Visit Paluan!

Let us visit Paluan, Occidental Mindoro. Many knows Puerto Galera and other tourist destinations in Mindoro. For me, Paluan is truly rich in resources but remains unheard. Its beauty is impressive enough for tourism. Change for progress happens here so slow. That works in both ways, the good and the bad.

Kitig

Paluan is a town where you find yourself submitting to the social, environmental and political aspects of society.

That is why I am here posting about my beloved Paluan and inviting the whole world to come and visit Paluan for I know that there are so many things that Paluan has and I will be proud of.

BRIEF HISTORY

The villagers was formerly known as the religious district of Calavite in the early part of the 7th Century. It became a municipality during the early part of the American Regime bearing the name "Lipa", a place so called because of the abundance of this fern along the river bank. It was later change to Paluan which derived its name from the word "Palu" meaning to whip. According to the legend, the Muro Pirates who used to plunder the village where all whipped by the Barangay Chieftain. Today, such punishment are being practiced by the native Iraya Mangyans using "Yantok Mindoro" wherever a villager defy existing law. Paluan became a municipality in 1910.

GEOGRAPHY

Paluan is located in the northern tip of the province of Occidental Mindoro; lying along the northeast shore of Paluan Bay which is between Pantocomi Point and Camias Points approximately seven (7) miles Southeast of Cape Calavite. The town is straddled by rolling to steep mountain ranges under the majestic shadow of Mountain Calavite and is accesible by land and water transportation. The municipality houses the Major Shipping Lighthouse of the country.

Mt. Calavite

DEMOGRAPHY

During the Spanish time, there had been close affinity between Paluan & Lubang Island from the standpoint of demography as evidenced by the close cultural background of the two areas. Early settlers of Paluan were migrants from Lubang and Looc.

As of 1996,population totals 21,078 at a growth rate of 15%. Of the province's 11 municipalities, Paluan has the lowest density of 0.25 square kilometers per person. This is the reason why there is so much available land area for development and expansion.

ECONOMY

Life in Paluan is a picture of simple, rural living thriving mainly of farming and fishing. Other complementary occupations are: carpentry, fish drying, pebbles quary, livestock anf poultry, Apiary, orchard production and "pastillas" (Carabao Milk Candy) making.

Some traders regularly bring tune pebbles and other minor forest products to Manila via the "Door to Door" Jeepney.

There are a total of 1,075 business establishment in the locality.

FESTIVITIES & CELEBRATIONS

Paluan has very rich history and an exotic culture. Its indigenous traditions are showcased in year round festivals. Paluan folks celebrate every feast with religious fervor, color and sounds. The town fiesta is celebrated March 19 of each year in honor of St. Joseph, its patron Saint. There is also the enchanting Sta. Cruz de Mayo & La Naval held on the first week of October. During Lent, re-enactment of the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ is performed in the church along with the "Pabasa" and the famous "Penetensya".

Paluan also offers a multitude of activities for visitors including:
* Sailing and fishing to Pamutusin Cove
* Horseback Riding
* Camping
* Hiking/Mountain Climbing
* Hot Spring Bath
It only takes 45 minutes land trip from Mamburao (capital town of the province) to Paluan. Lush green forest and grape orchards line the road which provide cool, soothing wind. Once there, one will marvel at thru its clean environ, the simplicity of the residents and its rural pristine setting -- a true respite for the urbanity and tourists.

This video is the Paluan March and Paluan Hymn

See Lionheart the Adventurer and I Love Paluan Blog for more