Buyo, Polangui

Polangui, officially the Municipality of Polangui ( bcl, Banwaan kan Polangui; tl, Bayan ng Polangui), is a 1st class municipality in the province of Albay. The villa, which lies south-west of Polangui, would be known as the fourth of its kind in the entire archipelago.

Fray de la Magdalena was credited with the founding of Polangui. Old manuscripts in the Archives of Manila and in the Franciscan Convent in Manila point to 1584 as the year Polangui was founded, and thus considered as one of the oldest municipalities in the Philippines.

Spanish regime

By 1654, the original settlement became considerably bigger when Fray Alonzo de San Juan, was assigned in Polangui as "Encargado". The settlement was expanded reaching the present barangay sites in Lanigay, Ponso and Balinad. The town proper was established in Lanigay where a church made of wood was erected adjacent to about 280 wooden dwellings and more than 1,000 nipa huts. Unfortunately, this church together with the dwelling units was razed by a fire to the ground.

With the coming of another missionary, Fray Juan Bautista Marza, a new church made of bricks and stones was completed in 1664. This church stood on a new elevated site and still stands to this day. Under the leadership of Fray Marza, roads and bridges were also initiated and schools were introduced simultaneously with the Christian Doctrine and Spanish culture.

Growth of the settlement was so fast that it became a ''Poblacion'' and finally recognized as a ''Pueblo'' in 1674. Owing to its steady growth, a link with nearby Libon and Oas became a necessity. Hence, Fr. Jose Arnao, parish priest and Encargado from 1832 until 1852, directed the construction of roads and bridges that would connect Polangui to neighboring towns, including upland Buhi in Camarines Sur.

During Spanish regime, a significant highlight is the construction of its parish church which took 10 years to be completed starting in 1654 by Fray Alonzo de San Juan and completed in 1664 by Fray Juan Bautista Marza.

Polangueño martyr, Camilo Jacob, who is a photographer, was executed on January 4, 1897, with other Bicolanos. They are now commemorated as the Quince Martires del Bicolandia. A year later, the Spanish rule in Bicol ended with the mutiny of ''Guardia Civil'' in Naga led by Elias Angeles.

American period

Sometime during the Philippine–American War, Polangui became the seat of the Provincial Government of Albay for a brief period under Governor Domingo Samson. When the Americans conquered Polangui in 1890 without firing a single shot, the form of government went through transition from military to civil government then Commonwealth system. The seat of the municipal government was in Ponso with Clemente Sarte as the acting Chief Executive. A few months later, the seat of the municipal government was transferred to Centro Occidental and still remains up to this day.

Japanese occupation

When the Japanese forces occupied Polangui on December 13, 1941, Cipriano Saunar, then vice mayor of the Commonwealth government was appointed mayor by the Japanese military administration. A secret civil government was established simultaneously headed by Julian Saunar which was supported by the people. Cipriano Saunar's successor was Manuel Samson Sr. and in turn was succeeded by Jesus Salalima who ruled from 1947 to 1960.

Geography

Polangui is located at , in the north-eastern quadrant of the third district of Albay.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality has a land area of constituting of the total area of Albay.

Polangui is bounded on the north by Buhi and Iriga City of Camarines Sur province, south by Libon, Oas and City of Ligao; and west by Malinao and the City of Tabaco. It is from Legazpi and from Manila.

Climate

Polangui has a general climate characterized by dry season with a very pronounced maximum rainfall from November to December. Prevailing wind is in the general direction from north-east to south-west.

Barangays

Polangui is politically subdivided into 44barangays.

It is grouped into three divisions:
* Poblacion Barangays – 13 member barangays
* Rinconada Area Development Council (RADC) – 11 member barangays
* Upland Area Development Council (UADC) – 20 member barangays

Demographics

In the 2020 census, Polangui had a population of . The population density was .

Language

Bikol Polangueño is the main dialect in Polangui, classified under Oasnon/West Miraya Bikol language. The majority of the population speak Tagalog and English. Other languages/dialects spoken are Bicolano Viejo and Bikol Rinconada (Agos-Matacon Area).

Religion

Christianity is the predominant religion with Roman Catholicism having the biggest practitioners. The four (4) Roman Catholic Parishes of Polangui is grouped as part of the Third Vicariate under the Roman Catholic Diocese of Legazpi. The Parishes are:
*Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Barangay Centro Occidental (main parish)
*St. Dominic Guzman Parish in Barangay Matacon
*St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Barangay Ponso
*Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Barangay Lidong

All of the barangays have their respective patron saints and barangay chapels.

