Brooke's Point

Brooke's Point, officially the Municipality of Brooke's Point (Tagalog: Bayan ng Brooke's Point), is a 1st class municipality in the province of Palawan, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 66,374 people. [3]

Brooke's Point
Municipality
Municipality of Brooke's Point
Flag
Seal
Map of Palawan with Brooke's Point highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Brooke's Point
Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 8°47′N 117°50′E
Country Philippines
RegionMimaropa (Region IV-B)
ProvincePalawan
District2nd district
FoundedJune 28, 1949
Named forJames Brooke
Barangays18 (see Barangays)
Government
 [1]
 • TypeSangguniang Bayan
 • MayorMary Jean D. Feliciano
 • Vice MayorGeorjalyn Joy O. Quiachon
 • RepresentativeCyrille F. Abueg-Zaldivar
 • Electorate42,539 voters (2019)
Area
 [2]
 • Total1,303.40 km2 (503.25 sq mi)
Elevation
9.0 m (29.5 ft)
Highest elevation
302 m (991 ft)
Lowest elevation
0 m (0 ft)
Population
 (2015 census) [3]
 • Total66,374
 • Density51/km2 (130/sq mi)
 • Households
15,383
Economy
 • Income class1st municipal income class
 • Poverty incidence31.96% (2015)[4]
 • Revenue₱291,086,034.37 (2016)
Service provider
 • ElectricityPalawan Electric Cooperative
Time zoneUTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code
5305
PSGC
175306000
IDD : area code +63 (0)48
Climate typetropical climate
Native languagesPalawano
Tagalog

It is named after Sir James Brooke. The name has now come under critical review, with some branding the naming of the municipality as "White Worship" and the persistence of the Colonial mentality among the populace. Native leaders also demands the place to be renamed into its original name.

This is where the original home of the biggest pearl in the world, known as the Pearl of Lao Tzu or the Pearl of Allah, found in its waters on May 7, 1934.

Geography

Brooke's Point is situated in the south-eastern section of Palawan Island, approximately 215 kilometres (134 mi) from Puerto Princesa City. It has a total land area of 85,064.90 hectares (210,199.9 acres) stretching about 20 kilometres (12 mi) along the length of Palawan. Brooke's Point is bounded by Sofronio Española in the north, Bataraza in the south, Rizal in the west, and the Sulu Sea in the east. The municipalities of Bataraza, Sofronio Española and parts of Rizal and Quezon was once a part of Brooke's Point.

Barangays

Brooke's Point is subdivided into 18 barangays, two urban (Poblacion I and Poblacion II) and 16 rural barangays. Samariñana was separated from Tanionbog in 1954.[5]

  • Amas
  • Aribungos
  • Barong-barong
  • Calasaguen
  • Imulnod
  • Ipilan
  • Maasin
  • Mainit
  • Malis
  • Mambalot
  • Oring-oring
  • Pangobilian
  • Poblacion I
  • Poblacion II
  • Salogon
  • Samariñana
  • Saraza (formerly Taniongbobog[6])
  • Tubtub

Climate
Climate data for Brooke's Point
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 30
(86)		 31
(88)		 31
(88)		 31
(88)		 30
(86)		 30
(86)		 29
(84)		 29
(84)		 29
(84)		 29
(84)		 29
(84)		 30
(86)		 30
(86)
Average low °C (°F) 23
(73)		 23
(73)		 23
(73)		 24
(75)		 25
(77)		 25
(77)		 25
(77)		 25
(77)		 25
(77)		 25
(77)		 24
(75)		 24
(75)		 24
(76)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 64
(2.5)		 55
(2.2)		 90
(3.5)		 93
(3.7)		 169
(6.7)		 215
(8.5)		 206
(8.1)		 181
(7.1)		 190
(7.5)		 219
(8.6)		 182
(7.2)		 115
(4.5)		 1,779
(70.1)
Average rainy days 13.1 11.5 17.3 19.4 26.8 26.8 27.8 26.9 27.1 28.3 25.4 20.1 270.5
Source: Meteoblue [7]

History

The name Brooke's Point comes from an Englishman Sir James Brooke, first white Rajah of Sarawak and founder of the Brooke Dynasty. It is believed that during one of his voyages, he landed on the tip of an island with a long narrow stretch of land inhabited by native Palaweños and Muslims under the Sultanate of Sulu. Establishing trade and gaining the trust of the people, the name Brooke was so imprinted in the minds of the people that when American scouts came to the land almost a century later, they named it Brooke's Point.

