Region V:

Bicol
Region
Myra Salvador
Mariel Rajel

The Bicol Region is located in the

southernmost tip of Luzon Island, the
largest island in the Philippine
archipelago. The total land area of the
region is derived from the summation of
provincial areas from the table below
which or 5.9% of the total land area of the
country. Around 69.3% of the total land
area is alienable and disposable while the
remaining 30.7% is public forest areas.

Region 5
Regional Center: Legazpi
City
Total Land Area:
18,054.3km2(6,970.8s
qmi)
Total Population(2010):
5,420,411
Provinces: 6
Cities: 7
Municipalities: 107
Barangays: 3,471
Cong. Districts: 14
Languages:
Bikol,Albayano,Masbate
o, Rinconada,Pandan

Pre - History
The Bicol region was known as Ibalon, variously interpreted to derive
form ibalio, "to bring to the other side"; ibalon, "people from the other
side" or "people who are hospitable and give visitors gifts to bring
home"; or as a corruption of Gibal-ong, a sitio of Magallanes, Sorsogon
where the Spaniards first landed in 1567. The Bicol River was first
mentioned in Spanish Documents in 1572. The region was also called
"Los Camarines" after the huts found by the Spaniards in Camalig, Albay.
No prehistoric animal fossils have been discovered in Bicol and the
peopling of the region remains obscure.

Geology
Bicol Region is volcanic in origin and part of
the Pacific Ring of Fire. Known as the Bicol Volcanic
Arc or Chain, the volcanoes are the results of
the Philippine Sea Plate subduction under the Philippine
Mobile Belt, along the Philippine Trench. The southernmost
tip of the peninsula is dominated by Bulusan Volcano, the
other active volcano in the region. Tiwi in Albay and
the Bacon-Manito area between Sorsogon and Albay are
the sites of two major geothermal fields that contribute
substantially to the Luzon Power Grid.

From North to South:

Volcanoes
Pocdol Mountains is a 1,102 metre
(3,615 ft), is a fumarolic group of
volcanoes situated between Albay and
Sorsogon provinces. It is the location
of the Bac-Man Geothermal Power
Plant and the PNOC Eco-Park, a
25,100-hectare (62,000-acre)
ecotourism park maintained and
protected by the Philippine National
Oil Company (PNOC).

From North to South:

Volcanoes

Mount Iriga is a 1,196metre (3,924 ft) volcano

with a large horseshoeshaped collapsed crater
located adjacent to Lake
Buhi (foreground).

From North to South:

Volcanoes
Mount Masaraga is a
sharp-topped 1,328metre (4,357 ft.)
Holocene volcano NW
of Mayon.

From North to South:

Volcanoes
Mount Malinao is a
1,548-metre (5,079 ft)
volcano with a large crater
about 3 kilometres (1.9 mi)
at its widest, which is
breached to the east, The
geothermal fields of Tiwi
are located on its lower
eastern slope.

From North to South:

Volcanoes
Bulusan Volcano, the other
active volcano of the region, has
an altitude of 1,565 metres
(5,135 ft). It is located on the
remains of the 11-kilometre (6.8
mi) Irosin Caldera.[30] The
volcano is a protected area and
the centerpiece of the 3,672hectare (9,070-acre) Bulusan
Volcano Natural Park.

Volcanoes

From North to South:

Mayon Volcano, the
highest at 2,463 metres
(8,081 ft), is also the
most popular in the
region for its beautifully
symmetrical cone. It is
also the most active in
the country. The volcano
is one of the protected
areas of Region V under
the name Mayon
Volcano Natural Park
encompassing 5,776
hectares (14,270 acres).