Other Christian denominations present in the municipality include Protestants, Baptist, United Pentecostal Church, and Iglesia ni Cristo. Islam and Buddhism also have followers in the municipality.

Economy

Polangui is classified as a first-class municipality as per DOF Order No. 20-05, dated July 29, 2005.

Agriculture

Its economy is still heavily dependent on agriculture. Major crops include rice, corn, cacao, pili, root crops, vegetables, coconuts and abacá. Poultry and livestock raising are also very much alive.

Shopping centers

Major business commercial establishments include the Bicol's largest mall chain, ''Liberty Commercial Center (LCC)''; and the ''Novo Asia Jeans and Shirts''. The municipality has also attracted investments from national retail chains such as the recently opened ''Xentro Mall Polangui'' and '' SM Hypermarket''. Other local establishments include ''Tri-Star Commercial'', ''V5 General Merchandise'', ''Angena Trading'', and the recently opened ''Polangui 168 Enterprises''.

Tourism and culture

Attractions

Polangui provides a good view of Mount Mayon. The town hosts various historical and cultural tourism spots and other tourism-oriented recreation centers. Among these are:

Spring resorts

* ''Highlanders Watering Hole Resort'' is a "back-to-nature" vacation spot, located at Barangay Maynaga. It is away from the business district of Polangui.
* Danny's Spring Resort at Barangay Balinad
* Kathleen's Paradise Resort at Barangay Agos
* Villa Sofia Resort ''(formerly La Oping Swimming Pool and Resort)'' at Barangay Gabon
* 7 Hills Farm and Resort at Barangay Balinad

Public parks

* Sabido Park
* Parish Patio
* Kiwanis Children's Park

Nature parks

* ''Lake Danao Natural Park'' in Barangay Danao is a small, scenic crater lake, located from the town proper. It is nestled between Mount Malinao and Mount Masaraga. The rare ''tabios'' or ''sinarapan'' (''Mystichtys luzonensis''), the world's smallest fish, is also cultured here. The lake is a 30-minute hike through carabao trails and abaca plantations.
* ''Saint Expeditus Eco-Park'' is part of the Zepeda Leisure Estates, located at Barangay Agos. Its primary activities such as nature trailing, birdwatching, horseback riding and camping, among others.
* Bastian Wildlife Center
*

Leisure and sports parks

* ''Zepeda Leisure Estates'' situated at Barangay Agos, offers a variety of amenities and facilities such as the Albay's first golf course, a driving range, a spring resort, camping grounds, lodge cabin, a restaurant, picnic area and a nature trail. Aside from playing golf and throwing in a picnic, available activities also includes pitch and putt, birdwatching and horseback riding.
* Polangui Tennis Club at Barangay Centro Occidental
* JGL Gamefarm at Barangay Ubaliw
* Salceda Sports Complex at Barangay Centro Oriental
* Polangui Oval at Barangay Centro Oriental ''(for renovation)''

Festivals and events

* ''Polangui Town Fiesta'' — started as "Oyangui Festival" in 2003 and later became "Pulang Angui Festival". It is an annual celebration of Polangueños during the whole month of June.
* ''Semana Santa'' (Holy Week) — The procession of ''pasos'' (Holy images) during Viernes Santo (Good Friday) has attracted devotees and local tourist alike because of the colorful and grandiose life-sized ''rebultos'' (statues) depicting the Passion of Christ and His resurrection installed on top of ornately decorated and lighter ''carrozas'' or cars. Many of the images and sculpture are of great antiquity and of magnificent artistry. Some of them are even centuries-old, like the image of St. Peter which dates back to 1857 as an heirloom piece.
* ''Karangahan sa Polangui'' — is Polangui's adaptation of the month-long celebration of the province's ''Karangahan sa Pasko: Albay Green Christmas'', usually starting during the last week of November throughout December. ''Karangahan'' originated from the Bicolano term, ''ranga'', which pertains to a higher level of joy and contentment; a term of endearment. The festival is aimed at the safety of both families and environment by means of an environment-friendly celebration which can be achieved through continued propagation and adherence to its original campaign which is the "plastic-free, smoke-free and zero casualty" advocacy and objectives of the province. Before it was even called ''Karangahan sa Polangui'', Polangueños are already celebrating it as Tia Angui Festival, a concoction of the name of the town's maiden, Angui (''Tiya Angui''), from which the town derived its name. Likewise, it may be interpreted as ''tiangge'', a local term for "bazaar", which flood the town's public market during Christmas season. Usually, it is a tight gridwork of crowded stalls peddling Christmas decorations, fireworks, fresh fruits, assorted toys, discounted clothes, jewelry, accessories, electronics, and handicrafts, in the hallways and other empty spaces.