Unfortunately, critical researchers have now emerged by calling this move as "White Worship". The name also acts as a reflection of persistence of the Colonial mentality facing the natives. Native leaders also demands the place to be renamed into its original name.

On June 28, 1949, the Municipality of Brooke's Point was created by virtue of Executive Order No. 232 by then President Elpidio Quirino.[8]

There pioneer families who settled in Brooke's Point are the Rodriguez, Setias, Valencia and Edwards families.

Demographics
Population census of Brooke's Point
YearPop.±% p.a.
1918 18,080—    
1939 21,839+0.90%
1948 28,476+2.99%
1960 28,118−0.11%
1970 26,961−0.42%
1975 36,967+6.53%
1980 46,320+4.61%
YearPop.±% p.a.
1990 57,934+2.26%
1995 41,924−5.88%
2000 48,928+3.37%
2007 56,311+1.96%
2010 61,301+3.14%
2015 66,374+1.53%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority [3] [9] [10][11]

In the 2015 census, the population of Brooke's Point was 66,374 people, [3] with a density of 51 inhabitants per square kilometre or 130 inhabitants per square mile.

Religion

The town is predominantly Christian, with a sizable Muslim population.

Most are Catholics, Other Christian denominations include Born Again Christians, Church of God International, Iglesia ni Cristo, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints and more.

The Catholic Church is located north of the town center while the Evangelical Christian Churches are the Gospel Hall, located north of the town center, the Iglesia ni Cristo, south of the municipal hall, the Church of Christ International's building is located in Old Camp while the LDS Church is in Edward's Subdivision.

Economy

Brooke's Point is one of Palawan's main economic centers outside Puerto Princesa, along with Narra, Coron and Cuyo. The town is home to several banks like the Land Bank and Rural Bank of Brooke's Point. Money transfers like Western Union and Money Gram also have branches in the town. There are several pawnshops like M'Lhullier, Cebuana Lhullier, among others. The town also has a Mercury Drug and a Generic Pharmacy.

Commercial Enterprises are thriving. There are many medium-sized stores, mostly located in the town proper. The service sector is also growing with the rise of many commercial establishments. The town's economy is primarily based on agriculture. The town produces great quantity of rice, copra and corn. The palm oil industry is headquartered in Barangay Mainit in the south. Unlike most of Palawans' towns, Brooke's Point does not have white and pristine beaches that draws local and foreign tourist. But because of abundant freshwater resources, the town is one of the most productive in the province in terms of agriculture. Many fruits and vegetables grow in abundance.

In addition, the town is also one of the Philippines' gateway to Southeast Asia. Its proximity to Sabah is a strategic advantage, but the lack of infrastructure and inter-governmental agreement between Malaysia and the Philippines hinders the town from being a trading hub. There is a minimal trade between Malaysia through many of the towns Muslim and Christian population who have relatives in Sabah. The town is supposed to become an international port with cargo services to Sabah and Brunei.[18]

Infrastructure

Transportation

Brooke's Point has a modern sea port that serves many cargo ships from Manila, Mindanao, the Visayas and other parts of Luzon. The port also cater numerous fishing vessels. Commercial vessels from Malaysia, Indonesia and other countries also make several stops in the port. The port also serves as a docking point for vessels containing commercial goods from Manila and abroad, and also mining-related materials to Rio Tuba. The port of Brooke's Point is considered as one of the most profitable ports in Southern Philippines.

The El Nido-Bataraza highway connects the town to other mainland towns and municipalities. Transportation between Puerto Princesa and Brooke's Point is through commercial vans, buses or jeepneys. There is also a private airport located at Lada. Transportation throughout the town is through tricycle and multi-cabs. Kuliglig, a machine also used for agriculture, is widely used as means of transportation is rural areas.