Economy
Bicol Region has a large amount of
rich flatland, and agriculture is the
largest component of the economy,
followed by commercial fishing.
Coconuts, abaca, banana, coffee and
jackfruit are the top five permanent
crops in the region. Rice and corn are
among the chief seasonal crops.
Mining is also one of the contributors to
the region's economy. Commercial
fishing is also important with thirteen
major fishing grounds supplying fish
markets in places as far as Metro
Manila

Religion
The region retains Roman
Catholicism as the overwhelming
religion of the great majority. The
largest minority religion in the region
is Iglesia ni Cristo (INC). And other
religions are also well represented in
Bicol such as Protestants
denominations of Seventh-Day
Adventist church, Baptist Church,
Pentecostal, born-again Christian,
Jehovah's Witnesses and Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Days
Saints.

Camarines
Bicolandia's
Goldmin
Norte

Founded:
1829
Capital:
Daet
Area:
Total: 2,320.07 km
(895.78 sq. mi)
Area rank: 57th out of
80
Municipalities: 12
Barangays:
282
Districts:
1st & 2nd Districts of
Cams. Norte
Spoken Language:

CAMARINES NORTE
One of the six provinces that make up Region V, it is
bounded on the north by the Pacific Ocean, on the east by
San Miguel Bay, on the west by Lamon Bay, and on the
south by Quezon province and the adjoining province of
Camarines Sur.
It is characterized by rolling hills and mountains in the
interior, and the fertile plains and valleys along the coast.
The land of the province is largely within the 0-8% slope,
with 72,483 hectares or 32.95% of the total land area.

CAMARINES NORTE
Camarines Norte derives its name from the Spanish
word camarin, meaning rice granary or warehouse.
Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur formed only one
political unit known as Ambos Camarines until
March 3, 1919 when Camarines Norte was created by
the Philippine Legislature through Republic Act 2809.

Industries
Camarines Norte is a rich mining area. There are abundant reserves of
gold, iron, copper, uranium, lead and zinc. The province is, however,
predominantly agricultural. Coconut and abaca are the major products.
There is a thriving fishing industry along the coast of the province. The
municipality of Mercedes is a major supplier of fish and shrimp to Manila.
The more important cottage industries of Camarines Norte are hammockmaking and buri-weaving into hats, bags and mats. Other products are
jewelry craft, gifts/toys/housewares, and pineapple.

Festivals
Pineapple Festival (June 15-22) - It showcases the famous and sweetest
queen pineapple of the Formosa variety abundantly growing in the different
municipalities of the province. It also highlights the unique and interesting
features of the place and its people.
Foundation Day of Camarines Norte (April 15) - A week-long celebration
of the foundation anniversary of the province. Highlighted by a
commemorative mass, civic military parade, agro-industrial fair, exhibits,
sports festivals.

Festivals
Vinzons Day (September 28) - Commemorative of the birth anniversary of
hero Wenceslao Bintao Q. Vinzons, Sr., native of Vinzons (formerly Indan).
Highlights consist of a commemorative mass and program, lecture-forum on
the life of the hero, DBC/LYRE competition, parade.
Pabirik Festival (January 26 February 2) - A festival showcasing the rich
mining industry in the town of Paracale. The festival is a presentation of its
distinct culture and peoples way of life through street presentation, exhibits,
and competitions. It also puts into focus their town fiesta on February 2.

Festivals
Palong Festival (May 10-13) - Highlighted by street dancing and agroindustrial fair which expresses the local folks gratitude for their towns
names etymology, and signifies the abundant presence of roosters available
in the locality. Held also in celebration of the Black Nazarenes Feast Day on
May 13 at the town of Capalonga.
Sea Foods Festival (October 24) - A celebration featuring the distinct
variety of fish available in the town of Basud. The presentation includes food
fair, exhibits, and sea-related competitions such as bancathon and fishing.

Festivals
Busig-On Festival (September 8) - A festival based on the epic of Busig-On
of Labo town, which exemplifies heroism and Bikolano values. The festival
features the towns distinct historical values and sentiments through talent
and skills competitions featuring the towns places of interest.
Animal Festival (October 4) - A celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of
Assisi, considered to be the patron of livestock raisers, which highlights the
local history and culture. The festivity includes street dancing, beauty search,
and skills competitions.