Local products and delicacies

* Calamay ''(sankaka)'' – also spelled kalamay which means "sugar", is a sticky sweet delicacy that is popular in many regions of the Philippines. It is locally known in Polangui as ''sankaka'' and is made of coconut milk, brown sugar, and ground glutinous rice. Kalamay can be eaten alone but is usually used as a sweetener for a number of Filipino desserts and beverages. The town's largest natural producer of ''sankaka'' is the Sarilla's Muscovado Milling Facility at Barangay Balaba.
* Rice Cakes
** ''Ibos'' – is made from glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk, and often steamed wrapped in buli or buri palm (Corypha) leaves. It is usually eaten sprinkled with sugar.
** ''Balinsuso'' – is a Bicolano ''suman'' made up of ground rice (ordinary or sticky rice), coconut milk, sugar and grated coconut. In other towns, they call it ''balisongsong''.
** ''Binûtong'' – is made up of glutinous rice with coconut cream, wrapped in banana leaves. This is often served as breakfast or ''merienda'', and best paired with hot chocolate or coffee. The term itself, probably came from the root word "butok" or to "tie a knot" as the mouthwatering meal is wrapped and tied in layers of banana leaves in order to confine the flavors inside white it is being cooked. The banana leaves gives a wonderful flavor to the rice.
* ''Sinapot'' – is a local term for ''maruya''. These are sliced bananas dipped in batter, deep fried and dredged in sugar. All are popular street food and is best eaten during ''merienda''.
* ''Biniribid'' – is made from grated ''lukadon'' (young coconut)/coconut milk, and flour, topped with a mixture of kalamay and brown sugar. Its name is a Bikol term for ''twisted'', as it is usually curled to form an eight much like twisted bread. Like the ''sinapot'', it is also best eaten during ''merienda''.
* Pili – Of the family Burseraceae, pili (''Canarium ovatum'') is native to the Philippines and can be found in especially in the Bicol region where it is an important crop and source of income of many families. Pili is a versatile nut being used for a variety of products. The nut kernel is the most important product. It can be eaten raw or roasted where its mild, nutty taste and tender-crispy texture can compare with and even found better than an almond. Pili kernel is also used in chocolate, ice cream, and baked goods. The young shoots and the fruit pulp are edible. The shoots are used in salads, and the pulp is eaten after it is boiled and seasoned. Boiled pili pulp resembles the sweet potato in texture, it is oily (about 12%) and is considered to have food value similar to that of avocado. Pulp oil can be extracted and used for cooking or as a substitute for cottonseed oil in the manufacture of soap and edible products. The stony shells are excellent fuel or growth medium for orchids and ornamental plants.

Cultural properties

Historical markers

This list contains an overview of the government-recognized historical markers installed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) in Polangui that have been commemorated by cast-iron plaques permanently installed in publicly visible locations on buildings, monuments, or in special locations. While many cultural properties have historical markers installed, not all places marked with historical markers are designated into one of the particular categories of Cultural Properties.

Religious landmarks

* The ''Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church'' is located at Barangay Centro Occidental. It is one of the oldest Catholic churches in the Philippines, which took 10 years to finish. The church construction was started in 1654 by Fr. Alonzo de San Juan and was finished in 1664 under the management of Fr. Juan Bautista Marza.
* Santo Entierro Shrine
* Angustia / La Pieta Shrine

Monuments

* The ''Pedro Sabido Monument'' was constructed as a dedication to former Philippine Senator, Pedro Sabido, who was born in Polangui on October 19, 1894, to Don Juan D. Sabido and Doña Maximina Ribaya. His monument is located at the Sabido Park, beside the Office of the Sangguniang Bayan. A provincial road, the Pedro Sabido Road, was also dedicated in his honor. It serves as a major transport road which connects the municipality of Polangui to the municipalities of Oas, the City of Ligao and the First District of Albay.
* The ''Veterans' Memorial'' was constructed as a dedication to the fallen sons of Polangui who died and shed their blood during the Japanese military occupation in World War II. The memorial is located in front of the Polangui Tennis Club.
* Cristo Rey

Transportation

Airport

The nearest airport is in Legazpi City Legazpi Airport – about from Polangui. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air operate in the airport, with daily flights to and from Manila and Cebu. The construction of the soon Polangui Domestic Airport at Barangay Balangibang is still under negotiation.

