Corcuera

Corcuera
Municipality
Municipality of Corcuera
Corcuera, Romblon as seen from Banton, Romblon

Map of Romblon with Corcuera highlighted
Corcuera
Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 12°48′N 122°03′E / 12.8°N 122.05°E / 12.8; 122.05Coordinates: 12°48′N 122°03′E / 12.8°N 122.05°E / 12.8; 122.05
Country  Philippines
Region Mimaropa (Region IV-B)
Province Romblon
District Lone district
Founded 1574
Barangays 15 (see Barangays)
Government [1]
 • Type Sangguniang Bayan
 • Mayor Rachel M. Bañares
 • Vice Mayor Elmer M. Fruelda
 • Electorate 6,070 voters (2016)
Area [2]
 • Total 28.53 km2 (11.02 sq mi)
Population (2015 census)[3]
 • Total 10,283
 • Density 360/km2 (930/sq mi)
Time zone UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code 5514
PSGC 175906000
IDD : area code  +63 (0)42
Climate type Tropical climate
Income class 5th municipal income class
Revenue (₱) 51,407,371.13 (2016)
Native languages Asi language
Tagalog
Patron saint Saint Joseph of Workers

Corcuera, officially the Municipality of Corcuera, is a 5th class municipality in the province of Romblon, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 10,283 people.[3]

Located on Simara Island, it is named after the Spanish governor-general Sebastián Hurtado de Corcuera who ruled the Philippines from 1635 to 1644 on behalf of King Philip IV of Spain.

History

Early history

The island’s name, Simara, was derived from the local word sima, meaning "hook", which refers to how the island looks like.[4] Corcuera was originally established as San Jose by the Spanish in 1574. In 1621, Augustinian Recollect missionaries arrived in the island and converted the locals into Christianity. By 1726, a stone church dedicated to Saint Joseph was built through the initiative of Fr. Agustin de San Pedro, also known as El Padre Capitan. He also ordered the construction of a watchtower in Tacasan, which would serve as a lookout and warning for the locals of impending Muslim raids that plagued the province at that time.[5]

Modern history

The first Justice of Peace was Liborio Fabiala. He was appointed on 1 August 1901. The year American Civil Government started in the province and the whole country. In 1910, during the American colonization period, the town was visited by the American survey ship Fathomer which conducted hydrographic surveys and depth sounding in the waters around Simara Island. Its American crew also constructed a lighthouse which is still standing today. At that time, Corcuera was still administered as part of Banton municipality on nearby Banton Island. In January 1931, Corcuera was granted local autonomous government by virtue of Chief Executive Order No. 292, Series of 1930 initiated by then Governor Manuel T. Albero. Corcuera then became the third island municipality in the province. The inauguration of Corcuera as a maiden municipality was held on February 3, 1931.[5]

During World War II, the Japanese established a garrison at Tanro-aw Hill in the island. On March 10, 1945, American and Filipino soldiers who were liberating the Philippines from Japanese occupation launched a task force from Mindoro to liberate the islands of Romblon and Simara. On March 12, elements from Companies B and C of the 19th Infantry, 24th Division of the US 8th Army landed in Simara led by 1st Lt. David B. Bernard. They were assisted by the USS Haas, skippered by Lt. Cmdr. A. M. White.[6]

After four days of mortar and naval bombardment and heavy fighting, the Americans were able to subdue the Japanese in Tanro-aw and liberate the island. The fighting left 118 Japanese, 10 Americans, and one Filipino dead.[6]

Former names and territorial changes

From Village/Barrio Town/Municipality/Pueblo Province
1574
San Jose
1622
Banton
1716
Capiz
9 March 1853*
Romblon
11 January 1868**
16 March 1901***
Corcuera
15 July 1907
Capiz
7 December 1917
Romblon
3 February 1931
Corcuera
8 June 1940
Corcuera
Maghali
Province abolished
30 September 1942
Capiz
1 October 1946
Corcuera
Romblon


As separate district from Capiz*
As fully pledged politico-military province**
Province established by US civilian government***

Geography

Corcuera has a total land area of 23.40 km2. It is hemmed in by bodies of water from all sides: on the north and east by the Sibuyan Sea; on the south and east by Tablas Strait. It is a hilly, volcanic island with many hot springs, while stretches of flat land lie along its northern coast.

