Bicol
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
The Bicol Region is a peninsula at the southeastern end of Luzon, the islands of Catanduanes and Masbate and several small outlying islands. The region has a total land area of 17,632.5 sq. kms. and includes six provinces: Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon. These provinces comprise “Bicolandia”. The region has three cities: lriga. Legaspi and Naga. Several volcanoes are found in the region: Mt. Labo (942 meters), Mt. Malinao (1,657 meters), Mt. Isarog (1,976 meters), Mt. Bulusan (1,559 meters) and Mt. Mayon (2,421 meters). The highest, Mt. Mayon is reputed to have the world’s most perfect natural cone.
POPULATION
In 2000, the region’s population totaled 4,629,000. In 1995, there was about an equal number of males (51%) and females (49%). In 1990, the population was predominantly rural (68.7%).
CULTURAL GROUPS
The inhabitants are ethno-linguistic Bicolanos and some Visayans such as the Warays and Hiligaynons who have settled in the southwestern provinces.CLIMATE
The region experiences several typhoons in a year and therefore has no pronounced wet and dry season.LAND USE
More than 50% of the region’s land are devoted to agriculture; 30% are forestland and the rest are used for residential, commercial and industrial purposes. 1,222,060 hectares of the total land area have been classified as alienable and disposable.
NATURAL RESOURCES
There are significant deposits of gold, silver, lead, zinc, iron, nickel, chromite, copper and manganese. The region has large tracts of arable and grazing lands and extensive fishing grounds.
INDUSTRIES
Bicol’s basic products are coconut, palay, cassava, corn, abaca and coconut. Farming, forestry products, mining, rice and corn milling and fishing are its major sources of income. Small-scale manufacturing industries include food preservation, furniture making, woodcraft, loom weaving, fiber craft, shell craft, pottery, rattan craft and pili confectionery.
URBAN CENTERS
The major urban centers in the Bicol region are the cities of Legaspi, Naga and Iriga.
FACILITIES
Bicolandia is accessible by land transport, rail, air and water transportation. It has national ports, several municipal ports and national airports. Electricity and water supply are fairly adequate except in the island provinces where these facilities are concentrated in the capital and the more progressive towns. Educational opportunities are sufficient, since the region has several institutions of learning such as the oldest girl’s school in Naga City, Colegio de Sta. Isabel.
The Bicol Region is a peninsula at the southeastern end of Luzon, the islands of Catanduanes and Masbate and several small outlying islands. The region has a total land area of 17,632.5 sq. kms. and includes six provinces: Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon. These provinces comprise “Bicolandia”. The region has three cities: lriga. Legaspi and Naga. Several volcanoes are found in the region: Mt. Labo (942 meters), Mt. Malinao (1,657 meters), Mt. Isarog (1,976 meters), Mt. Bulusan (1,559 meters) and Mt. Mayon (2,421 meters). The highest, Mt. Mayon is reputed to have the world’s most perfect natural cone.
POPULATION
In 2000, the region’s population totaled 4,629,000. In 1995, there was about an equal number of males (51%) and females (49%). In 1990, the population was predominantly rural (68.7%).
CULTURAL GROUPS
The inhabitants are ethno-linguistic Bicolanos and some Visayans such as the Warays and Hiligaynons who have settled in the southwestern provinces.CLIMATE
The region experiences several typhoons in a year and therefore has no pronounced wet and dry season.LAND USE
More than 50% of the region’s land are devoted to agriculture; 30% are forestland and the rest are used for residential, commercial and industrial purposes. 1,222,060 hectares of the total land area have been classified as alienable and disposable.
NATURAL RESOURCES
There are significant deposits of gold, silver, lead, zinc, iron, nickel, chromite, copper and manganese. The region has large tracts of arable and grazing lands and extensive fishing grounds.
INDUSTRIES
Bicol’s basic products are coconut, palay, cassava, corn, abaca and coconut. Farming, forestry products, mining, rice and corn milling and fishing are its major sources of income. Small-scale manufacturing industries include food preservation, furniture making, woodcraft, loom weaving, fiber craft, shell craft, pottery, rattan craft and pili confectionery.
URBAN CENTERS
The major urban centers in the Bicol region are the cities of Legaspi, Naga and Iriga.
FACILITIES
Bicolandia is accessible by land transport, rail, air and water transportation. It has national ports, several municipal ports and national airports. Electricity and water supply are fairly adequate except in the island provinces where these facilities are concentrated in the capital and the more progressive towns. Educational opportunities are sufficient, since the region has several institutions of learning such as the oldest girl’s school in Naga City, Colegio de Sta. Isabel.