Republic of the Philippines

NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

VICTORINO SALCEDO CAMPUS
Sara, Iloilo

Course Code : TOUR MNGT 202c

Descriptive Title : PHILIPPINE TOURISM, GEOGRAPHY AND CULTURE
Term and Academic Year : 2nd Semester, AY 2020-2021
Department and Year Level : BSTM II
Professor : JODELYN T. CONDINO

Module 6, Lesson 1
Region 4B- MIMAROPA Region
I. Introduction
In this module, you shall be introduced to the major tourist destination areas in MIMAROPA Region. Major
discussions will be on access, health and safety issues, geographical characteristics, major attractions, gastronomy, and
distinctive cultural attributes of the region related to the development and promotion of tourism in the Philippines.

In order to gain a thorough understanding of this lesson, you have to read the learning contents of this module.
You are also required to answer the learning assessment and submit the required outputs that follow.

Time Frame: 9 hours Date of Submission:

II. Learning Outcomes At the end of this lesson, you must have:

1. Identified the different major attractions, activities, accommodations, and cultural highlights in the province
within MIMAROPA Region;
2. Created different tour packages that carry different types of tourism activities within the region; and
3. Assessed the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the region in terms of 4 As of Tourism
(attractions, access, accommodations, and amenities).

III. Learning Contents

Introduction
The region prides itself with exotic island provinces with rich flora and fauna. Quite unassuming, the region can
actually take a tourist’s breath away with its natural beauty. The MIMAROPA Region includes the provinces of:

 Marinduque;
 Occidental Mindoro;
 Oriental Mindoro;
 Palawan; and
 Romblon

Fast Facts
Provinces Land Area No. of Towns and
Capital Major Industries No. of Cities
(in hectares) Municipalities
Agriculture, Fishing,
Marinduque Boac 95,258 Handicraft and - 6
Trade
Agriculture,
Occidental
San Jose 586, 571 Livestock ,Trade - 11
Mindoro
and Tourism
Agriculture,
Oriental
Calapan City 423, 838 Tourism, Trade and 1 14
Mindoro
Commerce
Agriculture, Fishing,
Puerto Princesa
Palawan 1,703, 075 Logging, Trade, and 1 23
City
Tourism
Agriculture,
Livestock and
Romblon Romblon 153, 354 - 17
Poultry, Fishing,
Mining (Marble)

Module 6, Lesson 1 (Region 4B- MIMAROPA Region) Page | 26

 Republic of the Philippines
NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
VICTORINO SALCEDO CAMPUS
Sara, Iloilo

A. Ports of Access
The province of MIMAROPA Region is mostly island provinces with the exception of Occidental and Oriental
Mindoro. Since they are islands, primary access is by air or sea. An international airport is available in Puerto Princesa City
as the gateway to the world- famous islands of Palawan.

By Air: Puerto Princesa International Airport is the main gateway to the region both from domestic and
international destinations. Alternatively, domestic flights from Manila to San Jose Airport in Occidental Mindoro and El
Nido Airport in Palawan are serviced by Cebu Pacific both approximately for an hour.

By Sea: From Lucena City, Quezon, fast craft ferries are available going to Boac and Mogpog in Marinduque. On
the other hand, fast craft ferries are available from Batangas port to Calapan and Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro, San
Jose and Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro, and Romblon. Moreover, Negros Navigation offers ferry trips from Manila
to Puerto Princesa once a week.

Getting Around: Regular bus trips are available to roam around each island. Jeepneys and tricycles are also
available to travel between towns. There are also several fast craft ferries available to move from one island to another.

B. Range of Accommodation
Budget Mid-Range High-End
(less than P1,500 per night) (P1,500 to P3,000 per night) (at least P3,000 per night)
 Beach Club Cagpo  Boac Hotel  Belarocca Island Resort
 Tahanan sa Isok  Residencia de Palo Maria and Spa
 Abby’s Place
Marinduque  A & A Beach Resort
 Lucky Seven Pension
House
 Three Brothers
 Villa Ocampo  Apo Reef Club Resort
 La Sofia Apartelle  Villa Paulina Beach Resort
 Adventure Camp and Spa
 Sikatuna Beach Hotel  El Mora Boutique Hotel
Occidental
 Mindoro Plaza Hotel  Sikatuna Beach Hotel
Mindoro
 Mindoro Grand Hotel  Pandan Island Resort
 Paradise Beach Resort
 La Gensol Plaza Hotel

