The Official Website of Palawan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.

The Last Ecological Frontier in the Philippines

Palawan is a narrow archipelago of 1,700 islands on the western border of the Philippines. Its geographical location makes it seem remote from the rest of the country, and in fact, some of its southern islands are closer to Malaysia than to other provinces. The waters of the South China Sea lap the western shores of Palawan, while the Sulu Sea hugs its eastern coast. With a land area of nearly 1.5 million hectares, Palawan is the country’s largest province. Its irregular coastline stretches almost 2,000 kilometers long, indented by numerous coves and bays. Highlands and rolling terrain covered with lush forests create a cool and scenic landscape. Except for northern towns, which are occasionally visited by storms, Palawan is generally typhoon-free. Warm weather prevails from March to May, while the coolest months are from December to February. Heavy rainfall is usually experienced in July and August, often accompanied by the southwest monsoon.

The name Palawan was believed to come from Chinese word "Pa-Lao-Yu" which translates as "The Land of Beautiful Safe Harbor" and a Spanish word Paragua which means umbrella. The shape of the island is likened to a closed umbrella.

History and Culture

The saga of this island province goes beyond recorded history. Fragments of her ancient past, when Palawan was still connected to her Asian neighbors by natural bridges, are still being reconstructed by archaeologists, anthropologists and historians through serious study and interpretation of artifacts and materials excavated from prehistoric habitations and burial sites.

Ancient Chinese traders and waves of migrants arrived in the Philippines by traversing land bridges between Borneo and Palawan. Early Chinese annals referred to these islands as Kla-ma-yan (Calamian). Palau-ye (Palawan), and Paki-nung (Busuanga). The area was described as having many lofty ridges and high ranges of cliffs. Pottery, china, and other artifacts recovered from caves and the waters off Palawan attest to the flourishing trade between Chinese and Malays centuries ago.

Malay settlers begun arriving in Palawan in the 12th Century. For some time, Malay chieftains ruled many settlements. Because of its proximity to Borneo, southern Palawan was placed under the control of the Sultanate of Borneo for more than two centuries before the arrival of the Spaniards.

Intermarriages among the natives and the Chinese, Japanese, Arab and Hindu were common thus the inter-mixing of blood resulted to a distinct breed of Palaweños both in physical stature and features. The religion of Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism were introduced to the natives long before the arrival of Christian missionaries.

Spanish Rule

The Northern Calamianes Islands were the first to come under the sphere of Spanish influence. It was declared a province separate from the Palawan mainland. In the early 17th century, Spanish friars tried to establish missions in Cuyo, Agutaya, Taytay and Cagayancillo but met stiff resistance from Moro communities. Towards the 18th century, Spain begun to build churches enclosed by garrisons for protection against Moro raids in the towns of Cuyo, Taytay, Linapacan and Balabac. Many of these forts still exist, serving as testimonies to a colorful past. In 1749, the Sultanate of Borneo ceded southern Palawan to Spain, which then established its authority over the entire province.

At first, the territory of Palawan (or Paragua as it was then called) was organized as a single province named Calamianes, with its capital in Taytay. Later, it was divided into three (3) provinces : Castilla, covering the northern section of the province with Taytay as capital, Asturias in the southern mainland with Puerto Princesa as its capital and Balabac island with its capital in the town of Principe Alfonso. Castilla included Cuyo, Taytay, Calamianes, Busuanga and adjacent islands. Asturias comprises all municipalities south of Taytay down to Balabac.

Castilla and Asturias were to be short-lived however. In 1862 a royal decree again divided Palawan into two Provinces, Calamianes and Paragua. To the former was added Bacuit and to encourage migrants to settle in these Provinces, no taxes were levied for a period of ten years. In 1873, the capital of Paragua was transferred from Taytay to Cuyo.

American Rule

The peace treaty between the Spain and United States of America in 1898 gave way to American Regime. In 1901, a Military Government was established with Major John Brown as Lieutenant Governor. Eventually in June 23, 1902 the American established the Civil Government of Paragua with Major J. Brown as the appointed Governor. In 1902 pursuant to Act No. 1363 of the Philippine Commission, the name Paragua was changed to Palawan, and the capital transferred from Cuyo to Puerto Princesa. In 1903 the provincial boundaries were revised.

The American governors who took the reigns of leadership introduced reforms and programs to promote the development of the province. These include the construction of schools all over the province, the promotion of agriculture, and the efforts brought the people closer to the government.