Barangays

Corcuera is politically subdivided into 15 barangays.

  • Alegria
  • Ambulong
  • Colongcolong
  • Gobon
  • Guintiguiban
  • Ilijan
  • Labnig
  • Mabini
  • Mahaba
  • Mangansag
  • Poblacion
  • San Agustin
  • San Roque
  • San Vicente
  • Tacasan

Demographics

Population census of Corcuera
YearPop.±% p.a.
1903 1,892—    
1939 4,004+2.10%
1948 5,158+2.85%
1960 6,510+1.96%
1970 7,805+1.83%
1975 8,739+2.29%
1980 9,479+1.64%
1990 9,438−0.04%
1995 9,658+0.43%
2000 10,972+2.77%
2007 10,883−0.11%
2010 9,935−3.26%
2015 10,283+0.66%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[3] [7] [8] [9]


According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 10,283 people. Majority of this population speak the vernacular Asi language, which is also spoken in Banton, Concepcion, Calatrava, and Odiongan. The island's inhabitants are predominantly Roman Catholic, with a small number of Protestants, Iglesia ni Cristo, and Jehovah's Witnesses.

Local government

Pursuant to Chapter II, Title II, Book III of Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991,[10] the municipal government is composed of a mayor (alkalde), a vice mayor (bise alkalde) and members (kagawad) of the legislative branch Sangguniang Bayan alongside a secretary to the said legislature, all of which are elected to a three-year term and are eligible to run for three consecutive terms.

The mayor of Corcuera is the municipal executive of the town. The incumbent mayor and Vice Mayor are Rachel M. Bañares and Elmer M. Fruelda, respectively, both from the Nacionalista Party.


Period Mayor Vice Mayor
1931 - 1935
Atanacio Faminiano y Fallar (as 1st mayor of Maghali municipality)
1935 - 1939
Fausto Fallaria
1939 - 1943
Sergio Fondevilla y Fabregas
1943 - 1947
Martin Fetalino
1947 - 1951
Anastacio Falejo y Falogme
1951 - 1955
Mateo Ferry
1955 - 1959
Vidal Fallaria y Fondevilla
1959 - 1963
Ernesto Falculan y Fallarme
1963 - 1970
Senen Fanlo y Fallaria
1970 - 1971
Nicolas Fajarillo y Fabito
1971 - 1980
Josefino Fajilago y Fondevilla
30 June 1980 - 30 June 1986
Senen Fanlo y Fallaria
30 June 1986 - 30 June 1989
Nicolas Fajarillo y Fabito
30 June 1989 - 30 June 1992
30 June 1992 - 30 June 1995
30 June 1995 - 30 June 1998
Bibiano Fanlo y Miñon
30 June 1998 - 30 June 2001
30 June 2001 - 30 June 2004
30 June 2004 - 30 June 2007
Marlon Fojas y Falculan
Ada Fronda y Manzala
30 June 2007 - 30 June 2010
Eddie Mazo y Fondevilla
Marlon Fojas y Falculan
30 June 2010 - 30 June 2013
Rachel Bañares y Miñon[11][12][13]
Elmer Fruelda y Mallorca[14][15][16]
30 June 2013 - 30 June 2016
30 June 2016 - incumbent

Economy

Corcuera has a primarily agricultural economy, with rice and copra farming, as well as fishing, as the main sources of livelihood. There is also an indigenous raffia palm handicraft industry. Other crops grown in the island are root crops (such as cassava, sweet potatoes), fruits and vegetables. The locals also engage in livestock raising for local consumption.

Transportation

As seas surrounding Corcuera can be rough during the wet season, the best time to visit the island is from March to May during the dry (summer) season. This is also the typical time for Asi families living in Metro Manila or abroad to visit the island since it coincides with the Lenten season and barangay fiestas.