 Sabang Oasis Resort  La Laguna Villas  Buri Resort and Spa

 Palangan Bayview Beach  The Manor at Puerto  Coco Beach Island
Resort Galera Resort
 Montani Beach Resort  Tropicana Castle Dive  Verde View Villas
 Mountain Beach Resort Resort  Sunset at Aninuan Beach
Oriental  Bellevue Cottages  La laguna Beach Club and Resort
Mindoro  Casa Mia Resort Dive Center  Utopia Resort and Spa
 Bali Beach Resort  Infinity Resort
 Sunny Beach Resort
 Tribal Hills Mountain
Resort

 Fanta Lodge  Coron Gateway Hotel and  Princesa Garden Island

 Leonidas Budget Hotel Suites Resort
 Villa Travelista Travel  Ala Amid B&B  Busuanga Bay Lodge
Lodge  Coral Bay Beach and Dive  Huma Island Resort
 Dormitels PH El Nido Resort  Cauyan Island Resort
 Tapik Beach Park Guest  Fersal Hotel  Astoria Palawan Resort
Palawan House  Aziza Paradise Hotel  Matinloc Resort
 Jims Castle Inn  Microtel by Wyndham  Sheridan Beach Resort
 Coron Reed Pension Puerto Princesa  Dos Palmas Island Resort
 Coron Underwater Garden  Corto del Mar Hotel
Resort  Club Paradise Resort
 Cooper’s Beach Resort
 La Natura Resort

Module 6, Lesson 1 (Region 4B- MIMAROPA Region) Page | 27

 Republic of the Philippines
NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
VICTORINO SALCEDO CAMPUS
Sara, Iloilo

 Lanas Beach Resort  Binucot Beach Resort  By the Sea Resort

 Aglicay Beach Resort  Marlin Bar Restaurant and  Tabias Point Resort
 Caesar’s Lodging Inns Accommodation  Turtle Cove Island Resort
Romblon  White Beach Dive and Kite
Resort- Carabao
 Morel’s Private Island
Resort

C. Food and Delicacies

Marinduque Occidental Mindoro Oriental Mindoro Palawan Romblon
 Dinuguan  Adonong Pugita  Suman sa Lihiya  Tamilok  Boknoy
 Uraro  Crispy Hipon  Adobo  Crocodile Siopao
cookies  Native Tinola  Semi-dried Fish Sisig  Orange
 Bibingkang  Fresh Lumpia  Banana Chips  Danggit Roughly
Lalaki  Ginataang Puso ng Lamayo Kinilaw
Saging  Lechon
Kawali
 Kare-Kare

D. Attractions and Activities

Historical, Cultural, and Heritage
Natural Attractions Built Attractions
Attractions
 Boac Cathedral  Poctoy Beach
 Mt. Malindig
 Balanacan Bay
Marinduque
 Tres Reyes Islands
 Malbog Sulfur Spring

 Parola Park  Apo Reef National Park  Sablayan Zipline

 Ambulong Island Adventure
 Ambil Island  Mamburao Beach
 Pandan Grande Island Resort
Occidental
 Siburan Forest
Mindoro
 Mt. Iglit
 White Island

 Simbahang Bato  Puerto Galera Beaches

 Mangyan Hanunuo Tribe  Tamaraw Falls
Oriental Settlement  Mt. Halcon
Mindoro  Kuta  Naujan Lake National Park
 The Cross at Muelle  Bulalaco Group of Islands
 Baluarte
 Puerto de Sta. Isabel  Puerto Princesa Subterranean  Palawan Crocodile
 Cuyo Port River National Park Farm
 Agutaya Fort  El Nido Marine Reserve park  Iwahig Prison and
 Melville Lighthouse  Honda Bay Penal Farm
 Coron Island  Calauit Safari park
Palawan
 Tabon Cave
 Tubbataha Reef Marine Park
 Ugong Rock
 San Vicente
 Maquinit Hot Spring

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 Republic of the Philippines
NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
VICTORINO SALCEDO CAMPUS
Sara, Iloilo

 Fort San Andres and Santiago  Crest de Gallo Islet  Marble Shopping
 Romblon Cathedral  Looc Bay Marine Sanctuary Center
Romblon  Bonbon beach
 Catingas River

E. Recommended Pasalubong
Pasalubong – MIMAROPA Region
 Uraro Cookies
 Lanzones
 Rambutan
 Banana Chips
 Dried Fish
 Cashew Nuts
 Fresh Water Pearls
 Shirts
 Handicrafts (key chains, baskets, bags, wallets, etc.)
 Wood Carving Products

F. Festivals and Special Events

Marinduque
 Moriones Festival (Holy Week) the most popular and unique cultural events depicting Jesus Christ’s passion and
death. Its highlight is the promenade of grotesque “ morions” or colorful masked Roman soldiers around the
town.

