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Mulanay, officially the Municipality of Mulanay (Tagalog: Bayan ng Mulanay), is a municipality in the province of Quezon, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 53,976 people.[5]

Key Information

The municipality is being considered[citation needed] to be listed in the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription due to its architectural marvels, notably its baroque church, its preserved ancestral houses, and the Limestone tombs of Kamhantik, a highly-significant Tagalog archaeological site and dambana, in the Buenavista Protected Landscape.

Etymology

[edit]

Some legends would relate Mulanay to have derived its name from the Tagalog word Malunay, which means "Plenty of Lunay". Lunay is the vernacular term for Pili wax, which was abundant in the area.

History

[edit]

The archaeological exploration and excavation at the Mt. Kamhantik Archaeological Site, led by Dr. Eusebio Z. Dizon from the National Museum of the Philippines, revealed that Mulanay was inhabited by an organized Austronesian-speaking community from 500 to 1300 AD, descended from Austronesians who migrated from Taiwan.

Carbon dating of teeth from burial No. 5 at the site revealed a date of 890 AD, while artifacts from a 2015 excavation included Neolithic stone tools and pottery similar to early Huynh-Kalanay styles from Taiwan and Vietnam, dating between 1000 BCE and 200 AD. Ceramics from the Sung Dynasty (960-1279 AD) were also discovered. These findings suggest that the ancestors from Mt. Kamhantik participated in trade networks between 500 and 1300 AD.[6][7]

The evangelization of Mulanay by the Franciscan Missionaries was in 1600, while its civil foundation as a municipality was effected in 1745 through the approval of the King of Spain. During the Spanish regime, Mulanay was composed of the municipal territories of what is now San Narciso, San Francisco, Catanauan and San Andres, which was as big as the province of Bataan. In 1755, Catanauan became a separate municipality followed by other remaining municipalities. Mulanay's territorial jurisdiction was reduced to 42,000 hectares (100,000 acres).

The original town of Mulanay composed of six (6) barangays was raided by the Moro pirates that led the town's executive together with the barangay heads to transfer the town site to the so-called Mayordomo, a sitio of Barangay Latangan. After several years, raids along coastal areas were lessened. The people returned to the town site, however, few barangay heads disagreed and left for Bantuin, Marinduque and Mindoro.

In 1938, barrios Bondo, Cawayan, Inabuan, Ilayang Tayuman, Ibabang Tayuman, Kasay, Mañongon, Pagsangahan, and Silongin were separated from Mulanay to form the newly established municipality of Bondo (present-day San Francisco).[8]

Based on the Philippine Statistics Authority Census Calendar Year 2010, it has a population of 50,826. The first town head of Mulanay during the Spanish Regime was Alcalde Mayor Eustaquio Manlangit, while the first town mayor during the American Occupation was Mayor Atanacio Ojeda.

Geography

[edit]

Mulanay is situated on the Bondoc Peninsula; its geographical coordinates are 13° 31′ 20″ North, 122° 24′ 15″ East, and its original name was Malunay. Mulanay is 149 kilometers (93 mi) from Lucena and 279 kilometers (173 mi) from Manila.

The town proper, with her plain landscape, is a coastal town facing the Tayabas Bay.

Barangays

[edit]

Mulanay is politically subdivided into 28 barangays - as indicated below - 4 of which comprise the poblacion. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

  • Ajos
  • Amuguis
  • Anonang
  • Bagong Silang
  • Bagupaye
  • Barangay Poblacion 1
  • Barangay Poblacion 2
  • Barangay Poblacion 3
  • Barangay Poblacion 4
  • Bolo
  • Buenavista
  • Burgos
  • Butanyog
  • Canuyep
  • F. Nanadiego
  • Ibabang Cambuga
  • Ibabang Yuni
  • Ilayang Cambuga (Mabini)
  • Ilayang Yuni
  • Latangan
  • Magsaysay
  • Matataja
  • Pakiing
  • Patabog
  • Sagongon
  • San Isidro
  • San Pedro
  • Santa Rosa