Seaport

Polangui is a landlocked municipality, entirely enclosed by land. The nearest ports from Polangui are Pantao Port in Libon, Pio Duran Port in Pio Duran, Legazpi Seaport in Legazpi City, and Tabaco International Seaport in Tabaco City.

Railways

In March 2012, the 10 1/2-hour Mayon Limited started traveling between Manila and Ligao City, but later ceased operations. In 2016, operation of the PNR Southrail Line resumed with one round trip between Naga City and Legazpi City, and served the town through the Polangui railway station. However, it was also stopped due to issues on maintenance and public safety.

Roads and bridges

Road network

Roads in Polangui are classified into:
* National roads
** Daang Maharlika (LZ/AH26)
** Albay West Coast Rd (N638)
** Matacon-Libon-Polangui Jct Rd
** Polangui Poblacion Rd
* Provincial roads
** Pedro Sabido Rd
** Buhi-Polangui Rd
* Municipal roads
* Barangay roads

Mode of access

Polangui can be reached through land transport (by bus) from Manila in about 10 hours, two hours less if the new (Andaya Highway) route is taken. Main routes can be reached through by aircon buses, Garage to Terminal (GT) Vans and FX (location and access to is underway with the new Polangui Terminal), private cars, trimobiles, ''padyak'' and motorcycles. Some bus companies with stations in Polangui are:
* Alps
* Antonina Lines
* Cagsawa Travel & Tours
* DLTB Co.
* Executive Carriers
* Gold Line Tours, Inc.
* Peñafrancia Tours
* Philtranco
* Raymond Transportation
* RSL Bus Transport Corporation

In order to spur development in the municipality, the Toll Regulatory Board declared Toll Road 5 the extension of South Luzon Expressway. A 420-kilometer, four lane expressway starting from the terminal point of the now under construction SLEX Toll Road 4 at Barangay Mayao, Lucena City in Quezon to Matnog, Sorsogon, near the Matnog Ferry Terminal. On August 25, 2020, San Miguel Corporation announced that they will invest the project which will reduce travel time from Lucena to Matnog from 9 hours to 5.5 hours.

Communication

Radio stations

A local FM Station, Hot FM Polangui DWJJ 97.9 MHz, broadcasts live updates, news and entertainment. The municipality also receives signal from all major radio stations from Legazpi City and even Naga City in Camarines Sur.

TV stations

There is one TV relay station operating in the municipality (ABS-CBN). However, local TVs get strong signals from nearby Legazpi City and Naga City relay stations. Cable services are also offered in the area by two companies:
* Dream Cable Television (DCTV)
* Estevez Cable Television (ESTV)

Telephone

There are two existing telephone lines in Polangui:
* Bayan Telecommunications (BayanTel)
* Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT)

Cellular telephone sites

The municipality is served by the Philippines' three main mobile phone carriers:
* Smart Communications
* Globe Telecom
* Sun Cellular

Education

Presently, there are almost 20 Day Care Centers, 3 private pre-schools, 42 public elementary schools, 5 private elementary schools, 7 public high schools, 3 private high schools and 4 tertiary schools in the municipality.

Tertiary / vocational / technical education

The municipality has four tertiary schools:
* The ''Bicol University Polangui Campus (BUPC)'' is located in Barangay Centro Occidental, and used to be known as the School for Philippine Craftsmen and offered vocational courses. It was integrated into Bicol University, through R.A. 7722, R.A. 8292 & R.A. 8769, on December 14, 2000, and renamed as Bicol University Polangui Campus. From the five courses offered in 2000, it now offers fifteen courses including BS in Nursing, BS in Computer Engineering and BS in Electronics and Communications Engineering.
* The ''Polangui Community College (PCC)'' has four major program offerings: Associate in Hotel & Restaurant Management, Associate in Office Administration, Bachelor in Secondary Education and Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness.
* The ''Elite Fashion School'', which offers technical and vocational courses. It is located at Barangay Centro Oriental, in front of the Land Bank of the Philippines- Polangui Branch.
* The ''Computer Arts and Technological (CAT) College'', which was opened in 2012. It is located at the newly constructed commercial building at Barangay Ubaliw, beside the Polangui Terminal.

