Sablayan

Sablayan is a first-class municipality in Occidental Mindoro, Philippines, located on the western coast of Mindoro island in the Mimaropa region. It administers the mainland town and a group of offshore islands, including the Apo Reef Natural Park. Apo Reef is one of the world’s largest contiguous coral reef systems and a major destination for recreational diving and marine research.

Geography and environment: The municipality encompasses coastal barangays and several inhabited islets. Its western waters host Apo Reef National Park, a protected marine area known for extensive coral formations and rich biodiversity. The terrain is mostly low-lying with scattered hills inland, and the climate is tropical with distinct wet and dry seasons that influence fishing and farming activities.

Administration and demographics: Sablayan is subdivided into multiple barangays and governed by a municipal mayor and council. The population includes lowland Filipino communities as well as indigenous groups of Mindoro. The area is connected by road to the provincial capital and other municipalities, while sea connections serve the offshore islands and Apo Reef access points.

Economy and tourism: The economy is anchored in fishing and agriculture, with coconuts, rice, and other crops supporting rural livelihoods. Tourism centers on Apo Reef and related island destinations, drawing divers and snorkelers to the park and surrounding reefs. Conservation programs are coordinated by local and national agencies to balance development with protection of marine and coastal resources.