Climate

[edit]
Climate data for Mulanay, Quezon
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 27
(81) 		28
(82) 		30
(86) 		32
(90) 		31
(88) 		30
(86) 		29
(84) 		29
(84) 		29
(84) 		29
(84) 		29
(84) 		28
(82) 		29
(85)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 21
(70) 		21
(70) 		22
(72) 		23
(73) 		25
(77) 		25
(77) 		25
(77) 		25
(77) 		25
(77) 		24
(75) 		23
(73) 		22
(72) 		23
(74)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 31
(1.2) 		23
(0.9) 		25
(1.0) 		30
(1.2) 		85
(3.3) 		145
(5.7) 		182
(7.2) 		153
(6.0) 		172
(6.8) 		150
(5.9) 		113
(4.4) 		68
(2.7) 		1,177
(46.3)
Average rainy days 11.3 8.5 9.7 11.3 18.3 23.2 26.6 25.4 25.9 24.2 19.7 15.2 219.3
Source: Meteoblue[9]

Demographics

[edit]
Population census of Mulanay
YearPop.±% p.a.
1903 2,149—    
1918 3,404+3.11%
1939 3,957+0.72%
1948 5,149+2.97%
1960 9,859+5.56%
1970 23,481+9.05%
1975 28,011+3.60%
1980 31,701+2.50%
1990 38,659+2.00%
1995 43,617+2.29%
2000 45,903+1.10%
2007 48,538+0.77%
2010 50,826+1.69%
2015 53,123+0.85%
2020 55,576+0.95%
2024 53,976−0.70%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[10][11][12][13][14]

The populace of Mulanay is composed of different ethnic groups like Tagalogs, Visayans and Bicolanos.

Economy

[edit]

Poverty incidence of Mulanay

10
20
30
40
50
60
70
2000
62.81
2003
54.52
2006
66.30
2009
31.49
2012
39.69
2015
34.28
2018
21.14
2021
20.34

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22]

The municipality is an agricultural town where farm crops like coconut, garlic, bananas, rice, corn, peanuts, mongo, ginger, squash, and other vegetables are abundantly harvested. Mulanay lies along the coast of Tayabas Bay, an abundant fishing ground.[23]

Government

[edit]
Main article: Sangguniang Bayan
Town Hall and ML Quezon Monument

Elected officials

[edit]

Municipal council (2025–present):

  • Mayor: Aris L. Aguirre
  • Vice-Mayor: Jay E. Castilleja

Councilors

  • Tinan Aguirre-Adao
  • Alex Morales
  • Grace Buela
  • Andy Baronia
  • Vicky Sarapat
  • Gelo Amisola
  • Jesus Recto
  • Rodil Rogel

Tourism

[edit]

Amuguis Falls

[edit]

Amuguis Falls are located in Barangay Amuguis, Mulanay. These waterfalls are an undeveloped tourist destination, surrounded by forest trees and big rock formation where locals usually go for picnics and gathering.

Malaking Bato

[edit]

The century-old legendary boulder along the coast of Barangay Santa Rosa which had been famous as a unique picnic spot among the residents and visitors alike.

Buenavista Protected Landscape

[edit]
Main article: Buenavista Protected Landscape

A protected area situated in Barangay Buenavista that preserves a major watershed forest.

Limestone tombs of Kamhantik

[edit]
Main article: Limestone tombs of Kamhantik

A thousand-year-old limestone-curved burial site of ancient people declared as a certified historical site by the National Museum of the Philippines. It is located within the Buenavista Protected Landscape. The site is a high-level dambana to Anitism adherents.

