Created page with "{{Infobox settlement |name = Corcuera |other_name = |native_name = |settlement_type = [[Municipalities of the Philippines..."
New page
{{Infobox settlement
|name = Corcuera
|other_name =
|native_name =
|settlement_type = [[Municipalities of the Philippines|Municipality]]
|image_skyline =
|image_caption =
|nickname =
|motto =
|image_map = Ph locator romblon corcuera.png
|map_caption = Map of Romblon with Corcuera highlighted
|pushpin_map = Philippines
|pushpin_map_caption = Location within the Philippines
|latd = 12 | latm = 48 | latNS = N
|longd = 122 | longm = 03 | longEW = E
|coordinates_display = inline,title
|coordinates_region = PH
|subdivision_type = Country
|subdivision_name = [[Philippines]]
|subdivision_type1 = [[Regions of the Philippines|Region]]
|subdivision_name1 = [[MIMAROPA]] (Region IV-B)
|subdivision_type2 = [[Provinces of the Philippines|Province]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Romblon]]
|subdivision_type3 = [[Legislative districts of the Philippines|District]]
|subdivision_name3 = [[Legislative district of Romblon|Lone district]]
|established_title = Settled
|established_date = 1574
|established_title1 =
|established_date1 =
|parts_type = [[Barangay]]s
|parts_style = para
|p1 = 15
|government_type =
|government_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dilg.gov.ph/municipalities.php |title=Municipalities |publisher=Department of the Interior and Local Government |location=Quezon City, Philippines |accessdate=31 January 2013}}</ref><ref name=Officials>{{cite web |url=http://election-results.rappler.com/2013/region-4b/romblon/corcuera |title=Partial Unofficial Results: Corcuera, Romblon |work=2013 Philippine Polls Results |publisher=[[Rappler]] |accessdate=13 October 2013}}</ref>
|leader_title = Mayor
|leader_name = Rachel M. Bañares ([[Nacionalista Party|NP]])
|leader_title1 = Vice Mayor
|leader_name1 = Elmer M. Fruelda ([[Nacionalista Party|NP]])
|leader_title2 = Councilors
|leader_name2 = Richard F. Fruelda<br>Jerrime F. Ferry<br>Joribel F. Ferry<br>Andry F. Falcunitin<br>Jegger F. Mazo<br>Eulogio F. Famorcan<br>Rosemarie F. Fabriquel<br>Onak F. Falogme
|area_footnotes = <ref name=nscb>{{cite web |title=Province: Romblon |url=http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/province.asp?regName=REGION+IV-B+%28MIMAROPA%29®Code=17&provCode=175900000&provName=ROMBLON |work=PSGC Interactive |publisher=National Statistical Coordination Board |accessdate=31 January 2013 |location=Makati City, Philippines}}</ref>
|area_total_km2 = 28.53
|elevation_max_footnotes=
|elevation_min_m =
|elevation_max_m =
|population_footnotes = <ref name=NSO10>{{cite web |url=http://www.census.gov.ph/sites/default/files/attachments/hsd/pressrelease/MIMAROPA.pdf |title=Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay: as of May 1, 2010 |work=2010 Census of Population and Housing |publisher=National Statistics Office |accessdate=31 January 2013}}</ref>
|population_total = 9935
|population_as_of = 2010
|population_density_km2 = auto
|timezone = [[Time in the Philippines|PST]]
|utc_offset = +8
|postal_code_type = [[List of ZIP codes in the Philippines|Zip Code]]
|postal_code = 5514
|area_code_type = [[Telephone numbers in the Philippines|Dialing code]]
|area_code = 42
|website =
}}
'''Corcuera''' is a [[Municipalities of the Philippines#Income classification|fifth class]] [[Philippine municipality|municipality]] located on Simara Island, in the [[Philippine province|province]] of [[Romblon]], [[Philippines]]. It was named after the [[Governor-General of the Philippines|Spanish governor-general]] [[Sebastián Hurtado de Corcuera]] who ruled the Philippines from 1635 to 1644.
