Alcantara | ||
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Municipality | ||
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Map of Romblon with Alcantara highlighted |
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Location within the Philippines | ||
Coordinates: 12°16′N 122°03′E / 12.267°N 122.050°ECoordinates: 12°16′N 122°03′E / 12.267°N 122.050°E | ||
Country | Philippines | |
Region | MIMAROPA (Region IV-B) | |
Province | Romblon | |
District | Lone district | |
Established | 1730 (as La Lauan), 1870 (as Alcantara) | |
Barangays | 12 | |
Government | ||
• Type | Mayor-council | |
• Mayor | Eddie C. Lota (NP) | |
• Vice Mayor | Jovito Gamul (NP) | |
• Councilors | Frankie Galin (NP) Miriam Estrada (NP) Jose Luis Morales Genelito Coching Jr. (NP) Joey Martino (Ind.) Ermar Martinez Jurie Francisco (NP) Tito Anecito |
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Area | ||
• Total | 60.12 km2 (23.21 sq mi) | |
Population (2015) | ||
• Total | 16,351 | |
• Density | 270/km2 (700/sq mi) | |
Time zone | PST (UTC+8) | |
Zip Code | 5509 | |
IDD : area code | 42 |
Alcantara is a fifth class municipality in the province of Romblon, Philippines.
Alcantara was first established in 1730 as La Lauan, a barrio of Looc town by migrants from Panay Island led by Don Ciriaco Alcantara. In 1855, the barrio was annexed from Looc and converted into a pueblo or town. However, in 1868, it was abolished and annexed as a barrio of Guintigui-an town (renamed Badajoz, now San Agustin) after a reorganization of municipalities resulting from the creation of Romblon province.
In 1870, due to continuous intimidation from Muslim pirates, as well as the rugged terrain, the residents of La Lauan led by a certain Gaspar Guevarra transferred from its former site in Daan Banwa (or Old Town) and established a new barrio down south called Alcantara, after Don Ciriaco Alcantara. In 1885, it was annexed back as a barrio of Looc, and would remain so until after World War II.
Alcantara was elevated to municipality status on 21 March 1961 by virtue of Executive Order 427 signed by then President Carlos P. Garcia.
Alcantara lies in the southeast portion of Tablas Island. It is bounded to the north by the municipality of Santa Maria, to the west by Looc, to the south by Santa Fe, and to the east by the Sibuyan Sea. Most of Alcantara lies in plains along the coast with mountains in the interior to the west.
Alcantara is politically subdivided into 12 barangays:
According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 16,351 people. Just like in the neighboring municipality of Santa Maria, majority of the population speaks the Alcantaranon variant of Inunhan or Onhan where /l/ is used instead of /r/.