Catanduanes

Catanduanes is an island province located in the
Bicol Region

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.[2]
The province comprises
Catanduanes

Catanduanes Island (also called Virac Island),
the
Panay

Panay Island, Lete Island,
Palumbanes group of islands
(Porongpong, Tignob and Calabagio) and a few other minor surrounding
islets and rocks.
Catanduanes

Catanduanes was a former sub-province of
Ambos Camarines

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 Osmeña

Sergio Osmeña 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.
Contents
1 Etymology
2 History
2.1 Pre-Spanish period
2.2 Spanish period
2.2.1 Evangelization
2.2.2 Christianization
2.3 American period
2.4 World War II
2.5 Independence Day
3 Geography
3.1 Flora and Fauna
3.2 Weather and climate
4 Administrative divisions
5 Demographics
5.1 Religion
5.2 Languages
5.2.1 Sociolinguistics
5.3 Ethnic groups
6 Government
6.1 List of then Governors
6.2 Provincial board members
6.2.1 West District (1st District)
6.2.2 East District (2nd District)
6.3 Congressional district(s)
7 Economy
7.1 Industry
7.1.1 Cottage industry and manufacturing
7.1.2 Agriculture and fishing
7.1.3 Tourism
7.1.3.1 Tourist attractions
7.2 Income
8 Culture
8.1 Festivals and celebrations
8.1.1 Catandungan Festival
8.1.2 Abaka Festival
8.1.3 Folk festivals
9 Education
9.1 Senior High School
10 Services
10.1 Police services
10.2 Media/Entertainment
10.3 Power supply
11 Transportation
11.1 Air
11.2 Sea
11.3 Land
12 Notable people from Catanduanes
13 See also
14 Notes
15 References
16 External links
Etymology[edit]
Isla de Cobos was Catanduanes' first name, given by Spanish
conquistadores during the early part of 1573 when came upon several
tribes living in the 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.[3]
History[edit]
Pre-Spanish period[edit]
Bornean datus settled on the island of Panay. Their descendants then
migrated throughout the archipelago and became the first settlers 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[edit]
1573 when
Juan de Salcedo arrived in
Catanduanes

Catanduanes hunting for pirates,
and conquered the natives. Three years later, a galleon expedition
from
Acapulco

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.
Evangelization[edit]
The evangelization of the island started twenty years later when the
soldiers of Spain, after subjugating the Bicol mainland, came back
with
Franciscan

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[edit]
From 1600 to 1857, the colonizers were able to put up nine centers of
local governments through the establishment of parishes: Caramoran
(1601); Pandan (1650); Viga (1661); Panganiban (1663); Virac (1775);
Bato (1830); and San Andres (1853). During the early 1950s, 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 Miguel in 1952. It was during
this period that the island saw its own development growth.
Interlinking roads built and trading centers created.
American period[edit]
During the American Regime, some locals refused to recognize the
sovereignty of the United States, and most of them fled to the
mountains.[citation needed] The American occupation did not last long.
In 1934, the Americans had ceased control of the island.
World War II[edit]
During World War II,
Catanduanes

Catanduanes was not spared from Japanese
invasion. The Japanese erected garrisons in different parts of the
island and heavily fortified it.
Independence Day[edit]
Three months after the Philippine independence from the Americans,
Catanduanes

Catanduanes was finally recognized as a separate and independent
province from
Albay

Albay through Commonwealth Act No. 687 authored by then
Representative Francisco Perfecto. The independence 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

Catanduanes became the sixth province of the
Bicol Region

Bicol Region with the
signing of the Act. Remigio Socito, the last Lieutenant Governor of
Catanduanes

Catanduanes was appointed as the first Provincial Governor. When
elections were held in 1947, Alfonso V. Usero became the first elected
Governor.
On September 26, 1945,
Catanduanes

Catanduanes after recognized as a separate and
independent province, under Republic Act No. 159, dated June 26, 1947
the former municipality of Caramoan was recreated out of the
Municipality of Pandan; under R.A. No. 491, dated June 12, 1950, the
Municipality of Bagamanoc was also created.
Geography[edit]
Catanduanes

Catanduanes is situated in the easternmost fringe of Luzon: 13.3 to
14.1 degrees north latitudes and between 124.1 and 124.3 degrees east
longitudes. The island bounded on the west by the Maqueda Channel, on
the south by Lagonoy Gulf, and on the north and east by the Philippine
Sea. Several small islands comprise the province. Its aggregate land
area totals approximately 1,492.16 square kilometres
(576.13 sq mi).[5] The coastlines, that stretch to almost
400 km (249 mi), are jagged with many bays.
The topography of
Catanduanes

