Romblon is a province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA Region (Region IV-B) of Luzon. The province covers roughly 1,533.45 square kilometers and is composed of 17 municipalities with a total of 219 barangays. The capital of the province is Romblon. The province was named after its capital town, Romblon, and it is known as the “Marble Capital of the Philippines” due to its rich marble deposits and craftsmanship. It is also recognized for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and island-hopping destinations.

History

Romblon’s history traces back to pre-colonial times when Negritos and settlers from Panay and Mindoro inhabited the islands. The Spaniards arrived in 1571, placing Romblon under the encomienda system and introducing Christianity through missionaries who built churches and fortifications. The people endured forced labor, tributes, and Moro raids during the Spanish period. In the late 1800s, Romblomanons joined the Philippine Revolution against Spain. The Americans later took control in 1901, initially making Romblon a sub-province of Capiz, but it regained its provincial status in 1917. During World War II, Romblon was occupied by Japanese forces from 1942 until its liberation in 1945 by guerrillas and Allied troops. In the post-war years, the province gradually developed and became famous as the “Marble Capital of the Philippines” due to its world-class marble deposits. Today, Romblon is not only recognized for its marble craftsmanship but also for its natural beauty, pristine islands, and rich cultural heritage, making it both historically significant and a growing tourist destination.