Prepared by: Ronaly L.

Seguancia
 The province of Romblon was formerly called Lomlon (an act of a hen nesting to warm her
eggs, based on the fact that when a Spanish soldier was ordered to ask the natives the name of the
island and accidentally pointed to a place where a hen is nesting, the native answered lomlom, hence
the misinterpretation) and later corrupted to the word Domblon.

In 1635, Recollect missionaries arrived in the islands to established Catholic missions and
thriving settlements. Persistent Moro raids, however, destroyed many towns and brought their
residents into slavery. This forced many towns to construct protective fortresses and massive
churches, as well as build watchtowers to warn of coming raiders. In 1753, a large fleet of Moro slave-
raiding ships appeared in Romblon Bay and attacked the town. The attack was repulsed because of
the strong fort system built by the residents.

It was organized by the Spanish into a politico-military district in 1853 and made a sub-
province of Capiz. In 1917, it was converted into a separate province. In October 1, 1946, Romblon
was made into a special province with four municipalities, namely Tablas, Romblon, Sibuyan and
Maghali. On January 1, 1947, the regular provincial status of Romblon was restored. Romblon's early
inhabitants were the Negritos from Panay and Mangyan tribes from Mindoro. Ancient hanging
coffins and aboriginal artwork was discovered in caves of Banton Island signify a rich ancient
civilization and culture.
 2010 CENSUS OF POPULATION AND HOUSING ROMBLON PROVINCE, CITY,

MUNICIPALITY AND BARANGAY POPULATION OF ROMBLON 283,930

ALCANTARA 15,428
• Bonlao 1,390
• Calagonsao 1,171
• Camili 1,546
• Camod-Om 862
• Madalag 1,266
• Poblacion 1,959
• San Isidro 1,069
• Tugdan 2,200
• Bagsik 1,002
• Gui-ob 1,304
• Lawan 656
• San Roque 1,003
BANTON 5,963
• BALOGO 438 • SIBAY 304
• BANICE 421 • TAN-AG 357
• HAMBI-AN 285
• TOCTOC 197
• LAGANG 85
• TOGBONGAN 155
• LIBTONG 248
• MAINIT 390
• TOGONG 386

• NABALAY 132
• TUNGONAN 334
• NASUNOGAN 340 • TUMALUM 361
• POBLACION 1,142 • YABAWON 388
CAJIDIOCAN 21,198
• ALIBAGON 462
• LICO 679

• CAMBAJAO 2,217
• LUMBANG ESTE 649

• CAMBALO 1,797
• LUMBANG WESTE 1,508

• CAMBIJANG 1,507 • MARIGONDON 1,677

• CANTAGDA 1,410 • POBLACION 1,722

• DANAO 3,247 • SUGOD 1,816

• GUTIVAN 1,155 • TAGUILOS 1,352
CALATRAVA 9,776
• BALOGO 1,539
• LINAO 1,397
• POBLACION 1,842
• PAGSANGAHAN 721
• PANGULO 1,488
• SAN ROQUE 1,469
• TALISAY 1,320
CONCEPCION 4,445
• BACHAWAN 501
• CALABASAHAN 647
• DALAJICAN 388
• MASUDSUD 456
• POBLACION 1,028
• SAMPONG 417
• SAN PEDRO (AGBATANG) 418
• SAN VICENTE 325
• MASADYA 265
CORCUERA 9,935
• ALEGRIA 1,386 • MAHABA 765
• AMBULONG 494 • MANGANSAG 1,015
• COLONGCOLONG 693
• POBLACION 549
• GOBON 699
• GUINTIGUIBAN 297
• SAN AGUSTIN 594

