Romblon (island)
.svg.png)  Romblon Island Location within the Philippines | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Archipelago | Romblon Group of Islands |
| Adjacent bodies of water | Sibuyan Sea |
| Administration | |
| Region | MIMAROPA |
| Province | Romblon |
| Municipality | Romblon |
| Largest settlement | Romblon (pop. 38,758) |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 38,758 (2015) |
Romblon is one of the three major islands of Romblon Province in the Philippines; the other two are Sibuyan Island and Tablas Island. The island is situated within the Sibuyan Sea, and is under the jurisdiction of the municipality of Romblon, the seat of government for the province of Romblon.
History
The first inhabitants of Romblon were Negritos tribes of Panay and Mindoro Mangyan tribes. The discovery of hanging coffins and artistic material in caves of the island of Banton demonstrates the existence of a rich and ancient civilization and Aboriginal culture.[1]
In 1582, Miguel de Loarca recorded the island's name as "Lomlon" or "Doblon".[2] In the local Visayan dialect, the word means a bird warming an egg in its nest. It was also known as Domblon before the present name was adopted.[1]
In 1635, the island of Romblon was evangelized by Spanish Recollect fathers and became a dependency of the Captaincy General of the Philippines. Their fortified church is the present cathedral of Romblon. Two forts erected by them, San Andrés and Santiago, are now in ruins.
References
- 1 2 "Romblon". Philippine Information Agency. Republic of the Philippines. Retrieved 23 June 2017.
- ↑ "Romblon: Population Expected to Double in 41 Years". Philippine Statistics Authority. Republic of the Philippines. 3 September 2002. Retrieved 23 June 2017.