Let's Adventure to Mindoro!

Cora Senigman, an Alangan-Mangyan, went to town to sell six kaings (large baskets) of calamansi she and five other Mangyans harvested for three days. The merchandiser wanted to buy her produce at P1 per kilo. The total amount would not even cover her transportation expenses. Refusing to be fooled and out of frustration, she just threw away the calamansi.

Rowena Lindog, a Tadwayan-Mangyan from Socorro, Oriental Mindoro, said the merchandiser bought their camote, a root crop, at P10 for three kilos.

Yamo Bangdayan, a Hanunuo-Mangyan from Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, told Bulatlat.com that merchandisers buy 100 pieces of banana for P50 and five kilos of camote for P60 to P70.

Luz Brozula, director of the Integrated Development Program for Indigenous Peoples (IDPIP) of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP)-Southern Luzon Jurisdiction, said that Mangyans are often duped by capitalists because of their lack of formal education and because of their kindness.

“The pay we get could not compensate for our hard work,” Rowena, a mother of seven, said.

“We always experience hunger,” Cora, a mother of three, said.

Difficult Life

The Mangyans are the original inhabitants in Mindoro provinces. Divided in seven groups, they comprise 20 percent of the population of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, numbering more than 200,000.

Each of the seven groups—Hanunuo, Alangan, Gubatnon, Buhid, Bangon and Tadyawan—has its own language and traditions that they practice to this day.

Farming is their means of livelihood. They plant root crops such as gabi (taro) and camote (sweet potato), banana and vegetables. Many practice kaingin or slash-and-burn. Few are able to plant palay (rice) and raise poultry.

“We do many things in order to survive,” Cora said. “If one could not be done, we do the other,” she said, citing planting palay, selling banana or root crops or making charcoal.

Rice and pansit with sardine sauce is already a feast for Mangyans(Photo by Ronalyn V. Olea / bulatlat.com)
Pastor Marcelo Carculan, chairman of the Mangyan group Hagibbat, related that San Miguel Corp. went to their community in Balao village, Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro last April 10 and bought balinghoy (cassava), a root crop. “The Mangyans were told they would be paid P150 per kilo. They agreed, thinking it was P150 but it turned out to be P1.50 for every kilo,” Carculan said.

Mangyans who work in the farms of Tagalog farmers, are paid P150 a day. They are not provided food. For those who plant palay, Mangyans borrow P1,000 and pay four sacks of rice, Carculan said.

Cora, who lives in Dulangan tres village, Baco, Oriental Mindoro, is among those who plant palay in a land that has been covered by Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) since 1996.

“Even before the land was placed under CARP, we, the indigenous people, have cultivated it for many years. We were told that a landlord owns the land and we have to pay compensation,” Cora said.

In 1996, Cora said the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) pegged the compensation at P60,000 per hectare to be paid in a span ten years. In 2011, the compensation was increased to P100,000 per hectare. “Last April 8, the DAR told us to pay at the Landbank [of the Philippines]. How could we?” she said.

Cora said they harvest ten sacks for every hectare of land. Seven sacks go to DAR as payment for the land and only three are left with them. The supply would last for three months.

Although they work from dawn until night, they do not have enough food for their families.

“We eat camote or banana,” Cora said.

Yamo said they only eat rice once or twice a week. “If we have tiangge (small market), we can eat rice,” he said, but added that the local government is planning to ban tiangge in the communities.

Rowena said they seldom eat meat, only when they are able to raise poultry.

Cora said to be able to get more food for the children, many Mangyan women would pick palay from the thresher.

Deprived of Social Services


Aggravating their miserable economic conditions is the lack of government’s social services.

For one, health services are alien to most Mangyans.

Only during medical and dental missions such as this that Mangyans are able to avail free health services.(Photo by Angelica de Lara / bulatlat.com)
From Yamo’s place, for example, the nearest hospital is a ten-kilometer walk and a jeepney ride that cost P50. While there is a health center in Mansalay, Yamo said, a doctor is barely there.