Secondary education

Public high schools

* The Polangui General Comprehensive High School is located in Barangay Centro Occidental, and started as Albay High School Polangui (AHSP) with Mr. Sisenando Reantaso as its first Principal (1948–1953). In 1963, President Diosdado Macapagal signed ''RA No. 3993'' converting the AHSP into a community school, The Polangui General Comprehensive High School (PGCHS), a national secondary school patterned after the comprehensive high school in Detroit, Michigan U.S.A.
* Ponso National High School
* Matacon National High School
* Magpanambo National High School
* Itaran National High School
* La Medalla National High School
* Lanigay National High School
* Maysua High School

Private high schools

* ''Salle Learning Center'' at Barangay Centro Occidental
* ''Saint Peter's Academy'' at Barangay Centro Occidental
* ''Colegio de Santa Monica of Polangui, Inc.'' at Barangay Centro Occidental

Primary education

Public elementary schools

* ''Polangui South Central School'' at Barangay Centro Oriental, along the National Highway. It is the flagship school of the Polangui South District. Its satellite schools are the following:
* Agos Elementary School
* Alomon Elementary School
* Apad Elementary School
* Balangibang Elementary School
* Cotnogan Elementary School
* Kinale Elementary School
* Lanigay Elementary School
* La Medalla Elementary School
* La Purisima Elementary School
* Magpanambo Elementary School
* Magurang Elementary School
* Matacon Elementary School
* Santicon Elementary School
* Salvacion Elementary School
* San Roque Elementary School
* Santa Teresita Elementary School

* ''Polangui North Central School'' at Barangay Centro Oriental. It is the flagship school of the Polangui North District. Its satellite schools are the following:
* Alnay Elementary School
* Balaba Elementary School
* Balinad Elementary School
* Cepres Elementary School
* Cotmon Elementary School
* Dalogo Elementary School
* Danao Elementary School
* Itaran Elementary School
* Jose S. Duran Elementary School
* Kinuartelan Elementary School
* Lidong Elementary School
* Lourdes Elementary School
* Maynaga Elementary School
* Maysua Elementary School
* Mendez Elementary School
* Napo Elementary School
* Pinagdapugan Elementary School
* Pintor Elementary School
* Ponso North Elementary School
* Ponso South Elementary School
* Santa Cruz Elementary School
* Sugcad Elementary School
* Luis Severa Matza Elementary School

Private elementary schools

* ''Salle Learning Center'' at Barangay Centro Occidental
* ''Saint Peter's Academy'' at Barangay Centro Occidental
* ''Global Vision Excellence School'' at Barangay Basud
* ''Polangui SDA Multigrade School'' at Barangay Basud
* ''Colegio de Santa Monica of Polangui, Inc.'' at Barangay Centro Occidental

Day care and pre-school

Private Pre-schools

* ''Salle Learning Center'' at Barangay Centro Occidental
* ''Saint Peter's Academy'' at Barangay Centro Occidental
* ''Global Vision Excellence School'' at Barangay Basud
* ''Saint Noah's Learning Center'' at Barangay Magurang
* ''Golden Wisdom Proverbial School'' at Barangay Gabon

Public services

Healthcare

The present health services of the municipality are administered by 2 Municipal Health Officers, 2 Public Health Nurses, 1 Medical Technologist, 1 Dentist, and 12 Midwives.

Aside from the Municipal Health Office and Barangay Health Stations, there are 2 Private Hospitals (Isip General Hospital in Gabon and Perillo General Hospital in Magurang), and 14 clinics that provide alternative health services to the population of the municipality. Polangui is equipped with 6 ambulances- 1 in the Rural Health Unit (RHU), 2 in the municipal hall, and 3 in the health station centers in Balinad, Itaran and Matacon.

The Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) Birthing Facility at RHU-Polangui specializes in maternal healthcare, along with several lying-in and birthing clinics. Polangui's BEmONC Birthing Facility is a PhilHealth-accredited institution and offers free services to cardholders.

A new medical establishment recently opened its doors- the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Diagnostic and Dialysis Center at Barangay Centro Oriental, in front of the Polangui South Central Elementary School. Polangui and Legazpi City are the only ones in Albay who have a dialysis facility.

Waste disposal

In dealing with solid waste management, the Municipality of Polangui has adopted the usual means of dumping garbage in an open-pit dumpsite. Garbage is collected from each barangay in the poblacion every Tuesday and Friday. The municipality has four garbage trucks to ensure that the garbage is collected and disposed in the waste disposal site located at Sitio Barobo, about distance from the central business district.

Fire protection

The Polangui Fire Station, Bureau of Fire Protection is located at Barangay Centro Occidental, between the Municipal Hall and the Polangui Police Station. The Polangui BFP is headed by Fire Marshal SINSP MARC ALLAN C CONSUEGRA.

Police and law enforcement

Polangui PNP is headed by PSI Edgar Azotea

Penology

The Polangui District Jail is manned by officers of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), headed by Jail Warden Sr. Insp. Alfredo R. Ricaford, Jr.

Utilities

Power

The Albay Power and Energy Corporation

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