Churches

[edit]
  • San Pedro Apóstol Parish (est. 1835)
  • Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Parish (est. 2006)

Education

[edit]

The Mulanay Schools District Office governs all educational institutions within the municipality. It oversees the management and operations of all private and public, from primary to secondary schools.[24]

Primary and elementary schools

[edit]
  • Acaciahan Elementary School
  • Ajos Elementary School
  • Anonang Elementary School
  • Bagupaye Elementary School
  • Bolo Elementary School
  • Buenavista Elementary School
  • Burgos Elementary School
  • Calangcang Elementary School
  • Canuyep Elementary School
  • Ibabang Yuni Elementary School
  • Ilayang Cambuga Elementary School
  • Ilayang Yuni Elementary School
  • Latangan Elementary School
  • Magsaysay Elementary School
  • Malibago Elementary School
  • Matataja Elementary School
  • Mulanay Central Elementary School
  • Pakiing Elementary School
  • Parang Elementary School
  • Patabog Elementary School
  • Pinagpalapalahan Elementary School
  • San Isidro Elementary School
  • San Pedro Elementary School
  • Santa Rosa Elementary School
  • St. Peter Catholic School
  • Sumagonsong Elementary School

Secondary schools

[edit]
  • Acebe Systems Technology Institute
  • Ajos National High School
  • Bagupaye National High School
  • Burgos National High School
  • Bondoc Peninsula Agricultural High School
  • Doña Francisca Alvarez Rejano Integrated School
  • Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. Grade School
  • Ilayang Yuni Junior and Senior Integrated National High School
  • Magsaysay National High School
  • Malunay Institute
  • Pakiing National High School

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Mulanay

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Mulanay, officially the Municipality of Mulanay, is a first-class coastal municipality in the province of , region (Region IV-A), . Located along Tayabas Bay in the southern part of the province, it serves as a key area for and emerging archaeo-ecotourism, earning the nickname "The Smiling Coast of " for its expansive beaches and hospitable community. As of the 2020 , Mulanay has a of 55,576 residents spread across 28 barangays, covering a land area of 420 square kilometers (42,000 hectares). The municipality's history traces back to the Spanish colonial era, when it was formally established as a in 1745 by royal decree. Its name originates from "Malunay," a Tagalog term meaning "plenty of lunay," referring to the abundant pili wax (derived from the pili tree) that once thrived in the region. Originally comprising a larger territory that included present-day municipalities like , San Narciso, San Andres, and , Mulanay's boundaries were reduced to about 42,000 hectares by 1755 following the separation of these areas. Early settlers, primarily Tagalogs with influences from and Bicolanos, were evangelized by Franciscan missionaries starting around 1600. Economically, Mulanay is predominantly agricultural, with coconut and rice as primary crops supporting its rural livelihoods and contributing to local trade. The municipal government, led by Mayor Aristotle L. Aguirre as of 2025, focuses on sustainable development, including water resource management to meet projected needs for a growing population estimated at 62,444 by 2025. In recent years, the area has gained prominence for its tourism potential, featuring natural and cultural attractions such as the Mulanay Long Beach in Barangay Ibabang Yuni—ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, and beach activities—and the Kamhantik Archaeological Site within the Buenavista Protected Landscape, which preserves pre-colonial terraces, burial jars, and diverse wildlife like hornbills and jade vines. Other notable sites include the historic St. Peter the Apostle Parish Church with Spanish colonial architecture and the annual Cocolunay Festival, celebrating coconut heritage and the feast of St. Peter. These elements position Mulanay as a blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and community-driven progress in southern Luzon.

Etymology and History

Etymology

The name "Mulanay" is derived from the Tagalog term "Malunay," which signifies an abundance of "lunay." Lunay refers to the resin or wax extracted from the pili tree (Canarium ovatum), a species native to the Philippines whose product was plentiful in the region. Over time, the name evolved from "Malunay" to "" through phonetic adaptations reflected in Tagalog oral traditions and Spanish colonial , where variations were common in of indigenous place names. This shift preserved the essence of the original term while aligning with evolving linguistic influences during the Spanish era. The pili tree's dominance as a in the area provided the environmental basis for this , as early settlers and colonial observers noted the resin's prevalence, which likely shaped the identity of the locale in historical accounts from the onward.

