Because Mindoro was a Moslem settlement, it took Spain 85 years to conquer Puerto Galera which they later converted into a shipbuilding and repair station. The province became famous during the Galleon Trade days which lasted for 200 years. Then Juan de Salcedo discovered gold in Mindoro, thereby calling the place “Mina de Oro, ” meaning gold mine. The Spanish religious orders tried to evangelize the Mangyans but failed. In 1679, Calapan was founded and the progress of Mindoro went underway.  
    
American and Japanese Rule
With the coming of the Americans, trade and commerce increased between Batangas and Mindoro. When the American educators who were called “Thomasites” arrived in early 1900, health and education steadily improved. But this suffered a setback in 1942 when the Japanese invaded Calapan and controlled the whole island down to Bulalacao. They constructed a railway and built ports to transport coal, rice and animals. They shipped them to Batangas where many of the imperial army officers held offices during World War II.  
    
Independence
Republic Act 505 was signed into law separating Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro. On November 15, 1950, Oriental Mindoro became a province with Calapan named as provincial capital. Years later during the time of Pres. Diosdado Macapagal, Rep. Luciano Joson of Mindoro authored a bill creating the Municipality of Gloria in honor of Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who was then a young girl.

Soon after Oriental Mindoro became an independent province, what inspired the people then was its golden promise. The island was considered as a goldmine of agricultural, mineral, aquatic and natural resources. But its gifts had not been fully tapped.  
    
Mindoro Today – A Paradise Island
A look at the whole province today reveals the key factors why the Golden Isle has indeed been rewarded with monumental opportunities virtually manifested in the past celebration of its golden anniversary which reminisced the ties of brotherhood that its ancestors forged with Chinese merchants. Such is the glory that the past relives; the enthusiasm that the present provides; and the optimism the future offers.  
    
The Leadership
Oriental Mindoro, the "Paradise Island" has eventually been recognized as one of the country's economic centers and finally emerged as a prime destination for tourists, travelers, businessmen, investors and families.

From the time that Hon. Rodolfo G. Valencia (RGV) assumed mandate initially as Congressman from 1988-1992, eventually as Governor from 1992-2002, then again as Congressman from 2004 up to the present, he has vigorously pursued development programs which directed Oriental Mindoro to progress and growth.

Up to 1987, the watershed of the province (approximately 43,000 hectares) was almost destroyed due to the legalization of logging operations upon the issuance of Timber License Agreement (TLA) 378. Through the efforts of Valencia, together with the other leaders of Mindoro NGOs, including the religious sector, the TLA was successfully cancelled when he took the congressional seat in 1988. The cancellation of the TLA has enabled thousands of hectares of Oriental Mindoro's watershed to re-grow and rehabilitate for the future generation. Currently, Mindoro's mountains benefit from a massive agro-forestry program where various types of forest trees and agricultural crops are planted both in the highlands and lowlands, regaining the verdant splendor of the province.

Eventually given mandate as Provincial Executive in 1992 to date, Valencia, rising above the quagmire of corruption, intrigues and bickerings, directly confronted the shipping monopoly and negotiated the entry of more players in the market.

Valencia also saved the ecology of the province by refusing to allow mining operations in Oriental Mindoro despite pressure of top leaders of the country. Valencia categorically stated that he would support whatever is good for the majority of his constituents.

Other problems such as illegal gambling, illegal fishing, prostitution and drug trafficking were strongly dealt with through serious campaigns anchored on moral upliftment and maintenance of peace and order. Said endeavors earned recognition for Oriental Mindoro as among the most peaceful provinces in the region by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

              Calapan City                                                       Naujan

                                                        

              Vice-Mayor: Antonio S. Perez Jr.                                 Vice-Mayor: Dein Z. Arago 

              Vice-Mayor: Jaime V. Delgado                               Vice-Mayor: Luis S. Castillet Sr.

               Vice-Mayor: Raul A. Pagcaliwagan                        Vice-Mayor: Marvin G. Umbao

               Vice-Mayor: Aquilino S. Arguelles                           Vice-Mayor: Dionisio D. Hernandez