==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.<ref name="Origin">{{cite web |url=http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/regions/12986-corcuera-island-a-hidden-paradise-of-romblon |title=Corcuera Island: A hidden paradise of Romblon |publisher=BusinessMirror |date=4 May 2013 |accessdate=16 September 2014}}</ref> Corcuera was originally established as ''San Jose'' by the [[Spanish people|Spanish]] in 1574. In 1621, [[Order of Augustinian Recollects|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 will serve as a lookout and warning for the locals of impending [[Muslim]] raids which plagued the province at that time.<ref name="Simara">[http://www.simara.com/index.php/history Simara History] Simara.com Retrieved on 2012-04-14.</ref>
===Modern history===
In 1910, during the American colonization period, the town was visited by the American survey ship [[USC&GS Fathomer (1904)|''Fathomer'']] which conducted [[hydrographic survey]]s 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, Romblon|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.<ref name="Simara" />
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.<ref name="Battle of Simara">[http://simara.com/index.php/articles/50-feature-story/63-a-coin-in-the-sand A Coin in the Sand] Simara.com Retrieved on 2013-03-30.</ref>
After four days of [[Mortar (weapon)|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.<ref name="Battle of Simara" />
==Geography==
Corcuera has a total land area of 23.40 sq. km. 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 [[barangay]]s.<ref name="nscb" />
{{columns-list|3|
* Alegria
* Ambulong
* Colongcolong
* Gobon
* Guintiguiban
* Ilijan
* Labnig
* Mabini
* Mahaba
* Mangansag
* Poblacion
* San Agustin
* San Roque
* San Vicente
* Tacasan
}}
==Demographics==
According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 9,935 people.<ref name="NSO10" /> Majority of this population speak the vernacular [[Asi language|Bantoanon]], which is also spoken in [[Banton, Romblon|Banton]], [[Concepcion, Romblon|Concepcion]], [[Calatrava, Romblon|Calatrava]], and [[Odiongan, Romblon|Odiongan]]. The island's inhabitants are predominantly Roman Catholic, with a small number of Protestants, Iglesia ni Cristo, and Jehovah's Witnesses.
{{Philippine Census|align=right
| title= Population census of Corcuera
| 1990=
| 1995= 9658
| 2000= 10972
| 2007= 10883
| 2010= 9935
| footnote= Source: National Statistics Office<ref name=NSO10/>
}}
==Local government==
{{main|Philippine municipality}}
Pursuant to Chapter II, Title II, Book III of Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1991/ra_7160_1991.html |title=An act providing for a local government code of 1991 |publisher=8th Congress of the Republic of the Philippines |accessdate=April 21, 2014}}</ref> the municipal government is composed of a [[mayor]] (alkalde), a [[vice-mayor]] (bise alkalde) and [[councilors|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 incumbent mayor and vice-mayor are Rachel M. Bañares and Elmer M. Fruelda, respectively, both from the [[Nacionalista Party]].<ref name="Officials" />
===[[Mayor of Corcuera, Romblon]]===
==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 language|Asi]] families living in [[Metro Manila]] or abroad to visit the island since it coincides with the [[Lent]]en season and barangay fiestas.
;By sea: Corcuera is accessible via [[RORO]] vessels that ply the [[Manila]]-[[Odiongan, Romblon|Odiongan]], [[Batangas City]]-[[Odiongan, Romblon|Odiongan]], or the [[Roxas, Oriental Mindoro|Roxas]]-[[Odiongan, Romblon|Odiongan]] route. From Odiongan, Corcuera can be reached by jeepney and motorized boat via [[Calatrava, Romblon]].<ref name="Travel">{{cite web |url=http://www.romblonlifestyles.com/general-info/how-to-get-to-romblon-province-plane-boat-boracay |title=How to get to Romblon |publisher=Romblon Lifestyles |accessdate=11 August 2014}}</ref>
;By air: The closest airport with active airline service is [[Tugdan Airport]] in [[Alcantara, Romblon]]. [[Fil-Asian Airways]] offers four weekly flights<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.philippineflightnetwork.com/2013/06/fil-asian-airways-completes-successful.html |title=Fil-Asian Airways completes inaugural flight |publisher=Philippine Flight Network |date=24 June 2013 |accessdate=11 August 2014}}</ref> while [[SkyJet]] offers charter flights<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.philippineflightnetwork.com/2013/07/skyjet-to-make-romblon-accessible-to.html |title=SkyJet to make Romblon accessible to tourists |publisher=Philippine Flight Network |date=3 July 2013 |accessdate=11 August 2014}}</ref> 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 boasts of fantastic natural beauty and rich historical and cultural heritage. Some of the places worth seeing in 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 beautiful white sand beach in Brgy. Mangansag dotted with tall palm trees and volcanic boulders along pristine waters.
* '''Colong-Colong Beach''': A beautiful sandy beach with pristine waters which is a popular 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 plenty of stalactite and stalagmite deposits.
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
* [http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/default.asp Philippine Standard Geographic Code]
* [http://www.census.gov.ph/ Philippine Census Information]
* [http://www.blgs.gov.ph/lgpmsv2/cmshome/index.php?pageID=23&frmIdDcfCode=7&fLguType=CM&frmIdRegion=7&frmIdProvince=43&frmIdLgu=910 Local Governance Performance Management System]
* [http://www.simara.com/ Website of Simara Island, Romblon]
{{Geographic location
|Centre = Corcuera
|North = [[Banton, Romblon|Banton]]<br>''[[Sibuyan Sea]]''
|East = ''[[Sibuyan Sea]]''
|South = ''[[Sibuyan Sea]]''<br>[[Calatrava, Romblon|Calatrava]]
|West = [[Concepcion, Romblon|Concepcion]] / ''[[Sibuyan Sea]]''
}}
{{Romblon}}
[[Category:Municipalities of Romblon]]