The region’s economy relies mostly on agriculture, fishing and ecotourism, making it one of the strongest in the country. MIMAROPA is one of the Philippine’s top producers of rice, banana, coconut, mango, cashew, papaya and cassava, which are included among the country’s top export products. The region is the second top fish producer in the country, and its output makes up almost 14% of the Philippine’s total produce annually from 2002-2004. MIMAROPA also ranks as the second top producer of seaweeds and is also in the industry of marble, handicrafts and houseware items made up of buntal fiber, shells, bamboo and tiger grass.

Region IV-B, also known as MIMAROPA, located at the heart of the archipelago is dubbed as the Treasure Trove of Southern Luzon. The name is an acronym that stands for its provinces, which are: Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan. There are only two cities in the entire region, Calapan City and Puerto Princesa City while there are 71 municipalities that comprise the region. MIMAROPA is one of the busiest regions in terms of tourism, cornering more than its fair share of the total number of tourists that visit the country. The region is home to Palawan’s serene tropical beauty as well as Puerto Galera’s beautiful sunsets and vibrant party scene. Tourists who are looking for a rich dose of history and religion flock to Marinduque, where the famous Moriones festival is held every year. Mountain climbers will delight in exploring the challenging terrains of Romblon’s Mt. Guiting-Guiting, as well as the province’s unexplored and unspoiled beaches.

Legend says that a long time ago, a fisherman saw a statue on the shore. The statue was identified later by the priest as the statue of St. John the Baptist and from then on it has become the town’s Patron Saint. Sab’uyan Festival takes place every June 24 in honor of the Patron Saint John the Baptist. The image is taken from the church and carried on procession to the sea where it was first found. It is accompanied by a band and set on a beautifully decorated big boat. The Sab’uyan begins. People in the boat throw seawater to one another chanting “Viva San Juan Bautista.” After the procession at sea, the image is carried around town. Dancers from various groups follow the image. The Sab’uyan continues. The splashing of water is received with good humor for the people believe that being doused brings good health, luck and happiness. The procession ends in the church plaza.