There are places you visit that leave footprints in your memory. Puerto Galera is exactly that!
It is tucked along the northern shores of Oriental Mindoro, where mountains meet the sea, where stories are carried by the wind, and where every sunrise feels like a promise. It is a destination known for its breathtaking beaches and vibrant marine life, but more deeply, it is a place shaped by centuries of history, guided by responsible stewardship, and kept alive by the warmth of its people.
Experience Puerto Galera’s heart and soul
Finding Puerto Galera
Puerto Galera is within the jurisdiction of Region IV-B (MIMAROPA), in the province of Oriental Mindoro. The municipality is bounded on the north by the Verde Island Passage, Mt. Baco and Mt. Malasimbo in the south. Its adjacent municipalities are Abra De Ilog, a municipality of Occidental Mindoro located on the northwest of the municipality and the Municipality of San Teodoro on the northeast.
Puerto Galera is a Y-shaped peninsula located on the north shores of Mindoro Island. It is located 130km South of Manila, 14 nautical miles from Batangas City and approximately 50 km for the City of Calapan, the Provincial Capital. Its geographical coordinate is 13°23’ to 13°32’ north latitude and 120°50’ to 121°00’ east longitude in the Global Positioning System (GPS).
NAME
Puerto Galera got its name from the Spanish word “Port of the Galley”. It was founded on December 7, 1927 when Philippine Congress passed Act 3415 creating the Municipality of Puerto Galera.
FOUNDATION
In 1574, Puerto Galera was founded as the original capital of the island of Mindoro and was one of the oldest settlements of the religious missionaries.
RECOGNITION
In 1973, Puerto Galera was recognized as part of the Man and Biosphere Program (MAB) of UNESCO through Presidential Decree 354.
Where the Story Began
The Local Government (LGU) is geared to move forward guided by its development vision and mission.
Guided by Purpose: Local Government Unit’s Mission and Vision
VISION
“A Biosphere Reserve Municipality that is progressive and globally competitive, advocates sustainable ecological-agricultural tourism development, enriches culture, maintains safety and security, and preserves the health of empowered, resilient, and disciplined citizenry, guided by a responsive and committed leadership.”
MISSION
“Promote a world-class sustainable tourism industry geared towards the preservation and conservation of culture, ecologically balanced landscape, safe and healthy community through enhanced human resources and institutional capabilities.”
VISION
“A Biosphere Reserve Municipality that is progressive and globally competitive, advocates sustainable ecological-agricultural tourism development, enriches culture, maintains safety and security, and preserves the health of empowered, resilient, and disciplined citizenry, guided by a responsive and committed leadership.”
Puerto Galera is a home to the Iraya Mangyan. It is one of the eight indigenous Mangyan groups residing in Mindoro, Philippines, known for their rich cultural heritage and strong connection to nature. For centuries, they have lived in the island’s mountainous and forested regions, sustaining themselves through agriculture, hunting, and gathering.
Unlike lowland communities that embraced modernization early, the Iraya Mangyan have largely preserved their traditional practices despite external influences. Their remote location has contributed to their relative isolation from mainstream Philippine society. However, various government and non-government organizations have made efforts to provide education, health care, and economic opportunities while ensuring that their cultural identity remains intact.
Today, the Iraya Mangyan continue to uphold their customs and traditions while gradually adapting to modern changes in a way that allows them to maintain their unique heritage.
