Sung Dynasty porcelain shards found in caves in the province, as well as burial coffins excavated in the 19^th century, are evidence of the province's early habitation. In 1571, the Spaniards began to colonize the residents of the island. It was entrusted to the care of Jesuit missionaries in the early 17^th century who established the towns of Boac, Gasan and Santa Cruz.

It was originally part of the province of Balayan until it was separated, together with the island of Mindoro, to form a corregimiento. During much of the Spanish period, Marinduque was under threat from raids by the Moros. Watchtowers were built to warn the residents of coming flotillas. The fortress-church of Boac was built in 1792 in thanksgiving to the miraculous Virgin of Biglang-Awa.

During the short-lived Philippine Republic, Marinduque was administered as a province. Marinduque became a province under the Americans in 1901. In June 1902, Mindoro was annexed to Marinduque but five months later, Marinduque was attached to the province of Tayabas. On February 21, 1920, Marinduque became a separate province by virtue of Act No. 2880.

Mining prospectors discovered large copper deposits in 1956 and in the late 1960s, the island became home to one of the largest mining operations in the country. In March 1996, mine tailings from a holding pool leaked into the Boac River, destroying fishing resources in the river as well as in the coastal areas surrounding the river mouth. This was one of the worst ecological disasters in the country which eventually forced the closure of the copper mines in the province.

People, Culture and the Arts

Marinduque's colorful religious festivals and observances make the province a unique cultural experience. In the early 1960´s, the media and tourists discovered the Moriones Festival, a unique and animated Lenten tradition featuring masked men called moriones, dressed colorfully as Roman soldiers. This week-long celebration starts on Holy Monday and culminates on Easter Sunday when the story of Longinus is reenacted in pantomime.

The Moriones Festival is celebrated in Boac, Mogpog and Gasan. In the week before Easter, the story of the centurion Longinus is relived. Longinus is believe to be a Roman soldier who was blind in one eye. After the death of Christ, he thrust his spear into the lifeless body and blood dropped onto his eye. His sight was restored. He became a witness to the Christ's resurrection and became a believer. He was forced to recant but he refused and was beheaded.

The festival starts on Monday, when the moriones roam the streets of Boac, Mogpog and Gasan. Participants play pranks on the townspeople, serenade ladies, frighten children and sometimes engage in mock sword fights. The highlight of the festival takes place with the pantomime dramatization of the story in Tagalog verse. A merry chase ensues between Longinus and the other moriones, and ends with the eventual capture and beheading of Longinus.

The observances form part of the Lenten celebrations of Marinduque. The various towns also hold the unique tradition of the pabasa or the recitation of Christ's passion in verse. The Via Crucis is also reenacted and flagellants, known as antipos, inflict suffering upon themselves as a form of atonement. After three o'clock on Good Friday afternoon, the Santo Sepulcro is observed, whereby old women exchange verses based on the Bible as they stand in wake of the dead Christ.

In the occasion of Holy Innocent's Day, masked giants and dwarfs roam the streets of the towns, chasing children, to commemorate the vain search of the soldiers sent by King Herod to look for the infant Jesus. On the occasion of the Epiphany or the Feast of the Three Kings, another observance is held. Actors, representing the wise men, ride on horseback accompanied by a throng of townspeople and giant puppets while onlookers toss goodies and coins. A play is held commemorating the search for the child Jesus that culminates with King Herod destroying his palace.

The Putong is Marinduque´s unique custom of welcoming and honoring friends and visitors. The ceremony starts with the "mamumutong", a group of men and women singing greetings to the honoree. Calling the latter "santo", the "mamumutong" sing and dance in quickening rhythm in front of him, showering him with flowers and coins as signs of affection. A crown made of flowers and garlands/bouquets are given the honoree. Shouts of "Mabuhay!" and "Viva!" end the ceremony.

Marinduque's strategy for development is a three-pronged program aimed at increasing provincial productivity and at the same time promoting the economic welfare of the people. The 959.2 square kilometer island land produces coconuts, rice, bananas and corn. The province posesses 10,744 hectares of forests that are the main source of nito, buri, bamboo and soft wood. Rich fishing grounds encircle the island that abounds in tuna, snapper, mackerel and other commercial fish species. The province is richly blessed with large deposits of copper, iron, and manganese, as well as limestone and clay. The provincial labor force of 123,000 participates in the province's main industries.

The province is a 45 minute plane trip from Manila. An airport serves air traffic in and out of the province. Lucena City is a four-hour ferry trip from Santa Cruz. The province is linked, primarily by a 119 kilometer circumferential road that connects the coastal towns. The Marinduque Electric Cooperative provides power to the island while water is adequately sourced from wells, streams and communal faucets. Two telephone systems, telegraph stations and postal offices provide communication links.

Marinduque intends to attract investments that make full use of its resource base. The province is primarily an area of farming and fishing communities. Increasing productivity and adding value to the products of these activities are highly desired. Processing and storing facilities for rice, rootcrops, coconuts and fish and seafood are among the industries the province requires. There are also promising possibilities in high-value crop production, such as fruits, vegetables and cutflowers. Marinduque has also been known for its handicrafts and indigenous industries. Improving production and manufacturing of these items, such as nito plates, carved figures, baskets, and pottery and brick works can also sustain the economy of the province. With better marketing and shipping facilities, these products can reach a greater domestic as well as export market.

Tourism has largely been a seasonal concern, but developing the island's tourist potential can draw more visitors to see the island's natural splendor. There are enormous caves, white sand beaches and untouched wilderness trails that can complement existing tourist sites and events. Increased tourism requires investments in hotel accommodations, recreational facilities and tourist support services.

Development Initiative Highlights:

• To become self sufficient in basic food requirements

• To increase commercial livestock production

• To increase fishery/ aquatic products through modern but environmentally friendly methods

• To develop vital infrastructure such as roads, water supply/ irrigation, communication lines, health services, etc.

• To further develop and sustain local tourism industry