Historical Development

Archaeological evidence indicates that the area of Mulanay on the Bondoc Peninsula was inhabited by organized Austronesian communities from approximately 500 to 1300 AD, as determined by excavations revealing burial practices and settlements, including the limestone sarcophagi at the Kamhantik site dating to the 10th-14th centuries. The arrival of Spanish colonial influence began with the evangelization efforts of Franciscan missionaries in 1600, which established early Christian settlements among the local population. By the mid-18th century, these efforts culminated in the official civil founding of Mulanay as a on February 4, 1745, under the approval of the King of , marking its formal administrative recognition within the province of (now ). At its inception, Mulanay's territory was extensive, encompassing areas that later became the present-day municipalities of San Narciso, , , and San Andres, comparable in size to the province of . Throughout the colonial period, Mulanay faced challenges from Moro pirate raids, which devastated the original town site comprising six barangays and prompted its relocation to the sitio of Mayordomo in present-day Barangay Latangan; subsequent reductions in territory occurred through successive separations, including Catanauan in 1755, San Narciso in 1846, San Francisco in 1938, and San Andres in 1959, shrinking its jurisdiction to 42,000 hectares by the mid-20th century. During World War II, Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945 disrupted local governance, with officials compelled to serve under the regime, but the municipality recovered postwar through resumed self-administration and agricultural revitalization under American and subsequent Philippine independence frameworks. In the late 20th century, Mulanay's economic growth from its agricultural base led to its designation as a first-class municipality, reflecting improved revenue and infrastructure development within Quezon province.

Geography

Location and Topography

Mulanay is situated on the Bondoc Peninsula in the province of Quezon, southeastern Luzon, Philippines, falling within the 3rd congressional district. Its geographical coordinates are approximately 13°31.5’ N latitude and 122°24.5’ E longitude, placing it about 279 kilometers southeast of Metro Manila and 142 kilometers from Lucena City, the provincial capital. The municipality is bounded to the north by , to the east by San Narciso, to the south by , and to the west by Tayabas Bay along the coast. Covering a total land area of 42,000 hectares (420 square kilometers), Mulanay features predominantly rugged terrain characterized by undulating lowlands along the coast, few plains, valleys, and swamps, with slopes ranging from 0-8% in flatter areas to over 30% in steeper regions, particularly in Burgos. The highest elevation reaches 384 meters above at Mount Maglayao, also known as Mount Camhantik, located in Barangay Buenavista. Along its western coastline, Mulanay boasts notable features such as Long Beach, a prominent sandy stretch, and a forest of giant mangroves that contribute to coastal protection and . The municipality includes the Buenavista Protected Landscape, encompassing approximately 284 hectares in Barangay Buenavista, which features formations and serves as a key component of the Mulanay River Watershed for ecological preservation.

Climate

Mulanay exhibits a , classified as Am under the Köppen system, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons influenced by the southwest and northeast monsoons. This aligns with the Modified Classification Type III, featuring a short of one to three months and no very pronounced maximum rain period, with the wet season typically spanning May to October and the from November to April. The average annual temperature in Mulanay is 27°C (81°F), with seasonal highs reaching up to 32°C in and lows around 24°C in , reflecting the stable warmth typical of the region's maritime tropical environment. Annual rainfall averages approximately 3,145 mm (1991-2020), concentrated during the due to southwest monsoons and frequent typhoons, though the municipality's coastal position along the Pacific enhances its vulnerability to tropical storms and associated heavy downpours. These climatic patterns significantly shape local , enabling rice planting primarily during the while supporting year-round coconut harvesting due to the consistent warmth and supplemental irrigation needs in drier months. Recent observations from stations indicate increasing rainfall variability, with annual totals fluctuating between 1,845 mm and 3,491 mm from 2012 to 2019, attributed to effects such as more intense typhoons and El Niño-induced droughts in years like 2015 and 2021. Projections through 2025 suggest continued trends of elevated rainfall in wet periods and heightened storm risks, exacerbating flood and potentials in the area.