Festivals
Kadagatan Festival (August 18) - A festival conducted in the town of Mercedes
featuring various dishes from the bounty of the sea. Highlights are presentation of
boat racing, street dancing in colorful attire, beauty search, exhibits and other
competitions.
Mercedes Fishing Village/Community - Quaint for its original way of bidding fish
catch by whisper; virtually the hub of the fishing industry of the province; interesting
to sociologists, social scientists, sociology buffs because of quaint customs related
with the fishing industry; also features fluvial procession during its town fiesta every
June 13 called Caracol; at the height of the fishing season, its bay fills with fishing
vessels.

Festivals
Boyoboy Festival (November 8) - A week-long celebration aimed to
promote agricultural products, especially the Queen pineapple and tourism
as a whole. Boyoboy, which literally means pagkaborogkos in the
vernacular, depicts the unique post harvest activity locally practiced by the
people. Highlights are the industrial fair, beauty tilt, cultural presentation,
investment program, and different sports events. San Lorenzo Ruiz is the
origin and home of the Queen pineapple which has made Camarines Norte
famous.

Historical
Historical
&
&
Tourist Spots
Tourist Spots

First Rizal Monument

- The first Philippine monument to the
National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, built in
1898 and can be found in Daet. This
historical landmark stands on the corner of
Magallanes and Justo Lukban Streets,
facing the Daet Municipal Hall. It is a threetiered stone pylon with its square base
supporting a triangle in two stages, the last
one tapering off to a point. It is believed, is
made of mortars and boulders from the
demolished Old Spanish Jail in Daet where
many patriots died, making it historically
and culturally significant.

Provincial Capitol
- Camarines Norte has one
of the most beautiful
Provincial Capitols in the
entire country. Reconstructed
from 1986 -1995, it provides
a permanent seat for the
Provincial Government. It
has 12 big front columns or
posts representing the 12
municipalities of the
province.

Town of Vinzons
- The town of Indan was renamed
Vinzons in honor of Wenceslao Q.
Vinzons, a hero during the Japanese War.
His residence has been converted into a
shrine and public library containing his
memorabilia.
Jose Panganibans Monument
- Located right in front of the Municipal
Hall of Jose Panganiban, it is where the
remains of the martyr have been interred.

Vinzons Catholic Church

- One of the oldest churches in the
Philippines; located at Vinzons town
proper, which celebrated its 400th year
anniversary in 1981.

Bagasbas Beach
The most popular beach resort in the
province is in Barangay Bagasbas,
Daet. It is considered one of the most
beautiful beaches in the country.

Laniton Park
- It is the site of the first guerilla
encounters against the Japanese
Imperial Army. It is located in Basud,
some 15 to 20 minutes from Daet.
Mercedes Group of Islands
- The major attractions in these islands
are its clean white beaches, corrals,
underwater sceneries, rock formations,
and fish sanctuary.

Mangcamagong Beach

Mananap Falls

Mampurog River

Imee-Irene Twin Falls

Colasi Falls

Pag-asa Beach

Canton Cave

Lanot Beach

T
ALBAY

Land Of The
World's Most

Founded:
1636
Capital:
Legazpi
Area:
Total: 2,575.77 km
(994.51 sq. mi.)
Area Rank: 34th out of 80
Component Cities: 3
Municipalities: 15
Barangays: 720
Districts:
1st to 4th District of Albay
Spoken Language: Bikol,
Albayano, Tagalog, English

LOCATION:
North : Camarines Sur
South : Sorsogon
West : Pacific Ocean
East : Burias Pass
The islands in the north under the jurisdiction of the province are
Rapu-rapu, Bata, Cagraray, and San Miguel.

 Its important products are hemp, coconut, sugar cane,

pineapple, vegetable, and rice.
The mountains of the province are Mayon, Masaraga, and
Malinao in the northeast and Catburaun in the west.
Its forests are a source of timber, rattan, pili nuts, and gum
elemi.
There are also vast grasslands for pasturing horses, cattle,
carabaos, goats, and sheep.