Catanduanes Island is rugged and mountainous,
becoming more pronounced towards the central portion of the island.
Less than 10 percent of the land area has a slope gradient under 8
percent, mostly fractured and narrow strips of plains located along
the coastal areas where most of the inhabitants are settled. The
highest mountain peak is in Boctot, located between the municipalities
of Virac and San Miguel with an elevation of 803 metres
(2,635 ft) above sea level. It is the premier mountain range with
broadly spread old-growth forests and watershed which exerts
widespread influence over its immediate environs that include the
municipalities of Virac, Bato, and San Miguel. Other prominent
mountain forms include the ranges: Obi in Caramoran, Cagmasoso in San
Andres, and the Summit and Magsumoso ranges within the Viga and
Gigmoto areas.
The lowlands include the Virac Plain, Viga Plain, San Andres Plain and
the Bato River Flood Plain. The coastal municipalities with limited
lowland agricultural areas are Pandan and Caramoran. The more
extensive lowlands are found in the southern parts of the province.
The largest coastal plain is the contiguous wetlands of Viga,
Panganiban and Bagamanoc over which lies the widest area of rice
paddies and nipa mangroves.
The province is mostly rugged and mountainous terrain. Its slope
characteristics are 13% gently sloping to undulating, 1% classified
rolling to hilly, 2% very hills and mountains, 47% level to very
gently sloping, 32% steep hills and mountainous, and 5% undulating to
rolling. Ten of the eleven municipalities of the province is situated
along the coastal fringes, over which locate its mostly fractured
plains. The only landlocked municipality is San Miguel with its
poblacion (town center) sitting in a location entirely devoid of
flatlands. The majority of the built-up areas occupy zones that are
classified as flat to rolling.
Flora and Fauna[edit]
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The island is a biodiversity hotspot. Its rainforests are home to the
Philippine brown deer, flying foxes, and other endemic bat species,
warty pigs, civets, cobras, giant pythons, monitor lizards, sailfin
lizards and other endemic animals. Exotic bird species such as the
Philippine hornbill, rail, parrot, bittern, egret, pheasant, coot,
lapwing, plover, Philippine duck, quail, owl, oriole, kingfisher,
swiftlets and many more are also found. A record of "Philippines
Birding Trip Reports" has found out massive bird species in several
portion of the island such as the watershed and timberland forests
reserve in Gigmoto where scattered deer populations are also usually
reported.[citation needed]
The
Catanduanes

Catanduanes bleeding-heart (Gallicolumba luzonica rubiventris) had
experienced over-exploitation in the late 20th century. Although most
forests are still intact, this species has suffered over-hunting,
making it very rare and is believed to be near extinction or already
extinct as its last reported specimen was collected in 1971.[citation
needed]
The southern giant slender-tailed cloud rat (budkon/bugkon) which is
found only in
Catanduanes

Catanduanes and the southern half of
Luzon

Luzon Island, is
still widely reported. It is critically endangered as humans hunt them
for food and to some extent, as pets. In mainland Luzon, sightings of
the creature are already rare while in Marinduque, it is generally
considered extinct.[citation needed]
Inventory of the entomological fauna in the island has been conducted
by various scientific institutions. A survey which was submitted to
the national museum has revealed interesting species in the forest
reserve of Gigmoto and Pandan. A total of 2,000 entomological
specimens and its allies were collected compromising 323 species under
45 genera and 50 families.[citation needed]
The
Catanduanes

Catanduanes narrow-mouthed frog (Kaloula kokacii), an arboreal
amphibian found only in
Catanduanes

Catanduanes and some parts of Bicol,
enjoys[clarification needed] its diversity but is being carefully
monitored. Another endemic amphibian
Hylarana similis
_from_mid-elevation,_Mt._Cagua_-_ZooKeys-266-001-g037.jpg/440px-Hylarana_similis_(KU_329815)_from_mid-elevation,_Mt._Cagua_-_ZooKeys-266-001-g037.jpg)
Hylarana similis is found only in
Catanduanes

Catanduanes and
Luzon

Luzon islands. The published research by Brown and
Siler in Journal of Biogeography (2013) actually reported this species
in the forests of Gigmoto.[citation needed]
One of the very recent species found in
Catanduanes

Catanduanes and portions of
Bicol region is the new loam-swimming skink, a legless reptile with
its assigned scientific name
Brachymeles
_from_900_m_on_Mt._Cagua_-_ZooKeys-266-001-g056.jpg/440px-Brachymeles_muntingkamay_(KU_330093)_from_900_m_on_Mt._Cagua_-_ZooKeys-266-001-g056.jpg)
Brachymeles makusog.[citation needed]
The dipterocarp forest also harbor numerous tropical plant species
including the threatened species of pitcher plants and rafflesia as
well as endemic banana varieties. Many highly economical hardwood
trees such as yakal, apitong, palosapis, and molave are still found in
the central forests through local reports indicate that these species
are already threatened. Mangrove forests exist in several coastal
areas but the largest locations are in Banquerohan (Viga-Panganiban),
Agoho in San Andres and Batalay in Bato.
Catanduanes

Catanduanes reefs harbor many endangered and threatened types of
mollusks such as giant Triton, cowries, abalone, cone snails, conches,
octopuses, squids, and nautiluses. Marine mammals are also reported to
frequent on its eastern coasts such as species of dolphins and whales
which appear from March to June. Many edible marine algae such as
caulerpa, valonia, and turbellaria also grow abundantly on its rough
coasts.[citation needed]
The island is nestled in the very beginning of the Kuroshio Current, a
sea current that runs through the eastern Philippines, Taiwan, and
Japan. Tuna migration, which is at its peak in the months of April and
May, can be seen in the Maqueda channel. Dugongs were once known to
swim on
Catanduanes

Catanduanes coasts, but this event is already becoming
extremely rare.
Catanduanes

Catanduanes coast is one of the best spots for flying fish population;
a flying fish can attain its fullest size in
Catanduanes

