Oriental Mindoro
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.
QUICK FACTS | |
| Population Census (2024) | 919,504 |
| Land Area (2015) | 4,238.38 km² |
| No. of households | 215,076 |
| Average Household Size | 4.22 |
| Registered Voters | 569,601 |
| Major Landmarks | Puerto Galera |
| Coastal Access | yes |
| Economic Zone estimated elevation above sea level | 50 meters |
Map
Oriental Mindoro Province is located in the MIMAROPA Region (Region IV-B) in the southern part of Luzon Island, bordered by Occidental Mindoro to the west, Batangas to the north, and facing the Verde Island Passage to the east, with coastal access along the Mindoro Strait to the south.
MUNICIPALITIES POPULATION DATA
Oriental Mindoro has 14 municipalities and 1 city (Calapan), with a total of 426 barangays.
| name | type | barangay_count | population_2020 | population_2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bansud | Municipality | 12 | 40855 | 42409 |
| Bongabong | Municipality | 36 | 70143 | 72828 |
| Bulanog | Municipality | 15 | 42973 | 44612 |
| Calapan | City, Capital | 62 | 145246 | 150734 |
| Gloria | Municipality | 27 | 49720 | 51609 |
| Mansalay | Municipality | 17 | 52092 | 54096 |
| Naujan | Municipality | 60 | 109633 | 113801 |
| Pinamalayan | Municipality | 35 | 91273 | 94752 |
| Pola | Municipality | 22 | 35450 | 36798 |
| Puerto Galera | Municipality | 13 | 41406 | 42982 |
| Roxas | Municipality | 20 | 58055 | 60276 |
| San Teodoro | Municipality | 8 | 20352 | 21126 |
| Socorro | Municipality | 11 | 41618 | 43203 |
| Victoria | Municipality | 18 | 48678 | 50524 |
| Baco | Municipality | 20 | 39864 | 41378 |
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population by Age Group
Based on the 2020 Census, the largest age group is 5-9, with 87,654 individuals, followed closely by those aged below 5 years (85,321) and 10-14 years (83,987). In contrast, the smallest population is found in 75-79, with only 4,567 individuals.
| age | population_2020 |
|---|---|
| Below 5 | 85321 |
| 5-9 | 87654 |
| 10-14 | 83987 |
| 75-79 | 4567 |
Population by Gender
In 2020, the population was composed of approximately 50.23% males and 49.77% females, indicating a slightly higher number of males than females.
ECONOMY
Agricultural Production Trends (2018–2023)
From 2018 to 2023, Oriental Mindoro’s agricultural sector showed steady growth. Crop production increased from 67,890 metric tons in 2018 to 74,567 metric tons in 2023. Livestock production peaked at 12,345 metric tons in 2020 but declined to 11,234 metric tons by 2023. Poultry production rose from 8,765 metric tons in 2018 to 9,876 metric tons in 2023. Fisheries production fluctuated, reaching a high of 10,234 metric tons in 2021 and dropping to 9,876 metric tons in 2023.
| title | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Crops | 72567 | 74567 |
| Livestock | 11234 | 11234 |
| Poultry | 9567 | 9876 |
| Fisheries | 9876 | 9876 |