Oriental Mindoro is a province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA region (Region IV-B) of Luzon. The province covers roughly 4,238.38 square kilometers and is composed of 14 municipalities and 1 city, with a total of 426 barangays. The capital of the province is Calapan City. The name 'Mindoro' comes from the Spanish term 'Mina de Oro,' meaning 'gold mine,' as early Spanish explorers believed the island was rich in gold deposits.

History

During the Spanish period (1571 onwards), Mindoro became one of the earliest mission areas of the Augustinian and later the Recollect missionaries. Calapan served as a mission center and eventually became the provincial capital. For a long time, Mindoro was administered as part of Batangas due to its small population and limited resources. In 1921, Mindoro became a regular province, independent from Batangas. Later, through Republic Act No. 505 enacted on June 13, 1950, the single province of Mindoro was officially divided into Oriental Mindoro (with Calapan as capital) and Occidental Mindoro (with Mamburao as capital) to promote better governance and development. Since then, Oriental Mindoro has developed into an important agricultural hub, known as the 'Rice Granary and Fruit Basket of Southern Tagalog' for its vast rice fields, coconut plantations, and production of tropical fruits. It also became a growing tourism destination, especially with Puerto Galera, recognized as a UNESCO-declared Man and Biosphere Reserve for its marine biodiversity.