Catanduanes which may
weigh 300 grams (11 oz).[citation needed]
Rabbitfish

Rabbitfish Siganus sp.,
a kind of reef fish is one of the most heavily exploited marine
tropical fish in Catanduanes. Its fry that comes out in shallow coasts
during the breeding season (March-May) are fished in large volumes.
Approximately 10 million rabbitfish fries are caught annually. That
natural event supplies food for many people but its ecological impact
can be devastating. Nature advocates started to strengthen their
campaign for an eco-dialogue for this matter. Sea cucumbers are also
abundant in many islets of the eastern coasts facing the Philippine
Sea.
Palumbanes (province satellite group of islands) has beaches with fine
yellowish-white sand. It is also one of the most biodiverse marine
zones of the island. However, coral reef exploitation has severely
inflicted for the last 10 years on its waters. The local government
and some sectors are already undergoing efforts to revive Palumbanes
Island through building artificial reefs and employing fishing
regulations.
Weather and climate[edit]
Climate data for Catanduanes
Month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Year
Record high °C (°F)
36
(97)
36
(97)
38
(100)
38
(100)
38
(100)
38
(100)
38
(100)
39
(102)
39
(102)
41
(106)
38
(100)
32
(90)
41
(106)
Average high °C (°F)
29
(84)
29
(84)
30
(86)
31
(88)
32
(90)
32
(90)
31
(88)
32
(90)
31
(88)
31
(88)
30
(86)
29
(84)
32
(90)
Average low °C (°F)
22
(72)
23
(73)
23
(73)
24
(75)
25
(77)
25
(77)
22
(72)
25
(77)
24
(75)
24
(75)
24
(75)
22
(72)
22
(72)
Record low °C (°F)
13
(55)
14
(57)
17
(63)
18
(64)
20
(68)
18
(64)
19
(66)
17
(63)
17
(63)
18
(64)
16
(61)
18
(64)
13
(55)
Average precipitation mm (inches)
265
(10.43)
175
(6.89)
143
(5.63)
119
(4.69)
157
(6.18)
221
(8.7)
188
(7.4)
178
(7.01)
189
(7.44)
288
(11.34)
369
(14.53)
327
(12.87)
2,619
(103.11)
Average rainy days
10
8
7
6
5
8
9
8
9
13
14
15
112
Source:
http://www.myweather2.com/City-Town/Philippines/Catanduanes/climate-profile.aspx?month=1
Without a pronounced dry season, precipitation is distributed fairly
well throughout the year becoming wetter in the last quarter into the
early months of the first quarter, when tropical disturbances and
monsoon winds especially the
Northeast Monsoon

Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) bring in heavy
rains. Other months are characterized by short periods of dryer days
and fine weather, except in July and August when the dry and gusty
northwest monsoon winds intensify.
Catanduanes' geographical position has it lying completely exposed to
the Philippine Sea. Therefore, it is known as "Land of the Howling
Winds" because it is frequently visited by tropical storms.
Administrative divisions[edit]
Catanduanes

Catanduanes comprises 11 municipalities, all encompassed by a single
legislative district.[5]
Municipality [i]
Population
±% p.a.
Area[5]
Density
Brgy.
Total Income (₱)
(2015)[2]
(2010)[6]
km2
sq mi
/km2
/sq mi
13°56′25″N 124°17′11″E / 13.9402°N 124.2865°E /
13.9402; 124.2865 (Bagamanoc)
Bagamanoc
7000440000000000000♠4.4%
11,551
11,370
+0.30%
80.74
31.17
140
360
18
53,125,949.63
13°39′33″N 124°22′13″E / 13.6591°N 124.3704°E /
13.6591; 124.3704 (Baras)
Baras
7000490000000000000♠4.9%
12,848
12,243
+0.92%
109.50
42.28
120
310
29
50,752,088.44
13°36′28″N 124°17′49″E / 13.6079°N 124.2970°E /
13.6079; 124.2970 (Bato)
Bato
7000820009999999999♠8.2%
21,279
19,984
+1.20%
48.62
18.77
440
1,100
27
62,236,498.59
13°59′02″N 124°08′01″E / 13.9839°N 124.1337°E /
13.9839; 124.1337 (Caramoran)
Caramoran
7001115000000000000♠11.5%
30,056
28,063
+1.31%
263.74
101.83
110
280
27
98,055,390.00
13°46′44″N 124°23′32″E / 13.7789°N 124.3921°E /
13.7789; 124.3921 (Gigmoto)
Gigmoto
7000320000000000000♠3.2%
8,368
8,003
+0.85%
181.82
70.20
46
120
9
59,065,645.59
14°02′57″N 124°10′13″E / 14.0492°N 124.1702°E /
14.0492; 124.1702 (Pandan)
Pandan
7000790000000000000♠7.9%
20,516
19,393
+1.08%
119.90
46.29
170
440
26
68,854,349.29
13°54′29″N 124°18′04″E / 13.9081°N 124.3010°E /
13.9081; 124.3010 (Panganiban)
Panganiban
7000360000000000000♠3.6%
9,287
9,738
−0.90%
79.96
30.87
120
310
23
51,899,257.58
13°35′52″N 124°05′48″E / 13.5979°N 124.0968°E /
13.5979; 124.0968 (San Andres)
San Andres
7001141000000000000♠14.1%
36,779
35,779
+0.53%
167.31
64.60
220
570
38
101,307,641.44
13°38′32″N 124°18′11″E / 13.6421°N 124.3031°E /
13.6421; 124.3031 (San Miguel)
San Miguel
7000580000000000000♠5.8%
15,006
14,107
+1.18%
129.94
50.17
120
310
24
63,963,111.70
13°52′21″N 124°18′33″E / 13.8726°N 124.3093°E /
13.8726; 124.3093 (Viga)
Viga
7000830000000000000♠8.3%
21,624
20,669
+0.86%
158.23
61.09
140
360
31
76,329,204.85
13°34′51″N 124°13′52″E / 13.5808°N 124.2310°E /
13.5808; 124.2310 (Virac)
Virac
†
7001282000000000000♠28.2%
73,650
66,951
+1.83%
152.40
58.84
480
1,200
63
185,097,730.28
Catanduanes
260,964
246,300
+1.11%
1,492.16
576.13
170
440
315
870,686,867.39
† Provincial capital
Municipality
^ The globe icon marks the town center.
Demographics[edit]
Population census of
Catanduanes
Year
Pop.
±% p.a.
1903
39,410
—
1918
63,530
+3.23%
1939
98,545
+2.11%
1948
112,121
+1.44%
1960
156,329
+2.81%
1970
162,302
+0.38%
1975
172,780
+1.26%
1980
175,247
+0.28%
1990
187,000
+0.65%
1995
202,464
+1.50%
2000
215,356
+1.33%
2007
232,757
+1.08%
2010
246,300
+2.08%
2015
260,964
+1.11%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[2][6][6][7]
The population of
Catanduanes

