Occidental Mindoro showcases how development and preservation can thrive side by side. The Concrete Road Project in Sitio Balagbag strengthens connectivity and enhances farm-to-market access, driving community growth and opportunity. At the same time, the province safeguards its natural treasures like Apo Reef, a world-renowned marine jewel, while honoring its heritage through the Arawatan Festival, which highlights local products, agritourism, and cultural pride. These milestones together portray a province advancing with balance—uniting progress, culture, and sustainability for the well-being of its people today and for generations to come

Concrete Road Project in Sitio Balagbag Boosts Farm-to-Market Access and Community Growth

The gravel road in Barangay Paetan, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro’s Sitio Balagbag is frequently slick and uneven, particularly after rain.

The Occidental Mindoro District Engineering Office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) finished a road strengthening project in order to address this.

The project’s extended lifespan and shorter travel times allow farmers to deliver their produce to nearby barangays and markets in a safer manner.

DPWH MIMAROPA Regional Director Gerald A. Pacanan received a report from CESO III, District Engineer Junie A. Lupango, which stated that the project involved constructing a two-lane road that was 0.762 kilometers long and 6.10 meters wide. The pavement had one-meter-wide shoulders on either side and was 0.23 meters thick.

The new road not only makes travel easier but also speeds up farmers’ time to sell their produce. The town’s economy and environment eventually benefit from it.

Apo Reef: The Philippines’ Marine Jewel

With a wide variety of plants and animals, Apo Reef is a marine treasure. It is the biggest coral reef system in the Philippines and the second largest in the world. The largest island is the reef itself, which is part of the Apo Reef Natural Park. It features a shallow lagoon with a depth of two to ten meters. Around this lagoon, there is a robust mangrove forest. In addition to being a safe haven for many birds, it serves as a vital food source, nursery, and breeding ground for numerous marine and coastal species. In addition to having roughly 34 square kilometers of coral reefs, the region is home to a large number of fish, marine life, and crustaceans.

The largest atoll-like reef in the Philippines is Apo Reef. A 30-meter-deep waterway that opens to the west divides the submerged triangle platform into northern and southern sections. The canal is between 1.8 and 30 meters deep and runs from east to west. There are coral mounds and branching coral patches on the fine white sand that makes up its bottom.

The three main islands that comprise the reef are Apo Island, Apo Menor (Binangaan), and Cayos del Bajo Tinangkapang. Apo Island, the largest island, is 22 hectares in size and features seashore vegetation and mangrove stands. Conversely, Binangaan is a limestone island that is stony and devoid of vegetation. In contrast, Cayos del Bajo is a small coralline rock formation that is only 200–300 square meters in size and completely devoid of vegetation.

Arawatan Festival Boosts Local Products, Agritourism, and Cultural Pride in Occidental Mindoro

Displaying local goods was one of the highlights of the recent Arawatan Festival in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro (PIA). This was made possible by the provincial government for farmers and new entrepreneurs.

Micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) and farmers participated in several product-promotion events this year, both inside and outside the province, with assistance from the local government. Among them were the annual Agbiliwa Trade Fair organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office, the Philippine Travel Mart in Metro Manila last September, and the recently concluded Arawatan Agri-Trade Fair, which was a part of the province’s celebration of its founding anniversary from November 9 to 15.

“This year’s trade fair was particularly significant because it showcased not only agricultural products but also the culture, tourist attractions, and distinctive local handicrafts from every municipality in the province,” said Provincial Agriculturist Engineer Alrizza Zubiri.

Zubiri stated, “The agritourism trade fair is the ideal location for us to demonstrate how stunning and prosperous our province.

Occidental Mindoro stands as a province where nature, culture, and progress thrive in harmony. The breathtaking beauty of Apo Reef, the vibrancy of the Arawatan Festival, and the development brought by the Concrete Road Project in Sitio Balagbag reflect how the province values both preservation and progress. By protecting its natural treasures, uplifting local products and traditions, and investing in vital infrastructure, Occidental Mindoro not only strengthens its economy but also paves the way for sustainable tourism and inclusive community growth.