Industries
The province has continued to direct its efforts toward the development
of its industries. Of the total 6,369 manufacturing establishments in the
Bicol Region, half are located in Albay. 48.6% of the large scale lot are
operating in Albay. Among them are the export-oriented Isarog Pulp &
Paper Mills and Albay Industrial Development Corporation.
Agriculture, however, still accounts for the largest share in the total
production and employment. Coconut, rice, abaca, and corn are the
major crops.
Handicrafts are the main source of rural income.
Albay is a major supplier of geothermal energy to the Luzon Grid with
its Tiwi Geothermal Plant in Tiwi.

LEGAZPI
AIRPORT

TABAK FESTIVAL

MAGAYON
FESTIVAL

KATALINGKASAN
FESTIVAL

SARUNG BANGGI
FESTIVAL

CAGSAWA
CAGSAWA FESTIVAL
FESTIVAL

Festivals
Magayon Festival (May 1-31)- It relieves the origin of Mayon Volcano.
Observed in May, the festival features sports and cultural events and trade
fairs. The focus of the month-long event is the stage reenactment of the
tragic love story of the legend of Daragang Magayon and Panganoron
whose fatal deaths gave birth to the volcano. Legend has it that Magayons
grave became Mayon while the clouds kissing her is Panganoron.
Sarung Banggi (May 18-25; Sto. Domingo)- An annual fun-filled eight-day
summer festivity immortalizing the timeless love song Sarung Banggi, and a
tribute to its composer, Potenciano V. Gregorio.

Festivals
Tabak Festival, Last week of March; Tabaco City - A week-long activity
held in time with the Citys Foundation Anniversary. Street presentation
depicting the citys legend, trade fairs of the growing cutlery industry,
woodcraft and pili, colorful parades and the Mutya ng Tabak Search
highlights the event.
Katalingkasan Festival (Libon; 2nd week of July) - The festivity retraces
the valiant story of the virgins of the town who worked hard in making Libon
as one of the earliest settlements in Albay. Featured activities are trade fairs,
shows, and street dancing.

Festivals
Katalingkasan Festival (Libon; 2nd week of July) - The festivity retraces
the valiant story of the virgins of the town who worked hard in making Libon
as one of the earliest settlements in Albay. Featured activities are trade
fairs, shows, and street dancing.

LOCAL
DESTINATIONS
& PRODUCTS IN

LOCAL DESTINATIONS
IN ALBAY

MAYON VOLCANO
The worlds nearly perfect cone. It
stands majestically at 7,946 ft.
from the broad base about 10 km.
in radius. The crater is 2,451
meters above sea level and with a
diameter of .5 kilometer. It has a
notched rim where a pool or
building hot lava boils and rich coal
deposits could be found.

MAYON SKYLINE
It nestles on the eastern slopes of Mt.
Mayon at an altitude of 2,700 ft. An
excellent summer resort with almost
similar temperature with Baguio at
28 degrees Celsius. It is popularly
known as heaven on earth
because of the hanging clouds and
the pleasant climate where cool and
invigorating
air
could
be
experienced.

CAGSAWA RUINS

Originally, the word was Kagsawa. It

was derived from Kag, who does or
owner and SAWA, meaning a python
which suggested one who collects
snake or perhaps a snake charmer, On
its worst, it signifies excesses from
SAWA (pronounced in maragsa on the
last syllable) meaning too much. Fr.
Francisco Aragonesses, OFM, former
curate of Kagsawa and Budyaw, seemed
to confirm the notable overindulgence
of the people during the time.

DARAGA CATHOLIC CHURCH

Built in 1773 by Franciscan
missionaries, that is , three years
before the declaration of
American Independence from the
Spanish colonizers. Its highly
prized by art enthusiast because
of its rich baroque architecture.
Its very huge structure is
considered above standard.

