The Bicol Region (Filipino: Kabikulan; Spanish: Bicolandia) is one of the 17 Regions of

the Philippines, designated as Region V. It is the southern end of Luzon, the biggest island in
the Philippine archipelago. Bicol is comprised of four provinces in the Bicol Peninsula: the
southeastern end of Luzon island, and two island-provinces adjacent to the peninsula, namely:,
Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur ,Albay, Catanduanes, Sorsogon and Masbate. The regional
capital, political/administrative center, center of transportation and largest city is Legazpi City.
While the religious, educational, industrial and commercial center of Camarines Sur is Naga.
Bicol province was founded in 1573. The Bicol Peninsula (at least the southern portion
from Albay Province to Sorsogon Province) was called "Ibalon" during the pre-Hispanic era
variously interpreted to derive from ibalio to bring to the other side ibalon people from the
other side. In 1636, Ibalon was split into two: Partido de Ibalon (comprising what is now
Albay, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Masbate, and the islands of Ticao and Burias) and Partido de
Camarines (all towns north of present-day Camalig, Albay).Bicol comes from the word
'bico/biko,' which was used to describe the river now known as the Bicol River.

Regional Capital: Legazpi City
Provinces Capital

Albay Legazpi

Camarines Norte Daet

Camarines Sur Pili

Catanduanes Virac

Masbate Masbate City

Sorsogon
Sorsogon City




Camarines Norte
Camarines Norte is the province that borders Quezon to the west and Camarines Sur to
the south.Its capital is Daet. Camarines Norte is a crescent-shaped province that stretches
northwest to the southeast. It faces Lamon Bay and the Pacific Ocean on the northeast.
The province of Camarines (Ambos Camarines) was created from Bicol in 1636. During
the early years of Spanish rule, Camarines Norte was part of a province called Ambos
Camarines. This was split into the northern and southern provinces in 1829 but was again
merged in 1854. In 1857, the province was again separated and once more reunited in 1893.
Finally, in March 10, 1917, the Philippine Legislature decreed the partition of Ambos
Camarines into Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur. It was formally declared a province on
March 10, 1917 under Republic Act No. 2711.

Its native inhabitants are called Bicolanos, with a dialect called Bicol. However, on the northern
fringes of the province, the people speak an adulterated Bicol with influences of Tagalog.
Camarines Norte is known for its mineral deposits of gold, silver, iron, zinc, bull quartz, while
its non-metallic minerals include sand, limestone, clay and kaolin. The waters of the province
abound with fish and other marine products. Its farm lands are planted with coconut, banan,
corn, palay and rootcrops. Farming and mining are its most important industries. Other
industries are forestry products and fishing.
The provinces economy largely depends on agriculture, with grain crops, vegetables, coconuts,
rootcrops and fruits as its main products.
The four major manufacturing and processing industries in the province are mining (particularly
gold and iron ore), jewelry craft, pineapple and coconut industry.
The province has an international seaport located at Barangay Osmea, Jose Panganiban town
servicing one of its major industries, Pan Century Surfactants. The seaport is approximately five
kilometers from the town proper and an hour ride to the capital town of Daet. The province also
has 13 fishing ports in the coastal municipalities and one feeder airport in Bagasbas, Daet.
FIRST RIZAL MONUMENT in the Philippines was erected in Daet, just a year after Rizal was
executed in Bagumbayan.


Camarines Sur
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. The province borders Camarines
Norte and Quezon to the north, and Albay to the south. To the east lies the island province of
Catanduanes across the Maqueda Channel. The province is subdivided into 2 cities and 35
municipalities. Although the town of Pili is the provincial capital, Naga City is the commercial,
educational, financial and cultural center of the province. Lake Buhi is where the smallest
commercially harvested fish can be found, the Sinarapan (Mistichthys luzonensis).

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.