• ILIJAN 819 • SAN ROQUE 938

• LABNIG 514 • SAN VICENTE 416
• MABINI 274 • TACASAN 482
LOOC 21,841
• AGOJO 1,737 • LIMON SUR 2,440

• BALATUCAN 1,064 • MANHAC 1,309

• BUENAVISTA 1,395 • PILI 1,132

• CAMANDAO 1,715 • POBLACION 3,504

• GUINHAYAAN 1,526 • PUNTA 2,965

• LIMON NORTE 1,871 • TUGUIS 1,183

MAGDIWANG 13,584
• AGSAO 777
• AGUTAY 1,570
• AMBULONG 1,188
• DULANGAN 1,585
• IPIL 1,681

• JAO-ASAN 951
• POBLACION 2,528
• SILUM 624

• TAMPAYAN 2,680
 ODIONGAN 43,676
• AMATONG 1,256

• ANAHAO 1,998 • LIGAYA (POB.) 878

• BANGON 1,259 • LIWANAG (POB.) 959

• BATIANO 1,917 • POCTOY 2,177

• BUDIONG 2,437 • PROGRESO ESTE 1,360

• CANDUYONG 1,579 • PROGRESO WESTE 880

• DAPAWAN 3,517 • RIZAL 1,558

• GABAWAN 2,381 • TABING DAGAT (POB.) 982

• LIBERTAD 2,335 • TABOBO-AN 1,334

• MALILICO 899 • TULAY 1,994

• MAYHA 1,189 • TUMINGAD 2,405

• PANIQUE 2,874 • LIWAYWAY (POB.) 595

• PATO-O 3,369 • TUBURAN 1,544

ROMBLON (CAPITAL) 37,995
• AGBALUTO 566 • ALAD 1,692
• AGPANABAT 898 • BAGACAY 2,410
• AGBUDIA 587 • CAJIMOS 2,630
• AGNAGA 863 • CALABOGO 939
• AGNAY 708 • CAPACLAN 4,296
• AGNIPA 1,226 • GINABLAN 698
• AGTONGO 1,427 • GUIMPINGAN 684
• ILAURAN 1,607
• PALJE 615
• LAMAO 952
• BARANGAY I (POB.) 623
• LI-O 1,275
• BARANGAY II (POB.) 1,243
• LOGBON 787
• BARANGAY III (POB.) 1,465
• LUNAS 729
• BARANGAY IV (POB.) 1,273
• LONOS 1,666
• SABLAYAN 1,481
• MACALAS 1,174
• SAWANG 1,357
• MAPULA 645
• TAMBAC 623
• COBRADOR (NAGUSO) 856
SAN AGUSTIN 22,116
• BACHAWAN 1,907 • DUBDUBAN 2,128
• BINONGAHAN 1,729 • BINUGUSAN 798
• BULI 863 • LUSONG 988
• CABOLUTAN 1,766 • MAHABANG BAYBAY (LONG BEACH) 1,993
• CAGBUAYA 1,395 • POBLACION 1,484
• CARMEN 1,944 • SUGOD 1,459
• CAWAYAN 728 • CAMANTAYA 518
• DOÑA JUANA 2,416
SAN ANDRES 15,028
• AGPUDLOS 1,196 • MATUTUNA 1,322
• CALUNACON 1,608 • PAG-ALAD 1,113
• DOÑA TRINIDAD 587 • POBLACION 1,555
• LINAWAN 1,430 • TAN-AGAN 1,630
• MABINI 1,392 • VICTORIA 568
• MARIGONDON NORTE 995 • JUNCARLO 557
• MARIGONDON SUR 1,075
SAN FERNANDO 22,466
• AGTIWA 1,391
• AZARGA 1,813
• CAMPALINGO 1,710
• CANJALON 1,637
• ESPAÑA 2,189
• MABINI 1,335
• MABULO 2,036
• OTOD 1,868
• PANANGCALAN 1,011
• PILI 1,141
• POBLACION 1,466
• TACLOBO 4,869
SAN JOSE 10,294
• BUSAY 1,684
• COMBOT 989
• LANAS 2,628
• PINAMIHAGAN 1,657
• POBLACION (AGCOGON) 3,336
SANTA FE 15,700
• AGMANIC 1,691
• CANYAYO 1,557
• DANAO NORTE 1,259
• DANAO SUR 794
• GUINBIRAYAN 1,700
• GUINTIGBASAN 657
• MAGSAYSAY 1,375
• MAT-I 1,170
• PANDAN 1,376
• POBLACION 2,186
• TABUGON 1,935
FERROL 6,802
• AGNONOC 646
• BUNSORAN 888
• CLARO M. RECTO 642
• POBLACION (FERROL) 1,816
• HINAGUMAN 1,102
• TUBIGON 1,708
SANTA MARIA (IMELDA) 7,683
• BONGA 959
• CONCEPCION NORTE (POB.) 2,457
• CONCEPCION SUR 1,998
• PAROYHOG 647
• SANTO NIÑO 1,121
• SAN ISIDRO 501
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
Romblon province straddle the Sibuyan Sea and form the link between the Tagalog-speaking
Region IV and Visayan-speaking Region V. The group’s main islands are Tablas, Romblon and Sibuyan for
the largest and populated areas. They are surrounded entirely by the Sibuyan Sea on the north, east and
south while the Tablas Strait separates the islands from Mindoro. Further south the island of Panay lies
across a narrow channel from Carabao Island.

