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LESSON MODULE
Lesson Number 9

Lesson Title REGION 5 BICOL REGION

Introduction/Discussion of Content

I. Introduction
The Bicol Region, also known simply as Bicol and historically known
as Ibalong prior to Spanish colonization, is a region of the Philippines,
designated as Region V. Bicol comprises six provinces, four on the Bicol
Peninsula mainland (the southeastern end of Luzon) – Albay, Camarines
Norte, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon – and the offshore island provinces
of Catanduanes and Masbate.

Administrative Divisions
Province City
Albay Legazpi / Ligao /Tabaco 
Camarines Norte
Camarines Sur Naga City / Iriga City
Catanduanes
Masbate Masbate City
Sorsogon Sorsogon City

Total of Municipalities of Bicol Region

Albay
Albay is a province located in the Bicol Region in southeastern Luzon of the Philippines. Its capital is the city of Legazpi,
the regional administrative center of the whole Bicol Region, which is located in the southern foothill of Mayon Volcano, the
symbol most associated with the province. This perfectly symmetrical active stratovolcano forms a magnificent, scenic backdrop
to the city of Legazpi and is visible throughout the municipalities and cities of Albay including the surrounding provinces.
Camarines Norte
Camarines Norte is a province located in the Bicol region in Luzon of the Philippines. Its capital is Daet. The province
borders Quezon to the west, Camarines Sur to the south, and the Philippine Sea to the north.
Camarines Sur
Camarines Sur is a province located in the Bicol Region in Luzon of the Philippines. Its capital is Pili and the province
borders Camarines Norte and Quezon to the northwest, and Albay to the south. To the east lies the island province of
Catanduanes across the Maqueda Channel.
Camarines Sur is the largest among the six provinces in the Bicol Region both by population and land area. Its territory
includes two cities: Naga, the lone chartered city, as the province's and the region's religious, cultural, financial, commercial, and
industrial and business center; and Iriga, a component city, as the center of the Rinconada area and Rinconada Language. Within
the province lies Lake Buhi, where the smallest commercially harvested fish, the Sinarapan (Mistichthys luzonensis), can be
found.
Catanduanes
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 Osmeñ a 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.
Masbate
Masbate, officially the Province of Masbate, is an island province in the Philippines located near the middle of the
nation's archipelago. Its capital is Masbate City and consists of three major islands: Masbate, Ticao and Burias. Masbate is at the
crossroads of two island groups: Luzon and Visayas. Being administratively assigned to the Bicol Region, it is politically part of
the Luzon island group. However, from a biogeographic and sociolinguistic perspective, Masbate has a stronger affiliation with
Visayas.
Sorsogon
Sorsogon is a province in the Philippines located in the Bicol Region. It 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. Sorsogueñ os is how the people of Sorsogon
call themselves.
II. History
The Bicol region was known as Ibalong, 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. The
Aeta from Camarines Sur to Sorsogon strongly suggest that aborigines lived there long ago, but earliest evidence 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 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
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first churches in Bicol, the San Francisco Church, and the Naga Cathedral, both in Naga, 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 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 from the local hardwood forests.
III. Physical Geography
a. Size of the Region

The Bicol region comprises the southern part of Luzon, the largest island in the Philippine Archipelago. The total land area 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 area.
Province Area Km2
Albay 2,575.77
Camarines Norte 2,320.07
Camarines Sur 5,497.03
Catanduanes 1,492.16
Masbate 4,151.78
Sorsogon 2,119
Total land area 18,155.82
b. Territory
The region is located at the southernmost tip of Luzon island. It is bounded by Lamon Bay to the north, Pacific
Ocean to the east, and Sibuyan Sea and Ragay Gulf to the west. The northern most province of Quezon, thereby
connecting the region to the rest of Luzon.
C. Map

d. Topography (Land and Water Formations)

The region’s topography may be generally described as ranging from slightly undulating to
rolling and from hilly to mountainous. Bicol is endowed with numerous mountains and volcanoes. The
most famous is Mt. Mayon in Albay, has the highest elevation at 2,462 meters above sea level.

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. The volcano is a protected area and the centerpiece of the 3,672-hectare
(9,070-acre) Bulusan Volcano Natural Park
IV. DEMOGRAPHICS
The 2015 population of the region is higher by 376,578 compared with the population of 5.42 million in 2010, and by
1,110,320 compared with the population of 4.69 million in 2000.

V. ETHNIC GROUPS

The Bicolanos are the fifth-largest Filipino ethnolinguistic group. Their indigenous region is commonly considered to
be Bicolandia, a region composing part of the Bicol Peninsula and neighboring islands of south-east Luzon

T H E M A N G Y A N S - Is the generic name for the eight indigenous groups found on the island of Mindoro and Bicol region,
southwest of the island of Luzon Philippines, home of the Abaca. These free-spirited people are known for their ornamental
designs in weaving, particularly with the use of colored geometric and zigzag patterns in their clothing. Although, the prevailing
handicraft techniques they use nowadays came from different tribal traditions, it can be ascertained that the weaving prowess of
Bicolanos was largely influenced by the Mangyans.

V. 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.

IX. FESTIVALS
Penafrancia Festival in Bicol

A religious festival honoring the feast day of Our Lady of Penafrancia, Patroness of the Bicol
Region. The festivity begins on the second Friday of September when the Image of the Virgin
of Penafrancia is carried by hundreds of male devotees from her shrine to Naga Cathedral.