Catanduanes in the 2015 census was 260,964
people,[2] with a density of 170 inhabitants per square kilometre or
440 inhabitants per square mile.
In May 2000, its total population was 215,356 with an annual growth
rate of 1.42% from 1990 to 2000, and a population density of 142 per
km2. Over the following 10 years, the average annual growth rate was
1.35%, increasing the population to 246,300 persons in the May 2010
census.[6] Almost all of the people of the province are natural born
citizens. Naturalized citizens, most of which are Chinese, comprised
only about one percent of the population.[8]
The number of households totaled 41,019 with an average household size
of 5.25.[4]
Religion[edit]
Roman Catholicism is the religion of the vast majority, comprising
97%[9] of Catanduanes' population. The remaining faith of the
inhabitants is divided into the various Religious, Evangelical,
Protestant groups such as Aglipayan Church, Baptists, Methodists,
other Evangelical Christians, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Iglesia ni
Cristo, Seventh-day Adventist as well as Moslems.
Further information:
Roman Catholic
.jpg/440px-Ignatius_of_Antiochie,_poss._by_Johann_Apakass_(17th_c.,_Pushkin_museum).jpg)
Roman Catholic Diocese of Virac
Languages[edit]
There are two variants of the
Bikol languages

Bikol languages native to this island
province: Northern
Catanduanes

Catanduanes Bicolano and Southern Catanduanes
Bicolano. The northern accent has a very pronounced letter "R" that
becomes a diphthong of non-vowel letters "L" and "R" in the southern
towns. In written form, the conventional mainland language like
Central Bikol is used. Filipino, by virtue of being officially taught
in schools and the affinity of most Bicolanos to it, is the second
most common language and easily the most understood by most people.
English is the normal medium used in primary communications. The use
of the Spanish as a local language seems to have vanished after the
turn of the early 21st century and so on.
Sociolinguistics[edit]
When the Spaniards came to the Philippines, Catanduanes, being on the
Pacific Ocean side and on the very route of the galleon ships, was one
of the first places they penetrated to propagate Christianity. The
Spanish priests founded churches in every town. People from mainland
Bicol also traveled to Catanduanes, specifically Caramoran which is
directly across from Albay.
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The research of McFarland on the year 1974, the dialects of Bicol
area, stated that until the advent of the twentieth century and the
development brought about by modernization, Northern
Catanduanes

Catanduanes was
quite isolated from mainland Bicol and Southern Catanduanes, resulting
in less opportunity for contact between different groups. One probable
reason why the Northern
Catanduanes

Catanduanes language variety is distinct from
the Southern
Catanduanes

Catanduanes variety is that the mountainous terrain
separating the north from the south acts as a barrier to community
interaction. The lack of good roads and transportation arising from
the terrain contributed to the present situation. Since the seaport is
in Virac, Northern
Catanduanes

Catanduanes remained in isolation from other
subgroups for quite some time. Furthermore, the inhabitants of
Northern
Catanduanes

Catanduanes were the first occupants of the island to have
been pushed northwards when immigrants from the mainland occupied the
southern part of the island. This supports the closeness of the
Southern
Catanduanes

Catanduanes variety to other Bicol subgroups while the
Northern
Catanduanes

Catanduanes has more distinct features.
Ethnic groups[edit]
The predominant ethnic group is the Bicolano people. Migrants from
other parts of Luzon, as well as
Visayas

Visayas and Mindanao, make up a
minority as well. Few, who are of Chinese, Australian, American, and
Spanish descent also live in the province.
Government[edit]
Representatives of the
Legislative District of Catanduanes
01st Congress - Francisco Perfecto
1946–1949
02nd Congress - Severiano De Leon
1949–1953
03rd Congress - Francisco Perfecto
1953–1957
04th Congress - Jose Alberto
1957–1961
05th Congress - Jose Alberto
1961–1965
06th Congress - Jose Alberto
1965–1969
07th Congress - Jose Alberto
1969–1972
Regular Batasang Pambansa
1984–1986
08th Congress - Moises Tapia
1987–1992
09th Congress - Leandro Verceles, Jr.
1992–1995
10th Congress - Leandro Verceles, Jr.
1995–1998
11th Congress - Leandro Verceles, Jr.
1998–2001
12th Congress - Joseph Santiago
2001–2004
13th Congress - Joseph Santiago
2004–2007
14th Congress - Joseph Santiago
2007–2010
15th Congress - Cesar Sarmiento
2010–2013
16th Congress - Cesar Sarmiento
2013–2016
17th Congress - Cesar Sarmiento
2016–2019
Catanduanes

