CATANDUANES
Brief History Of Catanduanes
Language/Dialect
Bicol is the native tongue but with different
nuances and variations, especially when
one goes up to the northern towns like
Pandan, Caramoran, and Panganiban.
English and Tagalog are commonly spoken
and understood.
Catanduanes is an island province of
the Philippines located in the Bicol
Region of Luzon. 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.
As of the 2010 census, the population of the
province is 246,300 people.[2] The island
province was among the 42 provinces in the
country listed as Peaceful and Ready for
Development last year 2014.
The province, formerly known as
"Catanduan, "Catandongan", and finally
"Catanduanes", derived its name from the
"tando" trees.;
The early settlers of this island were said to
be scions of the Datus of Borneo. Juan de
Salcedo arrived in this island in 1573,
hunting for pirates, and conquered and
Christianized the natives. Three years later,
a galleon expedition from Acapulco was
shipwrecked near the island and the
survivors were either killed or made
servants. The Batalay Church in Bato, just
several kilometers from the capital town of
Virac, marks that historical event.
Commonwealth Act No. 687 established
Catanduanes as a province independent
from Albay. It was approved by Congress on
September 26, 1945, signed into law by
President Sergio Osmea, Sr. on October
24, 1945, and took effect on October 16,
1945.
Historical Background
PRE-SPANISH PERIOD
Bornean Datus settled on the island of
Panay. Their scions then, spread out
throughout the archipelago were the first
settlers to have set foot in Catanduanes.
The island was not spared from raids of the
Moros coming from the island of Mindanao.
Because of these destructive raids, many
records of the past were destroyed and lost.
SPANISH PERIOD
Juan de Salcedo arrived in this island in
1573, hunting for pirates, and conquered
the natives. Three years later, a galleon
expedition from Acapulco was shipwrecked
near the island and the survivors were
either killed or made servants. The Batalay
Church in Bato, just several kilometers from
the capital town of Virac, marks that
historical event.
The Christianization of the island started
some twenty years later. The
conquistadores, after subjugating the Bicol
mainland, returned to the island with
Franciscan missionaries. From 1600 to
1857, the colonizers were able to put up
nine centers of local governments through
the establishment of parishes.
EVANGELIZATION
The actual evangelization of the island
started some twenty years later, when the
soldiers of Spain, after subjugating the Bicol
mainland, came back with Franciscan
missionaries. The missionaries armed with
the cross and backed by the sword of the
conquistadors evangelized the entire
population without much resistance, after
initially converting the southern tribes.
CHRISTIANIZATION
From 1600 to 1857, the colonizers were
able to put up nine centers of local
governments through the establishment of
parishes: Caramoran ; Pandan (1650); Viga
(1661); Panganiban (1663); Virac (1775);
Bato (1830); and San Andres (1853). During
the early fifties, Baras was created.
Bagamanoc, a thriving municipality during
the Spanish period was reduced to a mere
 barrio of Viga and later of Panganiban,
during the American regime. It formally
became a municipality in 1950 followed by
Gigmoto in 1951, and San Miguelin 1952. It
was during this period that the island saw