CLIMATE
Romblon does not experience a pronounced a marked seasonal shift. The climate here
is tropical. There is significant rainfall in most months of the year. The short dry season has
little effect on the overall climate. This climate is considered to be Am according to the
Köppen-Geiger climate classification. The average temperature in Romblon is 27.5 °C.
Precipitation here average is 2175 mm.
The driest month is February, with 44 mm of rain. With an average of 328 mm, the most
precipitation falls in October.
May is the warmest month of the year. The temperature in May averages 29.0 °C.
January has the lowest average temperature of the year. It is 25.9 °C.
Jose Yap Dalisay Jr. Born January 15, 1954 (age 64)
Romblon, Philippines
Pen name Butch Dalisay
Occupation Writer
Nationality Filipino
Alma mater University of the
Philippines
University of
Michigan (M.F.A.)
Genre Fiction, poetry, drama,
nonfiction and
screenwriting
Jennivev Santillan Tamayo Nene Tamayo (born on September
27, 1981 in Romblon, Philippines)
was one of the 13 housemates of
ABS-CBN's Pinoy Big Brother,
Season 1. Finally after spending 111
days inside the house, Nene landed
as the grand winner dubbed as The
Big Winner garnering 554,906 votes
or 48.9% of total votes in the Big
Night held at Clark Expo
Amphitheater, Angeles City,
Pampanga on December 10, 2005.
 Romblon is another tourist spot in Region IV-B. There are many natural attractions that the residents
are proud to have. Here are some of those natural spots in Romblon.

2. Bonbon Beach (Brgy. Lonos, Romblon)

1. Mt. Guiting-Guiting (Sibuyan, Romblon)
Mt. Guiting-
Guiting rise 2,075 meters
above sea level in the
middle of Sibuyan Island.
Wild and unexplored, it is a
challenging mountain for
seasoned climbers. Before
hiking, hiring experienced
guides is a must. Wild ferns, This great expanse on the eastern
orchids, and bonsai dot the shores of Romblon Island possesses fine
rocky trails. The entire island white sand and a gradually sloping ocean
and neighboring Romblon floor. A small islet accessible by foot at low
and Marinduque can be tide is just right across the beach. The islet
seen at the summit of the has a secluded swimming area on a short
mountain. stretch of fine white sand.
3. Tiamban Beach (Brgy. Lonos, Romblon) 4. San Jose (San Jose, Romblon)

The coastline of San Jose town harbors some

of the most beautiful and isolated beaches in the
Located due north of Bonbon Beach, province. Famous are the ones located in Barangay
this beach is covered with fine white sand, Lunas and Bignay. One should ride banca to get access
narrower than Bonbon but almost as long. to the coastal village. Horses are the major means of
transport to visit inland villages.
5. Mablaran Falls (Linawan, San Andres, Romblon) 6. Cobrador Island (Romblon, Romblon)

Cobrador is the largest among the islets dotting

Set amidst luxuriant foliage, the
the seas around Romblon.Reputed to hold deposits of rare
waterfall flows into a 20-foot deep pool of cool,
black, gold, and green marble. The best sweetsop and
blue-green water. This is one of the
papaya are also grown here. Other treasures of Cobrador
most common picnic and swimming spots in
Island are its beaches – the most prominent being the wide
town, although picnickers are advised to bring
expanse of fine white sand for about one kilometer on the
their own food and gear.
eastern side of the islet.
7. Tinagong Dagat (Brgy. Talisay, Calatrava, Romblon) 8. Mainit Falls (Brgy. Patoo, Odiongan)