The main language spoken in Camarines Sur is Bicol which has 3 types. The Bicol
Central, also known as Bikol Naga, is the standard Bicol easily understood by all Bicolanos and
is spoken in the area around Naga City. The Bicol Albay or Buhi-non is spoken in the southern
part of the province around Lake Buhi and the Rinconada Bicol, also known as Bikol Nabua,
which is used in the area around Nabua. Most inhabitants understand Tagalog and English.

The climate in Camarines Sur, like most of the rest of the country, is very tropical. It is dry from
March to May and wet for the rest of the year. The province has an average temperature of 27.0
C and a relative humidity of 25.8%.

The economy of Camarines Sur is mostly agriculture-based. Out of the 35 towns, 29 towns are
mainly agricultural, producing rice, corn, feedmeal, freshwater fish, livestock, coconut, sugar,
abac, and water-lily.

Entrepreneurs engage in trading, often branching out towards neighboring provinces in the
south as local demand might be limited, indicated by its mostly 3rd-5th income class
municipalities. Handicrafts are the major source of rural income. It is continuous to provide
fairly large share in the small-scale industries of the province. Forestry and papermaking are
another source of livelihood. The manufacture of abac products such as Manila hemp, hats,
bags, mats and slippers is one of the main sources of income in the rural areas. Fishing is also
done along both shores of the province. Tourism, primarily because of Caramoan, and Mt.
Isarog, also draws income for Camarines Sur. 2 towns and one city is primarily tri-economy,
which means that their economy has three bases.


Albay
Albay is located at the southern tip of Luzon Island, it is bounded on the east by the Pacific
Ocean, on the northeast by the Lagonoy gulf, and on the west and southwest by the Burias Pass.
The province is subdivided into 3 congressional districts, 15 municipalities and 3 cities with
Legazpi City as the capital. Bicol is the local dialect but majority of the inhabitants of the
province also understand and speak Tagalog and English.

Albay, generally mountainous with scattered fertile plains and valleys, has 3 types of climate.
The eastern areas experience no dry season with very pronounced maximum rain period from
December to January. The western areas have more or less heavily distributed rainfall
throughout the year and the central areas have no pronounced maximum rain period with a short
dry season from November to January.

Albay is best known for its Mayon Volcano in Legazpi, City. But Albay is not only home to the
spectacular Mayon Volcano; it is also filled with many natural wonders like waterfalls, caves,
natural springs, beaches and marine life. Only one hour away is the natural habitat of the
fascinating Whale Sharks in Donsol, an amazing interactive eco-experience for the whole
family. The local cuisines are delectable and the people are friendly and hospitable.

Agriculture is the main industry in Albay, which produces crops such as coconut, rice, sugar
and abaca. Its forests are sources of timber, rattan, pili nuts and gum resin. There are also vast
grasslands for pasturing horses, cattle, carabaos, goats and sheep. The manufacture of abaca
products such as Manila hemp, hats, bags, mats, and slippers is one of the main sources of
income in the rural areas.
Catanduanes
Catanduanes is an island province its capital is Virac and the province lies to the east of
Camarines Sur across Maqueda Channel, in the south by Lagonoy Gulf, and in the north and
east by the Philippine Sea.Several islands composed the province, but majority of these are
physically small to be of relative significance.

The topography of Catanduanes is rugged and mountainous, becoming more pronounced
towards the central portion of the island. 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.

Three months after the Philippine independence from the Americans, Catanduanes was finally
recognized as a separate and independent province from Albay by the Commonwealth Act No.
687. It 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.[4] Catanduanes became
the sixth province of the Bicol Region with the signing of the Act.

The conventional Bicol dialect is widely used in the province. Tagalog is the second most
common dialect and the most easily understood by people from all walks of life. English is the
medium of instruction in school and primary communications.

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, fishing, buri hat and mat making and abaca fiber craft are
its most and among the important industries of the island.

Virac, the capital town of the island was among the top in terms of infrastructure in 2012 Most
Competitive Municipality category according to the National Competitiveness Council (NCC).

