Paradise Rediscovered: The Island Province of Romblon

The Philippines, amidst the media hype on its socio- political economic struggles, remain to be the pearl of the orient seas. Its mixed cultural diversity of fun-loving, warm and friendly people, highlighted by a total of 7,641 islands to-date, makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Western Pacific.

Looking closely at the heart of the Philippine archipelago is the island province of Romblon, 

literally surrounded and dwarfed by the larger islands of Luzon,Visayas and Mindanao. With an approximate land area of 592 sq.mi. (or about 1,533.45 square kilometres), it is comprised of the 3 major islands of Tablas, Sibuyan and the island capital (and namesake) Romblon.

Known for producing probably the world’s strongest marble that is rivalled in quality by Italy’s Carrara, Romblon boasts of having one of the most preserved natural terrains in the Philippine archipelago. 75 percent of its entire area is covered by perpetual rainforests, bordered by a rugged mountainous terrain. It also houses the Cantigas River, considered as country’s cleanest inland body of water, white sand beaches, diving spots and waterfalls.

Agriculture continues to be Romblon’s main industry; with coconut (copra) in the forefront 

among cultivated crops, followed by rice, root crops, and fruits. Vegetables are grown and used 

for family consumption and not for business venture or mass production. This goes the same 

for livestock and poultry. On the other hand, the fishing industry plays a major economic role since Romblon is surrounded in its entirety by water.

Perhaps the most important income-generating resource of the province is its vast mineral deposits. The bulk of Romblon’s mining economy is centered on the world-class quality of its marble product. But, do you know that marble isn’t the only produce being quarried and processed in this mineral-rich corner of the world? Completing the list would include nickel, copper, silver, granite, clay, kaolin, quartz, silica, limestone, magnesium, zinc, sulphide and mercury. Recently, there are accounts of gold panning along the mountain stream areas of the province. The list is quite impressive, right?

It is fitting to cap our piece with the area’s natural tourist attractions and heritage sites. 

Most notable of these are the pristine waters, white sandy beaches and coves, diving sites, the 

“blue hole” (underwater cavern or sinkhole), mountainclimbing and trekking sites, caves, the freedom or people’s park and centuries-old structures. From the half-kilometer area of BonBon Beach to the 50-meter short span of Tiamban, Romblon’s tallest mountain Guiting-Guiting to the Guyangan  Cave System, and the awe-inspiring structure of the 1726 church St. Joseph Cathedral and Belfry.

So if you are planning for some nature trekking or simply want a nice and quiet place to get away from bustling city life, then you should strongly consider this gem of a place. The Island Province of Romblon, truly – paradise rediscovered!