CAMALIG CATHOLIC
CHURCH
It is another missionary church built
out of volcanic rocks. Today, relics from
Hoyop-hoyopan caves are carefully
stored and displayed for viewing. These
relics excavated from the cave reflect
historical origins. They manifest the
early Malaysian influence through the
burial jars excavated. Glazed ceramics
reveal Chinese influx while the primitive
potteries are derived from the flourishing
Philippine culture 2, 000 years ago.

PILGRIMAGE TO JOROAN
Every 3rd Saturday of August in
Joroan, Tiwi, Albay. This yearly
pilgrimage to Our Nuestra Seora de
Salvacion, the Patroness of Albay. Its
highlighted by a maritime procession
and a concelebrated Mass on the
shores of Sogod Beach. Thousands of
pilgrims from different places flocked
to pay homage to the Marian image.

ILOLOGAN BEACH
Another attraction in Manito
is this long stretch of coral
sands. So white that it glistens
under the rays of the sun. It is
excellent for bathing, ski-diving
and fishing.

BUGSUCAN FALL
Another natural phenomena in
Tiwi besides the road to Joroan is
this tiered waterfalls set on a
beauteous
mountainside.
Its
cascading water blend perfectly
with its natural springs. It is
recommended site for bathing,
picnics and photography.

BUSAY FALLS
Located in Malilipot, Albay. It is
considered as one of the highest
waterfalls in the country because of its
seven-tiered cascading white foam. It is
estimated to have a vital height of 800
feet from the top. The first catch basin
forms below where hundred of bathers
could refresh from the scorching heat of
summer. It is accessible only by foot
trail.

BALUBAGON BOILING
CAVE
It is a geothermal-like formation. The
steam pressure is described as stronger
than Tiwi Geothermal. The lake has an
outlet near the seashore, just a hundred
meters away from where the steaming
sands and coral like rocks emits the
geysers in a fountain-like formation. The
best time to see this natural wonder is on
low tide. The steaming geyser shoots
upward. It could be seen from miles.
Accessible by any type of motor vehicle.
Located in Manito, Albay.

CALABIDONGAN CAVES
The name really means
Caves of the Bats. There is
grotto-like formation inside
which astounds visitors. It is
found in Camalig. It takes
around 30 minutes trek inside
Hoyop-hoyopan cave.

HOYOP-HOYOPAN CAVE
A natural tunnel-like structure
in Camalig, Albay. Legend says
that this cave was the primitive
habitat of the natives in the area.
It is one of the most popular
attractions in Albay. It could be
reached by any type of motor
vehicles.

KIMANTONG SKY DRIVE

A long stretch of newly-built
concrete road in Daraga Albay. It
connects the Pan Philippine
Highway going to Sorsogon and
zigzags against a scenic
mountainside. The Panoramic view
of Daraga and Legazpi is
spellbinding especially at night. It
has become a favorite stopover and
resting place for motorists who
want to relax from a very tiring trip.

LIGNON HILL
Lignon Hill is located in
Legazpi, Albay, Philippines.
Interesting
place
really
Lignon Hill right smack in
the middle of Mayon and
Legazpi downtown area..the
foot of that hill is actually
Lezaspi Airport.

DELICACIES OF ALBAY

ALBAY DELICACIES
Apart from being a travel destination,
Albay boasts of native delicacies that would
surely whet your appetites. Pinangat and
Bicol Express are popular Bicolano dishes
that use coconut milk as ingredient. The
town of Camalig is known to the maker and
exporter of these native delicacies.

BICOL EXPRESS
Bicol Express is an ultra-spicy
dish made of chilli and pork
cooked in coconut milk. And
fortunately for travellers who are
hooked at first bite, these
delicacies are available in can,
bottle or sold frozen along many
souvenir shops in the province.

PINANGAT
Pinangat is a dish made of
shredded young gabi or taro
leaves, shrimps, pork and ginger,
wrapped in whole taro leaf and
cooked in coconut milk until done.

TINILMOK
Tinilmok is another
version of pinangat but the
difference is the fillingit
is made of sliced young
coconut meat and small
shrimps.