Sorsogon
Sorsogon is the southernmost province in Luzon and is subdivided into fourteen municipalities
(towns) and one city. Its capital is Sorsogon City (formerly the towns of Sorsogon and Bacon)
and borders the province of Albay to the north. Sorsogon is at the tip of the Bicol Peninsula and
faces the island of Samar to the southeast across the San Bernardino Strait and Ticao Island to
the southwest. Sorsogueos is how the people of Sorsogon call themselves.
Sorsogon is characterized by an irregular topography and, except for the landlocked
municipality of Irosin, all towns lie along the coast. They are all connected by concrete and
asphalt roads. Mountains sprawl over the northeast, southeast and west portions. 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.

Most of the inhabitants of the province belong to the ethnolinguistic Bicolano and Bisakol
groups. The people of Sorsogon call themselves as Sorsogueos and are very religious and fun-
loving people. The local languages spoken by Sorsogueos vary in some districts and
municipalities. Among these languages include Bisakol, also called as Waray Sorsogon; Bikol
and a form of Bikol called Minaraya. English is also understood by most educated people and is
used in all government documents, schools and business.

Being mostly Roman Catholics, Sorsogueos 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. The Kasanggayahan Festival is celebrated in the whole
province in the last week of October. It commemorates the founding of Sorsogon as a province.
Pili Festival in Sorsogon City honors the Pili nut and tree which is indigenous to the province.

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.
The Province of Sorsogon indeed had a great contribution on the 97-percent growth in
investments for the first quarter of 2008 and increasing tourism arrivals that buoyed the Bicol
Region economy, despite the damage brought about by incessant rains and a rice shortage. This
is according to the Quarterly Regional Economic Situationer (QRES) released by the National
Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Office in Bicol (NRO 5).

Among the provinces, Sorsogon posted the highest growth (293% respectively) in investments
from the previous year. Next to Sorsogon is Catanduanes that posted a growth of 280%. Albay
contributed 39 percent to the region's investments and posted a growth of 221% from the
preceding quarter.

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. The province is
subdivided into 20 municipalities and 1 city which is Masbate City, the provincial capital.
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.


The people of Masbate predominantly speak Bisakol and Masbateo or Minasbate, a dialect
unique to the province. Some Visayan languages with a unique mixture of Tagalog and some
shades of Hiligaynon are also spoken in the province. In Burias Island, the people speak Bicol
similar to that of the people of Camarines Sur, due to the islands proximity to Bicol mainland.
The people generally speak fluent English and Filipino.

About 85% of Masbates populations are Catholics. Devotional practices such as the rosary,
novenas to saints, and other religious manifestations such as processions, the misa de gallo and
Holy Week traditional activities are still very much part of the way of life of most parishioners
of the province.

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.




Festivals (Camarines Norte)
The Pineapple Festival (or "Pinyasan" as it is called by the locals) is considered
to be the most colorful festival in Camarines Norte. The festival started in 1992,
and is about the province's prime agricultural product, which is the "Queen of
Formosa" pineapple. Noted for its sweetness and flavor, this kind of pineapple
is produced only in Camarines Norte, thereby making it a specialty in the
province. The festival goes on for about 10 days, and several events are held in the
municipality. The festival aims to promote the culture of Daet and its citizens. The Pineapple
Festival is held every 1524 June annually initiated by Mayor Tito Sarte Sarion

The Bantayog Festival celebrates the founding of Camarines Norte. As of 2009, it has been 89
years since the province has become independent, since March 3, 1919, when Ambos
Camarines (At that time Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur were one province) was split int
two. This festival promotes the province as one which has unnoticed potential in the fields of
tourism and commerce, and also the rich culture and hospitality of the people of Camarines
Norte. The Bantayog Festival is held every March or April annually. It was launched on April
2005.


