98-528: The Bicol Region , designated as Region V , is an administrative region of the Philippines . It comprises six provinces , four on the Bicol Peninsula (the southeastern end of Luzon ): Albay , Camarines Norte , Camarines Sur , and Sorsogon , and two off the shore: Catanduanes and Masbate . The regional center is Legazpi , the most populous city in the region and has one independent component city ,
196-677: 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. The Aeta from Camarines Sur to Sorsogon strongly suggest that aborigines lived there long ago, but earliest evidence
294-965: A "special development and administrative region", and was thus given the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA); the Metro Manila Council within the MMDA serves as the National Capital Region's RDC. The 1987 Constitution allows for the creation of autonomous regions in the Cordillera Central of Luzon and the Muslim-majority areas of Mindanao . However, only the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and its predecessor,
392-532: A K–12 educational system, as mandated by the Department of Education. The new 12-year system is now compulsory, along with the adoption of new curriculum for all schools (see 2010s and the K–12 program ). The transition period will end with the 2017–2018 school year, which is the graduation date for the first group of students who entered the new educational system. All public schools in the Philippines must start classes on
490-454: A friend of Bulan the god of the Moon; Haliya, the masked goddess of the moonlight and the arch-enemy of Bakunawa and protector of Bulan. Her cult is composed primarily of women. There is also a ritual dance named after her as it is performed to be a counter-measure against Bakunawa.; Bulan , the god of the pale moon, he is depicted as a pubescent boy with uncommon comeliness that made savage beast and
588-416: A gigantic sea serpent deity who is often considered as the cause of eclipses, the devourer of the sun and the moon, and an adversary of Haliya as Bakunawa's main aim is to swallow Bulan, who Haliya swore to protect for all of eternity. The Bicolano cuisine is primarily noted for the prominent use of chili peppers and gata ( coconut milk ) in its food. A classic example is the gulay na lada , known outside
686-620: A pronounced dry season, precipitation is distributed fairly well throughout the year becoming wetter in the last quarter into the early months of the first quarter, when tropical disturbances and monsoon winds especially the Northeast Monsoon ( Amihan ) bring in heavy rains. Other months are characterized by short periods of dryer days and fine weather, except in July and August when the dry and gusty southwest monsoon winds intensify. Catanduanes' geographical position has it lying completely exposed to
784-402: A rite performed for him called Atang; Asuang, the evil god who always try to steal the sacred fire of Mount Mayon from his brother, Gugurang. Addressed sometimes as Aswang, he dwells mainly inside Mount Malinao. As an evil god, he would cause the people to suffer misfortunes and commit sins. Enemy of Gugurang and a friend of Bulan the god of the Moon; Haliya, the masked goddess of the moonlight and
882-401: A sign of warning for people to mend their crooked ways. Ancient Bikolanos had a rite performed for him called Atang.; Asuang, the evil god who always tries to steal the sacred fire of Mount Mayon from his brother, Gugurang. Addressed sometimes as Aswang, he dwells mainly inside Mount Malinao. As an evil god, he would cause the people to suffer misfortunes and commit sins. Enemy of Gugurang and
980-502: A specific date but must open classes no later than the last week of August. positions, such as being Tawi-Tawi's first governor (1973-1974) and a lone district representative of Tawi-Tawi (1990-1992). Born in Donsol , Sorsogon to Christian Bicolano teachers but raised in Tawi-Tawi where his parents were sent to teach and he became exposed into Tausug and Sama cultures and converted to Islam at
1078-570: A thriving municipality during the Spanish period, was reduced to a mere barrio of Viga and later of Panganiban . During the American Regime , some locals refused to recognize the sovereignty of the United States , and most of them fled to the mountains. The American occupation did not last long. By 1934, the Americans had withdrawn from control of the island. During World War II , Catanduanes
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#17328447210061176-689: A yong age, which soon earned him a position as a first Commissioner (later Minister) of Muslim Affairs. Region of the Philippines In the Philippines , regions ( Filipino : rehiyon ; ISO 3166-2:PH ) are administrative divisions that primarily serve to coordinate planning and organize national government services across multiple local government units (LGUs). Most national government offices provide services through their regional branches instead of having direct provincial or city offices. Regional offices are usually but not necessarily located in
1274-424: Is 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. The Bicol region was known as Ibalong , variously interpreted to derive from 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 ,
1372-535: Is San Miguel with its poblacion ( town center ) sitting in a location entirely devoid of flatlands. The majority of the built-up areas occupy zones that are classified as flat to rolling. The island is a biodiversity hotspot . Its rainforests are home to the Philippine brown deer , flying foxes , and other endemic bat species, warty pigs , civets , cobras , giant pythons , monitor lizards , sailfin lizards and other endemic animals. Exotic bird species such as
