Catanduanes

General Information
Capital Virac
Land Area 1,511.5 sq. km.
Population 260,964
Density 1,492.16/sq. km.
Divisions 11 municipalities
Political
Voters 175,178
Governor Joseph C. Cua
Vice Shirley A. Abundo
Governor
Board Rafael Zuniega
Members Giovanni Balmadrid
Jose Romeo
Francisco
Natalio C. Popa Jr.
Arnel B. Turado
Joseph Al Randie B.
Wong
Lorenzo T.
Templonuevo Jr.
Vincent V.
Villaluna
Languages
There are two variants of 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 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 used of the
Spanish as a local language seems to have vanished after the turn
of the early 21st century and so on.
Religion
Roman Catholicism is the religion of the vast majority comprising
97% (citation needed) of Catanduanes’ population. The remaining
faith of the inhabitants is divided into the various Religious,
Evangelical, Protestants groups such as Aglipayan Church,
Baptists, Methodists, other evangelical Christians, Mormons,
Jehovah’s Witnesses, Iglesia ni Cristo, seventh-day Adventist as
well as Moslems.
Festivals
Catandungan Festival Catandungan Festival is an annual
celebration of the island province. It is the anniversary celebration
and tribute to its founders, to commemorate the province’s
independence from Albay. The main features of the festival are
Street dancing-Pantomina Dance, Beauty Pageant, Agro-Trade
fair, Sports fest, Guided Tour, Surfing cup and Art/Photo Exhibits.
It occurs every 24-26 October. Abaka Festival Abaka Festival is an
annual cultural celebration of the province to recognize the
importance of abaca in the local economy and to showcase its
versatility as a major source of livelihood. Highlights of the
festivals are Padadyaw Ginamlangan or Padadyaw kan Abaka,
Pinukpok Fashion show, Urag catandunga Sports Competitions,
Kantang Katandungan or Musika kan Isla, Festival dance
Competition, Binibini and Ginoong Bikol, Hagyan sa Kabitoonan
and Jobs Fair. It occurs every 4th week of May. FOLK FESTIVALS
The folk festivals celebrated as part of the local religious rituals
are with unique traces of the Spanish colonization. Among these
festivals include: Dinahit Festival is a prime festival in the
municipality of Pandan celebrated every April. The word Dinahit is
a native selling vessel used by the Austronesians to travel across
the ocean to reach Pandan, the northernmost municipality of the
province. Festival activities include street dancing, beauty pageant,
trade fair, and different contests such as carabao race and boat
race. Kalbaryo or Calvary, commonly staged during Holy Week, is
a reenactment of the passion of Christ’s way of the cross annually
celebrated in the Municipality of san Andres during Holy
Wednesday and Good Friday. Kagharong is a native depiction of
The Nativity scene held annually during Christmas season. Sugbo
Festival is celebrated by the seven barangays of Hitoma in
Caramoran that produces sugbo or tiger grass, a bamboo-like
perennial grass used to make brooms. Celebrated every month of
May coinciding with the Hitoma barangay fiesta, it is being
institutionalized with the support of the provincial government,
LGU of Caramoran and national line agencies to promote the
commercial development of the local lasa or tiger grass industry
and to create signature products from tiger grass.
Attractions
Talisoy Beach – A 5 minute ride from Twin Rock Beach Resort,
Talisoy beach welcomes your eyes for a perfect cove view with
crystal clear waters, whose charm is highlighted by rock
formations, especially the one that resembles the face of Jesus.
Sakahon Beach – Located in Brgy. Bote Municipality of Bato, it
beckons travelers for a true-blue adventure with its sugary-white
sand. It is a perfect take-off for an island hopping adventure in the
surrounding isles, different rock formations, mini caves and rock
circles fit for the eyes. Solong Falls – Located 100 meters above
sea level, this wonder of nature is on its way to reclaiming its peak
back to the hearts of nature lovers as it offers a canopy effect and
clean waterfall. Relax and feel the nature relieve your stress with
its Jacuzzi waterfalls. Hicming Falls – A twenty-minute tricycle ride
from Virac proper and an easy trek of twenty minutes would take
you to Hicming Falls, developed by the municipality of Virac
featuring a two-tiered cascade of refreshing waters and rustic
cottages. Ideal for day picnics. Nahulugan Falls – A three-tiered
cascade in a backdrop of lush vegetation, Nahulugan Falls is a
secret hideaway. It is surrounded by natural picnic grounds with a
rich collection of flora and fauna to behold. Paday Falls – Located
at the municipality of Bagamanoc, Paday Falls boasts of a tall drop
surrounded by a canopy of lush greens and is a sight to behold.
Mt. Lantad – rugged terrain is suitable for mountaineering and
trekking. Enjoy a top view experience and witness the towns of
Virac and Bato. Immaculate Conception Cathedral – Be awed by
the amazing ceiling design of the Immaculate Conception
Cathedral built during the Spanish era, its ceiling will bring you in
the churches of Vatican. Diocesan shrine of the Holy Cross – A
familiar dwelling for devotees and religious as a local pilgrimage
site, hosting the original and first cross to stand in the province.