Catanduanes was historically a part of the
Albay

Albay province. On October
26, 1945, it was separated from
Albay

Albay and was declared an
island-province throughf Commonwealth Act No. 687.
When the island was still in transition to becoming a full-pledge
province, it was headed by Lt. Governor Felipe Olesco Usero.[10]
Gubernatorial elections for
Catanduanes

Catanduanes started in 1948. 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 ran 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 to 2013 for two successive terms but lost to
Gov. Araceli B. Wong last May 2013 election. In the May 2016 election
Gov. Cely Wong son Jardin Brian Wong lost to then Governor Joseph Cua
as governor of the province.
Governor: Joseph Cua (
United Nationalist Alliance

United Nationalist Alliance (UNA))
Vice Governor: Shirley Abundo (
Nationalist People's Coalition

Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC))
List of then Governors[edit]
Alfonso Vera Usero (1948–1951)
Jorge Vera Almojuela (1952–1959)
Juan Molina Alberto (1960–1967)
Vicente Molina Alberto (1968–1986)
Leandro I. Verceles Sr. (1987–1992)
Rosalie Alberto-Estacio (1992–1995)
Severo Alcantara (1995–1998)
Hector Sanchez (1998–2001)
Leandro B. Verceles Jr. (2001–2007)
Joseph Chua Cua (2007–2013, 2016–)
Araceli Wong (2013–2016)
Provincial board members[edit]
West District (1st District)[edit]
Rafael Zuniega (UNA)
Giovanni Balmadrid (NPC)
Jose Romeo Francisco (NPC)
Natalio Popa (Independent)
East District (2nd District)[edit]
Arnel Turado (NPC)
Joseph Al Randie Wong (Liberal Party)
Lorenzo Templonuevo (NPC)
Vince Villaluna (NPC)
Capitol building of Catanduanes
Congressional district(s)[edit]
See also: Legislative district of Catanduanes
The lone Legislative District of
Catanduanes

Catanduanes is the representation of
the Province of
Catanduanes

Catanduanes in the Philippine House of
Representatives.
Catanduanes

Catanduanes was represented as part of Albay's second
district from 1907 to 1931, and fully comprised that province's fourth
district from 1931 to 1946. It started electing its own representative
in 1946, after becoming a full-fledged province in 1945. From 1978 to
1984 it was part of the representation of Region V.
Rep. Cesar Sarmiento (Liberal Party)
Economy[edit]
The Island is the most progressive province in the
Bicol Region

Bicol Region in HDI
ranking although it placed just a little −0.3 in the HDI National
Average. The 2009 report of HDN (Human Development Network) which is a
branch of the United Nations HDI (Human Development Index) listed the
province is ranked 1st in the region or rank 20th at 0.630 HDI value
(excluding Metro Manila) among Philippine Provinces HDI's. For
reference, the province of
Albay

Albay ranked 2nd in the region or ranked
41st among Philippine Provinces HDI's (excluding Metro Manila) at
0.518 HDI value.[11]
Agriculture, fishing, and tourism are some of the other main sources
of employment on the island. Several handicrafts such as jewelry
manufacturing and other small-scale industries also contribute to the
province's economy. The province is rich in natural resources such as
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 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

National Competitiveness Council (NCC).[12]
Industry[edit]
The five major income sources of
Catanduanes

Catanduanes are the services,
agriculture, and fishing, tourism, housing, and manufacturing
industries.
Cottage industry and manufacturing[edit]
From 2001 through 2010, the
Philippines

Philippines production of abaca fiber
(
Manila

Manila hemp) averaged 65,701 mt per year and was decreasing at a rate
of at least 0.8% per annum. The decrease was caused by the devastating
typhoons in 2006, abaca viral diseases that continued to affect the
plantations, and the dampened foreign demand brought about by the
global economic recession beginning in the latter part of 2008, the
most severe downturn since the Great Depression in the 1930s.
Production reached its peak in 2008 at 77,387 mt as outputs of all
producing regions, particularly Bicol,
Davao Region

Davao Region and Caraga,
substantially increased during the period. This was primarily the
effect of the incremental production from the abaca plantations
established in 2005 and 2006 under FIDA's 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. The abaca industry, however,
suffered a setback in 2009 when fiber yield slumped to its lowest
level of 54,584 mt due to the weakened market demand and falling
prices as a consequence of the worldwide financial crisis. 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

Philippines FIDA (Fiber Industry Development Authority) declared
the island as the highest abaca-producing province in 2010.[13]
In 2009–2013, The Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) and
the Department of Agriculture,
Bicol Region

Bicol Region had 39% share of
Philippine
Abaca

Abaca production, emerged as the biggest produce while
overwhelming 92% comes from
Catanduanes

Catanduanes the biggest abaca-producing
province in the country. The home of the finest grade of abaca fiber.
Lately, the indigenous abaca fiber, commonly called "pinukpok,"
produced and woven by the locals of Baras, Catanduanes, has now found
its niche in the local and international fashion industry. This
indigenous fabric has shown its versatility in the globally appealing
designs and creations of famous fashion designer Dita Sandico-Ong.
Until now wild type of abaca can still be found in the interior
forests of the province which is often not cultivated.
Despite having been ravaged by three super typhoons in the last two
decades,
Catanduanes

