Coron

Coron, a first-class municipality in Palawan, Philippines, with a population of 65,855 according to the 2020 census. This lively town, located in the scenic Calamian Islands, functions as the commercial center of the area and presents a diverse array of history, culture, and natural beauty.

The municipality’s primary population center consists of Poblacion barangays 1 to 6, which houses the local government and judicial authorities. The Municipal Building, Municipal Legislative Building, and Judicial Hall of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court are situated in this vicinity, constituting the administrative core of Coron. Annually, on August 28, the town vibrantly celebrates events in honor of Saint Augustine, highlighting the enduring cultural traditions that persist in this seaside region.

The historical narrative of Coron is as enthralling as its vistas. The Calamian Islands, which encompass Coron, were previously inhabited by the Tagbanuas, Calmiananen, and Cuyonon tribes. Oral legends recount the reign of Datu Macanas, who governed the entirety of Busuanga Island, the site of contemporary Coron. The advent of Spanish explorers signified a pivotal moment in the region’s history. Fray de la Concepcion, an early Spanish historian, observed the divergent traits of the island’s inhabitants: the amicability of the Busuanga Island populace and the ferocity of the Tagbanua tribe inhabiting Coron Island.

The Spanish colonial era significantly influenced the Calamian Islands. Culion was the first permanent Spanish settlement in the region, whereas Coron first functioned as a visita or subsidiary of Culion. In approximately 1670, the Spanish erected a fort and church in Libis, Culion, integrating it into a defensive system against Muslim incursions. This stronghold, along with analogous buildings at Cuyo, Taytay, and Linapacan, significantly influenced the region’s development and drew migrants to the Calamianes.

The establishment of Coron as a separate settlement is credited to Don Nicolas Manlavi, a Cuyonon who had participated in the Spanish Galleons. Manlavi founded the inaugural village in what is now Coron at Banuang Lague, presently referred to as Banuang Daan on Coron Island. The town center subsequently relocated to Maquinit until ultimately establishing itself in its current site in Bancuang, Barangay 5, when a dependable water supply was identified. This decisive action established the basis for the Coron we recognize today.

The onset of the 20th century introduced substantial transformations to the region. American naturalist Dean Worcester, who subsequently joined the First Philippine Commission and served as Secretary of the Interior, advocated for Culion as the location for the Philippine Leper Colony. This decision necessitated the evacuation of the prominent Sandoval clan in 1900 to several neighborhoods of present-day Coron and Busuanga. The Sandoval family, originating from the marriage of Don Nicolas Manlavi’s daughter Evarista and Claudio Sandoval, an Ilonggo from Jaro, Iloilo, significantly contributed to the settlement and development of these regions.

The mid-20th century witnessed more administrative modifications that defined the contemporary limits of Coron. In 1950, the municipality of Busuanga was established from various barrios that were formerly part of Coron. In 1954, four years later, some islands were detached from Coron to establish the town of Linapacan, therefore delineating the municipality’s present geographical boundaries.

Coron’s economy has experienced multiple modifications during its history. During the Japanese Occupation, manganese extraction at Singay Mines in Barangay San Nicolas constituted a prominent industry. The fishing sector experienced significant growth from the 1970s to the 1990s, but subsequently deteriorated due to unsustainable practices, including blast fishing and the application of sodium cyanide. The rattan and basket-weaving business similarly faced deterioration due to the depletion of raw supplies.

Currently, Coron’s economy is predominantly fueled by tourism and fishing. The municipality has achieved global acclaim for its natural attractions and historical landmarks. The Coron Island Natural Biotic Area, included in the natural category of the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, exemplifies the biological importance of the region. This protected area exhibits the distinctive ecological and geological characteristics that provide Coron a valuable resource for nature enthusiasts and environmentalists.

One of Coron’s most notable attractions is submerged beneath the surface. A dozen submerged Japanese warships, located at depths ranging from 10 to 40 meters off Coron Island, have converted the region into a premier diving locale. The underwater museum of World War II history has secured Coron a position in Forbes Traveler Magazine’s top 10 greatest scuba diving locations worldwide. The transparent seas provide divers with an exceptional opportunity to investigate these meticulously maintained wrecks, each narrating a quiet account of the war’s influence on this isolated region of the Philippines.

The municipality’s dedication to enhancing its tourism sector is seen in the advancements made to its transportation infrastructure. Francisco B. Reyes Airport is as the access point to Coron, providing direct flights to prominent cities including Manila, Cebu, and Angeles. The improved connection has rendered Coron more accessible to both domestic and foreign travelers, hence augmenting its allure as a major travel destination.