1470-429: Is a grouping of geographically adjacent LGUs that may be established, disestablished, and modified by the president of the Philippines based on the need to formulate coherent economic development policies, more efficiently provide national government services, and coordinate activities beneficial to the development of larger area beyond the province level. No plebiscites have been conducted so far to democratically confirm
1568-601: Is because he is shy to the man that he loves. If Magindang manages to catch Bulan, Haliya always comes to free him from Magindang's grip; Magindang , the god of the sea and all its creatures. He has deep affection to the lunar god Bulan and pursues him despite never catching him. Due to this, the Bicolanos reasoned that it is to why the waves rise to reach the Moon when seen from the distant horizon. Whenever he does catch up to Bulan, Haliya comes to rescue Bulan and free him immediately; Okot , god of forest and hunting; and Bakunawa ,
1666-454: Is critically endangered as humans hunt them for food and to some extent, as pets. In mainland Luzon, sightings of the creature are already rare while in Marinduque , it is generally considered extinct. Inventory of the entomological fauna in the island has been conducted by various scientific institutions. A survey which was submitted to the national museum has revealed interesting species in
1764-564: Is divided into two – Camarines Southwest E.D. in Naga, and Camarines Southeast E.D. in Iriga City. In total, INC has seven ecclesiastical districts in the Bicol region. The chapel of local congregation of Legazpi, Albay is the biggest. Other religions are also well represented in Bicol such as Jehovah's Witnesses, Protestants denominations of Seventh-Day Adventist church, Baptist Church, Pentecostal, Islam, and indigenous religions. Prior to colonization,
1862-562: Is found only in Catanduanes and Luzon islands. The published research by Brown and Siler in Journal of Biogeography (2013) actually reported this species in the forests of Gigmoto. One of the very recent species found in Catanduanes and portions of Bicol region is the new loam-swimming skink , a legless reptile with its assigned scientific name Brachymeles makusog . The dipterocarp forest also harbor numerous tropical plant species including
1960-431: Is mostly rugged and mountainous terrain. Its slope characteristics are 13% gently sloping to undulating, 1% classified rolling to hilly, 2% very hills and mountains, 47% level to very gently sloping, 32% steep hills and mountainous, and 5% undulating to rolling. Ten of the eleven municipalities of the province is situated along the coastal fringes, over which locate its mostly fractured plains. The only landlocked municipality
2058-510: Is nestled in the very beginning of the Kuroshio Current , a sea current that runs through the eastern Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan. Tuna migration, which is at its peak in the months of April and May, can be seen in the Maqueda channel. Dugongs were once known to swim on Catanduanes coasts, but this event is already becoming extremely rare. The Catanduanes coast is one of the best spots for
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#17328447210062156-414: Is of middle to late Neolithic life. A barangay (village) system was in existence by 1569. Records show no sign of Islamic rule nor any authority surpassing the datu (chieftain). Precolonial leadership was based on strength, courage, and intelligence. The native seemed apolitical. Thus, the datu's influence mattered most during crises like wars. Otherwise, early Bicol society remained family centered, and
2254-510: Is rugged and mountainous, becoming more pronounced towards the central portion of the island. Less than 10 percent of the land area has a slope gradient under 8 percent, mostly fractured and narrow strips of plains located along the coastal areas where most of the inhabitants are settled. The highest mountain peak is in Boctot, located between the municipalities of Virac and San Miguel with an elevation of 803 metres (2,635 ft) above sea level. It
2352-666: Is situated on the easternmost edge of Luzon : 13.3 to 14.1 degrees north latitudes and between 124.1 and 124.3 degrees east longitudes. The island bounded on the west by the Maqueda Channel , on the south by Lagonoy Gulf , and on the north and east by the Philippine Sea . Several small islands comprise the province. Its aggregate land area totals approximately 1,492.16 square kilometres (576.13 sq mi). The coastlines, that stretch to almost 400 km (249 mi), are jagged with many bays. The topography of Catanduanes Island
2450-604: Is that Central Bikol, used in the cities of Legazpi and Naga, is the standard Bikol. Central Bikol, though spoken by the majority and with speakers represented in all provinces in the region, is not a standard Bikol, since other forms of Bikol used in the region are separate languages and usually unintelligible. However, the standard form of Central Bikol language is the Canaman dialect. Other Bikol languages are Rinconada Bikol , spoken in southern part of Camarines Sur province, Pandan Bikol spoken in northern part of Catanduanes island and