Catanduanes has maintained its "abaca country" status as the
top abaca fiber-producing province in the Philippines. In 2015 alone,
the island's 12,789 abaca farmers produced 23,550 metric tons of raw
fiber, comprising 40 percent of the total abaca fiber production
nationwide. The local fiber harvest is even higher than the production
of Ecuador, the second-biggest abaca producer in the world after the
Philippines.[14]
Agriculture and fishing[edit]
Catanduanes

Catanduanes mud crab industry is being supported by the Bureau of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Science and Technology,
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Labor
and Employment and
Catanduanes

Catanduanes State University.
The provincial government is maintaining the
Catanduanes

Catanduanes Crab Center
(CCC) which serves as a source of crablets for grow-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 province's 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.
Tourism[edit]
Puraran Beach
The tourism industry in the province is growing relatively quickly
despite the fact that the island experiences almost year-round
typhoons, labeling the province as a "Typhoon Capital of the
Philippines" with the tagline "The Land of the Howling Winds".
Catanduanes

Catanduanes is known for its beaches, prehistoric caves, quaint stone
chapels and massive churches. Despite the typhoons, safe anchorage is
provided by its many bays and coves notably Kalapalan, Gigmoto, Soboc,
and Cabugao. Its Pacific coastline attracts surfers, particularly at
Baras. The province features beaches with fine sand and coral
formations and several caves which include the Luyang Cave. The PAGASA
Weather Radar Station offers panoramic views of the environs, while
the Museo de
Catanduanes

Catanduanes has a fine collection of artifacts.
The ideal time of the year to visit
Catanduanes

Catanduanes is from the months of
March to August when the weather turns dry. It is coolest and rainiest
from October to the early part of January, hottest from March to May.
The tourism industry in
Catanduanes

Catanduanes continues to receive a positive
response from foreign and domestic travelers, with the Provincial
Tourism Office recording an increase in tourist arrivals by 15.89% in
2014 compared to the previous year.[15]
Based on the comparative data of travelers, 151,550 foreign and
domestic tourists visited the island last year, or about 21,000
greater than the 2013 arrivals of only 130,766 visitors.[16]
Tourist attractions[edit]
Puraran Majestic Wave Beach - One of the top surfing destinations in
the
Philippines

Philippines today. It is home to “The Majestic Wave” that top
surfers from all over the world visit during the surfing season, July
to October.
Binurong Point - It is one of the newest attractions the island of
Catanduanes

Catanduanes can offer. A Batanes/Ireland hills & cliffs look and
feel.
Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church – located in Poblacion, Bato
near the Bato River. It is the only remaining structure of its kind in
the entire island. The church is of interest not only as a
mid-colonization Filipino-Spanish architecture but as a historical
landmark. It was built under the polo system of forced labor for a
total of 53 years under six different parish administrators. Started
in 1830 and finished in 1883, Bato Church has withstood wars,
calamities, and ravages of time.
Holy Cross of Batalay Shrine – located in Batalay, Bato. It is the
site where the first Catholic Cross was planted in
Catanduanes

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.
Our Lady of Sorrows Shrine – located in Batong Paloway, San Andres.
The thumbnail-sized river stone bearing the mystical face of the
Virgin Mary found on 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 mass is 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.
Amenia Beach Resort – Palawig, San Andres
Balite Beach Resort – Balite, Virac
Cathy's Spring Resort – Sagrada, Viga
Hiyop Point – Hiyop, Pandan
Loran Ruins –
Panay

Panay Island, Bagamanoc
Luyang Cave Park – Lictin, San Andres
Maribina Falls – Marinawa-Binanuahan, Bato
Museo de
Catanduanes

Catanduanes – Santa Elena, Virac
Nahulugan Falls – San Pedro, Gigmoto
PAG-ASA Weather Radar Station – Buenavista, Bato
Palumbanes Group of Islands – Palumbanes, Caramoran
Soboc Cove – Soboc, Viga
Twin Rock Beach Resort – Igang, Virac
Income[edit]
Commonwealth Act No. 687, created
Catanduanes