Measuring 40 meters in diameter and

about seven fathoms at its deepest, this “Hidden Earning its name from its warm waters,
Sea” is a circular pool of saltwater barely 10 meters Mainit Falls is a three-tiered cascade that forms
from the sea on the northmost tip of Tablas Island. three deep pools ideal for bathing. Visitors are
It is a home to several species of saltwater fishes advised to bring their own food, drinking water, and
and seashells. The route to Tinagong Dagat crosses gear as the area is secluded and undeveloped.
a shoreline of sheer cliffs, interesting rock
formations, small coves, and a fishing village.
9. Cantingas River (Taclobo, San Fernando, Romblon) 10. Lambingan Falls (Silum Romblon)

The Cantingas River is known for its Natural crystal-clear pool is ideal for a dip at Lambingan
enchanting vistas. In its mountain are found the Falls. It is a romantic hideaway marked by huge boulders
world’s smallest bat, the endangered wild cat or that deflect the cascade from the heights, the park is
the singalong, and the hardest wood, the complimented by other tourist potentials that is
mancogo or iron wood. The river is known to have constantly developed for town beautification because of
the second cleanest inland water in the region.. its lush greenery. The falls has a natural pool with cool
surroundings, ideal for swimming and picnics.
Approximately 187 nautical miles (346 km) south of Manila, the islands of
Romblon lie on Sibuyan Sea, South of Marinduque Island and North of Panay. To
the east is the island of Masbate and in the west is Mindoro.Romblon is endowed
with lush vegetation and mineral resources. Aside from marble, the islands are rich
in granite, nickel, silica, mercury, zinc, copper, silver, limestone, sulfide, ores,
kaolin, clay, magnesium and quartz.