2548-527: Is the dominant and native language of Bicolanos living in the municipalities in the northern half of Camarines Norte and the town of Del Gallego in Camarines Sur . Bicolanos also speak and understand Filipino, the national language of the Philippines, aside from native Tagalog-speaking Bicolanos in northern half of Camarines Norte and Del Gallego. English is widely understood in businesses, schools and public places. The region retains Roman Catholicism as
2646-537: 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. Coal 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 . Currently, Bicol Region has 13,435 farmers that cultivate 142,405 hectares of pili plantation according
2744-606: Is the premier mountain range with broadly spread old-growth forests and watershed which exerts widespread influence over its immediate environs that include the municipalities of Virac, Bato , and San Miguel. Other prominent mountain forms include the ranges: Obi in Caramoran , Cagmasoso in San Andres , and the Summit and Magsumoso ranges within the Viga and Gigmoto areas. The lowlands include
2842-479: Is to swallow Bulan, who Haliya swore to protect for all of eternity. Roman Catholicism is the religion of the vast majority, comprising 97% of Catanduanes' population. The remaining faith of the inhabitants is divided into the various groups such as Aglipayan Church , Baptists , Methodists , and other evangelical Christians, as well as Mormons , Jehovah's Witnesses , Iglesia ni Cristo , Seventh-day Adventists as well as Muslims . There are two variants of
2940-652: The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao , have been approved by voters in plebiscites held in 1989, 2001 , and 2019 . Voters in the Cordilleras rejected autonomy in 1990 and 1998 ; hence the Cordillera Administrative Region remains as a regular administrative region with no delegated powers or responsibilities. The Supreme Court has ruled that an autonomous region established by statute must be composed of more than one province, thereby invalidating
3038-707: The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao , has an elected government and parliament to which the Congress of the Philippines has delegated certain powers and responsibilities. Regions first came to existence on September 24, 1972, when the provinces of the Philippines were organized into eleven regions under Presidential Decree No. 1 as part of the Integrated Reorganization Plan of President Ferdinand Marcos . Since that time, other regions have been created and some provinces have been transferred from one region to another. As of June 30, 2024 ,
Bicol Region - Misplaced Pages Continue
3136-885: The Bicol International Airport in Legazpi City was hoped to further boost tourism in the region. Bicol region is highly 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 subducting under the Philippine Mobile Belt , along the Philippine Trench . Volcanism is evident by the number of hot springs , crater lakes , and volcanoes that dot
3234-451: The Bikol languages native to this island province: Northern Catanduanes Bicolano and Southern Catanduanes Bicolano . The northern accent has a very pronounced letter "R" that becomes a diphthong of non-vowel letters "L" and "R" in the southern towns. In written form, the conventional mainland language like Central Bikol is used. Filipino , by virtue of being officially taught in schools and
3332-518: The Chavacanos among the Philippine ethnic groups, have a higher Spanish percentage at 4/10ths of the population, compared to Bicolano's 2/10ths, while the average percentage of Spanish descent among other Filipino Lowland Christian Ethnic groups are 6% out of 100%. The Bicolano language is very fragmented, and its dialects are mutually incomprehensible to speakers of other Bicolano dialects. The majority of
3430-567: The Department of Agriculture -Bicol's data. The DA further said that 90% of Philippines' pili production is from the Bicol Region and it began asexual reproduction for the product's export. The resilient tree's fruit is 7% kernel, 25% shell and 68% pulp. The Sorsogon Provincial Pili Development Board will petition for the Region's declaration as the "Pili Capital of the Philippines". In October 2023,
3528-617: The Department of Trade and Industry launched "Orgullo kan Bikol" Trade and Travel Fair at Shangri-La Plaza . The 103 exhibitors are MSMEs which displayed 253 new products from Bikol's 6 provinces. The region's tourism industry has been revived by the popularity of Mayon Volcano , the new CamSur Water Sports Complex , whale shark spotting, among others, which consequently increased the number of upscale resorts. Naga City has its colonial churches, and pilgrimages to Our Lady of Peñafrancia. The municipality of Daet and Catanduanes province have long been destinations for surfers. The opening of
3626-536: The Holy Rosary Minor Seminary , Daughters of Mary , and Daughters of Charity Convents in Naga City . The largest minority religion in the region is Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) known for its magnificent worship buildings, commonly called chapels or kapilya , with towering spires that dot the Bicol landscape. Each province represents one ecclesiastical district (E.D.) with the exception of Camarines Sur which
3724-471: The Philippine Sea . Therefore, it is known as "Land of the Howling Winds" because it is frequently visited by tropical cyclones. Catanduanes comprises 11 municipalities , all encompassed by the lone district . The population of Catanduanes in the 2020 census was 271,879 people, with a density of 180 inhabitants per square kilometre or 470 inhabitants per square mile. In May 2000, its total population