Barangays

Mulanay is politically subdivided into 28 barangays, comprising 4 urban barangays that form the and 24 rural barangays further classified as coastal or upland. The urban barangays—Barangay 1, Barangay 2, Barangay 3, and Barangay 4—serve as the central administrative hub, housing key municipal offices, commercial establishments, and the highest within the municipality. Among the rural barangays, Amuguis stands out for its natural features, particularly Amuguis Falls, an undeveloped waterfall surrounded by forested areas that attracts visitors seeking eco-tourism opportunities. Coastal rural s, such as Pakiing and Patabog, are oriented toward fishing activities along Tayabas Bay, while inland upland ones like Bagupaye and Bolo focus on , supporting rice and coconut production. Santa Rosa, another rural barangay, encompasses agricultural sites including Sitio Bulagsong, contributing to the municipality's farming economy. According to the 2020 Census, population distribution varies significantly across barangays, with the combined poblacion accounting for over 14% of the total municipal of 55,576 and exhibiting the highest due to urban concentration. Larger rural barangays include Ibabang Cambuga (4,201 residents) and Santa Rosa (3,933 residents), reflecting settlement patterns influenced by access to resources and terrain. The barangays are spatially organized along the eastern coastline facing Tayabas Bay, with coastal ones like Pakiing and Santa Rosa positioned for maritime access, transitioning inland to upland areas such as Ilayang Yuni and Sagongon amid the hilly Bondoc Peninsula topography. No changes to barangay boundaries or elevations to city status have been recorded as of 2025.

Demographics and Society

Population Statistics

According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing by the Philippine Statistics Authority, Mulanay had a population of 55,576 residents. The 2022 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) survey reported a population of 54,068. The difference between the PSA census and CBMS figures is attributed to variations in census techniques, boundary considerations, survey participation, and respondent availability, with CBMS achieving 95% saturation. Mulanay's population density is approximately 132 persons per square kilometer, calculated over its land area of 420 square kilometers. Based on the 2022 CBMS data, the annual growth rate is projected at 1.20%. The 2022 CBMS survey reported a total of 13,333 households in Mulanay. Projections indicate the population will reach 56,038 by 2025 and 59,482 by 2030, assuming a continued annual growth rate of 1.20%. Mulanay is divided into 28 barangays, with the poblacion areas forming the urban core and the majority of the population residing in rural settings.

Ethnic Composition and Languages

The ethnic composition of Mulanay's residents is predominantly Tagalog, reflecting the municipality's location in the Tagalog-speaking region of Province, with smaller communities of and Bicolanos resulting from historical and modern within the . These groups coexist harmoniously, contributing to the social fabric through shared agricultural and fishing livelihoods. The primary language spoken in Mulanay is Tagalog, used in daily communication, local , and , while English serves as the secondary in formal settings such as schools and government offices. Visayan dialects and Bicolano variants may be heard in minor usage among migrant families, though Tagalog remains the across the 28 barangays. Religiously, the population is overwhelmingly Roman Catholic, a legacy of Franciscan missionary evangelization beginning in 1600, with smaller proportions adhering to Born-Again Christianity and . These affiliations shape community life, including devotional practices and fiestas that blend faith with local customs. Mulanay's cultural identity draws from Austronesian roots, evidenced by archaeological finds at sites like Mt. Kamhantik dating to 500–1300 AD, and Spanish colonial influences introduced during the 17th–18th centuries, manifesting in traditions such as communal celebrations and resilient community responses to historical challenges like pirate raids.