The burial place of Augustinian Fr. Diego de Herrera who died
there in 1576. The priest, who journeyed with Spanish
conquistadors Legazpi and Urdaneta, is the first Catholic
missionary to the province. Binurong Point – Emerging as the
province most stunning tourist attraction, Binurong Point places
its viewers in a picture-perfect panoramic paradise emphasized by
the breath-taking cliffs, hills and Pacific Ocean view. Hiyop
Highlands – Devoid in the noise of the city and manmade
structures and marvel at the exhilarating Hiyop Point which offers
a view of the rolling terrain and the vast ocean. Indulge in Peace
that the site offers, with just the sun and the sky for company Ride
a carabao as you sing “The Hills are Alive” on your way up.
PAGASA Radar Weather Station – sitting atop on a mountain with
breath-taking view. One of three radar stations in the country and
is considered as one of the state-of-the-art facilities in the
province. Palumbanes Island – Over an hour of boat ride from the
municipality of Caramoran reveals the untouched Palumbanes
Island that offers a quality island getaway experience that is far
from the city clutter. Bote Lighthouse – Get astonished by the
view the Bote Lighthouse offers. It is also appropriate place for
beginner or amateur climbers that does not run out of things to
offer as it caters a relieving experience after the climb. Mamangal
Beach – Let the children and the whole family enjoy a clear-water,
white sand beach experience. Glide into the thrilling board
adventure and fell the invigorating skim board experience.
Tuwad-Tuwadan – Let the Pandan sea reveal a treasure hidden in
plain sight, and work your way up and down a sloppy terrain and
be awed at last over crystal clear waters over stone formation.
Balacay Point – Has become one of the “hottest” places to visit in
Catanduanes which is just an hour and a half drive away from
Virac. Reaching the top of the hills has become easier nowadays
too. Motorbikes, 4 wheels and even bicycles can easily reach the
peak. If you prefer to trek, it will take you 10-15 minutes to reach
the top and start enjoying the vastness of the mighty Pacific
Ocean and breath in its cool, fresh and salty air. Majestic Surfing
at Puraran Beach – Discovered in 1984 by an Australian Surfer, it is
now included in the surfing circuit around the country, usually
serving as the last leg of competitions. Its breath-taking long-
barrel-type surf is perfect for both the serious surfers and the
novice. Surfers say that the waves here are not necessarily bigger
but definitely stronger because of the natural rock bottom of this
beach. When it comes to waves, bigger does not mean better.
Stronger waves means a great raw adventure because once these
waves get going, nothing can stop them.
History
Catanduanes is an island province located in the Bicol Region of
Luzon in the Philippines. It is the 12th largest island in the
Philippines. Its Capital is Virac and the province lies to the east of
Camarines Sur across Maqueda Channel. It had a population of
260,964 people as registered in the 2015 census. The province
comprises Catanduanes Island (also called Virac Island), the Panay,
Palumbanes group of Islands (Porongpong, Tignob and
Calabagio) and a few other minor surrounding islets and rocks.
Catanduanes was a former sub-province of Ambos Camarines in
the early 1900s and later of albay. It gained provincial autonomy
when Congressman Francisco perfecto filled House Bill No. 301
which separated the province from Albay. It was approved on
September 26, 1945 and subsequently signed into law by
President Sergio Osmena on October 24, 1945. Remigio Socito,
the last Lieutenant Governor, was appointed as the first Provincial
Governor. When elections were held in 1947, Alfonso V. Usero
became the first elected Governor.
Getting There
Air Virac Airport is the primary airport serving Catanduanes with
scheduled flights to Manila. Land Over land, a 12-hour bus ride
from Manila to Tabaco, in Albay, is needed to cover the 580 km
(360 mi) distance. Several ferry services in the Port of Tabaco offer
connections to San Andres, which takes about 2 1/2 hours, or to
Virac sea port, at 3 1/2 hours, or at least 1 ½ hours for fast-craft
service. Numerous bus lines operates air-conditioned and
ordinary buses and coaches travel from Manila to Tabaco in Albay.
Some of these buses are loaded to the ferry for its final stop in the
town of Virac. Sea From the sea port of Tabaco, MV Calixta 2, 4
and 5 travels to the port of San Andres. MV Eugene Elson and
fast-craft service. MV Silangan can travel in just one hour and a
half which docks in the port of San Andres.
Modes of Transportation
Transportation around the island is provided by jeepneys, vans
and bus for inter-town travel, while tricycles and pedicabs will take
you around the towns. Private vehicles are also available for hire,
which can take you to any point of the island.
Seaports and Airports
Sea Ports: Virac Port and San Andres Port Airport: Virac Airport