3822-504: The Province of Catanduanes ( Filipino : Lalawigan ng Catanduanes ), is an island province located in the Bicol Region of Luzon in the Philippines . It is the 12th-largest island in the Philippines, and lies to the east of Camarines Sur , across the Maqueda Channel . Its capital is Virac , the most populous town in the province. Catanduanes had a population of 271,879 people as of
3920-577: The Visayan languages and Tagalog . The four major groups of language in Bikol are Coastal Bikol (with four sub-languages), Inland Bikol (with six sub-languages), Pandan Bikol (lone language) and Bisakol (with three sub-languages). The majority of Bicolanos understand and speak Central Bikol language (a member of Coastal Bikol group of languages), since it is the language used in literature and mass media, but with varying degrees. A known misconception of many Bicolanos
4018-659: The flying fish population; a flying fish can attain its fullest size in Catanduanes which may weigh 300 grams (11 oz). Rabbitfish Siganus sp ., a type of reef fish is one of the most heavily exploited marine tropical fish in Catanduanes. Its fry that comes out in shallow coasts during the breeding season (March–May) are fished in large volumes. Approximately 10 million rabbitfish fries are caught annually. This natural event supplies food for many people but its ecological impact can be devastating. Nature advocates started to strengthen their campaign for an eco-dialogue for this matter. Sea cucumbers are also abundant in many islets of
Bicol Region - Misplaced Pages Continue
4116-568: The 2020 census. The province comprises Catanduanes (mainland or main island), Panay Island , Lete Island, the Palumbanes group of islands (Porongpong, Tignob and Calabagio), and a few other small, surrounding islets and rocks. The province is also home to various mollusk fossil sites, notably the second-oldest ammonite site in the Philippines. These sites have certain species of ammonites that are found nowhere else in Southeast Asia . Because of
4214-621: The Albay Bikol group of languages that include Buhinon, Libon, West Miraya and East Miraya. Albay Bikol speakers can be found in Buhi, Camarines Sur, central and eastern parts of Albay and in Donsol, Sorsogon. The standard form of Rinconada Bikol both in pronunciation and writing is the Sinabukid (Highland) dialect of Iriga variant. On the other hand, Buhinon of Buhi, Camarines Sur and Libon of Libon, Albay are
4312-557: The Austronesian-speaking immigrants who came from Southern China during the Iron Age . Many of Bicolanos also have Chinese , Arab , and Spanish admixtures. Most of the townsfolk have Spanish Mixtures and their language is referred to as Bikol or Bikolano. Bicolanos have a high percentage of Spanish introgression with a government sponsored study showing 2 out of 10 Bicolanos or 2/10ths of the population being of Spanish descent. Only
4410-559: The Bicolano people are devout Roman Catholics due to the Spanish conquering the country and converting them to their religion. Catholic Mass is celebrated daily in many churches in the Bicol Region. The people of the Bicol Region, called Bicolanos , speak any of the several languages of the Bikol language subgroup , called Bikol macrolanguages, Austronesian languages closely grouped under the Central Philippine languages family such as
4508-467: The Bicolanos reasoned that it is to why the waves rise to reach the Moon when seen from the distant horizon. Whenever he does catch up to Bulan, Haliya comes to rescue Bulan and free him immediately; Okot , god of forest and hunting; and Bakunawa , a gigantic sea serpent deity who is often considered as the cause of eclipses, the devourer of the Sun and the Moon, and an adversary of Haliya as Bakunawa's main aim
4606-565: The Northern Catanduanes variety has more distinct features. The predominant ethnic group is the Bicolano people . Migrants from other parts of Luzon, as well as Visayas and Mindanao, make up a minority as well. Few, who are of Chinese , Australian , American , and Spanish descent also live in the province. Catanduanes was historically a part of the Albay province. On October 26, 1945, it
4704-602: The Philippine hornbill , rail , parrot, bittern , egret , pheasant , coot , lapwing , plover , Philippine duck , quail , owl , oriole , kingfisher , swiftlets and many more are also found. A record of "Philippines Birding Trip Reports" has found out massive bird species in several parts of the island such as the watershed and timberland forests reserve in Gigmoto where scattered deer populations are also usually reported. The Catanduanes bleeding-heart ( Gallicolumba luzonica rubiventris ) had experienced over-exploitation in
4802-491: The Philippines Abacá Capital. Catanduanes' earliest recorded name was Isla de Cobos . This was the name given to it by Spanish conquistadors , early in 1573, when they came upon several tribes on the island who were living in the thatched huts that the tribal people called cobos . “Catanduanes” comes from the words tandu , a native beetle, and samdong , a native species of tree, both were found throughout
4900-555: The Philippines is divided into 18 regions. The traditional island groups of Luzon , the Visayas , and Mindanao are composed of eight (Regions I, II, III, IV-A, and V, and CAR, NCR, and Mimaropa), four (VI, VII, VIII, and NIR), and six (IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, and BARMM) regions, respectively. The names of Calabarzon , Mimaropa , and Soccsksargen are acronyms signifying their component provinces and cities; and are usually capitalized in official government documents. An administrative region
