Cajidiocan

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Cajidiocan, officially the Municipality of Cajidiocan, is a coastal town in Romblon province on Sibuyan Island, Philippines. It has a population of 23,488 people (2024) and covers about 201.85 square kilometers. About 60% of its land is part of the Mount Guiting-Guiting Natural Park, a protected rainforest area surrounding Sibuyan’s tallest mountain. The town sits in the northeast part of the island, with Magdiwang to the west, San Fernando to the south, and the Sibuyan Sea to the east. It is divided into 14 barangays.

History
Cajidiocan’s roots go back to 1744 when it was founded as Pueblo de Sibuyan with Cajidiocan as its seat. The name comes from jidioc, meaning palm. It was once administered under Capiz, then Romblon. In 1940, Sibuyan became a special municipality with Cajidiocan as its seat; after World War II, on October 1, 1946, Cajidiocan was reinstated as a municipality. Over the years it expanded and developed its hospital and barrios.

Economy
The main livelihoods are copra farming and fishing. People also engage in agri-business, marble processing, cut flowers, cottage industries, banking, and tourism.

Government and services
The town is governed by Mayor Atty. Marvin "Greggy" Ramos and Vice Mayor Kenyo "Ken" Rabino, under Romblon province. ROMELCO supplies electricity; water comes from jet pumps, wells, and springs; irrigation serves 188 areas. Telecommunications are available through PLDT, Smart, and Globe. Cajidiocan sits along the Sibuyan Circumferential Road. The 14 barangays form the local community.

Transportation
Visitors can reach Cajidiocan by RORO ferries to Ambulong Port in Magdiwang from Manila or Batangas City, then road travel by jeepney. Another route is to fly via AirSWIFT to Tugdan Airport in Alcantara and take jeepneys to San Agustin, Romblon, then boat to Ambulong Port.

Education and environment
Cajidiocan falls under the Sibuyan District Schools Office, which governs all public and private schools from elementary to high school. The area is known for its eco-tourism potential, with pristine rivers, waterfalls, and forested areas within and around Mount Guiting-Guiting Natural Park.