its own development growth. Interlinking
roads built and trading centers created.
AMERICAN PERIOD
During the American Regime, the local
insurgents refused to recognize the
sovereignty of the United States. Most of
them fled to the mountains. The American
occupation did not last long. In 1934, the
Americans had ceased control of the island.
WORLD WAR II
During World War II, Catanduanes was not
spared from Japanese invasion. The
Japanese erected garrisons in different
parts of the island and committed many
atrocities.
Major Salvador Rodolfo organized the
Catanduanes Liberation Forces and the back
bone of the resistance movement. It
performed numerous ambuscades against
the Japanese Imperial Army and conducted
intelligence gathering, which was necessary
in paving the way for the eventual
liberation of the province by the combined
American and Filipino troops. During his
exploits as a guerilla leader, Rodolfo was
rumored several times to have been killed
in battle but time and again he keeps on
coming back to destroy every vestige of
enemy control in the province of
Catanduanes, hence he was called
"Phantom" or the Man who never dies.
PEOPLE POWER REVOLUTION
The People Power Revolution in February
1986 ushered in new leadership. Former
Ambassador Leandro I. Verceles Sr. was
appointed Governor of the province. In
1988, Governor Leandro I. Verceles Sr. ran
for Governor and won the election. His
term ended in 1992 when lost to Governor
Rosalie A. Estacio. After Governor Estacio,
Governor Severo C. Alcantara became the
governor of the province in 1995. Gov.
Alcantara did not run for re-election due to
failing health. In 1998 Governor Hector S.
Sanchez won the election. Governor
Sanchez run for re-election but lost to
Governor Leandro B. Verceles Jr who
became governor for two successive terms.
In 2007 synchronized elections, Gov.
Verceles run again for his third and last
term for governor but lost to Governor
Joseph C. Cua, who became governor from
2007-2013 for two successive terms but lost
to Gov. Araceli B. Wong last May 2013
election. Gov. Wong is now the incumbent
governor.
Virac
It has been said that Virac is a derivation of
the word Vidak while others claim it is a
contraction of the Spanish version of the
word burac, meaning flower. A priest is on
a quest for more information about the
natives. Pointing to a tree, he asked what it
was called and the natives replied, Burac.
Thereupon, the priest made his first
notation on his book of information
burac.
Virac is a first class municipality in
the province of Catanduanes, Philippines. It
is the capital municipality of the province
and the most populous and fifth largest in
land area. According to the 2010 census, it
has a population of 66,951 persons.
Brief History
During pre-Hispanic times, tribal chieftain
Lumibao, scion of Datu Dumaguil, came to
the Philippines with his wife Milbigan and
the 13 Malay datus, settling near Vidak
spring where he founded a settlement.
During the Revolution, a bloody battle
between the Spaniards and the rebels was
fought at Virac (Sitio Ili, Brgy. Danicop). The
Spaniards left before the arrival of Filipino
troops from Luzon in 1898.
During the Philippine-American War, the
Americans entered Virac in 1900.
The towns name is said to be a derivation
of the word Vidac while others claim it is a
contraction of the Spanish version of the
word burac, meaning flower.
 TRADITIONS/CULTURE
(Festivals and Celebrations)

