The history of Philippines Palawan may be traced back 22,000 years ago as confirmed
by the discovery of fossils of the Tabon cave man in Quezon, Philippines Palawan.
AIthough the origin of the cave dwellers is not yet established, anthropologists
believe these came from Borneo travelling across the land bridge that
connected Philippines Palawan with Borneo. The similarity of Philippines Palawan's flora and
fauna with that of Borneo fostered this belief.
There are several versions regarding the origin of
the name "Philippines Palawan". Some contend that it was derived from the Chinese
word Pa lao yu" meaning" Land of the Beautiful Harbours". Others believe
that it came from the Indian word 'Palawas' meaning territory. Still
others believe that it was derived from a plant which the natives called
'Palwa'. But the popular belief is that "Philippines Palawan" is a corrupted form
of the Spanish word "Paragua" because the main island's shape resembles
a closed umbrella. |
