Mariahangin
 Interactive map of Mariahangin (Bowen) | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Sulu Sea |
| Coordinates | 8°20′56.6″N 117°18′50.2″E / 8.349056°N 117.313944°E |
| Archipelago | Balabac Group of Islands |
| Area | 37.7812 m2 (406.673 sq ft) |
| Administration | |
Philippines | |
| Region | Mimaropa |
| Province | Palawan |
| Municipality | Balabac |
| Barangays | Bugsuk |
Mariahangin, also known as Bowen Island, is an island in Balabac, Palawan.[1]
Geography
[edit source]Mariahangin is a 37.7812-square-meter (406.673 sq ft) island. It is under barangay Bugsuk of the municipality of Balabac in Palawan.[2]
Demographics
[edit source]The Molbog and Cagayanen live in the island and are concentrated in Sitio Mariahangin. They consider the island as part of their ancestral domain. They have applied for a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) since 2005.[3][4]
At its peak, about 200 families of the Molbog and Cagayanen live in Mariahangin. As of 2025, the island serves as the residence of less than 90 families.[3]
Economy
[edit source]Residents rely on fishing and agar agar farming as part of their livelihood.[5]
Land dispute
[edit source]San Miguel Corporation (SMC) allegedly is trying to claim the island for its resort development project which includes the nearby larger island of Bugsuk, a claim which SMC denies. This in opposition to the Molbog and Cagayanen's ancestral domain claims. The two groups has been offered incentives to relocate allegedly by people linked to SMC.[5][6]
References
[edit source]- ↑ Celario, Santi (May 3, 2025). "Mga katutubong Molbog umapela vs pag-angkin sa kanilang tribo, lupain" [The Molbog appeals vs claims on their tribe, land]. Remate (in Filipino). Retrieved August 23, 2025.
- ↑ Talabucon, Hanna Camella (May 21, 2025). "Pag-aalis sa mariahangin islet sa saklaw ng carp, pinal na-dar". Palawan Daily News (in Tagalog). Retrieved August 23, 2025.
- 1 2 Anda, Redempto (June 15, 2025). "Mariahangin Island: A tale of indigenous land, power and resistance". Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism. Retrieved August 23, 2025.
- ↑ Padrones, Helen Mae (December 22, 2024). "Bugsuk Island dispute intensifies amid allegations". PALAWAN NEWS. Retrieved August 23, 2025.
- 1 2 Anda, Redempto D. (July 23, 2025). "'Confusion' about San Miguel's Intentions in Idyllic Mariahangin". Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism. Retrieved August 23, 2025.
- ↑ "Church in Palawan expresses concern over harassment of Mariahangin Island residents". LiCAS News. July 1, 2024. Retrieved August 23, 2025.