Catandungan Festival
-is an annual prime celebration of the island
province. It is the anniversary celebration and
tribute to its founders, to continuously remind
the people of Catanduanes of the provinces'
independence from the province of Albay. The
main features of the festival are: Street Dancing
- Pantomina Dance, Beauty Pageant, Agro-Trade
Fair, Sports Fest, Guided Tour, Surfing Cup,
Art/Photo Exhibits, Etc.

Kalbaryo or Calvary
which is commonly staged during the
Holy Week is a reenactment of the passion of
Christs way of the cross can be best seen in the
Abaca Festival Municipality of San Andres during Holy
is an annual cultural celebration of the Wednesday and Good Friday of every year.
province. It cognizance of the importance of
abaca in the local economy and the need to
showcase its versatility as a major source of
livelihood and craft material which has brought
Catanduanes fame and fortune. 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.

Kagharong
is a native depiction of the nativity scene is held
every year during the yuletide season.

Folk Festivals
The folk festivals celebrated as part of the local
religious rituals are with unique traces of the
Spanish colonization. Among these festivals
are:

Dinahit Festival
- is a prime festival in the municipality
of Pandan celebrated every April. The
word Dinahit is a native sailing vessel used by
the Austronesians to travel across the ocean to
reach Pandan, the northernmost municipality of
the province.
 Pantomina
is purely a native dance, popular on occasions
of importance. It is a dance
interpretation (pantomime) of
a rooster courting a hen. Pantomina dance is
mostly practiced in rural areas.
Padadyao sa Tinampo
is purely native cultural presentation of street
dancing held every 24 October to
commemorate the provinces founding
anniversary.
Sugbo Festival
is a very recent addition to these traditional
festivals. The notable contemporary event 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.
Industry
The five major income sources of Catanduanes
are:
Services, Agriculture and Fishing, Tourism,
Cottage Industry and Manufacturing.
Cottage Industry and Manufacturing
The Abaca Capital. From 2001 through 2010,
the Philippines production of abaca fiber
averaged 65,701 mt per year and had been
decreasing at a minimal rate of 0.8% per annum
caused by the devastating typhoons in 2006
coupled with abaca viral diseases that
continued to affect the plantations as well as
the dampened foreign demand brought about
by the global economic recession This was
primarily the effect of the incremental
production from the abaca plantations
established in 2005 and 2006 under FIDAs
program Goal I Development of New Agri-
Business Lands and the continued strong
demand and attractive prices offered for the
fiber by local traders, processors/manufacturers
and exporters. Catanduanes Island is the native
habitat of the endemic abaca plant (a banana
relative) which is globally renowned for its
strong fiber. In fact, the Philippines FIDA (Fiber
Industry Development Authority) declared the
island as the highest abaca producing province
in 2010.
 Agriculture and Fishing formations. Mysterious caves with historical
Catanduanes is also reclaiming the title of Crab significance to compliments its beauty and
Capital of the Philippines, which it lost to mystic would surely enchant the travelers, most
Negros province about three decades ago. But notably the Luyang Cave. Nature trails and
still the province still the region's "Crab Capital". panoramic views such as the one viewed from
Catanduanes mud crab industry is enjoying the the grounds of the PAGASA Weather Radar
support of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Station is a photo enthusiast dream-come-true.
Resources, Department of Science and A religious pilgrim will be well satisfied with a
Technology, Department of Environment and tour of the churches and religious shrines in the
Natural Resources, Department of labor and Island. The Museo De Catanduanes with its fine
Employment and Catanduanes State University. collection of artifacts is a must for the history
The provincial government, for its part, is buff.
maintaining the Catanduanes Crab Center (CCC) Catanduanes is An Eco-Adventure Paradise, it
which serves as a source of crablets for grow- is for those who love nature at its best.
out and fattening by fishpond operators. It
carries out a special program for queen or
gravid crabs designed to ensure the
sustainability of the industry in the province,
which originally owned the crab capital of the
Philippines title. The provinces mud crab
industry is focusing on the production of female
crabs that play an important role in marketing,
particularly in Asian countries such as Japan,
Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Catanduanes Specialty Products

Crispy Pili

Tourism
Tourism Industry in the province is relatively
growing despite of almost year round typhoon,
naming the province as a "Typhoon Capital of
the Philippines" with a tagline "The Land of the Chili Cupcakes
Howling Winds". Catanduanes is famous for its
unspoiled beaches, pre-historic caves, exotic
places, quaint stone chapels and massive
churches. Despite the typhoons, safe anchorage
are provided by its many bays and coves
notably Kalapalan, Gigmoto, Soboc and
Cabugao. Its Pacific coastlines are havens for
surfers. The home to the Majestic Waves,
with its long magnificent barrels, it is a surfers
paradise in idyllic Baras. It also boasts idyllic
beaches with powdery sands and coral
 Rattan Chair
Octopus: Octopus adobo was another dish
served at Puraran Beach.

Wood Crafts
Bicol Express: A signature vegetable dish from
the region made of gabi, coconut milk, sili,
and shrimp paste, Bicol express goes great with
any type of seafood. One of the best variants
was served in Kemji Resort and Resto near the
airport in San Isidro Village, Virac. The hotel,
which has a cozy al fresco resto called Cafe
Teraza overlooking a swimming pool, serves
mainly Chinese fare like lumpiang shanghai and
pancit, as well as a few Bicolano staples like
Bicol Express.

Aside from the great surf and host of nature

and outdoor adventures, the province of
Catanduanes in the Bicol region boasts of some
of the best food. Bicolano cuisine is known for
its generous use of gata (coconut milk) and
spicy ingredients. Mix that with the natural
abundance of seafood in the island-province.
Heres a food diary of the most memorable
meals.

