Oriental Mindoro
Template:Infobox Philippine province Oriental Mindoro (Filipino: Silangang Mindoro; Spanish: Mindoro Oriental) is a province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA region in Luzon. Its capital is Calapan City and occupies the eastern half of the island of Mindoro; Occidental Mindoro is the western half. To the east of the province lies the Sibuyan Sea and Romblon. To the north is Batangas across the Verde Island Passage. The Semirara Islands of Antique are to the south.
Oriental Mindoro is famous among tourists for Puerto Galera. This municipality, only a few hours from Manila, boasts splendid white beach resorts and diving spots. For the adventurous Mt. Halcon, on the western border of the province, provides one of the most challenging mountain climbing experiences in the Philippines.
History
Spaniards first arrived on Mindoro in the 16th century and initially administered it as part of Batangas. The island gained full provincial status in 1921. In November 1950, the island was divided into the provinces of Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro.
Economy
Oriental Mindoro relies on tourism and agriculture, especially fruits, for its income. 70% of the population is engaged in agriculture and fishing; the remaining 30% engages in commercial and other livelihood means.
Famous personalities from Oriental Mindoro
- Justice Luciano A. Joson - Former Associate Justice SANDIGANBAYAN ; Congressman (Oriental Mindoro) 5th-6th Congress ; Father of Provincial Board Member Philip Joson - Socorro
- Jose J. Leido, Jr. - Former Minister of Natural Resources (now DENR) Calapan City ; Former Congressman
- Ernesto Lopez Umali (local hero and ex Mayor) Bongabong
- Atty.Arnan C. Panaligan-Provincial Governor
- Atty. Estee Aceron-Vice Governor, Ms. UST-1st Runner Up
- Philippine Vice-President Noli de Castro - Pola
- Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Awardee - in the field of Engineering -1983 Arleo E. Magtibay - Calapan City
- Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Awardee - in the field of Human Settlements -1983 Rodolfo G. Valencia - Naujan
- NBI Director Atty. Nestor M. Mantaring - Bongabong
- IBP Governor for Greater Manila Atty. Marcial M. Magsino -Bongabong
- SEC Commissioner Thaddeus E. Venturanza - Pinamalayan
- Customs Deputy Commissioner Reynaldo V. Umali - Bongabong
- La Salle Prof. Benjamin Espiritu - Calapan City
- ABS-CBN President and actress Charo Santos - Calapan City
- ABS-CBN News and Public Affairs program host and reporter Gus Abelgas - Calapan City
- N. V. M. Gonzalez - Internationally acclaimed writer and educator
- Former Makati Councilor Dr. Rosalinda Bondal - Bongabong
- Composer Lito Camo of Wowowee - Bongabong
- Councilor Patrick dela Rosa - Calapan City
- Joey Antonio - Chess Grandmaster
- Antonio Lining - Billiard Player
- PBA player Robert Sanz - Puerto Galera
- Former PBA star Nelson Asaytono - San Teodoro
- PBL and La Salle basketball player Rico Maeirhofer - Puerto Galera
- Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus winner Ejay Falcon
- Little Big Star winner Ralp Salazar Pinamalayan
- Jayvee Nava Fontarum - cheerdance choreographer
- Alvin Paul Casalan Cordero - acoustic guitarist
- Adrian Jr."Adi" A. Maronilla. The Wonder Boy of the Philippines for his intellectual supremacy. - Victoria
Political
Oriental Mindoro is subdivided into 14 municipalities and 1 component city.
