Romblon

Population

16th smallest - Total (2007) 264,357

languages

Romblomanon, Onhan, Asi and Sibuyanon

General Information

Its capital is the municipality also named Romblon located in Romblon Island; they are near the centre of the archipelago, and the most northern islands of the Visayan group, hence it belongs previously to Western Visayas, but later its Regional grouping was transferred later to Southern Tagalog (Islands) Region IV-B or MiMaRoPa Region.

Geography

Approximately 187 nautical miles (346 km) south of Manila, the islands of Romblon lie on Sibuyan Sea, South of Marinduque Island and North of Panay. To the east is the island of Masbate and in the west is Mindoro.

Economy / Resources

The Capital town of Romblon and the port town of Odiongan are the province's trade and commercial centers. Romblon links the supply areas of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Tugdan Airport in Tablas Island is only 45 minutes away by light aircraft from Metro Manila's Financial districts. Direct ship routes from Manila as well as the southern Luzon ports of Batangas and Lucena intensify its linkages with industrial CALABARZON region, making the province an ideal location for supply distribution and light manufacturing ventures.

Culture

Most of the residents of Romblon today are descendants of Malay settlers, who are believed to have arrived in the Philippines sometime in 1200 AD. Spanish conquistadors, who set foot in the Philippines in 1582, administered the province. Some old Spanish forts and churches, built with unique coral blocks, inlaid with intricate design works, still stand.

Climate

Although open to the northwest monsoon, Romblon is partly sheltered from the northern and trade winds. It has no pronounce maximum rain period but has a dry season from one to three months.

Transportation (By Air , Land and Sea)

Though, the island province of Romblon is at the centrepoint of the Philippines, getting there is by no means an easy trip for the first time traveller. It has no direct air and sea connections from the main cities of Visayan and Mindanao Islands. Manila, the capital of the country, remains the main jumping point of sea and air travel to the province of Romblon. From the main cities of Cebu or Davao, the following domestic airlines, Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines has direct flight connection to Aklans famous capital, Kalibo. From Kalibo, take a public jeepney or air conditioned van (AUV) to Caticlan, Ibajay, Aklan. Caticlan is the port entry to the world-famous Boracay Island. Once you have reach Caticlan connection to Romblon is no longer a problem. M/V Virgin Mary, departs Caticlan at 1300 every Sunday to Odiongan ( about two hrs cruising ) then headed to Manila on the main Odiongan is the main commercial port of Romblon province.