Occidental Mindoro
 Dugoy Festival – (January 18) to promote and celebrate the Dugoy spirit of camaraderie among the people of
Sablayan by showcasing street parades and street dancing.
 Saknungan Festival – (4th week of April) literally means bayanihan, it is a thanksgiving festival of San Jose for the
blessings of the province and also to showcase the cultural heritage of Mindoro’s ethnic communities.

Oriental Mindoro
 MIMAROPA Festival – (November 9-15) a showcase to share the products and services of the provinces of the
MIMAROPA Region.
 Bahaghari Festival (April 25) a thanksgiving festival for the guidance that he has given to their ancestors when
they were travelling to Mindoro and encountered a terrible storm.
 Malasibo Festival - (March 10- 12) an international festival of music and arts.
 Banana Festival – (January 25) showcases the abundance of bananas in Mindoro by featuring a variety of banana
cuisines and products.

Palawan
 Baragtan sa Palawan – (3rd week of June) celebration of the foundation of the civil government of Palawan.
 Kulambo Festival – (March 15-18) celebrated by the town of El Nido that features parade and street dancing of
townspeople wearing kulambo or mosquito nets.
 Anihan Festival – (last week of October) a thanksgiving festival for a bountiful harvest of crops.

Roblon
 Biniray Festival – (January 9) a fluvial parade in the sea to celebrate the Santo Nino, the image of the Holy Child
Jesus.
 Kanidugan Festival - (April 5) in honor of the town’s patron, Saint Vincent Ferrer, and to also showcase the
abundance of coconut trees and products of Odiongan.

F. Major Cultural Groups

Major cultural groups are Mangyans, Tagbanwas (sometimes spelled Tagbanua), and Tagalogs.

The Mangyans is a generic term that refers to the indigenous peoples of Mindoro Island. Different tribes have
been listed including the Hanunoo, Buhid, Batangan, Ratagnon, Iraya, Tadyawan, and Alangan. Mangyan settlements are
composed of five to twelve houses with single families located by the sloes near mountains streams named after the
oldest member of the tribe. Basic subsistence is shifting cultivation of corn and rice, inter-cropped with beans and sugar
cane, sweet potato, yam, and taro. They continue to use a native Indic—based script for writing poetry using knives on
slivers of bamboo.

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 Republic of the Philippines
NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
VICTORINO SALCEDO CAMPUS
Sara, Iloilo

The Tagbanwa is the most dominant ethnic group in Palawan. They are mostly found in Coron, Aborlan, and
Puerto Princesa. They are known for their highly involved ritual – pagdidiwata, held to celebrate different occasions such
as bountiful harvest and weddings. They also still utilize their own syllabic writing. Cassava is the preferred staple while
rice is considered ritual food. Fishing and hunting complement crop cultivation. Even if kinship is recognized, there is a
bias toward the matrilineal side in terms of residence after marriage such that “in law avoidance” is practiced.

The Tagalog has been described in Chapter 4. Its presence in different regions shows its dispersal in the different
regions as well as its big population.

G. Major Industries
Agriculture is the major industry in the region. Occidental Mindoro’s major products include rice, corn, coconut,
tobacco, garlic, onions, mangoes, banana, melon, and peanuts. Fisheries and aquamarine products include salt, milkfish,
prawn, tuna, octopus, and seaweeds. Mindoro Oriental’s bulk of outward merchandise consists of rice, banana,
calamansi, livestock, poultry, and fish products. Inward merchandise, on the other hand, consists mainly of petroleum
products, basic and prime commodities, consumer electronics, motor vehicles and parts, and construction materials.

The main economic activities of Marinduque are agriculture and fishing. Root crop-based products such as sweet
potato and arrowroot grow abundantly in the province. In recent years, the province has identified several key priority
industries for promoted here and abroad because these products have been commanding better prices in any market
because of their intricate weaves and the obvious good amount of labor that went them. In food processing industry,
root crop- based products such as arrowroot and processed fish such bagoong and patis have also been promoted.