Catanduanes as an independent
province, however, it was Republic Act 7160 that gave Local Government
Unit (LGUs) total independence in managing its administrative, fiscal,
and development affairs in conformity with the national government
thrust for sustainable social and economic growth.
City/Municipality
Net Income (₱) - Excess of Income over Expenditures
%
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
Bagamanoc
3%
12,159,948.53
10,373,499.67
8,482,676.71
4,974,085.04
3,804,297.75
3,843,096.19
2,458,606.77
3,016,002.07
2,303,697.97
Baras
10%
6,275,662.14
10,584,007.84
3,530,662.98
6,571,414.79
6,160,565.78
7,249,150.13
1,077,594.23
551,268.78
1,757,913.49
Bato
5%
9,468,010.03
11,514,525.16
845,240.72
2,137,125.34
1,520,971.11
7,899,628.80
2,440,068.40
1,424,805.41
5,220,687.57
Caramoran
5%
16,180,234.44
22,291,653.23
13,084,290.47
10,174,561.07
11,883,312.13
14,247,704.44
13,518,522.58
4,269,436.67
10,509,730.12
Gigmoto
10%
7,160,911.99
13,515,345.43
1,763,953.94
5,555,891.52
3,842,869.15
6,966,939.42
4,018,466.47
13,871,640.79
8,859,029.38
Pandan
1%
8,815,718.82
9,339,635.51
11,545,649.47
7,496,124.49
4,296,699.45
(385,172.00)
744,087.20
6,950,506.45
897,497.38
Panganiban
1%
5,296,322.46
5,494,166.06
5,313,654.40
(199,673.16)
90,091.55
3,657,795.24
1,307,549.75
2,780,884.94
92,581.98
San Andress
16%
21,200,786.83
9,736,925.56
5,948,335.89
5,764,879.43
4,303,611.38
7,533,642.62
5,529,314.99
7,973,981.85
3,985,009.20
San Miguel
5%
11,802,531.31
14,662,058.40
6,495,735.92
5,391,116.63
3,566,839.14
4,024,627.06
3,086,430.56
1,796,006.08
1,798,441.13
Viga
0%
13,231,342.00
13,131,043.90
5,615,779.18
5,458,965.98
6,905,366.25
8,637,630.77
6,998,678.15
5,197,946.70
3,837,319.97
Virac †
6%
71,878,079.61
55,968,919.52
37,956,214.02
25,946,530.92
15,227,139.30
27,690,280.96
17,239,600.35
13,454,576.5
19,594,677.2
† Provincial capital
Municipality
Culture[edit]
Festivals and celebrations[edit]
Catandungan Festival[edit]
Catandungan Festival is an annual celebration of the island province.
It is the anniversary celebration and tribute to its founders, to
commemorate the provinces' independence from Albay. The main features
of the festival are Street Dancing – Pantomina Dance, Beauty
Pageant, Agro-Trade Fair, Sports Fest, Guided Tour, Surfing Cup, and
Art/Photo Exhibits. It occurs every October 24–26.
Abaka Festival[edit]
Abaka
Festival

Festival is an annual cultural celebration of the province to
recognize the importance of abaca in the local economy and to showcase
its versatility as a major source of livelihood. Highlights of the
festival are Padadyaw Ginamlangan or Padadyaw kan Abaka, Pinukpok
Fashion Show, Urag Catandungan sports competitions, Kantang
Catandungan or Musika kan Isla,
Festival

Festival Dance Competition, Binibini
and Ginoong Bikol, Hagyan sa Kabitoonan and Jobs Fair. It occurs every
4th week of May.
Folk festivals[edit]
The folk festivals celebrated as part of the local religious rituals
are with unique traces of the Spanish colonization. Among these
festivals include:
Burak/Burac
Festival

Festival is a Viracnons’ celebration in honor of their
patroness Nuestra Señora de Immaculada Concepcion. The capital town
Virac is believed to have its name originated from “Burac”, a
local term for a flower.
Dinahit
Festival

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.[17]
Festival

Festival activities
include street dancing, beauty pageant, trade fair, and different
contests such as carabao race and boat race.
Manok-Manok
Festival

Festival held annually as a town fiesta every 12th-13th of
June, a celebration of the Bagamanocnon character, culture and way of
life centered on the peculiarities of “manok” (chicken), the very
word from where the name of the municipality was taken. Street dancing
depicting the salient characteristics and movements of the chicken
highlights the festival.
Sugbo
Festival

Festival 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.
Badas
Festival

Festival happened every year 10th of August. The festival
captures the heroic character of the people of Baras. “Badas”,
local term for wild rattan, was made into spears in olden times to
ward of Moro raiders thus, emerging as an apt description of the
indomitable spirit of the Barasnons. During the war they were the
first in
Catanduanes

Catanduanes to resist the invading Japanese forces.
Abacaco
Festival

Festival is an annual celebration in the 10th of June. It is
about the nature’s beauty and agricultural abundance of the
municipality.
Abaca

Abaca became a prime industry. The cacao gave sweetness
to a family’s dining table. The coconut, which is the tree life,
became part of their everyday life gave strength to the copra
industry.
Umasilhag
Festival

Festival Gigmoto's town festival of merrymaking and
thanksgiving, happen every 14th-15th of the month of May.
Kinis
Festival

Festival the Crab's capital Festival. The town of Panganiban was
considered as
Catanduanes

Catanduanes Crab Capital for its 218.47 hectares of
fishpond and its vast mangrove areas producing abundant supply of
delicious and palatable mud crab well-liked for its taste, texture and
nutritive value and even branded as the tastiest crab in Bicol.
Highlighted with float parade with their princess of crab, exotic
street-dance in their crab costumes and eat-all-you-can promo of their
seafood menu especially steamed or cooked crab. It happen annually
every 25th of July.
Burunyogan
Festival

Festival “Burunyog” is an old Bikolano word for being
united. Combining this to “Niyog” or coconut a unique name for our
celebration was created. “Buruniyogan” gives importance to the
benefits of coconut in the town of San Andres.
Himuluan
Festival

Festival depicting the joys and hardships of the common
traditional way of planting, harvesting, threshing, drying, airing and
the like, himuloan festival gives the clear picture of how Viganons
face hardships and bear uncertainties, how they survived and go on,
with life despite the weather disturbances aggravated by the visit of
amihan and even floods.
Kagharong is a native depiction of The Nativity scene held annually
during Christmas season.
Pantomina is a native dance, popular on occasions of importance and
mostly practiced in rural areas. It is a dance interpretation
(pantomime) of a rooster courting a hen.
Kalbaryo or Calvary, commonly staged during Holy Week, is a
reenactment of the passion of Christ's way of the cross annually
celebrated in the Municipality of San Andres during Holy Wednesday and
Good Friday.
Padadyao sa Tinampo is native cultural presentation of street dancing
held every October 24 to commemorate the province's founding
anniversary.
Fishermen from
Catanduanes