4998-554: The Philippines, the Archdiocese of Caceres , was also instituted in the Bicol Region. During this time, Bicol was dotted by many astilleros (shipyards) which were focused on constructing Manila Galleons , the heaviest ships in their time, from the local hardwood forests and these Manila Galleons were responsible for trade between Asia and the Americas. Bicol also has Latin-American settlements and cultural influence mostly from Mexico due to
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#17328447210065096-546: The Virac Plain, Viga Plain, San Andres Plain and the Bato River Flood Plain. The coastal municipalities with limited lowland agricultural areas are Pandan and Caramoran. The more extensive lowlands are found in the southern parts of the province. The largest coastal plain is the contiguous wetlands of Viga, Panganiban and Bagamanoc over which lies the widest area of rice paddies and nipa mangroves . The province
5194-424: The abundance of chili pepper plantations in the area, as it is Mexican in origin. Bicolano cuisine is noted for the propensity of being spicy. However regardless, the region throughout its history has been among the hardest to control by Spanish, American, and Japanese occupants due to heavy resistance among the populace. The region comprises six provinces: Albay , Camarines Norte , Camarines Sur , Sorsogon and
5292-782: The administrative regions in 1980, with some exceptions. Representation for the Interim Batasang Pambansa was mostly through parliamentary districts based on how regions were organized in 1978. Metro Manila was "Region IV", while Southern Tagalog was "Region IV-A". This was the only time the national legislature was represented via regions; in a 1984 plebiscite , voters approved a constitutional amendment that reverted to representation per province and city. The following are regions that no longer exist, listed along with their current status: Catanduanes Catanduanes ( / ˌ k ɑː t ɑː n ˈ d w ɑː n ɛ s / ; Tagalog pronunciation: [kɐtɐnˈdwɐnes] ), officially
5390-504: The affinity of most Bicolanos to it, is the second most common language and easily the most understood by most people. English is the normal medium used in primary communications. The use of the Spanish language as a local language seems to have vanished after the turn of the early 21st century. When the Spaniards came to the Philippines, Catanduanes, being on the Pacific Ocean side and on
5488-493: The archenemy of Bakunawa and protector of Bulan. Her cult is composed primarily of women. There is also a ritual dance named after her as it is performed to be a countermeasure against Bakunawa.; Bulan , the god of the pale moon, he is depicted as a pubescent boy with uncommon comeliness that made savage beast and the vicious mermaids (Magindara) tame. He has deep affection towards Magindang, but plays with him by running away so that Magindang would never catch him. The reason for this
5586-491: The city designated as the regional center. As of 2024, the Philippines is divided into 18 regions. Seventeen of these are mere administrative groupings, each provided by the president of the Philippines with a regional development council (RDC) – in the case of the National Capital Region (Metro Manila), an additional metropolitan development authority serves as the coordinating and policy-making body. Only one,
5684-437: The conquistadors, evangelized the entire population, beginning with the southern tribes, without meeting much resistance. From 1600 to 1857, the colonizers established nine local centers of government through the establishment of parishes: Caramoran (1601); Pandan (1650); Viga (1661); Panganiban (1663); Virac (1775); Bato (1830); and San Andres (1853). During the period of American rule, Bagamanoc , which had been
5782-529: The creation, abolition or alteration of the boundaries of regular administrative regions, as the Constitution does not mandate it. An administrative region is not a local government unit (LGU), but rather a group of LGUs to which the president has provided an unelected policy-making and coordinating structure, called the Regional Development Council (RDC). Metro Manila is recognized in law as
5880-453: The date mandated by the Department of Education (usually the first Monday for public, second Monday for private and third Monday for some colleges for the month of June) since the presidency of Joseph Estrada in 1999, and must end after each school completes the mandated 200-day school calendar organized by the Department of Education (usually around the third week of March to the second week of April). Private schools are not obliged to abide by
5978-547: The development brought about by modernization, Northern Catanduanes was quite isolated from mainland Bicol and Southern Catanduanes, resulting in less opportunity for contact between different groups. One probable reason why the Northern Catanduanes language variety is distinct from the Southern Catanduanes variety is that the mountainous terrain separating the north from the south acts as a barrier to community interaction. The lack of good roads and transportation arising from
