Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro

Magsaysay is a municipality in the province of Occidental Mindoro in the Philippines. Officially called the Municipality of Magsaysay, it is an important place for the local community. As of the 2024 census, it is home to 40,987 people. The area is known for its natural beauty and the strong spirit of its residents. It is one of many municipalities that make up the beautiful province of Occidental Mindoro.

History

Foundation

Magsaysay used to be part of San Jose. On April 3, 1969, it became its own municipality because of Republic Act 5459, which was signed by President Ferdinand Marcos.

New People's Army rebellion

See also: New People's Army rebellion

In 1987, a group called the New People's Army set up a base in Magsaysay. Later that year, they attacked the town hall and a nearby police station. Some people were hurt during this event, but no workers in the town hall were harmed. Important papers in the town hall were destroyed.

Geography

Magsaysay is a town in the province of Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. It is located at the southern end of Mindoro Island. The town is next to San Jose to the north, separated by valleys and mountains from Bulalacao to the east, and faces the China Sea to the west. The land in Magsaysay is mostly rugged but has some flat areas. The highest point in the town is 543 feet above sea level.

The town covers an area of 29,670 hectares and has a population density of 91 people per square kilometer. Many parts of Magsaysay have slopes of less than 18 percent, making them suitable for building. The town has many rivers, including the Caguray River, which helps provide water for people and farming. Magsaysay is about 187 kilometers from Mamburao and 215 kilometers from Calapan.

Barangays

Magsaysay has 12 areas called barangays. Most of these areas are rural, with only one being urban. Five of the barangays are along the coast. The barangays are:

• Alibog
• Caguray
• Calawag
• Gapasan
• Laste
• Lourdes
• Nicolas (Bulo)
• Paclolo
• Poblacion
• Purnaga
• Santa Teresa
• Sibalat

Climate

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Demographics

The number of people living in Magsaysay has been growing since 1970, but the speed of this growth has gone up and down over time. The fastest growth happened between 1975 and 1980, while the slowest growth was between 1985 and 1990.

Magsaysay is home to the Ratagnon people, who have their own language. Unfortunately, very few people still speak this language today. Because of past government programs, most Ratagnons now speak Tagalog instead, which puts their traditional language and culture at risk. Other languages spoken in the area include Hanunu'o, Buhid, Karay-a, and Hiligaynon.

Economy

The economy of Magsaysay has seen changes over the years in terms of how many people live in poverty. In the year 2000, a large part of the population, about 65.53%, lived in poverty. By 2021, this number had dropped to 15.31%, showing improvement in the economic conditions of the municipality.

The data comes from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Education

The Magsaysay Schools District Office is in charge of all schools in the municipality. It helps manage both private and public schools, from primary to secondary levels.

Primary and elementary schools

• Alibog Elementary School
• Bagong Silang Elementary School
• Bamban Elementary School
• Bambanay Elementary School
• Banga Primary School
• Bukal Elementary School
• Buriraoan Elementary School
• Cabag Primary School
• Caguray Elementary School
• Calachuchi Elementary School
• Calawag Elementary School
• Canabang Elementary School
• Cawit Elementary School
• Emok Elementary School
• Gapasan Elementary School
• Garza Elementary School
• Guballa Elementary School
• Hinango Elementary School
• Laste Elementary School
• Lourdes Elementary School
• Magarang Elementary School
• Magsaysay Central School
• Magsaysay United Methodist Church Development Center for Children
• Nalwak Elementary School
• Nicolas Elementary School
• Paclolo Elementary School
• Purnaga Elementary School
• Sta. Teresa Elementary School
• Sto. Cristo Elementary School
• Sibalat Elementary School
• Sibalat Elementary School (Silad Elementary School Annex)
• Tadlok Elementary School
• Talaba Elementary School
• Tilaga Elementary School

Secondary schools

• Magsaysay National High School
• Magsaysay National High School (Purnaga Annex)
• Magsaysay National High School (Alibog Annex)
• Paclolo National High School
• Saint Paul Kiddie Center
• Sta. Teresa National High School