KINUNOT
Another Bicolano delicacy is
the kinunot. This dish is made
from
stingray
meat
and
malunggay (horseradish) and is
cooked in coconut milk. As with
pinangat and bicol express,
kinunot is added with chilli and
spices for that fiery appeal.

LONGGANISA
Albay also is known to produce its
local version of sausages called
longganisa of Guinobatan. The
local sausage has a distinctive taste
of saltiness and sourness. This dish
is usually best served for breakfast
dipped in vinegar or condiment of
your choice. One can buy this
cheaply at the Guinobatan market.

Most definitely, Albay offers dishes

that are generally doused in coconut
cream and the added chilli makes it a
filling gustatory adventure. One must
be brave enough even to try bicol
express as its fiery appeal can be truly
overwhelming for the unaware eater.

OTHER PRODUCTS
OF ALBAY

SEAWEEDS, MALUNGGAY
& PUMPKIN NOODLES
Residents in the coastal town of Tiwi,
Albay have managed to make noodles out of
this salt-water algae, which has long since
become a source of livelihood for the entire
community.
From just seaweed noodles, the town
also makes other organic products
like malunggay
tea and
has
likewise
expanded the noodles flavors to include
malunggay and pumpkin.

PILI NUTS CANDIES

POTS & CERAMICS

ABACA PRODUCTS

Camarines
World's Smallest
Sur Fish

Motto: Viva Camarines!

Founded: 1637
Capital: Pili, Camarines Sur
Area: Total 5,497.03 Km (2,122.42 sq. mi.)
Area Rank: 17th out of 81
Population (2010): 1,822,371
Divisions:
- Independent cities:1
- Component Cities: 1
Municipalities: 35
Barangays: 1,036
Including independent cities: 1,063
1st to 5th districts of Camarines Sur
(Shared with Naga City)
Spoken Languages:
Coastal Bikol, Rinconada Bikol, Albay
Bikol,Tagalog, English.

Camarines Sur or also called CamSur is the largest among the six
provinces in the Bicol region in Luzon both in terms of population and land
area.
Although the town of Pili is the provincial capital, Naga City is the
commercial, educational, financial and cultural center of the province.
The province's name has been derived from "camaronchones" or
"camarines", a Spanish word for kamalig referring to small nipa or
bamboo-made huts by the natives.

Geography
Camarines Sur lies at the center of the Bicol Peninsula. The center of the
province is Bicol Plain. Surrounding it are mountains, two of which are
Mount Isarog and Mount Iriga. The eastern part of the province lies on the
mountainous Caramoan Peninsula, which faces the island of
Catanduanes to the east.
The Bicol River drains the central and southern parts of the province into
San Miguel Bay. Mt. Asog is surrounded by three lakes: Buhi, Bato, and
Baao.

Industries
Camarines Sur is the agro-industrial center of Bikol, followed by trade,
manufacturing, and construction. Labor force is abundant, strong, and
efficient. Among the priority investment sectors are marine and agriculture
followed by non-metallic mineral processing, metal works, processed
foods, beverages, furniture's, garments, and gifts and housewares.
With the proposed establishment of ecozones in at least five identified
locations in the province and the intensifying campaign on the promotion
of Bicol tourism, more investors are expected to arrive.

Historical
Historical
&
&
Tourist Spots
Tourist Spots

Naga City Museum - Located inside the

University of Nueva Caceres campus, the UNC
museum is one of the oldest museums outside
Manila and recognized by the International
Association of Museum. It houses historical
artifacts of the ancient Bicol, its people and its
culture
Leaning Tower Of Bombon - It is Camarines
Surs counterpart, or perhaps an exact replica, of
the very famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Rome.
A 15 minute drive from the City of Naga to
Bombon.

