The city serves as the gateway to the Oriental Mindoro province with the implementation of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) an integrated ferry project of then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo that extends further to the southern part of the Philippines.

[5] It is also the center of commerce, industry, transport, communication, religious activities and education in the entire province of Oriental Mindoro.

With its estimated population to be at 150,000+(2023), its low poverty incidence rate and High purchasing power, Different National and International Brands/Companies are rushing to open up business and expand their Investment in the city.

Another theory states that Calapan was originally pronounced as “Kalapang” which, according to an old Tagalog dictionary, was a synonym for “sanga” or branch.

[citation needed] Calapan was formerly a small village before the establishment of the first Religious District in Baco.

The District convent was transferred to Calapan in 1733 and began its jurisdiction over the Northern Mindoro Ecclesiastical Area.

[6] In the early 18th century, the town only occupied a strip of land stretching from Ibaba to Ilaya in a cross-shape facing the present Santo Niño Cathedral and cut off by the river.

When Mindoro became a part of Marinduque on June 13, 1902, the provincial capital was once again moved to Puerto Galera.

[6] When Mindoro was detached from Marinduque on November 10, 1902, Baco, Puerto Galera and San Teodoro were annexed to Calapan in 1905 under Act No.

In the year 1998, Calapan was converted from a municipality into a component city by virtue of Republic Act No.

[8] The law was authored in Congress by Rep. Renato V. Leviste and was signed by President Fidel Ramos on February 2, 1998.

The city has an area of 250.06 km2 (96.55 sq mi) and is composed of 62 barangays of which 22 are classified as urban and 40, rural.

The highest elevation is 187 m (614 ft) above sea level at Bulusan Hill, a 6-kilometre (3.7 mi) long landform east of the city, which interrupts the mostly flat terrain north-east of the Halcon-Baco Mountain Range.

Poverty Incidence of Calapan Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] The city's economy is dependent on agriculture and fishing.

The top five industries in Calapan are trading, tourism, services, marine and aquatic, and food processing.

In recent years, the city has witnessed the influx of private investments that increase income and employment opportunities.

All business establishments are also required to employ bonafide residents of the city to at least 70% of the job opportunities that they will generate.

Other crops grown in the area are citrus fruits such as calamansi, banana, lanzones, rambutan, mango, coconut and vegetables.

The Mindoro Heritage Museum at the city center was also the former site of the "Kuta" or Spanish Fortress.

The Catholic Church also runs the Holy Infant Academy, while DWCC also maintains a Basic Education Department.