Palawan is an archipelagic province situated in the Mimaropa region of the Philippines. It holds the distinction of being the largest province in the country, covering a vast area of 14,649.73 square kilometers (5,656.29 square miles). The capital and largest city is Puerto Princesa, which is geographically part of Palawan but has its independent administration. Palawan is renowned as the “Philippines’ Last Frontier” and is often celebrated as the “Philippines’ Best Island.”
The province encompasses a collection of islands that stretch from the northeast, near Mindoro island, to the southwest, near Borneo. Palawan is positioned between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. It derives its name from its most prominent island, Palawan Island, which measures 450 kilometers (280 miles) in length and 50 kilometers (31 miles) in width.
In 2019, there was a proposal to divide Palawan into three separate provinces, but this proposal was rejected by the local population in a 2021 plebiscite.
Demographics
1. Population by Age Group:
- The age group with the highest population in Palawan is 5 to 9, with 132,688 individuals.
- Conversely, the age group with the lowest population is 80 and over, with 6,761 individuals.
2. Population Composition:
- Young Dependent Population (Aged 14 and Below): This group, including infants/babies, children, and young adolescents/teenagers, makes up an aggregate of 35.39% of the population, totaling 390,908 individuals.
- Economically Active Population (Aged 15 to 64): Roughly, the economically active population and potential workforce constitute 60.70% of the population, with a total of 670,461 individuals.
- Old Dependent Population (Aged 65 and Over): Senior citizens aged 65 and over make up 3.91% of the population, totaling 43,216 individuals.
3. Age Dependency Ratios:
- Youth Dependents: Among the population of Palawan, there are 58 youth dependents for every 100 working-age individuals.
- Aged/Senior Citizens: There are 6 aged/senior citizens for every 100 working-age individuals.
- Overall Dependency: In total, there are 65 dependents (combining both the young and old-age) for every 100 working-age individuals.
4. Median Age:
- The median age of 22 indicates that half of the entire population of Palawan is aged less than 22, while the other half is over the age of 22.
| Name | City/ Municipality | Population (2020) | Population (2015) | Annual Population Growth Rate (2015‑2020) | Area (km2) | Density (2020), per km2 | Brgy count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aborlan | municipality | 38,736 | 35,091 | 2.10% | 807.33 | 48 | 19 |
| Agutaya | municipality | 12,867 | 12,545 | 0.54% | 37.31 | 345 | 10 |
| Araceli | municipality | 14,434 | 14,909 | -0.68% | 204.30 | 71 | 13 |
| Balabac | municipality | 42,527 | 40,142 | 1.22% | 581.60 | 73 | 20 |
| Bataraza | municipality | 85,439 | 75,468 | 2.65% | 726.20 | 118 | 22 |
| Brooke’s Point | municipality | 73,994 | 66,374 | 2.31% | 1,303.40 | 57 | 18 |
| Busuanga | municipality | 25,617 | 22,046 | 3.21% | 392.90 | 65 | 14 |
| Cagayancillo | municipality | 6,884 | 6,285 | 1.94% | 26.39 | 261 | 12 |
| Coron | municipality | 65,855 | 51,803 | 5.18% | 689.10 | 96 | 23 |
| Culion | municipality | 23,213 | 20,139 | 3.04% | 499.59 | 46 | 14 |
| Cuyo | municipality | 23,489 | 22,360 | 1.04% | 84.95 | 277 | 17 |
| Dumaran | municipality | 23,528 | 23,734 | -0.18% | 435.00 | 54 | 16 |
| El Nido | municipality | 50,494 | 41,606 | 4.16% | 923.26 | 55 | 18 |
| Kalayaan | municipality | 193 | 184 | 1.01% | 290.00 | 1 | 1 |
| Linapacan | municipality | 16,424 | 15,668 | 1.00% | 195.44 | 84 | 10 |
| Magsaysay | municipality | 12,603 | 12,196 | 0.69% | 49.48 | 255 | 11 |
| Narra | municipality | 77,948 | 73,212 | 1.33% | 831.73 | 94 | 23 |
| Quezon | municipality | 65,283 | 60,980 | 1.45% | 943.19 | 69 | 14 |
| Rizal | municipality | 56,162 | 50,096 | 2.44% | 1,256.47 | 45 | 11 |
| Roxas | municipality | 69,624 | 65,358 | 1.34% | 1,177.56 | 59 | 31 |
| San Vicente | municipality | 33,507 | 31,232 | 1.49% | 1,462.94 | 23 | 10 |
| Sofronio Española | municipality | 37,416 | 32,876 | 2.76% | 473.91 | 79 | 9 |
| Taytay | municipality | 83,357 | 75,165 | 2.20% | 1,257.68 | 66 | 31 |
| Palawan Total | 939,594 | 849,469 | 2.15% | 14,649.73 | 64 | 367 | |
Economy
| Fiscal Year | Annual Regular Income | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1,212,979,137.00 | – |
| 2010 | 1,254,552,418.00 | 3.43% |
| 2011 | 1,408,396,602.73 | 12.26% |
| 2012 | 1,372,308,793.17 | -2.56% |
| 2013 | 1,518,840,746.60 | 10.68% |
| 2014 | 1,658,881,478.71 | 9.22% |
| 2015 | 2,022,251,580.13 | 21.90% |
| 2016 | 2,188,605,564.66 | 8.23% |
| End notes:Annual Regular Income = Locally Sourced Revenue + Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) Current Year + Other Shares from National Tax CollectionLocally Sourced Revenue = Real Property Tax (General Fund) + Tax on Business + Other Taxes + Regulatory Fees + Service/User Charges + Receipts from Economic Enterprises | ||
Tourism
Palawan’s tourism industry thrives on its natural wonders and cultural treasures. The province boasts world-renowned destinations like El Nido, Coron, and the Underground River.
Nature enthusiasts can explore the mesmerizing limestone karsts, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life. Palawan’s cuisine, with its seafood delicacies and local flavors, offers a culinary journey that delights the senses.