Abaca Festival - The Abaca Festival or formally known as Catanduanes Abaka Festival is

a festival held each year in Virac, Catanduanes, Philippines. The festival will showcase the life and
resilient spirit of the Catandunganon and its culture, as well as the uniqueness and exoticness of the
island and its people.

Magayon Festival - May 1-31, Albay

A festival in the merry month of May, showcasing Albay as it comes to age, its cultural heritage, trade, travel and
tourism beyond Majestic Mount Mayon. The festival includes various activity such as beauty pageant, photo/art
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exhibit, street parade, trade fair, sports fest, guided tours, etc.

X. PRODUCTS
A. Delicacies & sampling
Bicol expresses
The most popular Bicolano dish did not actually originate from Bicol. The rest of the Philippines thinks of Bicol
express as a coconut-rich stew made of chunks of pork, large pieces of chili, and shrimp paste—a recipe based
on the original Malate creation. Bicolanos, however, have come up with their own
version of their namesake dish: Instead of pork, the preferred star is balaw or sautéed
shrimp. The extra saltiness boosts the flavor and makes it perfect with rice.

Laing- Another Bicolano icon is laing or natong. While it may look like a humble vegetable dish, it’s actually tricky to make.
When prepared incorrectly, the dried gabi leaves can scratch your tongue. But when perfect, it’s a
satisfying medley of stewed greens, coconut milk, chilies, and, occasionally, fish, pork, or chicken.

Kinuno- In this dish, the ever-present coconut milk teams up with malunggay
leaves to dress chunks of stingray or shark meat. The coconut helps break
down the chewier protein, and the milder flavors of this delicacy make it
appealing even when served without steaming hot rice.

Puto bukayo (bocayo)- In Bicol, puto is made with bukayo. The soft and squishy rice cake is shaped
into a ball and filled with sweet and crunchy coconut that’s been cooked in brown sugar.
Tiwi Halo-halo
Pancit Bato- Originating from the small town of Bato, these short, curly strings are more al dente than usual and taste best
prepared guisado or in sabaw. Sometimes, they’re also topped with dinuguan for an extra layer of flavor.
Sili Beer 
Chili Ice Cream

B. Crafts & Pasalubong

Abaka products - Abaka is a sort or specie of native banana which is being harvested
because of its fiber. Abaka products are the main products which can be exported to some other
countries.

XI. Tourist Attractions

A. Religious Sites
Name/Location Description Picture
Basilica of Penafrancia in It is a Roman Catholic Minor Basilica located on the
Naga outskirts of Naga City. It is also known as the Pilgrim City
and Queen City of Bicol. It is one of the largest Marian
Pilgrimage Sites in Asia.

B. Natural (Islands, Mountains, Flora and Fauna)

Mount Mayon in Albay It is the central feature and natural attraction of the
region. Just north of Legazpi City its symmetrical
slopes dominate the view for miles around. If you
dare to scale it, read the Climbing Guide first then
contact the Mayon Mountaineers through the
Department of Tourism Office. If you change your
mind you can ride to the Mayon Resthouse one-
third of the way up. Nearby is the PHILVOCS
Observatory and Museum which showcases
Mayon's violent volcanic past.
Tiwi Hot Springs A highly active thermal area, Tiwi has long been a Figure 138. Tiwi Hot Springs
National Park in Albay popular place to "take the medicinal waters" and
bathhouses abound. The waters are hottest in
Naglagbong Lake, a boiling sulfur pool. Tiwi is also
the site of the mammoth Geothermal Electric Power
Plant, which harnesses steam to generate
electricity, and a salt making industry.
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Dolphin Watching at Not many know that you can go dolphin watching in Figure 139. Dolphin Watching
Camarines Sur Camarines Sur. Marine enthusiasts are now raving
about Ragay Gulf where Spotted dolphins, Indo
Pacific Bottlenose dolphins and the bottlenose
dolphins are regularly seen performing their playful
exhibitions.

Whale shark watching at Donsol in Sorsogon is now more popularly known Figure 140. Whale Shark Watching
Donsol as the “Whale shark Capital of the Philippines.” The
whale shark, locally known as the “butanding” is
neither whale nor shark but is actually a fish. These
gentle giants can measure up to 45 feet and are the
largest fish in the world. They come to Donsol from
different parts of the world to feed on fish and
plankton.

C. Man Made
Misibis Bay in Albay Tucked away in the province of Albay, Figure 142. Misibis Bay
known for its perfectly shaped Mayon
Volcano, Misibis Bay is ready for all those
looking to balance tranquility.

CWC Waterpark in Legazpi The CamSur Watersports Complex is the Figure 144. CWC Waterpark
Albay first world-Class watersports complex in
the Philippines and Asia. CWC aims to bring
cable skiing to a whole new level and
attract water sports enthusiasts from all
over the world with its top of the line
facilities and relaxing environment.

Lignon Hill Nature Park in Lignon Hill is known as the city’s protector. Figure 145. Lignon Hill
Legazpi, Albay It lies in the middle of Mt. Mayon and the
city where approximately 183 000 people
reside.

D. Historical
CAGSAWA RUINS, Daraga The only remnants of a village Figure 146. Caesar Ruins
destroyed by the devastating
eruption of Mayon Volcano on
February 1, 1814.