Paluan, Occidental Mindoro

Paluan
Municipality

Seal

Map of Occidental Mindoro showing the location of Paluan
Paluan

Location within the Philippines

Coordinates: 13°25′N 120°28′E / 13.417°N 120.467°E / 13.417; 120.467Coordinates: 13°25′N 120°28′E / 13.417°N 120.467°E / 13.417; 120.467
Country Philippines
Region MIMAROPA (Region IV-B)
Province Occidental Mindoro
District Lone District of Occidental Mindoro
Founded January 5, 1901
Barangays 12
Government[1]
  Mayor Carl Michael Mopera Pangilinan
Area[2]
  Total 564.50 km2 (217.95 sq mi)
Population (2015)[3]
  Total 16,025
  Density 28/km2 (74/sq mi)
Time zone PST (UTC+8)
ZIP code 5107
Dialing code 43
Income class 3rd class municipality

Paluan is a third class municipality in the province of Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 16,025 people.[3]

Geography

The town is located at the north-western tip of Mindoro Island. It lies along the north-east shore of Paluan Bay, approximately 7 miles southeast of Cape Calavite, a major sea-lane for inter-island and ocean-going vessels. The town is surrounded by rolling and steep mountain ranges, of which Mount Calavite with an altitude of 1,491 metres (4,892 ft)[4] is the highest peak. At Mount Calavite point, the best panoramic view of Occidental Mindoro and nearby islands could be seen.

Paluan is a predominantly rural municipality, characterized by natural vegetation and an economy based mostly on agriculture. Its dominant land use is forest cover. Forestland occupies 31,826 hectares (78,640 acres) or 56% of total land area, planted with patches of fruit bearing trees and upland field crops. A large portion of forestland is restricted as a preservation area for wildlife and watershed, the 181.5 square kilometres (70.1 sq mi) Mount Calavite Wildlife Sanctuary. This area, which also includes Mount Calavite, is a habitat of various flora and fauna, such as the rare Mindoro tamaraw and the critically endangered Mindoro bleeding-heart (Gallicolumba platenae).[5] Paluan has a 18,016.19 hectares (44,519.0 acres) of land classified as National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) area.

Agricultural lands cover 13,842 hectares (34,200 acres) or 24% of the total land area. About 17% is devoted to rice production while 4% is planted with upland crops such as vegetables and root crops, yet 80% or 10,897 hectares (26,930 acres) of agricultural land remains uncultivated. Open grasslands cover 18% or 10,428 hectares (25,770 acres) utilized for pasture.

Barangays

Paluan is politically subdivided into 12 barangays.[2]

History

Paluan became a municipality on January 5, 1901, but its history dates back to the early 17th century when the village was known as the Religious District of Calavite.

Demographics

Population census of Paluan
YearPop.±% p.a.
1990 7,549    
1995 11,234+7.73%
2000 12,023+1.47%
2007 13,718+1.84%
2010 15,223+3.86%
2015 16,025+0.98%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[3]

References

  1. "Official City/Municipal 2013 Election Results". Intramuros, Manila, Philippines: Commission on Elections (COMELEC). 11 September 2013. Retrieved 23 December 2013.
  2. 1 2 "Province: OCCIDENTAL MINDORO". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Retrieved 1 November 2012.
  3. 1 2 3 "Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay: as of August 1, 2015 (Region IV-B)". Philippine Population 2015 Census of Population. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
  4. "Mount Calavite". Peakery.com. Retrieved 1 November 2012.
  5. "PH037 - Mount Calavite Wildlife Sanctuary". Sites - Important Bird Areas (IBAs). BirdLife International. Retrieved 1 November 2012.
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