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#17328447210066076-534: The eastern coasts facing the Philippine Sea. Palumbanes (province satellite group of islands) has beaches with fine yellowish-white sand. It is also one of the most biodiverse marine zones of the island. However, coral reef exploitation has severely inflicted for the last 10 years on its waters. The local government and some sectors are already undergoing efforts to revive Palumbanes Island through building artificial reefs and employing fishing regulations. Without
6174-568: The feast of Our Lady of Salvation , or a regional one such as the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Fiesta, the largest Marian devotion in Asia, a week-long celebration to honor the Virgin Mary , dubbed as the "Patroness of Bicolandia". In Luzon, the Bicol Region holds the most men entering the seminary for Catholic priesthood , or women entering the religious life to become Catholic nuns . This can be accredited to
6272-402: The first settlers in Catanduanes. The island was raided more than once by the Moros , who lived on the island of Mindanao . As a result of these destructive raids, many records of the past were destroyed or lost. In 1573, Juan de Salcedo arrived in Catanduanes while hunting for pirates and conquered the natives. Three years later, a galleon expedition from Acapulco was shipwrecked near
6370-410: The forest reserve of Gigmoto and Pandan. A total of 2,000 entomological specimens and its allies were collected compromising 323 species under 45 genera and 50 families. The Catanduanes narrow-mouthed frog ( Kaloula kokacii ), an arboreal amphibian found only in Catanduanes and some parts of Bicol, enjoys its diversity but is being carefully monitored. Another endemic amphibian Hylarana similis
6468-409: The island, and the survivors were either killed or enslaved. This event is commemorated at the Batalay Church in Bato , a few kilometers outside the capital town of Virac. The evangelization of the island started twenty years later, when the Spanish soldiers, after subjugating the Bicol mainland, came back with Franciscan missionaries. The missionaries, armed with the cross and backed by the sword of
6566-422: The island-provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate , 107 Municipalities and 3,471 Barangays As of 2020, Camarines Sur is the region's largest province in area and population, occupying 5,481.6 km (2,116.5 sq mi) or around 30.4% of the total land area with a population of 2,068,244. Catanduanes is the smallest in area as well as population with only 1,511.5 km (583.6 sq mi) or 8.4% of
6664-419: The island. People often referred to the island as katanduan or kasamdongan , meaning ‘a place where the tandu and the samdong tree thrive in abundance.’ The pronunciation of this word by Spanish-speaking people led to the coining of the Hispanicized version, Catanduanes . Rulers ( datus ) from Borneo settled on the island of Panay . Their descendants then migrated throughout the archipelago and became
6762-424: The languages that are only used in their respective municipalities. Rinconada Bikol and Albay Bikol group of languages are members of Inland Bikol, while Pandan Bikol is the only language with no sub-languages or division. The majority of the population in Masbate and Sorsogon speaks Masbateño , Waray Sorsoganon and Northern Sorsoganon . The three are Visayan languages but influenced by Bikol languages (especially
6860-407: The late 20th century. Although most forests are still intact, this species has suffered over-hunting, making it very rare and is believed to be near extinction or already extinct as its last reported specimen was collected in 1971. The southern giant slender-tailed cloud rat ( budkon / bugkon ), which is found only in Catanduanes and the southern half of Luzon Island, is still widely reported. It
6958-428: The latter), thus tagged and collectively referred to as Bisakol (Being Visayan languages spoken in Bicol), a portmanteau of Bisa ya (Visayan) and Bi kol (Bicolano). Aside from Masbateño , three more Visayan languages are spoken in Masbate, including Hiligaynon/Ilonggo are spoken in the southwestern tip, while Cebuano and Waray-Waray are spoken in the southern part of the island province respectively. Tagalog
7056-741: The leader was the head of the family. The Spanish influence in Bicol resulted mainly from the efforts of Augustinian and Franciscan Spanish missionaries. The first churches in Bicol, the San Francisco Church , and the Naga Cathedral , both in Naga City , along with the Holy Cross Parish in Nabua, Camarines Sur , are instituted by the Holy Order of the Franciscans. One of the oldest dioceses in
7154-453: The oldest dioceses in the Philippines , the ecclesiastical Archdiocese of Caceres . Other dioceses include are the Dioceses of Legazpi, Sorsogon, Daet, Masbate, Libmanan and Virac . Fiestas ( Feast day of saints) are annual celebrations of parishes, from a simple barrio fiesta honoring a patron associated for good harvest, to a town fiesta honoring a miraculous saint, a diocesan fiesta like
7252-471: The overwhelming religion of the great majority. The Catholic religion has the highest number of followers than any other area in the Philippines. The Catholic church grew in the Bicol Region through the efforts of the bishops from Nueva Caceres ( Naga City ) from the 17th century until the Philippine Revolution in 1898. Naga City is the religious center of the Bicol Region and is the seat of one of
7350-425: The pattern was towards urbanization. This was due to the pull of newly installed infrastructures, particularly roads, and the sporadic growth of trade in strategically situated municipalities that have better economic opportunities. The 1990 growth originated from the strong attraction of employment opportunities in established urban centers, which have become a source of growth of adjacent municipalities. This situation
