True North ANCOP Community, Romblon

Project Overview:

The Province of Romblon is generally known as the Marble Capital of  the Philippines due to its wealthy marble deposits.  It is composed of three Major Islands, i.e. Tablas, Romblon and Sibuyan, as well as smaller town islands namely: Sibale, Banton, Simara and San Jose. It has 17 municipalities and 219 barangays.   According to the 2015 census, it has a total population of 292,781.

Romblon is strategically situated at the heart of the Philippines. Due to its geographical location,   the province is experiencing 8-12 typhoons every year.  On the night of December 15, 2015, Romblon was hit by typhoon “NONA”. It had brought alarming and unwanted effects in the livelihood and infrastructures of the province, likewise caused death of few Romblomanians. Thus, as an act of urgency to such disaster, the Romblon Diocesan Action Center (RDSAC) provided a housing project for the victim of the typhoon Nona.

Fishing and farming is the main source of livelihood in San Agustin. The fishermen harvest the bounty of the surrounding vast seas while the farmers reap rice, coconut, banana, copra, abaca on its mountainous land area.  Other livelihoods also exist such livestock raising like swine and poultry raising, cottage industries such as raffia production (bags, baskets, mats, hats, etc.) rattan and “nitto” basket and plate weaving, broom production such as soft broom made of tiger grass, locally known as ”walis tambo,” and coconut broom or broomstick made of coconut palm fronds (leaves), locally known as ”walis tingting.”

Furthermore, various establishments have been created which served as means of subsistence to Romblomanians. These includes general merchandise stores, construction and welding shops, funeral homes, rice mill, bake shops, pawn shops, catering services, hostels, cable TV station, and Internet shops.