Economy

Primary Industries

Agriculture serves as the dominant sector in Mulanay's , employing 51.05% of the in , , and combined, with crop production forming the core activity. Key crops include , which is the primary export and covers extensive land areas for year-round harvesting; , cultivated mainly during the ; bananas for local consumption; and pili nuts, an emerging commodity in systems. Root crops such as are also significant, particularly for processing into traditional cookies, a local specialty. Fishing contributes to the economy through small-scale operations along the coast of Tayabas Bay, involving approximately 4.2% of the workforce or 547 registered fisherfolk. These activities occur year-round, though they face seasonal disruptions from the southwest between July and September. Other economic activities include limited raising, primarily such as broilers (7,558 heads annually) and (3,523 heads), alongside products derived from areas and limited forest lands.

Economic Indicators

Mulanay is classified as a first-class by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, a status determined by its average annual income exceeding ₱100 million as per Republic Act No. 7160 and subsequent Bureau of Local Government Finance guidelines. In 2022, the municipality's total local government unit revenues reached ₱324.7 million, reflecting robust fiscal health driven by , local taxes, and business collections. Concurrently, gross sales from registered businesses totaled ₱297.1 million, underscoring the vitality of commerce amid post-pandemic recovery. These figures contributed to steady economic expansion, with gross sales growing to ₱388 million by 2024 through supportive policies and infrastructure investments. Poverty incidence in Mulanay stood at 20.34% in 2021 per estimates, impacting approximately 11,000 individuals out of a population of over 55,000 and highlighting ongoing challenges in rural livelihoods. This rate decreased to 31% by 2024. The local economy relies heavily on agricultural employment opportunities. The economy is supported by key crops like that bolster revenue streams. Key aspects of the 2020 Comprehensive focus on sustainable agri-tourism initiatives to diversify sources, enhance rural , and promote eco-friendly practices in farming and coastal .
IndicatorValueYearSource
Total LGU Revenue₱324.7 million2022Mulanay LGU Data Portal
Gross Sales of Registered Businesses₱297.1 million2022Mulanay LGU Data Portal
Poverty Incidence20.34%2021
Individuals Affected by Poverty~11,0002021Derived from PSA and LGU population data
Poverty Incidence31%Mulanay LGU
Unemployment Rate
Annual Economic Growth Rate

Government and Administration

Local Government Structure

Mulanay operates as a municipal government under the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160), which establishes a decentralized structure for local governance in the , emphasizing autonomy in administration and fiscal matters. As a first-class , it features a , or municipal council, composed of eight elected members alongside the vice mayor as presiding officer, responsible for legislative functions such as enacting ordinances and approving the annual budget. This setup ensures representation and decision-making at the local level, aligned with national policies while addressing community-specific needs. The administrative framework includes key offices such as the Mayor's Office, led by the municipal mayor; the Vice Mayor's Office; the Secretariat; the Municipal Budget Office and Treasurer’s Office for ; the Municipal Health Office for services; the Municipal Agriculture Office for agrarian support; and the Municipal Tourism Office for promoting local attractions. These divisions handle day-to-day operations, from revenue collection to service delivery, fostering efficient governance across the municipality's 28 barangays. Core functions encompass local planning and development, provision of essential public services like and , enforcement of local ordinances, and execution of national programs, including the and Management Plan (DRRMP), which was updated in 2022 to enhance resilience against natural hazards. In 2025, the local government conducted a session at Club Balai Isabel in , focusing on eco-tourism development and initiatives, such as the Mt. Kamhantik Archeo-Ecological Tourism Site Convergence Area Development Plan. Budget allocations prioritize infrastructure and social services, with the 2022 total local government unit budget reaching PHP 298,624,795.01, of which approximately 18% was directed toward infrastructure projects and 5% to DRRMP implementation, underscoring commitments to sustainable growth and community welfare. Elected leaders oversee this structure to ensure accountability and alignment with municipal goals.