Altang Dawsig, a Bangon-Mangyan from Lisap village in Bongabong town, Oriental Mindoro, said they have to walk the whole day to go to the nearest hospital. Altang said the village health center nearby collects fees and there is no doctor there most of the time.

“Many of our tribesmen die without reaching the hospital,” Altang said.

Malaria afflicts most of Mangyan communities. Many also die of tuberculosis.

Malnutrition rate is high among the children. Children die of treatable diseases such as diarrhea and measles.


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Mayor
1 CONSTANTINO, Eric A. 7,332
2 POLINAG, Nicanor C. 3,328

Vice-Mayor
1 CASTILLO, Floro A. 5,934
2 QUIÑONES, Nolasco D. 4,444

MEMBER, SANGGUNIANG BAYAN of OCCIDENTAL MINDORO - ABRA DE ILOG - LONE DIST
1 ABELEDA, Emmanuel Jr. R. 3,089
2 ALVAREZ, Maximino H. 6,098
3 ATIENZA, Leonardo D. 2,789
4 BELEN, Reynaldo T. 5,343
5 BONIFACIO, Jorshinelle C. 1,672
6 CELSO, Hector V. 2,367
7 CORTUNA, Ireneo M. 5,017
8 DACAYANA, Bernardo Jr. J. 5,588
9 GUNA , Johnny B. 3,050
10 HERNANDEZ, Dante N. 873
11 ITURALDE, Baltazar R. 2,142
12 LADIORAY, Archimedes R. 2,948
13 MALIKSI, Amado S. 302
14 MONTENEGRO, Marlon J. 4,214
15 OBRADOR, Eufrosina M. 3,369
16 PANGANIBAN, Manuel C. 3,195
17 QUITO, Orlando R. 5,536
18 RICALDE, Iluminado E. 5,319
19 SANTOS, Ramon B. 2,800
20 SOLOMON, Leodivico F. 2,953
21 TUMBAGA, Amado S. 930
22 ZAPATA, Atanacio R. 2,270
23 ZOLETA, Diomedes Jr. I. 4,258

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FOR MAYOR

1 CONSTANTINO, ERIC ABALOS / NPC
2 POLINAG, NICANOR CORTUNA / LKS-KAM
 
FOR VICE-MAYOR

1 CASTILLO, FLORO AGONCILLO / NPC
2 QUIÑONES, NOLASCO DAMIRAY / LKS-KAM

FOR COUNCILOR

1 ABELEDA, EMMANUEL JR. RIVERA / IND.
2 ALVAREZ, MAXIMINO HERNANDEZ / NPC
3 ATIENZA, LEONARDO DEL MUNDO / LKS-KAM
4 BELEN, REYNALDO TAÑO / NPC
5 BONIFACIO, JORSHINELLE CERA / IND.
6 CELSO, HECTOR VILLAMIN / LKS-KAM
7 CORTUNA, IRENEO MAULLON / NPC
8 DACAYANA, BERNARDO JR. JORDAN / NPC
9 GUNA, JOHNNY BANDONG / LKS-KAM
10 HERNANDEZ, DANTE NAVARRO / IND.
11 ITURALDE, BALTAZAR RUBIO / LKS-KAM
12 LADIORAY, ARCHIMEDES RAMOS / NPC
13 MALIKSI, AMADO SANDOVAL / IND.
14 MONTENEGRO, MARLON JIMENEZ / IND.
15 OBRADOR, EUFROSINA MACARAIG / LKS-KAM
16 PANGANIBAN, MANUEL CABRAL TYONG / NPC
17 QUITO, ORLANDO RAMOS / NPC
18 RICALDE, ILUMINADO ELISIDA / LKS-KAM
19 SANTOS, RAMON BALIMBIN / LKS-KAM
20 SOLOMON, LEODIVICO FLORES / NPC
21 TUMBAGA, AMADO SINDURAAN / IND.
22 ZAPATA, ATANACIO RUBIO / LKS-KAM
23 ZOLETA, DIOMEDES JR. ITURALDE / IND.

