Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro — As the first and only city on the island of Mindoro, Calapan City continues to embody the perfect harmony of culture, nature, and progress. Serving as the provincial capital and regional government center of MIMAROPA, Calapan thrives as a destination that celebrates its vibrant heritage while embracing growth and sustainability.

A New Community Hub for Calero Residents

A new community hub now stands in Barangay Calero, Calapan City, providing residents with a modern and versatile venue for social, cultural, and recreational activities. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Mindoro Oriental District Engineering Office recently completed the construction of a Multi-Purpose Building (MPB), furthering the agency’s mission to build inclusive and people-centered infrastructure across Oriental Mindoro.

In a report submitted by District Engineer Salvador E. Abad to DPWH MIMAROPA Regional Director Gerald A. Pacanan, CESO III, the newly completed project features a 15m x 27m covered court with a rubberized floor finish, complemented by a 9m x 7m stage equipped with two comfort rooms. The facility also includes complete painting, electrical, and plumbing works, as well as a 38-meter steel fence along the right side of the court to ensure safety near the seashore.

This development provides residents with a much-needed space for sports, wellness programs, community gatherings, and cultural events, reinforcing DPWH’s goal of bringing public infrastructure closer to the people and improving local quality of life.

Home of the Kalap Festival

The name “Calapan” traces its roots to the local word “kalap,” which means to gather logs — a reflection of the city’s early origins as a coastal settlement engaged in timber gathering and trade. To honor this history, the city celebrates its founding anniversary every March 21 through the Kalap Festival, a lively and colorful celebration filled with street parades, cultural performances, and artistic displays that showcase Calapan’s deep sense of community and creativity.

The festival has become a defining symbol of Calapan’s resilience and unity, bringing together locals and visitors in a shared celebration of identity and progress.

Silonay Mangrove Conservation and Ecotourism Area

Nature enthusiasts will find tranquility in the Silonay Mangrove Conservation and Ecotourism Area, a protected site that highlights the importance of the region’s coastal ecosystem. Just minutes from the city proper, visitors can explore a wooden boardwalk winding through a dense mangrove forest, offering breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere.

This ecotourism site, managed with strong community participation, serves as both a natural barrier against coastal erosion and an educational sanctuary that promotes environmental awareness. Guided tours, bird watching, and sunset walks make Silonay a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience Calapan’s natural beauty and conservation efforts.

The First and Only City in Mindoro

Calapan achieved cityhood on March 21, 1998, making it the first and only component city on the entire island of Mindoro. This milestone transformed Calapan into a major center of commerce, governance, and education — solidifying its role as a gateway to Mindoro and the wider MIMAROPA region.

Despite its rapid urbanization, Calapan continues to uphold its commitment to sustainable development, ensuring that progress complements, rather than replaces, the natural and cultural wealth that defines the city.

Calapan: A City That Gathers the Best of Mindoro

From the lively Kalap Festival to the peaceful Silonay Mangrove Forest, and now with the new Multi-Purpose Building in Barangay Calero, Calapan City continues to gather people, culture, and purpose — living up to the spirit of “kalap” in every sense.

Here, progress is not just measured by infrastructure, but by how it connects communities, preserves the environment, and celebrates the soul of Mindoro.