7448-555: 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 Bicol Power Grid, which is the only independent power grid in the Philippines. From North to South From 1945 until 2011, the basic education system
7546-548: The pilgrim city of Naga . The region is bounded by Lamon Bay to the north, the Philippine Sea to the east, and the Sibuyan Sea and Ragay Gulf to the west. The northernmost provinces, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur , are bordered to the west by the province of Quezon in the Calabarzon region. The Bicol Region comprises the southern part of Luzon , the largest island in the Philippine archipelago . The total land area
7644-413: The place is known for Señora De Peñafrancia. Bicolanos are often sweet, regionalistic, friendly, adventurous, puts high importance on education and social status. Contrary to what is believed, not all Bicolanos are fond of chili. Men often know how to cook. Poverty incidence of Bicol Region Source: Philippine Statistics Authority Bicol Region has a large amount of rich flatland, and agriculture
7742-477: The population. The number of households totaled 41,019 with an average household size of 5.25. Prior to colonization, the region had a complex religious system which involved various deities. Among these deities include: Gugurang, the supreme god who dwells inside of Mount Mayon where he guards and protects the sacred fire in which Aswang, his brother was trying to steal. Whenever people disobey Gugurang and commit sins, he would cause Mount Mayon to burst lava as
7840-475: The proposed establishment of the Autonomous Region of Ifugao following the results of the original 1990 Cordillera autonomy plebiscite, which saw only Ifugao's voters casting a majority 'yes' vote towards autonomy. As far as the judiciary is concerned, specifically the first and second level courts, the country is divided into judicial regions as provided by Batas Pambansa Bilang 129 . The coverage of these judicial regions generally coincides with that of
7938-561: The province from Albay; the bill was approved on September 26, 1945, and signed into law by President Sergio Osmeña on October 24, 1945. Remigio Socito, previously the Lieutenant Governor, was appointed the first Provincial Governor . When elections were held in 1947, Alfonso V. Usero became the first elected Governor. On April 15, 2022, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Republic Act No. 11700 declaring Catanduanes province as
8036-486: The province's importance and rich geologic history, various scholars have suggested that, if the province would take the initiative to put its name forward in nomination, it would stand a good chance of being named a UNESCO Geopark Reserve . In the early 20th century, Catanduanes was a sub-province of Ambos Camarines . Later, it was a sub-province of Albay . It became an autonomous province in 1945. Congressman Francisco Perfecto filed House Bill No. 301 , which separated
8134-491: The region as Bicol express , a well-loved dish using siling labuyo (native small chillies) and the aforementioned gata . Like their other neighboring regions, Bicolanas are also expected to lend a hand in household work. They are even anticipated to offer assistance after being married. On the other hand, Bicolano men are expected to assume the role of becoming the primary source of income and financial support of his family. Bicolanos are also known for being very religious,
8232-450: The region had a complex religious system which involved various deities. Among these deities include: Gugurang, the supreme god who dwells inside of Mount Mayon where he guards and protects the sacred fire in which Aswang, his brother was trying to steal. Whenever people disobey his orders, wishes and commit numerous sins, he would cause Mount Mayon to burst lava as a sign of warning for people to mend their crooked ways. Ancient Bikolanos had
8330-581: The region starting from Mount Labo in Camarines Norte to the Gate Mountains in Matnog, Sorsogon . Mayon Volcano is the most prominent of the volcanoes in the region, famous for its perfect conical shape and for being the most active in the Philippines. Its eruptions have repeatedly inflicted disasters on the region, but during lulls in activity, it is a particularly magnificent peak. The southernmost tip of
8428-471: The sixth province of the Bicol Region with the signing of the Act. Remigio Socito, Catanduanes's last Lieutenant Governor was appointed as the first Provincial Governor. When elections were held in 1947, Alfonso V. Usero became the first elected Governor. On September 26, 1945, Catanduanes was recognized as a separate and independent province. By Republic Act No. 159, dated June 26, 1947, the municipality of Caramoran
8526-507: The terrain contributed to the present situation. Since the seaport is in Virac, Northern Catanduanes remained in isolation from other subgroups for quite some time. Furthermore, the inhabitants of Northern Catanduanes were the first occupants of the island to have been pushed northwards when immigrants from the mainland occupied the southern part of the island. This supports the closeness of the Southern Catanduanes variety to other Bicol subgroups while