Festivals (Camarines Sur)
Kaogma Festival
A week-long celebration of the of the foundation anniversary of the Province
of Camarines Sur. The festival features numerous activities such as cultural expositions, sports
events, beauty pageant, procession and Grand Parade.

Peafrancia Festival, Naga City
A religious festival honoring the feast day of Our Lady of Peafrancia, Patroness of the Bicol
Region. The festivity begins on the second Friday of September when the Image of the Virgin
of Peafrancia is carried by hundreds of male devotees from her shrine to Naga Cathedral. Main
highlight is the ceremonial fluvial procession along the Naga River where her centuries old
image becomes an object of a stirring religious event.


Festivals (Albay)
Magayon Festival
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 cloud kissing her is Panganoron.

Ibalong Festival, Legazpi
A week-long festivity recounting the brave exploits of the heroes of
Ibalong or prehistoric Bicol. The festival is highlighted by a street parade
recreating the classic battles between heroes and beasts of Ibalong.

Tinagbuan Festival, Ligao City
This festivity is in honor of the citys patron saint, St. Stephen Protomartyr. Tinagbuan, from
the term tagbuan, which means converging point, is exactly the essence of this festival as it
enables Ligaoeos to come back to Ligao for a blessed reunion with their families and friends.
The festivals highlight is the street dance presentation.


Festivals (Catanduanes)
Burac Festival

Feast day of Immaculate Conception (Town Fiesta)
A flourishing municipality, Virac is believed to have its name originated from Burac, a local
term for a flower. Early native settlers sustained their living by tilling its fertile lands and
fishing from the rich water resources that abound in this town. Commemorating their devotion
to Nuestra Senora de la Immaculada Conception, the patroness of Virac, and give thanks and
honor for her blessings and guidance, Burac Festival came out to be from the capital town of
Virac, across Maqueda channel.

Catandungan Festival
The Catandungan Festival is a celebration of the provinces founding
anniversary, and a tribute to its founder, to continuously remind the people
of Catanduanes of the provinces independence from the province of
Albay. Main features are: surfing competitions, street dancing
competitions, singing competitions, parades, beauty pageants, agro-trade
fair, sports events, guided tours, photo exhibits featuring the rich history and culture of the
province, and more.

Festivals (Sorsogon)
Town Fiestas
Most of the inhabitants of the province belong to the ethnolinguistic Bicolano and Bisakol
groups. Sorsogueos 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.In Gubat,Sorsogon,the feast of Gubat is celebrated in June 13.

Downtown Bulusan located East of the Province
Kasanggayahan Festival The festival, celebrated in the whole province in the last week of
October, commemorates the founding of Sorsogon as a province. Festivities include a series of
cultural, historical, religious, agro-industrial and economic activities, showcasing the provinces
abundant agricultural products, particularly food and decorative items.
Pili Festival in Sorsogon City honors the Pili nut and tree which is indigenous to province. The
festival coincides with the town fiesta of Sorsogon City. Celebrations include street dancing by
locals donning pili nut costumes, cooking competitions, fireworks displays, and even a
nutcracking session along the road by the locals.

Festivals (Masbate)
Pagdayao Festival
This festival honors, praises and give thanks to the City's Patron Saint Anthony of Padua every
13 June of the year.
Lapay Bantigue Dance Festival
It is celebrated during the City Anniversary on 30th day of September. This event highlights the
traditional folk dance created by "Lola Felisa" many years ago, when she imitated the graceful
movement of the seagull (locally known as Lapay). The dance has evolved and is now
recognized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines as one of the official folk dances of the
country. This dance was also recognized during the Spanish Colonization.















Butanding Donsol Sorsogon
Paguiriran Lagoon
Sorsogon

Catanduanes


Mayon Volcano Legazpi
City, Albay
Cagsawa Ruins


Aguirangan Island Resort Camarines
Sur
Caramoan Island Camarines
Sur

Bagasbas Beach Daet, Camarines
Norte
Vinzons, Camarines Norte