The history of Palawan may be traced back 22,000 years ago as confirmed by the discovery of fossils of the Tabon Cave Man in the municipality of Quezon. Although the origin of the cave dwellers is not yet established, anthropologists believe they came from Borneo. There are several versions regarding the origin of the name “Palawan”. Some contend that it was derived from the Chinese worl “Pa-Lao-Yu” meaning “Land of Beautiful Harbors”. Others believe that it came from the Indian word “Palawans” meaning “Territory”. Still others say that it was derived from a plant which the natives called “Palwa”. But popular belief is that, “Palawan” is a corrupted from the Spanish word “Paragua” because the main island’s shape resembles a closed umbrella.
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