By sea
Corcuera is accessible via RORO vessels that ply the Manila-Odiongan, Batangas City-Odiongan, or the Roxas-Odiongan route. From Odiongan, Corcuera can be reached by jeepney and motorized boat via Calatrava, Romblon.[17]
By air
The closest airport with active airline service is Tugdan Airport in Alcantara, Romblon. Fil-Asian Airways offers four weekly flights[18] while SkyJet offers charter flights[19] to Romblon from Manila. From Alcantara, Corcuera can be reached in 5–6 hours by jeepney and motorized boats from Calatrava.

Within the island, the main forms of transportation are passenger motorcycles (known elsewhere as habal-habal) and motorized boats. A circumferential road connects the 15 barangays of Corcuera to each other.

Tourism

Corcuera has a number of historical and cultural attractions. Tourist spots on the island include:

  • Cotta Tower: This tower is what remains of a Spanish fort constructed between 1860 and 1865 by Fr. Agustin de San Pedro, also known as El Padre Capitan, to ward off Muslim pirates. It is situated on a hill overlooking Brgy. Poblacion and is an easy 150-meter hike from the town plaza.
  • Tanro-aw Hill: Located in Brgy. Vicente, it is the site of a Japanese garrison during World War II.
  • Panorama Point: A roadside lookout in Brgy. Tacasan where passing inter-island shipping vessels can be viewed. The area also shelters boats during inclement weather.
  • Immaculate Conception Grotto: Located at the summit of Mount Anradoon in Brgy. Mangansag, this grotto of the Immaculate Conception offers devotees a place to go and pray during Lenten season.
  • Payayasog: This testes-like structure that hangs along the bank of the sea in Brgy. Mangansag was formed by geological and wave movement.
  • Mangansag Beach: A white sand beach in Brgy. Mangansag dotted with tall palm trees and volcanic boulders along pristine waters.
  • Colong-Colong Beach: A sandy beach with pristine waters which is a picnic destination for local folks and returning residents.
  • Mahaba Beach: This is a long stretch of white beaches along pristine waters north of the island.
  • Guin-iwagan Cave: This cave in Brgy. Mahaba features a dome-like structure that abounds in stalagmites and stalactites. There is a pool of cool water where one can swim.
  • Lis-ong Cave: This cave in Brgy. Colong-Colong has stalactite and stalagmite deposits.

References

  1. ↑ "Municipality". Quezon City, Philippines: Department of the Interior and Local Government. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
  2. ↑ "Province: Romblon". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
  3. 1 2 3 Census of Population (2015). "Region IV-B (Mimaropa)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. PSA. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  4. ↑ "Corcuera Island: A Hidden Paradise of Romblon". BusinessMirror. 4 May 2013. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  5. 1 2 Simara History Simara.com Retrieved on 2012-04-14.
  6. 1 2 A Coin in the Sand Simara.com Retrieved on 2013-03-30.
  7. ↑ Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region IV-B (Mimaropa)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. NSO. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  8. ↑ Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region IV-B (Mimaropa)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. NSO.
  9. ↑ "Province of Romblon". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  10. ↑ "An Act Providing for a Local Government Code of 1991". 8th Congress of the Republic of the Philippines. Retrieved April 21, 2014.
  11. ↑ http://curry.ateneo.net/~ambo/ph2010/electionresults/res_reg5906000.html
  12. ↑ http://election-results.rappler.com/2013/region-4b/romblon/corcuera
  13. ↑ http://ph.rappler.com/local/region/Mimaropa/Romblon/Corcuera
  14. ↑ http://curry.ateneo.net/~ambo/ph2010/electionresults/res_reg5906000.html
  15. ↑ http://election-results.rappler.com/2013/region-4b/romblon/corcuera
  16. ↑ http://ph.rappler.com/local/region/Mimaropa/Romblon/Corcuera
  17. ↑ "How to get to Romblon". Romblon Lifestyles. Archived from the original on 28 February 2015. Retrieved 11 August 2014.
  18. ↑ "Fil-Asian Airways completes inaugural flight". Philippine Flight Network. 24 June 2013. Retrieved 11 August 2014.
  19. ↑ "SkyJet to make Romblon accessible to tourists". Philippine Flight Network. 3 July 2013. Retrieved 11 August 2014.
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