Romblon is famous around the world for its marble being one of the finest. Coconut is the number one crop
grown in the province with a total planted area of 58, 345.50 hectares having 7,783.027 trees. Other crops grown in the
province include bananas, mango, star apple, root crops, vegetables, and other fruit trees. The fishing ground of Romblon
is a migratory path of fishes from Sulu and the Visayan Seas passing Tablas Strait, Sibuyan Sea, and Romblon Pass. The
mountains are also teeming with non-metallic minerals like kaolin clay, nickel, magnesite, quartz, silica, mercury, zinc,
copper, silver, laterite soil, limestone, and sulfide ores. Several of these non- metallic minerals have been explored, such
as nickel and magnesium with total mineral reserve of around 13 million metric tons.

Romblon has 176 fishing grounds which supply 65% of Metro Manila’s fish consumption. Existing products where
Palawan is known for are fresh and dried fish, lamayo, fish fillet, smoked fish, tuna cuts, spicy dilis, tuna sausage, tuna
spring rolls and delectable fish cuisine which are served in hotels/ restaurant. Other marine products produced and
exported are live grouper and seaweeds with an approximate production of 260, 606 MT 9 Fresh. Cashew is one of the
important crops locally processed into delicacies such as roasted, fried/salted, brittle, bandi, pulvoron, barqueron, cashew
wine, cashew prunes, and other delicacies with roasted whole nuts as the major product. Raw cashew nuts are also
shipped out to India; Pampanga, Manila, and Antipolo cashew processors. Other crops produced are rice, corn coconut,
and mango. It also has existing plantations of rubber and palm oil trees. It also produces ethnic handicrafts being supplied
to Manila-based exporters as souvenir items for tourists in support to the tourism industry.

Mining is another major industry in Palawan. There are large reserves of nickel. Palawan’s natural gas and oil
deposits are the largest in the country. Other mineral deposits include chromite, copper, silica, marble quicksilver,
manganese, cement, uranium, limestone, barite, feldspar, sand, gravel, pebbles, and guano.

H. Languages/Dialects Spoken
Filipino and English are the major languages. Dialects spoken in the region include Kamangyan in Occidental and
Oriental Mindoro while Ilonggo, Tausug, Batak, Tagbanua, Palawanun, and Cuyunon are the dialects in Palawan.

Travel Trivia 1
Six Subspecies of birds are endemic to Marinduque, namely, Amethyst Brown-dove (Phapiteron amethystine
imeldae), Blackish Cuckoo-shrike, White-browed Shama (Copsychus luzoniesis shemleyi), Mangrove Blue Flycatcher
(Cyornis rufigastra marinduquensis), Purple-throathed Sunbird (Nectarinia sperata marinduquensis), and Mountain
White-eye (Zosterops montanus gilli) (Ladares 2018).

IV. Learning Assessment

Answer the following questions:

1) What are the major activities that can be done by various tourists in MIMAROPA Region?
2) What rare attractions, activities, and flora and fauna exist in the MIMAROPA Region?
3) If you are to design a package tour for the region, what kind of tours will you have and what sites and
attractions will you include?

Module 6, Lesson 1 (Region 4B- MIMAROPA Region) Page | 30

 Republic of the Philippines
NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
VICTORINO SALCEDO CAMPUS
Sara, Iloilo

Scoring Guide:
Each answer shall be evaluated using these criteria:
Content 10 pts.
Organization of ideas 10 pts.
Language facility 10 pts.
Total score: 30 pts.

V. Enrichment Activities/Outputs

1. Prepare a SWOT analysis for the region by filling out the following table in terms of 4 A’s of Tourism (attractions,
accessibility, accommodations and amenities).

Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats

Attractions
Accessibility
Accommodations
Amenities

2. Ask your relatives and friends if anyone has traveled to the MIMAROPA Region. Interview them about their
personal travel experience of their trip. Ask them about what they remember most, where they stayed, and what
distinct cuisine they ate while they were in the province. Write their story in a whole yellow pad.

3. Search the Internet for the current regional and provincial tourism slogans used by the different provinces within
the region. What does each slogan highlight? Knowing the attractions of each province, is it the most appropriate
tagline to use? If not, do you have another suggestion on the slogan/ tagline to be used?

Region/ Province Current Slogan/ tagline Used

Marinduque
Occidental Mindoro
Oriental Mindoro
Palawan
Romblon

Scoring Guide:
Content 20pts
Organization of Ideas 20pts
Language Facility 10pts
Total: 50%

VI. References

Badilla, M. C. G. (2019). Philippine Tourism, Geography and Culture. Manila, Philippines: Rex Book Store.

----End of Module 6, Lesson 1----

Module 6, Lesson 1 (Region 4B- MIMAROPA Region) Page | 31