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"Panahon na naman ng Kapistahan ng ating Patron na si San Rafael... Sama sama po tayong magnilay at magdiwang sa isang linngong pag alala sa lahat ng mga biyayang natatangap at patuloy pa nating matatangap sa bayang ating minamahal...

Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines

Your GATEWAY to Western Mindoro Island…the WATERFALLS CAPITAL…

How to Get Here?

Abra de Ilog is one of the 11 towns in Occidental Mindoro. It is located in the West side of Mindoro Island in the Southern Tagalog region of the Philippine Archipelago.

To get here, there are several RORO trips from Batangas International Port to Matabang Port which take approximately 2 ½ hours. Montenegro Shipping Lines Inc. (MSLI), the origin of which started from this very place takes pride as the major transport vessel not only to the local residents but to the whole province as well hence, Abra de Ilog takes pride as the major GATEWAY to entire Occidental Mindoro.

From Matabang Port, one can hire a tricycle for only Php 20.00 to get to Poblacion, which is the center of all hubs & activities of the town. Anyone can explore the nine (9) friendly Barangays of the town via tricycle or by taking a walk while enjoying the peaceful scenery.

We are also home to multiple beach resorts which can give Puerto Galera beaches a run for their money. Oriental tourists prefer the Abra de Ilog coast because of its solitude, quietude & serenity. Waterfalls are one of the most visited and loved by local and foreign adventurers. Spelunking and white water rafting can be offered also to those who would like to take extreme challenge of nature.

Brief Profile

The Municipality of Abra de Ilog lies in the northernmost tip of the mainland Occidental Mindoro. It is bounded by Paluan in the West, Mamburao in the South & Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro in the East. It has a total land area of 72, 865.870 hectare, consisting mainly of 70.47% forest land and 20.91% agricultural. Just like the rest of the country, Abra de Ilog experiences dry season during the months of March, April & May. Rainy season starts in June and persists until late November. But unlike other coastal towns Abra de Ilog is located between two ranges of mountain hence; it can have a low of 20.8°C even during summer and a high of 30.1°C during wet seasons.

Its terrain can be attributed to the rugged mountains ranging from the coastline up to the most isolated, untouched land formation going further south. The town has average annual rainfall is 2,262.5 mm to 3,850 mm while the humidity range from 63° to 87° with an average of 75.4°. Based on 2004 Local Government Unit survey, the town has a total population of 23,915, 33.78% of which are Indigenous People (IPs) with almost 1:1 male to female ratio. Lowlanders or Tagalog are 15,835. Electorate population is 12,126. About 90.14% of families belong to poverty level.

Festivities

There are several occasions being celebrated every year. The likes of which are the Feast of San Rafael Archangel the Patron Saint of Abra de Ilog, Apo Iraya Festival and “Penitensya” Holy Week Pilgrimage.

Our Heritage

Most houses in Poblacion took after its Spanish influence. It can be seen through the architectural designs and the ways of the people themselves.These Acacia trees are the only one of its kind left during the Japanese occupation. The whole town was totally burned down but these sturdy trees survived the tragedy.

Beaches

Barangay Udalo is also home to multiple beach resorts which can give Puerto Galera beaches a run for their money. Oriental tourists prefer the Abra de Ilog coast because of its solitude, quietude & serenity. Casay Beach Resort offers very relaxing scenery on nipa cottages, native hammocks and sailboat. It is the first establishment in the town that has utilized non-fossil fuel as its source of energy. The powers take pride in their solar and wind powered facilities.

Our Finest

Kalong River located in Sitio Camurong is the only inland body of crystal clear water with a distinct white sand riverbank. It is a great come on for both local and foreign tourist.

