Coron is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Palawan, Philippines. It is located on the northern part of the Calamian Islands, which lie in the northern region of the province. The municipal seat is the barangay of Banuang Daan, but the town proper is often referred to simply as Coron town.
Geography
- The municipality comprises a group of islands, including the major islands of Busuanga, Coron, and Culion, as well as numerous smaller islets and reefs.
- The total land area is approximately 1,617.6 km², making it one of the larger municipalities in Palawan by land mass.
- The area lies within the Sulu Sea and is bordered by the South China Sea to the west.
- Notable geographic features include limestone karst cliffs, deep marine lakes (such as Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon), and extensive coral reef systems.
Administrative divisions
Coron is subdivided into 23 barangays. Some of the more populous or well‑known barangays include: Coron (Poblacion), Banuang Daan, Maricaban, Malabanban, Cuatro, San Jose, and Tagbanua.
Demographics
- According to the 2020 Census of Population conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, Coron had a population of 90,823 people.
- The predominant ethnic groups are Tagbanua (an indigenous people of the Calamianes), Cuyonon, and other Visayan and Tagalog migrants.
- Languages commonly spoken include Tagbanwa, Cuyonon, Filipino (Tagalog), and English.
History
- The Calamian Islands, including present‑day Coron, were historically inhabited by the Tagbanua people.
- Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, but permanent Spanish settlement was limited.
- During World War II, the area was occupied by Japanese forces; the wrecks of several U.S. warships in the surrounding waters are now popular dive sites.
- Coron was officially organized as a municipality on July 9 1964, separating from the municipality of Busuanga.
Economy
- Tourism is the primary economic driver. The municipality is internationally recognized for scuba diving, snorkeling, and island‑hopping tours that feature World War II shipwrecks, limestone cliffs, and pristine lagoons.
- The hospitality sector includes hotels, resorts, guesthouses, restaurants, and guided tour operators.
- Agriculture (copra, root crops) and fishing remain secondary sources of livelihood for many residents.
- The municipality’s annual revenue and internal revenue allotment have increased in recent years, reflecting growth in tourist arrivals.
Transportation
- Air: Busuanga Airport (also known as Francisco B. Reyes Airport) serves domestic flights, primarily from Manila and Cebu, operated by airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and SkyJet.
- Sea: Roll‑on/roll‑off (RORO) vessels connect Coron to other parts of Palawan, including the ports of Puerto Princesa and El Nido. Local ferries and charter boats provide inter‑island transport among the Calamian islands.
- Land/Water: Within the municipality, motorbikes, tricycles, and motorized bancas (small motorboats) are common for short‑distance travel.
Tourist attractions
- Coron Island Group: Popular sites include Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Siete Dolores Marine Park, and Malcapuya Island.
- World War II wreck diving: Notable wrecks include the Japanese cruiser Kirishima, the Akitsushima (a former transport ship), and the American destroyer USS Irwin.
- Mount Tapyas: A limestone hill offering panoramic views of the town and surrounding sea.
- Cultural sites: Villages of the Tagbanua people, where traditional crafts and practices are exhibited.
Governance
- The municipal government is headed by an elected mayor, with a vice mayor and a municipal council (Sangguniang Bayan).
- Coron is part of the 2nd legislative district of Palawan for representation in the Philippine House of Representatives.
Education and health services
- The municipality hosts several public elementary and high schools under the Department of Education (DepEd) – Palawan.
- Tertiary education is provided by satellite campuses of Palawan State University and other private institutions.
- Healthcare facilities include the Coron District Hospital and several barangay health centers.
Environmental considerations
- The rich marine biodiversity has led to the designation of several marine protected areas (MPAs) to manage fishing pressures and preserve coral reefs.
- The local government, in partnership with NGOs and tourism operators, conducts reef monitoring and waste‑management initiatives aimed at mitigating the environmental impact of increasing tourist activity.
References
- Philippine Statistics Authority, Census of Population (2020).
- Department of Tourism, Philippines – Destination Guides.
- Official website of the Municipality of Coron, Palawan.
- Scholarly articles on the Calamian Islands’ marine ecology and World War II shipwrecks.