Elected Officials

The municipal government of Mulanay is led by Mayor Aristotle L. Aguirre, who was re-elected to a second consecutive term in the May 2025 local elections, spanning 2025–2028, with a focus on sustainable development initiatives such as infrastructure rehabilitation, water system enhancements, and poverty alleviation programs including livelihood projects in aquaculture and mat weaving. The vice mayor, Hon. Jay E. Castilleja, serves as the presiding officer of the (municipal council), providing legislative oversight and supporting ordinances related to , , and to promote community unity and transparency. The consists of eight elected councilors, re-elected in 2025 alongside the mayor in a complete slate victory: Hon. Kristine Aguirre-Adao, Hon. Rodil M. Rogel, Hon. Ma. Victoria R. Sarapat, Hon. Alexander Derrick B. Morales, Hon. Fernandito T. Baronia, Hon. Mary Grace C. Buela, Hon. Angelito T. Amisola, and Hon. Jesus G. Recto. They handle key ordinances on , , and public welfare. The 2022 local elections marked the previous cycle for these positions, with the subsequent 2025 elections determining the current leadership; the next elections are scheduled for 2028. Under Mayor Aguirre's administration from 2023 to 2025, significant achievements include the promotion of archaeo-ecotourism at sites like Mt. Kamhantik, integrating preservation with ecological tourism to boost local economy and conservation efforts.

Tourism and Heritage

Natural and Cultural Attractions

Mulanay's natural attractions showcase the municipality's diverse landscapes, ranging from cascading to expansive protected areas rich in . Amuguis Falls, located in Amuguis, is an undeveloped surrounded by lush forests, offering a serene spot for nature enthusiasts to explore its tiers and natural pools. Malaking Bato, a century-old legendary boulder formation along the coast of Sta. Rosa, serves as a unique picnic site steeped in local folklore, where visitors can enjoy the sea breeze and rock-climbing opportunities. The Buenavista Protected Landscape, spanning approximately 284 hectares in the Bondoc Peninsula, features dramatic formations, dense forests, and grasslands that harbor endemic species such as the Luzon hornbill and Southern Luzon giant . Giant mangroves thrive in coastal including Ajos, Sta. Rosa, San Isidro, Sagongon, Canuyep, Patabog, and Ibabang Yuni, forming vital ecosystems that support marine life and provide opportunities for and eco-trails. The municipality's archaeological heritage centers on the Limestone Tombs of Kamhantik, an ancient Austronesian site dating to the 10th to 14th centuries, discovered in within the Buenavista Protected Landscape. These coffins, part of a prehistoric village with terracing and jars, represent a rare Metal Age and were declared a Local Cultural Treasure in 2016, with ongoing nominations for National Cultural Treasure status. Culturally, Long Beach in Ibabang Yuni stretches 10 kilometers along the coast, promoting eco- activities like and in a tranquil setting enhanced by Mulanay's coastal location. cookie production stands out as a traditional , with local artisans creating delicate cookies from flour, a specialty highlighted in community enterprises supported by the Department of Trade and Industry. Annual festivals, such as the Cocolunay Festival on February 4, celebrate harvest traditions through contests and cultural displays, though community events also tie into local pili nut gatherings for traditional crafts and feasts. Efforts to promote archaeo-ecotourism have intensified since the early , with the 2026–2030 Convergence Area Development Plan focusing on the 284-hectare Kamhantik Archaeo-Ecological Tourism Site within Buenavista, emphasizing ridge-to-reef conservation to protect and heritage. This includes developing eco-trails for guided walks, river , and educational tours, in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Museum, and local communities to ensure sustainable access and preservation up to 2025 and beyond. Most sites, including Long Beach (a 30-minute ride via road or boat) and attractions in Buenavista (10-20 km from ), are reachable by local transport, with guided tours available through municipal offices to enhance visitor safety and interpretation.

