Located in the northwestern part of the Philippines, Romblon is one of the country’s smallest provinces, but it has a lot to offer. Its capital town, also called Romblon, is considered as one of the most scenic municipalities in all of Luzon. It boasts both natural and man-made wonders that will surely leave you speechless.
A Quaint Municipality to Visit
Located in the northernmost part of Romblon, Calatrava is known as the “Quaint Municipality”. It has a population of 15,000 and consists of 3 barangays: Poblacion, Bajo and Santa Cruz.
The municipality’s main attraction is its rich history which dates back to pre-Hispanic times when it was first established as an independent town named after its patron saint St. Catherine of Alexandria. The town’s name was changed to Calatrava during Spanish colonization but it regained its original name after independence from Spain was achieved in 1898.
A Trove of Abaca and Fiber
Calatrava is the only municipality in Romblon that produces abaca, and it has a fiber museum to prove it. The town also has a weaving industry, which produces products like bags and hammocks. In fact, Calatrava was once known as “The Weaving Capital of Romblon.”
This legacy continues today with the existence of a school dedicated to teaching weaving techniques: The Romblon Abaca Weaving School (RAWS).
Visit Calatrava and Its Wonders Now
If you’re looking for a quaint municipality to visit, Calatrava is the perfect place for you. It has so much to offer, from its rich cultural heritage and beautiful beaches to its abundance of abaca fibers and other products made from this material.