Gold panning sites have sprouted in some of the mountain stream areas in
Magdiwang, Sibuyan Island. The fertile soil nurtures varied agricultural crops—like
coconut, rice, corn, bananas, rootcrops, fruit trees, vines and many others.
Offshore, Romblon is a rich fishing ground. The islands lie on the migratory path
of fishes from the Sulu and Visayan Seas, passing the Tablas Strait, Sibuyan Sea
and Romblon Pass
 Industry of Romblon
Agriculture is the main industry in Romblon The people are most fishermen and
farmers like rice, coconut and abaca are major products of the small farms on the islands.
Romblon is famous for its traditional weaving and basketry. Handicrafts are a major home
industry in which the women are engaged. The province is noted, especially, for its fine and
delicate crochet laces and bedspreads. Fishery is one of the big contributor for they were
surrounded by water on all sides.
Marble is the most significant mineral deposit of Romblon and is the most renowned
product of the province. Based on statistics, Romblon is the second biggest provincial marble
producer of the country next to Bulacan. Romblon marble is of very high quality and comes in
shades of white, green, pink, red and black. The large deposits of marble in varying hues and
types, abound in the northern part of Romblon, as well as on Alad and Cobrador Islands.
Marble is worked and made into a variety of items. Small souvenir eggs and animals, chess
sets, nameplates, mortars and pestle and religious icons are a thriving industry. Slabs and
blocks of marble are also sent to other regions of the Philippines to be used for construction,
monuments and gravestones. Local artisans are also noted for their good woodwork.
 The Mines and Geosciences Bureau has estimated that
Romblon is endowed with about 150 million metric tons of marble.
Livestock development and poultry production is a viable small scale
enterprise for farmers in the province. The provincial government
maintains breeding facilities in strategic locations province-wide to
encourage farmers to engage in livestock and poultry production to
augment their income.
The province is famous for its marble, and holds large deposits of
kaolin clay, nickel, magnetism, quartz, silica, and zinc, copper, silver,
limestone, and sulfide ores. The waters surrounding the islands are
teeming with tuna, grouper and fish species, and its extensive forests
produce timber and forest products such as rattan, buri, and nito. Cattle
raising is a thriving industry. Romblon’s population of 227,000 is young,
highly educated and trainable.
1. Sarsa
One of the local delicacies usually peddled on the streets of Romblon is this, Sarsa. It is traditionally
made of large freshwater shrimp, red chili peppers, and coconut. These ingredients are mixed with garlic,
ginger and whole peppercorn. By using a Lusong and Lomok (a wooden mortar and pestle) they pound this
mixed ingredients. These will then be filled in inside a rolled coconut or banana leaf. They will appear like an
enclosed cylindrical tube. They are cooked by boiling in coconut milk which also adds flavor to the dish. After
30 minutes of boiling, the Sarsa can be served.
The appearance of the Sarsa may not say much but when you take a bite, that’s where the exciting
part starts. You’ll get a delightful symphony of sweet and spicy flavors with the chewy texture from the
coconut. You can eat it as is or you can partner it with rice. Sarsa is available in the wet market and restaurants.
Just be cautious since it gets spoiled easily since it contains coconut.
2. Balichow na Gamus
Romblon has their own version of “bagoong.” For those who are not familiar with Bagoong, it is a
traditional condiment in the Philippines. Basically, it is a salted and fermented fish or alamang (krill). In
Romblon, the fermented krill is sauteed with coconut milk. The coconut milk added creamy flavor and nice
aroma to the “bagoong.”
Balitsaw is sold in jars for P70 to P120. They may be sold in 3 variants: Hot and Spicy, Sweet and
Regular. Either which you prefer, any can add great flavor to your dishes or fruits like green mangoes and
langka (jackfruit).
3. Ginataang Langka
Like I’ve already mentioned, the Filipino word ‘langka’ refers to jackfruit. For this dish, the unripe
jackfruit is used. ‘Ginataan,’ on the other hand, refers to any dish cooked with coconut milk. Coconut is among
the top produce in the province of Romblon. So, coconut milk is often used in Romblon as one of the main
ingredients in their dishes like this Ginataang Langka.
Aside from the unripe jackfruit and coconut milk, Ginataang Langka also has daing (salted and dried
fish) and red chili peppers. The dish has a subtle bitter taste coming from Lumbay leaves, a rare leaf that may
only be found in Indonesia and Philippines. Its contrasting layers of flavors and the meat texture of the langka
plus the aroma from the coconut milk are just glorious especially when served with warm rice.
4. Tinnie’s Peanut Butter
The province of Romblon is known as a producer of peanuts and, thus, producer of peanut butter. If
you’re thinking of pasalubong (take home) from Romblon, a jar of peanut butter should be on your list.
I’d recommend “Tinnie’s Peanut Butter” manufactured by Tinnie’s Food Products. Tinnie’s Food Products
is a benchmark in manufacturing and distributing of Peanut Butter in Romblon. For around P65, you can already
buy a 230g of their Peanut Butter.
5. Combi – Ginger and Turmeric
I suggest you buy the locally made Ginger and Turmeric Tea in Romblon if you like a pasalubong from
Romblon that has various health benefits. Among others, this tea can give health benefits to your skin, stomach,
sugar level, immune system, blood pressure, heart, and brain. It may also help you control your weight.
You can buy Ginger and Turmeric Tea powder from Romblon for more or less P115. I’d recommend
Rovilla’s Combi (Ginger and Turmeric) which is made by Rovilla’s Food Manufacturing. This manufacturing
company also sells Instant Ginger Tea and Turmeric Powder in separate jars.
6. Fresh Seafood

