Mariahangin
Island in the Philippines
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mariahangin also known as Bowen Island is an island in Balabac, Palawan.[1]
 Interactive map of Mariahangin (Bowen) | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Sulu Sea |
| Coordinates | 8°20′56.6″N 117°18′50.2″E |
| Archipelago | Balabac Group of Islands |
| Area | 37.7812 m2 (406.673 sq ft) |
| Administration | |
Philippines | |
| Region | Mimaropa |
| Province | Palawan |
| Municipality | Balabac |
| Barangays | Bugsuk |
Geography
Demographics
The Molbog and Cagayanen live in the island and are concentrated in Sitio Mariahangin. They consider the island as part of their ancestral domain. They have applied for a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) since 2005.[3][4]
At its peak, about 200 families of the Molbog and Cagayanen live in Mariahangin. As of 2025, the island serves as the residence of less than 90 families.[3]
Economy
Land dispute
San Miguel Corporation (SMC) allegedly is trying to claim the island for its resort development project which includes the nearby larger island of Bugsuk, a claim which SMC denies. This in opposition to the Molbog and Cagayanen's ancestral domain claims. The two groups has been offered incentives to relocate allegedly by people linked to SMC.[5][6]