Mangyan Roots and History
(Video on Reenactment of the History of Mangyan)
Mangyans , the pride of Mindoro, were the first settlers of the province. Rich and peaceful people, with a great culture and simple way of living, that's who they are. Divided into several groups namely: Iraya, Batangan, Buid, Hanuno'o, Alangan, Batagnon, Tagaydan (or Tadyawan), Bangon, Pula, Buhid, Nauhan, and Furuan.
Then, in the year 1754 Muslims established strong holds in several spots, they even launched raids against nearby settlers. But, these were eventually stopped when Governor Simion de Anda sent an expedition.
In the early years, the island of Mindoro was considered a part of Bonbon (the former name of Batangas). Moreover, in the 17th century, they were separated and arranged into a corregimiento. In 1921, Mindoro was annexed to Marinduque. Finally, in June 13, 1950, under Republic Act No. 505, Mindoro was divided into two provinces, Oriental and Occindental Mindoro.
Mait, after a long time turned into the new Mindoro.
As they stayed near the sea, there came several traders such as Chinese people. Then, according to hearsay, during the Spanish times, a a certain Dutch ship sank in the oceans near Mindoro. They came over the island and met the Mangyan people. Some were thought to have lived with the mangyan women and this explains the origin of the so-called "Mangyan Tisoys".
For a long period of time, they lived among themselves in the coasts of Oriental Mindoro. At first they fished for a living . But, there came a time when other Tagalogs and other groups of people came. To avoid disputes, the mild-mannered and peace-loving people gave up their land moved to the mountains and came down only for food and other necessities. Despite their goodness, they were treated as second class set of people. Usually being misjudged and discriminated. Due to that, until this time, they continued living up in the mountains, planting crops and raising hogs as a means of living.
The Mangyans had a long journey in history before they reached their place today.
For a long period of time, they lived among themselves in the coasts of Oriental Mindoro. At first they fished for a living . But, there came a time when other Tagalogs and other groups of people came. To avoid disputes, the mild-mannered and peace-loving people gave up their land moved to the mountains and came down only for food and other necessities. Despite their goodness, they were treated as second class set of people. Usually being misjudged and discriminated. Due to that, until this time, they continued living up in the mountains, planting crops and raising hogs as a means of living.
The Mangyans had a long journey in history before they reached their place today.
Oriental Mindoro - A land they once owned
Mait, that was the first name given to the province of Mindoro (according to Chinese traders). During the 15th century, Spanish people came and explored the island. In their exploration, they found several precious metals.Though there weren't any large deposits of gold, they gave the name"Mina de Oro" to the island meaning mines of gold. Years passed by and the name of the island was shortened into "Mindoro".  |
| Map of Oriental Mindoro |
Then, in the year 1754 Muslims established strong holds in several spots, they even launched raids against nearby settlers. But, these were eventually stopped when Governor Simion de Anda sent an expedition.
In the early years, the island of Mindoro was considered a part of Bonbon (the former name of Batangas). Moreover, in the 17th century, they were separated and arranged into a corregimiento. In 1921, Mindoro was annexed to Marinduque. Finally, in June 13, 1950, under Republic Act No. 505, Mindoro was divided into two provinces, Oriental and Occindental Mindoro.
Mait, after a long time turned into the new Mindoro.
( Brief History of Oriental Mindoro )