Religious Sites

The St. Peter the Apostle Parish Church, located in the of Mulanay, serves as the primary religious site in the municipality and is a prominent example of . Established in 1688 by Franciscan missionaries as a mission and formally constituted as a in 1835 under the Diocese of , the church's current structure began construction in 1861 using stone facades, thick walls, and a distinctive . These features reflect the enduring influence of Franciscan evangelization efforts in the Bondoc Peninsula since the late 17th century, when the site functioned as a center for converting local communities to Catholicism. Smaller chapels in various barangays, such as those in Bagupaye and other rural areas, complement the main by providing localized spaces for worship and gatherings among the predominantly Catholic population. These chapels support the spiritual needs of residents, with the Diocese of reporting approximately 85% Catholic adherence across its territory, including Mulanay. The remains active today, with ongoing renovations to maintain its historical integrity amid environmental challenges in the region. The church plays a central role in cultural and religious events, particularly the annual Patronal Fiesta on June 29 honoring St. Peter the Apostle, which features solemn processions, masses, and traditional celebrations that attract locals and visitors. observances, including passion plays and reenactments by devotees, further highlight the site's significance as a hub for faith-based traditions.

References

  1. https://mulanay.gov.ph/about-us/
  2. https://mulanay.gov.ph/
  3. https://www.philatlas.com/luzon/r04a/quezon/mulanay.html
  4. https://mulanay.gov.ph/tourism/
  5. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/45561/mulanay-cleans-coasts-plants-trees-in-honor-of-aquino-quezon
  6. https://www.stuartxchange.org/Pili.html
  7. https://sp.quezon.gov.ph/municipalities/view-municipality/bba46962-0580-4ee3-97a9-87f9be2451a4
  8. https://www.angelfire.com/zine2/discoverquezon/mulanay.htm
  9. https://lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo1938/eo_152_1938.html
  10. https://lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo1959/eo_353_1959.html
  11. https://mulanay.gov.ph/municipalmayor/
  12. http://delasalasarsenia.yolasite.com/birth-place-history.php
  13. https://mulanay.gov.ph/bpl/
  14. https://mulanay.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Mulanay-MWSSMP-2024-2030.pdf
  15. https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/information/climate-philippines
  16. https://weatherspark.com/y/138371/Average-Weather-in-Mulanay-Philippines-Year-Round
  17. https://mulanay.gov.ph/barangays/
  18. https://localphilippines.com/attractions/amuguis-falls
  19. https://www.philatlas.com/luzon/r04a/quezon/mulanay/santa-rosa.html
  20. https://mulanay.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Final-Draft-Mt-Kamhantik-CADP.pdf
  21. https://blgf.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/04.-BLGF-MC-No.-020.2024.pdf
  22. https://mulanay.gov.ph/mulanay-a-model-of-progress-through-strategic-budget-allocation/
  23. https://www.psa.gov.ph/content/psa-releases-2021-city-and-municipal-level-poverty-estimates
  24. https://rsso04a.psa.gov.ph/statistics/ppa/node/1684058198
  25. https://dilg.gov.ph/PDF_File/reports_resources/dilg-reports-resources-2016120_fce005a61a.pdf
  26. https://mulanay.gov.ph/offices/
  27. https://mulanay.gov.ph/executive-briefing-2025/
  28. https://mulanay.gov.ph/municipal-officials/
  29. https://www.timesherald.com/2012/09/20/ap-exclusive-unique-tombs-found-in-philippines/
  30. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uomhAlh6O8
  31. https://mulanay.gov.ph/cocolunayfestival/
  32. https://www.ucanews.com/directory/dioceses/philippines-gumaca/442
  33. https://gcatholic.org/churches/asia-east/59767
  34. https://mulanay.gov.ph/mulanay-189th-patronal-town-fiesta/
  35. https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/world/2021/03/28/palm-sunday-ceremonies-kick-off-start-holy-week/7038187002/
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