Health

Health facilities in the municipality include a 25-bed capacity secondary government hospital, the Southern Palawan Provincial Hospital; a Rural Health Unit (RHU); Barangay Health Stations (BHS); and private clinics and hospitals. Dental and optical clinics, laboratories, and drugstores are also present and not only serve Brooke's Point, but also neighboring municipalities.

Currently there are 3 private hospitals.

Education

The Palawan State University has its campus in Brooke's Point. In addition to this, the town is also home to Southern Palawan College, Inc. which offers several technical and vocational courses.

There are 9 secondary schools in Brooke's Point. Brooke's Point Christian High School, a Christian-run institution, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus High School administered by the Augustinians are located in the town center. Public secondary schools include the Brooke's Point National High School, Governor Abueg Memorial and Vocational High school, and more. There are also at least 40 public elementary schools.

Media

Brooke's Point has three radio stations, Radyo Natin Brooke's Point, Palawan, Radyo Mo Nationwide and RadioPoint911 that broadcasts to Balabac, Bataraza, Sofronio Española, Rizal, Palawan, and some parts of Quezon, Palawan and Narra. Brooke's Point, along with Coron and Puerto Princesa City, is a site of GMA Network's satellite transmission center. The town is also a telecommunications hub of several companies like Smart and Globe networks. Internet cafes are becoming increasingly popular while the percentage of personal computer ownership is also rising.

Environmental issues

Many parts of the town's forests are cleared to give way for agriculture. Slash and burn agriculture is a common practice in the towns interior. Burning of garbage and waste are common, so as illegal fishing. Illegal logging is done on a small basis, but the frequency of this practice has a substantial impact on the town's forest cover. Small scale illegal pet trade also exists. Mynahs, parrots, pangolins among many animals only found in Palawan are poached and traded to other parts of the country and abroad. Although the practice is increasingly common, many of these activities are not known to authorities.

In recent years, the local government with the National government have made several policies and programs to protect the environment. But apathy and corruption hinders government efforts in implementation of the said policies and programs.

References
  1.  Municipality of Brooke's Point | (DILG)
  2. "Province: Palawan". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
  3. Census of Population (2015). "Region IV-B (Mimaropa)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. PSA. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  4. "PSA releases the 2015 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Quezon City, Philippines. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  5. "An Act Creating the Barrio of Samariniana, in the Municipality of Brooke\'s Point, Province of Palawan". LawPH.com. Retrieved 2011-04-09.
  6. "An Act Changing the Name of the Barrio of Taniongbobog, Municipality of Brooke's Point, Province of Palawan, to Saraza". LawPH.com. Retrieved 2011-04-12.
  7. "Brooke's Point: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". Meteoblue. Retrieved 16 November 2019.
  8. "Brooke's Point" (PDF). Provincial Government of Palawan. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2012.
  9. Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region IV-B (Mimaropa)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. NSO. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  10. Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region IV-B (Mimaropa)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. NSO.
  11. "Province of Palawan". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  12. "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
  13. https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/NSCB_LocalPovertyPhilippines_0.pdf; publication date: 29 November 2005; publisher: Philippine Statistics Authority.
  14. https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/2003%20SAE%20of%20poverty%20%28Full%20Report%29_1.pdf; publication date: 23 March 2009; publisher: Philippine Statistics Authority.
  15. https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/2006%20and%202009%20City%20and%20Municipal%20Level%20Poverty%20Estimates_0_1.pdf; publication date: 3 August 2012; publisher: Philippine Statistics Authority.
  16. https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/2012%20Municipal%20and%20City%20Level%20Poverty%20Estima7tes%20Publication%20%281%29.pdf; publication date: 31 May 2016; publisher: Philippine Statistics Authority.
  17. https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/City%20and%20Municipal-level%20Small%20Area%20Poverty%20Estimates_%202009%2C%202012%20and%202015_0.xlsx; publication date: 10 July 2019; publisher: Philippine Statistics Authority.
  18. http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=mindanao-indonesia-ferry-service-to-boost-bimp-eaga-trade&id=93404
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