Most of the fresh seafood served in Boracay, one of

the best beaches known in the Philippines, are from
Romblon. Romblon is situated on a migratory path of
different marine species. This makes the Romblon an ideal
fishing ground. Don’t worry, local government and private
sectors in collaboration with international organizations are
working on projects that will ensure the monitoring and
management of this fishing ground.
In Romblon, you can easily find many gourmet restaurants
that offer fresh seafood. Many gourmet restaurants are
owned by foreigners. So, they offer international dishes on
their menu. It may be nicer if you could find a local diner
which serves local delicacies of Romblon. Experiencing the
local dishes of the place you’re visiting will help you get to
know more about its produce, history, and people.
7. Taghilaw
Taghilaw is pork meat and intestines cooked in vinegar sauce. A dish similar in preparation to
"dinuguan" but minus the blood.
8. Gayabon
Gayabon, is Romblon's version of Laing. But what makes it different is that they use fresh gabi
cooked until the leaves are mashed into a pasty texture. It is very chunky and is not spicy like the Bikolano
version.
1. Biniray Festival(Romblon) – held every 2nd week of
January. This festival features a fluvial parade with the image
of Sto. Niño on the the lead boat, gaily decorated with
colorful buntings. The festivities usually lasted for a week
celebration filled with ethnic dances and music. Various fun-
filled activities are lined up to show case the rich culture and
Christian faith of Romblomanons. The festival is held in the
honor of Sto. Niño de Romblon. The Biniray Festival is one
way of giving thanks to the residents’ bountiful life and
prosperous economy.

2. Marble Festival(Romblon) – held every 1st

Friday of January. This festival is the actual curving of
raw marble stone to an astonishing work of art that
show case the artistic works of our local marble
artisans. The design features first underwater life
because our food come from the sea then life in the
jungle with horses, tigers and other animals, then how
our lives have evolved from the ancient kings and
rulers and the last part is life after death which
showcased Buddha, Jesus Christ and other Gods.
 3. Pagdayaw Festival (Cajidiocan)
– held every 4th Sunday of January.
Pagdayaw festival is held for thanks
giving and worship through
colorful and festive dancing.

4. Kanrila Festival(Odiongan) – held

every 1st day of February. Kanrila
festival is a unique festivity in honor
of Nuestra Señora De Candelaria.
Unlike other festival it is held at night
to appreciate the glittering beauty of
candles while people of Libertad is
dancing in worship and thanks
giving.
5. Romblon Liberation/Foundation Day–
celebrated every March 18. This is the
celebration of the liberation of the province.
The event show case a variety of cultural
presentation and public service to the
Romblomanons.

6. Saginyogan Festival(Alcantara) - held

every March 19 – 21. The festival aims to
show case Alcantara’s main produce
which is banana (saging) and coconut
(niyog). This is a two days colorful and
joyful street dancing celebration and
where dancers are wearing a colorful
costumes using indigenous materials of
banana and coconut.
 7. Parpaguha Festival(San Andres) - held
every March 27 – 29. This is an event inspired
by the mythical bird Parpaguha in which the
river between Bgy. Pag-alad and Mari Sur
was named after he event is an array of
colorful and fun-filled activities such that of
street dancing that portrays the Parpaguha
mythical bird, colorful fluvial parade and
other activities.

8. Kanidugan Festival(Odiongan) - held

every April 5. It is Odiongan’s coconut themed
festival featuring colorful and fun filled
activities of street dancing, coco based food
festival and paraw regatta. Kanidugan Festival
(Coconut Festival derived from a word "Nidog"
or Niyog in Filipino or Coconut in English) it's
an annual festival celebrated in the foundation
day of Odiongan and to honour Saint Vincent
Ferrer (the patron saint of Odiongan, Romblon.
9. Kalipayan Festival(San Agustin) - held
every April 26. Kalipayan is the natural
tongue of the people of San Agustin means
festivity or merry making. It is held every
last Saturday of April to promote and
highlight the cultural and eco-tourism sites
of the municipality.

10. Hinugyawan Festival(Sta. Maria) -

held every December 8. The municipality
of Sta. Maria celebrates their feast in
honor of Immaculada Concepcion with
merry-making and street dancing.
Hinugyawan by itself means “to be joyous
or to be festive mood” or in local terms
“magkinasadyakagmagkinalipay.” They
celebrate it with street dancing and
ground demonstration.
11. Pag-alad Festival(San Fernando) - held
every December 8. This festival is being held
to honor their patron Saint Mary Immaculate
Conception, a fiesta being held every 8th of
December. The devotee Catholic give praise
and thanks for each years’ bountiful blessings
and good health. This annual fiesta
celebration usually starts from 4th until 8th of
the month, it showcases the talent of san
Fernandohanon in street dancing followed by
a dance performance on the town’s
Auditorium. The town was banged by the
sound of music as participants from the
different tribes in theis colorful costumes
performed their respective routines.