Paluan

Paluan is a third class municipality in the province of Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 16,025 people.GeographyThe town is located at the north-western tip of Mindoro Island. It lies along the north-east shore of Paluan Bay, approximately 7 miles southeast of Cape Calavite, a major sea-lane for inter-island and ocean-going vessels. The town is surrounded by rolling and steep mountain ranges, of which Mount Calavite with an altitude of is the highest peak. At Mount Calavite point, the best panoramic view of Occidental Mindoro and nearby islands could be seen.Paluan is a predominantly rural municipality, characterized by natural vegetation and an economy based mostly on agriculture. Its dominant land use is forest cover. Forestland occupies or 56% of total land area, planted with patches of fruit bearing trees and upland field crops. A large portion of forestland is restricted as a preservation area for wildlife and watershed, the Mount Calavite Wildlife Sanctuary. This area, which also includes Mount Calavite, is a habitat of various flora and fauna, such as the rare Mindoro tamaraw and the critically endangered Mindoro bleeding-heart (Gallicolumba platenae). Paluan has a of land classified as National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) area.Agricultural lands cover or 24% of the total land area. About 17% is devoted to rice production while 4% is planted with upland crops such as vegetables and root crops, yet 80% or of agricultural land remains uncultivated. Open grasslands cover 18% or utilized for pasture.