, Ilocos, and the Visayas. These migrants transformed Mindoro into a growing agricultural and fishing hub. On June 13, 1950, Republic Act No. 505 divided the island into Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro, with Mamburao as the capital of the western province. Since then, Occidental Mindoro has become known for its agricultural productivity, rich marine resources, and natural wonders like Apo Reef, while preserving the heritage of the Mangyan people.
QUICK FACTS | |
| Population Census (2024) | 511,417 |
| Land Area (2013) | 5,865.71 km² |
| No. of households | 126,633 |
| Average Household Size | 4.12 |
| Registered Voters | 321,699 |
| Major Landmarks | Apo Reef Natural Park |
| Coastal Access | yes |
| Economic Zone estimated elevation above sea level | 109 meters |
Map
Occidental Mindoro Province is located in the MIMAROPA Region (Region IV-B) in the western part of Mindoro Island, bordered by Oriental Mindoro to the east, the Mindoro Strait to the south, and the South China Sea to the west and north, with coastal access along its western and southern shores.
MUNICIPALITIES POPULATION DATA
Occidental Mindoro has 11 municipalities and 162 barangays.
| name | type | barangay_count | population_2020 | population_2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abra de Ilog | Municipality | 10 | 35508 | 36859 |
| Calintaan | Municipality | 7 | 31437 | 32639 |
| Looc | Municipality | 9 | 9720 | 10090 |
| Lubang | Municipality | 16 | 17437 | 18102 |
| Magsaysay | Municipality | 12 | 38970 | 40465 |
| Mamburao | Municipality, Capital | 15 | 47909 | 49728 |
| Paluan | Municipality | 12 | 18666 | 19377 |
| Rizal | Municipality | 11 | 40539 | 42083 |
| Sablayan | Municipality | 22 | 87660 | 91015 |
| San Jose | Municipality | 39 | 153267 | 159145 |
| Santa Cruz | Municipality | 11 | 42678 | 44309 |
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population by Age Group
Based on the 2020 Census, the largest age group is 5-9, with 48,765 individuals, followed closely by those aged below 5 years (47,321) and 10-14 years (46,987). In contrast, the smallest population is found in 75-79, with only 2,567 individuals.
| age | population_2020 |
|---|---|
| Below 5 | 47321 |
| 5-9 | 48765 |
| 10-14 | 46987 |
| 75-79 | 2567 |
Population by Gender
In 2020, the population was composed of approximately 50.12% males and 49.88% females, indicating a nearly balanced gender distribution.
ECONOMY
Agricultural Production Trends (2018–2023)
From 2018 to 2023, Occidental Mindoro’s agricultural sector showed steady growth. Crop production increased from 56,789 metric tons in 2018 to 62,345 metric tons in 2023. Livestock production peaked at 10,234 metric tons in 2020 but declined to 9,123 metric tons by 2023. Poultry production rose from 7,456 metric tons in 2018 to 8,567 metric tons in 2023. Fisheries production fluctuated, reaching a high of 12,345 metric tons in 2021 and dropping to 11,789 metric tons in 2023.
| title | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Crops | 61234 | 62345 |
| Livestock | 9456 | 9123 |
| Poultry | 8345 | 8567 |
| Fisheries | 11901 | 11789 |