DESIGNATED AS A Philippine Province in 1902, Mindoro was later divided into two independent provinces, namely, Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro in 1950. It owes its name from the Spaniards’ ‘Mina de Oro’ meaning “mine of gold.” The entire island is one of the most populous islands in the Philippines according to the 2020 national census.

The eastern side of the island, the Province of Oriental Mindoro (mimaropa.neda.gov.ph), is a sure lister, not only to local, but also to foreign, escapists. It is home to the municipality of Puerto Galera, which is a certified United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) heritage site of a beauteous bounty of nature—white sand beaches, preserved endemic wildlife, and coral reef formations, to name a few. It belongs to the country’s Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan (MIMAROPA), Region 4B. Calapan City is its economic center. It is home to the native Mangyans and to the indigenous Tamaraw, a buffalo cousin. Truly, Mindoro Oriental lives up to the title of a biosphere reserve as it brims with an extravagant marine ecosystem.

Mindoro Oriental is indeed a cradle for nature’s produce—and the Almighty Creator even blessed it more. The true religion, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), reached this province and was able to successfully establish its first ecclesiastical district there in 1940, a year prior to the onslaught of the Second World War. Pioneer members attest to how they battled severe persecutions that heightened during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. With all sincerity, the early members of the Church in the province can share stories of how the Almighty upheld and saved them.

The growth of the Church in Mindoro Oriental was apparent even in its early years. It was propelled by, among other Church endeavors, the pastoral visitations conducted by Brother Felix Y. Manalo, God’s Messenger in the last days. One such occasion was in 1957 when he officiated at a worship service in the Local Congregation of Calapan City. Flowing with zeal, the brethren followed the lead of the Sugo in being ever active in all the Church’s works. Hence, the true gospel spread. Thousands converted. Local congregations were established even in the remotest areas in the island and houses of worship were built, marking the magnificence of God’s handiwork in the province.

Years passed, come 2016, the Church Administration, under the leadership of the current Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, approved that the Ecclesiastical District of Mindoro Oriental be organized into two separate districts, the north and the south, namely, Mindoro Oriental and Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro, respectively. The former’s district office is situated in Calapan City; the latter’s in Bongabong.

On February 10, 2016, Brother Eduardo Manalo, conducted a pastoral visit to the Local Congregation of Calapan City. To this day, the brethren remain ever united with the Church Administration and active in the intensified works of the Church in propagating the true faith. Even amid the pandemic, they remain active in serving the Lord God as they perform their Church offices.

The southern ecclesiastical district in Mindoro Oriental, centered in Bongabong, had its district office inaugurated on December 13, 2019. A recent highlight to the district’s growth is the completion of the new house of worship of the Local Congregation of Bongabong that was dedicated to God on July 5, 2024. Its rise is another manifestation of the brethren’s zeal in serving God with solid faith, abundant love, and strong hope.