Peafrancia Basilica Minore

Aguirangan Island (Presentacion)

Adiangao Caves (San Jose)

Provincial Capitol Complex (Pili)

Ladrillo Church of Quipayo

Itbog Falls

Gota Beach (Caramoan)

Mt. Isarog

La Roca Encantada

Mt. Iriga

Animasola Island (Balatan)

Calapnitan Cave

Daruanak Island (Pasacao)

Sabang Beach

Omang Cave

Consocep Mountain Resort (Tigaon)

Nato Beach

Atulayan Island

Lake Buhi

Aguirangan Island (Presentacion)

Bichara Island

Caramoan Beach

Malacsay Falls

Bichara Island

CAMSUR WATERSPORT PARK

Isla de Moteverde

Rose Islet

ECO-VILLAGE CAPITOL COMPLEX

Lahuy Island

Lake Bato

Festivals
Tinagba Festival (February 11)
Annual celebration in Iriga City that coincides with the feast of
Our Lady of Lourdes. Featuring the parade of bull-carts fully
laden with harvested crops, which wind up the grotto of Our
Lady of Lourdes where an offering of these crops is made as a
token of thanks for the years bountiful harvest.
Boa- Boahan Festival (May 1-2)
A colorful cultural festival of pagan origin showcasing indigenous
fertility and thanksgiving rites.

 Kaogma Festival (May 21- 27) - A revival of the festival started on

May 1989 to pay homage to the provinces farmers and fisherfolk.
Features a parade, street dancing, a beauty pageant. The provinces
Foundation Day falls on the last day of the festival.
Peafrancia Fiesta (3rd Week of September) - Renowned
celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Peafrancia, patroness of the
Bicol region. This week-long celebration includes civic and military
parades, a sports fest, exhibits, a regatta, cultural shows, a beauty
pageant, and other colorful competitions. Highlights are the
translacion and fluvial procession of the image of Our Lady of
Peafrancia along the Bicol river on the 3rd Saturday of September.

Sorsogon

Founded:
October 17,
1894
Capital:
Sorsogon City
Area:
Total:
2, 119.01 km
(818.15 sq. mi.)
Area Rank: 61th out of 80
Component Cities: 1
Municipalities: 14
Barangays: 541
Districts:
1st to 2nd District of Sorsogon
Spoken Language: Bikol,

Location:
North - Albay, South - San Bernardino Strait,
West and northwest -Ticao and Burias Passes.
Sorsogon is characterized by an irregular topography and, except for
the landlocked municipality of Irosin, all towns lie along the coast.
Mt. Bulusan, the tallest peak, rises 1,560 meters above sea level.
The province is the gateway of Luzon to the Visayas and Mindanao
through its Roll-on/Roll-off ferry terminal facilities located in the
municipalities of Matnog, Pilar and Bulan.

Industries
The entire province is one big ecotourism tour package. Ecotourism
destinations within the province include the exciting and high adventure
Whale Shark or Butanding Interaction activity off the waters of Donsol; the
exotic flora and fauna at Mt. Bulusan Natural Park with its mystical
Bulusan Mountain Lake Resort; mysterious caves with interesting folk
legends to explore; colorful dive sites and marine sanctuaries; hot springs
and healing mineral water spas to soak in, relax and unwind; and
picturesque little islands offering fine white sand beaches.

Most of the inhabitants of the province belong to the

ethnolinguistic Bicolano and Bisakol groups. Sorsogueos is how the
people of Sorsogon call themselves are very religious and fun-loving.
Being mostly Roman Catholics, they are active in every festivity
celebrated throughout the year. Like any other Filipino ethnolinguistic
groups, each town honors their Patron Saint with celebration on its Feast
Day. In Sorsogon City, the locals celebrate the Fiesta of the Patron
Saints Peter and Paul on June 2829 of each year. Another featured
attractions during town fiestas are the Traveling carnivals that sets up
near the town center or its vicinities.

KASANGGAYAHAN FESTIVAL

PILI FESTIVAL

Catanduanes

Founded:
September 26,
1945
Capital:
Virac
Area:
Total:
1,492.16 km
(576.13 sq. mi.)
Area Rank: 70th out of 80
Municipalities: 11
Barangays: 315
Districts:
Lone District of Catanduanes

Location: The province is bounded in the west by

the Maqueda Channel, in the south by Lagonoy
Gulf, and in the north and east by the Philippine
Sea.
The highest mountain peak is in Boctot, located
between the municipalities of Virac and San Miguel
with an elevation of 803 meters above sea level.

