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Marinduque
Marinduque is a nearly circular island situated about eleven miles from the main island of Luzon. It is 370 square miles making it the thirteenth largest island in the Philippine archipelago. The province
lies between Tayabas Bay to the North and Sibuyan Sea to the South. It is situated South and West of Quezon, East of Mindoro, and North of Romblon. The provinces’ capital is Boac.
Legend has it that the island was formed and named as a consequence of a tragic love affair between two people: Marina and Garduke. Marina’s father, a local chieftain did not approve of this affair and ordered the beheading of Garduke. But before this could happen, the couple sailed out to sea and drowned themselves, forming the island now called Marinduque.
On the 16th century, Marinduque was formerly a part of the province of Balayan (now Batangas). On the century after, it became a part of Mindoro. It was during the American occupation that the province enjoyed a brief period of independence until on February 21, 1920, an act reaffirming Marinduque as a separate province was passed by the Philippine Congress.
The province thrives because of its agriculture. It grows rice and coconut. Fishing is also an important part of its economy. The Marcopper Mining Company was once sharing to the province’s coffers, but due to an unprecedented accident it has to bring the industry into a standstill. Tourism is beginning to play its role in the province’s economic endeavors.
The Marinduquenos are very hospitable in nature and are very welcoming. They practice a unique way of welcoming and honoring friends and visitors. The honoree (or honorees) is made to sit and he or they crowned them with flowers while local women dance and sing for them. Other well – wishers throw coins and flower petals for long life.
The people of the island speak Tagalog, but their proximity to the Visayan region almost makes their Tagalog incomprehensible. Theirs is a variant of Tagalog that is a mixture of Visayan and Bicolano. English is also well understood the people.
Marinduque is famous for the annual Moriones Festival. This festival is usually held during the month of April. During this day people dressed as Moriones can be seen parading on the main streets connecting the towns of the island. The festival features a reenactment of the event when Longinus, a blind soldier, punctures Jesus with his spear and blood droplets from the wound restore his sight.
Marinduque is a witness to the heroic attempt of the Filipino soldiers under Colonel Maximo Abad, when American soldiers try to encroach in the vicinity. The battle fought between the Filipino soldiers and the larger better trained forces of the Americans was
called Battle of Pulang Lupa.
The province is a potential site for trekking and mountaineering, because of the presence of Mt. Malindig (formerly, Mt. Marlanga), this is the highest peak in Marinduque, with an elevation of 1157 meters, but is known to be a potentially active volcano.
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