8624-1068: The threatened species of pitcher plants and rafflesia as well as endemic banana varieties. Many highly economical hardwood trees such as yakal , apitong , palosapis , and molave are still found in the central forests through local reports indicate that these species are already threatened. Mangrove forests exist in several coastal areas but the largest locations are in Banquerohan (Viga-Panganiban), Agoho in San Andres and Batalay in Bato. The Catanduanes reefs harbor many endangered and threatened types of mollusks such as giant Triton , cowries , abalone , cone snails , conches , octopuses, squids , and nautiluses . Marine mammals are also reported to frequent on its eastern coasts such as species of dolphins and whales, which appear from March to June. Many edible marine algae such as caulerpa , valonia , and turbellaria also grow abundantly on its rough coasts. The island
8722-613: The total regional area and a population of 271,879. • Figures for Camarines Sur include the independent component city of Naga . The region has one independent component city , Naga , and six component cities – Iriga , Legazpi , Ligao , Masbate City , Sorsogon City , and Tabaco . Masbate and Sorsogon are cities in their eponymous provinces. The Bicol Region has a population of 6,082,165 as of 2020 census, growing at an average annual rate of 1.29 percent between 2010 and 2015. The region's population density increased to 320 persons per square kilometer in 2015. In 1970, Camarines Sur
8820-409: The very route of the galleon ships, was one of the first places they penetrated to propagate Christianity. The Spanish priests founded churches in every town. People from mainland Bicol also traveled to Catanduanes, specifically Caramoran, which is directly across from Albay. The research of McFarland on the year 1974, the dialects of Bicol area, stated that until the advent of the twentieth century and
8918-471: The vicious mermaids (Magindara) tame. He has deep affection towards Magindang, but plays with him by running away so that Magindang would never catch him. The reason for this is because he is shy to the man that he loves. If Magindang manages to catch Bulan, Haliya always comes to free him from Magindang's grip; Magindang , the god of the sea and all its creatures. He has deep affection to the lunar god Bulan and pursues him despite never catching him. Due to this,
9016-447: Was 215,356 with an annual growth rate of 1.42% from 1990 to 2000, and a population density of 142 per km . Over the following 10 years, the average annual growth rate was 1.35%, increasing the population to 246,300 persons in the May 2010 census. Almost all of the people of the province are natural born citizens. Naturalized citizens, most of which are Chinese, comprised only about one percent of
9114-470: Was composed of six years of elementary education starting at the age of 6, and four years of high school education starting at the age of 12. Further education was provided by technical or vocational schools, or in higher education institutions such as universities. Although the 1987 Constitution stated that elementary education was compulsory, this was never enforced. In 2011, the country started to transition from its old 10-year basic educational system to
9212-493: Was highly evident in Naga and Legazpi areas, whose surrounding municipalities exhibited high growth rates. Unmistakably, the spill-over effects of development permeated those initial high growth areas. Population spill-over happened in the Legazpi, Naga and Daet areas. Due to more population and more opportunities, Naga, Daet and Legazpi spilled their population to their neighboring and adjacent towns. The Bicolanos are descended from
9310-573: Was not spared from Japanese invasion . The Japanese erected garrisons in different parts of the island and heavily fortified it. Three months after the Philippine independence from the Americans , Catanduanes was finally recognized as a separate and independent province from Albay through Commonwealth Act No. 687 authored by then Representative Francisco Perfecto. The independence was approved by Congress on September 26, 1945, signed into law by President Sergio Osmena Sr. on October 24, 1945, and took effect on October 26, 1945. Catanduanes became
9408-517: Was recreated out of the Municipality of Pandan ; under R.A. No. 491, dated June 12, 1950, the Municipality of Bagamanoc was also created. Gigmoto formally became a municipality again in 1951, as did San Miguel in 1952. Also in the early 1950s, another center of government, Baras , was created. It was during this period that the island saw economic development and growth. Interlinking roads were built and trading centers were created. Catanduanes
9506-452: Was separated from Albay and was declared an island-province through Commonwealth Act No. 687 . When the island was still in transition to becoming a full-pledge province, it was headed by Lt. Governor Felipe Olesco Usero. Gubernatorial elections for Catanduanes started in 1948. The People Power Revolution in February 1986 ushered in new leadership. Former Ambassador Leandro I. Verceles Sr.
9604-551: Was the only province with close to a million population. Albay, which was next in rank, reached the 1970 population level of Camarines Sur only 20 years later. Masbate and Sorsogon were in the same level every census year from 1970 to 1980. It is noteworthy that distribution and growth of the 1970 population were towards areas that were sparsely populated but agriculturally rich and/or endowed with fishery resources. The island province of Catanduanes and its municipalities have exhibited very low population growth from 1970 to 1980. In 1980,
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