Luang Baga Cave has been explored by the National Museum staff in 1992 when a number of anthropologist & paleontologist teamed up with our LGU personnel. The data has already been included in the Museum’s Archives.

Lanas Lake. Once a home of Mindoro’s crocodiles. It is almost a hundred hectare body of water located in Barangay Cabacao. Source of the tastiest Tilapia in the neighboring towns.

Agbalala Waterfalls. It is about 115 feet tall with 45 x 75 feet catchments pool. Agbalala – 16.46m X 22.86m catchments pool, Height 34.44m, Depth 3.65m. Above it is another breathtaking waterfall which is Agbalala Lovers Falls. Lovers falls – 13.72m X 9.15m Catchments pool, Height 13.72m, depth 2.44m

The Apyas Waterfalls is frequent hang-out among the local residents because of its proximity to Poblacion. You can enjoy the whole place anytime of the day paying only Php 10.00 for the maintenance of the place. Apyas – Height 4.57m, Depth 1.22m, 1.83m top to water surface

The greatest tourist attraction Abra de Ilog can offer is its inhabitants. Nobody can match the warmth, the solidarity, the industry and uniqueness of its people.

Ecotourism Potential Sites in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro

Beach Resorts

1. Beach Walk Resort – Barangay Lumangbayan
   
   
2. Casay Beach Resort – Barangay Wawa
   
   
3. Cymru Beach Resort – Barangay Wawa
   
   
4. Green Wich Hills Beach Resort – Barangay Wawa
   
   
5. San Souci Beach – Barangay Udalo
   
   
6. Tuko Beach Resort – Barangay Udalo
   
   
7. Udalo Beach Resort – Barangay Udalo
   
   
8. Yellow Beach – Barangay Lumangbayan
   
   
9. Wild Trek – Barangay Udalo

Waterfalls

1. Agbalala Chain of Waterfalls – Barangay Wawa
   
   
2. Apyas Waterfalls – Barangay Wawa
   
   
3. Bagolayag Waterfalls – Barangay Wawa
   
   
4. Balagnan Waterfalls – Barangay Wawa
   
   
5. Kalong river – Barangay Udalo
   
   
6. Bisay Waterfalls – Barangay Lumangbayan
   
   
7. Kadilawan Waterfalls – Barangay San Vicente
   
   
8. Mamangan – Bisay Waterfalls – Barangay Cabacao
   
   
9. Nangka Waterfalls – Barangay Balao
   
   
10. Papali Waterfalls – Barangay Wawa
    
    
11. Sto. Tomas Waterfalls – Barangay Wawa
    
    
12. Swim-Lawaan Waterfalls – Barangay Poblacion
    
    
13. Rayusan Waterfalls – Barangay Armado
    
    
14. Tulong Bato Waterfalls – Barangay Udalo
    
    
15. Tuuyan Waterfalls – Barangay Balao

Caves, Rivers & Lakes

1. Luang Baga Cave – Barangay Cabacao
   
   
2. Tuaw – Masaklang River Rapids – Barangay Cababcao
   
   
3. Lanas Lake – Barangay Cabacao

Historical Sites

1. Pinaglabanan Site – Barangay Lumangbayan
   
   
2. Pinagbanderahan – Barangay Armado

Festivities

1. San Rafael Archangel Patron Saint Fiesta – October 23-24
   
   
2. Apo Iraya Festival – October 24
   
   
3. Mahal na Araw Penitensya

Abra de Ilog Blog

Abra de Ilog the Waterfalls Capital is one of the 11 towns in Occidental Mindoro. It is located in the West side of Mindoro Island in the Southern Tagalog region of the Philippine Archipelago.

To get here, there are several RORO trips from Batangas International Port to Matabang Port which take approximately 2 ½ hours.

Montenegro Shipping Lines Inc. (MSLI), the origin of which started from this very place takes pride as the major transport vessel not only to the local residents but to the whole province as well hence, Abra de Ilog takes pride as the major GATEWAY to entire Occidental Mindoro.