Lobster: This delicious dish of steamed lobster

was served for lunch in Majestics Beach Resort Prawns : The prawns were larger compared to
in Puraran Beach, a major surfing and tourist the shrimps normally can be bought from the
destination in the province. The meat of the markets in Manila.
lobster tasted tender and a bit sweeter than
crab meat. Since the flavor was a bit mild, this
went really well with calamansi and soy sauce.
 Tuna Sashimi and Kilawin
Political Subdivisions
Political Government
-Catanduanes has 11 Towns. Catanduanes is
divided into two parts, West Catanduanes and
East Catanduanes. West Catanduanes is
composed of 3 Towns that lies in the western
part of the Island; Virac, San Andres (Calolbon)
and Caramoran while East Catanduanes is
composed of 8 Towns that lies in the eastern
part of the Island; Bato, San Miguel, Baras,
Gigmoto, Viga, Panganiban (Payo), Bagamanoc
and Pandan. Each Town has their attractions.
-There are 315 barangays all over the province
and one Congressional district.
- Virac is a first class municipality in
the province of Catanduanes,
Philippines.
Famous Natural Resources and Tourist Spots
Natural
PURARAN BEACH
Puraran, Baras
Clean and peach-colored beach, Puraran is
invigorating to those who want to bask in the
glory of the sea, sand and sky. This is the most
famous beach in Catanduanes and placed the
province in the surfing map of the world, listed
as one of the top surfing locations. It also
boasts of a magnificent view of mountains and
coves. The place, apart from excluding modern
comforts, also means less urban chaos and
more peace and serenity.
Luyang Cave Park
Lictin, San Andres
Feel the cool damp air inside this mute witness
to and tomb of the massacre natives who fled
from the Moro pirates during the 17th century.
To appease their troubled souls, a mini grotto
and altar was built inside in memory of this
massacre. A Requiem Mass is said on April
28 of every year. The adventurer could revel in
the sight of the corridors of majestic and
colossal stalactites and stalagmites pillars and
rock formations. Hanging from the ceilings and
waalls of the cave are countless bats who
reigns the whole length of the cave. From a
distance is Mt. Cagmasosco, one of the highest
mountain peaks in the province.
AMENIA BEACH RESORT
Palawig, San Andres
Reeling with the textures of the sun, sea and
sand, one can easily lose oneself and be drifted
away while leisurely walking along the stretch
of its powdery-white sands and dabbling in its
undeniably tamed waters. A place to enjoy the
vantage view of the beautiful sunset and
where one could take a full view of the
breathtaking perfect silhouette of Mayon
Volcano and its neighbor, Bulusan Volcano, in
the distance.
 TWIN ROCK BEACH RESORT
Igang, Virac
Where the aquamarine vastness is punctuated
by two rocks jutting out of the Pacific Ocean,
where the underwater coral formations are
ideal for snorkeling, this resort is one of the
best in the entire islan. Its mysteriously
comforting calm and safe refuge to visiting
tourists, whether foreign or domestic, are
warm assurances of a wholesome and relaxing
experience. Experience the adrenaline rush
with its own zip-line, a 40 foot climbing wall, a
wipeout like obstacle course, canopy walk and
ATV rides. The resort also offers diving
packages.
BALITE BEACH
Balite, Virac
The sprawling beach is covered with cool and
shady trees and blessed with fine creamy sand,
both in the shorelines and in the swimming
area. The clear water is ideal for snorkeling
and spear fishing because of the well-
developed coral formations. The beach is an
ideal place for family and office outings and
weekend picnics.
LORAN RUINS
Panay Island, Bagamanoc
At the tip of Panay Island, in the barangay of
Quigaray in the municipality of Bagamanoc, is
the famous LORAN Beach. LORAN stands for
Long Range Aid to Navigation, a former
American naval base built around the early
1950s as an outpost to monitor movements in
the Pacific Ocean. Abandoned in 1972, the
camp was then used by local coastguards in
1980 and was again abandoned. The beach is a
short walk from the drop off point, reachable
by banca 30 to 40 minutes from the shoreline
of the town of Bagamanoc. It has white sand
that lead to a stairway up a hill where the
structures are located. From atop, the
marvelous view of the Pacifics turquoise
waters crashing against the shoreline is more
than enough to compensate for the long
journey.
MARIBINA FALLS
Marinawa-Binanuahan, Bato
Maribina Falls is the most popular and widely
publicized among the numerous waterfalls in
Catanduanes. Gushing with breath-taking
rapids of crystal-clear waters, the cascading
three-layer falls is located amid rustic
surroundings and lush green vegetation. There
are ideal picnic grounds near the waterfalls
and sheds are available for day visitors.
 NAHULUGAN FALLS
San Pedro, Gigmoto
The cascades of this falls boast of a tall drop
where its waters beautifully cascade on three
tiers, creating spectacular sprays where
bathers can soothe their tired muscles. It is
surrounded by lush vegetation and forest
where locals have made place into a natural
picnic ground.
Kosta Alcantara Beach Resort
Virac, Catanduanes
Its shoreline is covered with fine white sand
and its pristine azure waters never fail to lure
visitors to take a dip. It faces the mainland
Bicol where one could take a full view of the
breathtaking Mayon Volcano.
Accommodations are truly classy and elegant.
Emmalyn Paradise Resort
San Andres, Catanduanes
It boasts of luxurious and world-class air-
condition cottages, an orchidarium, and a
spring-fed swimming pool. Its complete line of
scuba diving equipment makes it stand out
from the rest of the resorts. Luxuriate in the
comforts of truly high-end accommodation
facilities.
Bosdak Beach Resort
Magnesia del Sur, 12 km south-west of Virac
Bask in the glow of deep blue waters
stretching like an expanse of warm silk that
kisses the velvety sky. Complete with
amenities like a swimming pool, restaurant
and bar, and hostel accommodations.
 Solong Falls
San Miguel, Catanduanes