Isla de Cobos was Catanduanes first adopted name

because Spanish conquistadores came upon several tribes
living in thatched huts called cobos. Catanduanes is a
hispanized term derived from the word tandu, a native beetle
and the samdong tree, which were both found in abundance
throughout the island. Common reference to "katanduan" or
"kasamdongan", meaning a place where the tandu or the
samdong tree thrives in abundance, led to the coining of the
word Catanduanes.

Catanduanes is home to many folk festivals which are celebrated as part of the
local religious rituals.
The Kalbaryo or Calvary, which is commonly staged during Holy Week, is a
re-enactment of Christs way of the cross. The Kagharong is a native depiction
of the nativity scene and is held every year during the yuletide season.
Pantomina is purely a dance interpretation of a rooster courting a hen and is
mostly practice in rural areas.
The Padadyao sa Tinampo is a native cultural presentation of street dancing
held every 24th of October to commemorate the provinces founding
anniversary.
The recent addition to Catanduanes festivals is the Sugbo Festival. It is
celebrated by 7 barangays of Hitoma in Caramoan that produces sugbo or tiger
grass a bamboo like perennial grass used to make brooms.

 Agriculture, fishing and tourism is the other source of living in

this beautiful island.
Several handicrafts, jewelry manufacturing, other small-scale
industries and manufacturing enterprises also one of the
contributors to the province's economy.
The province is rich in natural resources, forests, waterfalls,
rivers, mineral deposits and productive soil made fertile by
volcanic ashes of distant Mayon Volcano.
Rattancraft, buri hat and mat making and abaca fiber craft are
its most and among the important industries of the island.

RICE TERRACES
SANMIGUEL, BARAS,
CATANDUANES
TWIN ROCKS

MARIBINA FALLS

PARAS BEACH

Masbate

Founded:
March 10, 1917
Capital:
Masbate City
Area:
Total:
4,151.78 km
(1,603.01 sq. mi.)
Area Rank: 33rd out of 80
Component Cities: 1
Municipalities: 21
Barangays: 550
Districts:
1st to 3rd District of Masbate
Spoken Language: Bikol,
Masbateo, Hiligaynon,
Cebuano, Waray-waray

Masbate is an island province located in the Bicol

Region and lies at the center of the Philippine
archipelago. It consists of three major islands:
Masbate, Ticao and Burias.
Masbate is bounded on the north by Burias and
Ticao Pass, on the east by San Bernardino Strait,
on the south by the Visayan Sea and on the west
by the Sibuyan Sea.

 Masbate is classified as a first class province.

It is endowed with rich natural resources. In line with its
agriculture are industries such as large farming, livestock and
poultry raising. Fishing predominates along its coastal areas
where all kinds of commercial species of fish swarm in great
abundance. Copra is the leading product, followed by rice,
corn and rootcrops. Cottage industry, such as furniture and
cabinet making, ceramics, garments, handicrafts and
metalcrafts, is likewise another source of livelihood for the
people.

 The province is one of the richest in the country in terms of mineral

resources. It is described by geologists as a province sitting on a pot of
gold. Mineral resources found in the area include copper, silver, iron,
manganese, chromite, limestone, guano and carbon.
Masbate is one of the hidden treasures of the Philippines with its
undisturbed natural reefs and resorts. Many tourists visit the province
and experience the hidden beauty of the natural white sand beaches
and clear blue water. There are many beach resorts near Masbate City
and Ticao Island. It is truly a tropical paradise for tourist looking for
scenic sunsets and tropical gardens and waterfalls.

RODEO FESTIVAL

MASBATE PORT

BARABANCASO ISLET

LAPAY
BANTIGUE
FESTIVAL

THE END