From Matabang Port, one can hire a tricycle for USD 1.00 or less to get to Poblacion, which is the center of all hubs & activities of the town. Anyone can explore the nine (9) friendly Barangays of the town via tricycle or by taking a walk while enjoying the peaceful scenery.

We are also home to multiple beach resorts which can give Puerto Galera beaches a run for their money. Oriental tourists prefer the Abra de Ilog coast because of its solitude, quietude & serenity. Waterfalls are one of the most visited and loved by local and foreign adventurers. Spelunking and white water rafting can be offered also to those who would like to take extreme challenge of nature.


The Municipality of Abra de Ilog lies in the northernmost tip of the mainland Occidental Mindoro. It is bounded by Paluan in the West, Mamburao in the South & Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro in the East. It has a total land area of 72, 865.870 hectares, consisting mainly of 70.47% forest land and 20.91% agricultural. Just like the rest of the country, Abra de Ilog experiences dry season during the months of March, April & May. Rainy season starts in June and persists until late November. But unlike other coastal towns Abra de Ilog is located between two ranges of mountain hence; it can have a low of 20.8°C even during summer and a high of 30.1°C during wet seasons.

Its terrain can be attributed to the rugged mountains ranging from the coastline up to the most isolated, untouched land formation going further south. The town has average annual rainfall is 2,262.5 mm to 3,850 mm while the humidity range from 63° to 87° with an average of 75.4°

Based on 2004 Local Government Unit survey, the town has a total population of 23,915, 33.78% of which are Indigenous People (IPs) with almost 1:1 male to female ratio. Lowlanders or Tagalog are 15,835. Electorate population is 12,126. About 90.14% of families belong to poverty level.


There are several occasions being celebrated every year. The likes of which are the Feast of San Rafael Archangel the Patron Saint of Abra de Ilog, Apo Iraya Festival and “Penitensya” Holy Week Pilgrimage.


Most houses in Poblacion took after its Spanish influence. It can be seen through the architectural designs and the ways of the people themselves.

These Acacia trees are the only one of its kind left during the Japanese occupation. The whole town was totally burned down but these sturdy trees survived the tragedy.


Barangay Udalo is also home to multiple beach resorts which can give Puerto Galera beaches a run for their money. Oriental tourists prefer the Abra de Ilog coast because of its solitude, quietude & serenity.

Casay Beach Resort offers very relaxing scenery on nipa cottages, native hammocks and sailboat. It is the first establishment in the town that has utilized non-fossil fuel as its source of energy. The powers take pride in their solar and wind powered facilities.

Kalong River located in Sitio Camurong is the only inland body of crystal clear water with a distinct white sand riverbank. It is a great come on for both local and foreign tourist.

Luang Baga Cave has been explored by the National Museum staff in 1992 when a number of anthropologist & paleontologist teamed up with our LGU personnel. The data has already been included in the Museum’s Archives.

Lanas Lake. Once a home of Mindoro’s crocodiles. It is almost a hundred hectare body of water located in Barangay Cabacao. Source of the tastiest Tilapia in the neighboring towns.

Agbalala. It is about 115 feet tall with 45 x 75 feet catchments pool. Above it is another breathtaking waterfall which is Agbalala Lovers Falls.

The Apyas Waterfalls is frequent hang-out among the local residents because of its proximity to Poblacion. You can enjoy the whole place anytime of the day paying only Php 10.00 for the maintenance of the place.

The greatest tourist attraction Abra de Ilog can offer is its inhabitants. Nobody can match the warmth, the solidarity, the industry and uniqueness of its people.

Apyas – Height 4.57m, Depth 1.22m, 1.83m top to water surface
Agbalala – 16.46m X 22.86m catchments pool, Height 34.44m, Depth 3.65m Lovers falls – 13.72m X 9.15m Catchments pool, Height 13.72m, depth 2.44m