Secluded and relatively unexplored, the

waterfalls beckon trekkers for a refreshing dip.
Located along lush vegetation that grow under
the damp mist of the clouds, creating forests
with peaceful and ethereal beauty. It has
several cascading waters flowing into natural
pools. Cottages are available for picnic goers
and adventurers at a minimal entrance fee.

Soboc Cove

Located in Viga on the northeastern portion of

the province, the cove has white beaches and
when seen from a distance, the panoramic
Mamangal Beach view is simply superb. The whole stretch of
Virac, Catanduanes Soboc Cove continues to beguile visitors with
its unspoiled beauty-an asset which the locals
Crystalline waters abound with natural and within the area are guarding zealously.
colorful reefs where a big number of species
swarm in the multi-colored panorama.

Balongbong Falls
Located in Bato along the national highway. In
the basin is a man-made swimming pool and a
pavilion for excursionists.

Toytoy Beach
Caramoran, Catanduanes

The well-developed coral formations

underwater makes it ideal for snorkeling and
spear fishing.
 Man-Made

Museo de Catanduanes
3/F Old Capitol Building
Santa Elena, Virac

Experience a glimpse of the historical

development of the province in its own one
and only culture and heritage center, a
showcase of CAtanduanes history and rich
repository of its genetic culture.

Historical

Japanese Tunnel

This is the former radar site of the Japanese

Imperial Navy during World War II.

PAG-ASA WEATHER RADAR STATION

Buenavista, Bato

The latest state of the art Doppler radar

station that sits on top of a mountain is
expected to mitigate the impact of devastating
typhoons in the country as the state weather
agency. PAG-ASA, predicts incoming typhoons.
It will also provide accurate weather forecasts
from PAG-ASA and thus creating a system that
will better warn the officials of the national
and local disaster risk reduction and
management offices and the people, about
possible typhoons and readier than ever to
respond to these threats and help the people
recover from potential damages.
 Religious
Holy Cross of Batalay Shrine
Batalay, Bato
The shrine is the site where the first Catholic
Cross was planted in Catanduanes and was
built over the burial place of Augustinian priest
Fray Diego de Herrera in 1576 who died in
Batalay, Bato. Legend says that a spring water
sprouted near the cross, believed to have
healing powers. It is a common belief that the
cross presently enshrined in the Batalay
Chapel is still the original cross planted more
than 420 years ago. Batalay has been the
center of annual religious pilgrimages from
people of different places. The Holy Cross of
Batalay is a Diocesan shrine with the right to
hold a liturgical celebration on the last Friday
of April every year.
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Poblacion, Bato
The magnificently situated edifice stands
proudly by the scenic Bato River and greets
everyone upon entrance to the town of Bato.
It is the only remaining structure of its kind in
the entire island.
Our Lady of Sorrows Shrine
Batong Paloway, San Andres
The thumbnail sized river stone bearing the
mystical face of the Virgin Mary found in a
river bank is believed to have grown in size
over the years. At present, one can view the
image with the bare eyes unlike before, when
one had to use a magnifying lens. The image
has drawn many devotees throughout the
years and a mass is being heard every Friday
afternoon as devotees flock the chapel
regularly to pray the rosary and novenas. Every
Lenten week celebration people on Holy
Thursday walk from Virac and as far as Batalay,
Bato on a penitentiary pilgrimage to visit and
pray to the Lady of Sorrows.
Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral
Concepcion, Virac
Located at the heart of the capital town of
Virac, the cathedral that has been super-
imposed over the old parish church is adorned
with stained glass windows and a roof dome is
being added on top of the altar.
Godbless
Prepared By: Florexan Pason BEED 2A