Catanduanes have always been linked to Benham Rise.
Catandunganon people have been calling it Kalipung-awan (loneliness in
an isolated place). Benham Rise is an integral part of Catandunganon
culture. Rich marine resources are given by this marine biodiverse
zone to Catandunganons. In fact, Catandunganons have long been
celebrating this place even in their ancient folksongs, stories and
poetry.[citation needed]
Education[edit]
Virac, the capital town, is the educational center in the province,
hosting a number of schools specializing in various degrees. The most
notable include the
Catanduanes State University

Catanduanes State University (CSU) with a campus
in the northern town of Panganiban. It was established on June 19,
1971, through Republic Act 6341,[18] authored by Catanduanes
Congressman Jose M. Alberto, which converted the Virac National
Agricultural and Trade School into the
Catanduanes

Catanduanes State College. The
college was elevated to university status in October 2012.
Other notable schools include the
Catanduanes

Catanduanes Colleges (CC),
Catanduanes

Catanduanes Institute of Technology Foundation (CITFI), and Christian
Polytechnic Institute of
Catanduanes

Catanduanes (CPIC).
Senior High School[edit]
The table below contains the list of public senior high schools
published by the Department of Education or DepEd. Included on the
list are the municipalities, school ID, school names, and program
offerings.
School ID
Name of School
Year Est.
Location
District
Education
Programs
Specialization
302072
Bagamanoc Rural Development High School
1972
Magsaysay St. Bagamanoc
Bagamanoc South
Senior High
GAS & TVL
Cookery, Bread and Pastry Production, Food and Beverage Services,
Dressmaking, Computer Hardware Servicing, Animation, Electrical
Installation and Maintenance
302076
Bugao National High School
1988
Magsaysay St. Bagamanoc
Bagamanoc North
Senior High
GAS & TVL
Aquaculture
302070
Agban National High School
1979
Agban
Baras North
Senior High
GAS & TVL
302073
Baras Rural Development High School
1972
Osmena St., Baras
Baras South
Senior High
GAS & TVL
Animal Production, Artificial Insemination- Ruminants, Computer
Hardware Servicing, Computer Hardware Servicing, Computer Programming,
Cookery, Food and Beverage Services, Bread and Pastry Production,
Electrical Installation and Maintenance
302074
Bato Rural Development High School
1974
Banawang St. Bato
Bato East
Senior High
STEM, GAS & TVL
Bread and Pastry Production, Cookery, Food and Beverage Services,
Carpentry, Electrical Installation and Maintenance
500032
Cabugao Integrated School
2001
Cabugao
Bato West
Senior High
TVL
Animal Production, Artificial Insemination- Ruminants, Bread and
Pastry Production, Wellness Massage, Food and Beverage Services,
Housekeeping, Computer Hardware Servicing, Computer Programming,
Electrical Installation and Maintenance
302081
Caramoran Rural Development High School
1972
Toytoy St., Caramoran
Caramoran North
Senior High
GAS & TVL
Bread and Pastry Production, Cookery, Food and Beverage Services,
Dressmaking, Tailoring, Electrical Installation and Maintenance,
Technical Drafting, Computer Hardware Servicing
302082
Caramoran School of Fisheries
1969
Zone6 - Inansagan
Caramoran South
Senior High
GAs & TVL
Aquaculture, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Food (Fish)
Processing, Horticulture
302102
Supang-Datag National High School
1967
Supang Datag
Caramoran South
Senior High
GAs & TVL
Bread and Pastry Production, Food and Beverage Services, Housekeeping,
Wellness Massage, Carpentry, Plumbing, Shielded Metal Arc Welding
302106
Tubli National High School
1962
Sabangan, Tubli
Caramoran North
Senior High
GAS & TVL
Computer Hardware Servicing, Animation, Cookery, Bread and Pastry
Production, Food and Beverage Services, Electrical Installation and
Maintenance
302088
Gigmoto Rural Development High School
1972
Gigmoto
Gigmoto
Senior High
GAs & TVL
Bread and Pastry Production, Cookery, Food and Beverage Services,
Carpentry, Computer Hardware Servicing, Technical Drafting
500033
Sicmil Integrated School
1938
Sicmil
Gigmoto
Senior High
GAS
302094
Pandan School of Arts and Trade
1962
Pandan
Pandan West
Senior High
GAS & TVL
Animation, Technical Drafting, Beauty/ Nail Care, Hairdressing, Bread
and Pastry Production, Carpentry, Electrical Installation and
Maintenance, Shielded Metal Arc Welding
302094
Tabugoc National High School
1967
Panlilibon, Tabugoc
Pandan East
Senior High
GAS & TVL
Bread and Pastry Production, Food and Beverage Services, Bartending,
Carpentry, Horticulture
309802
Cobo Integrated School
2009
San Juan, Cobo
Pandan West
Senior High
TVL
Agricultural Crops Production, Organic Agriculture, Dressmaking,
Tailoring, Electrical Installation and Maintenance
302095
Panganiban National High School
1967
San Nicolas
Panganiban
Senior High
GAS
309801
Panganiban NHS - CSU Campus
2001
Sta. Ana
Panganiban
Senior High
GAS & TVL
Agricultural Crops Production, Organic Agriculture, Animation,
Technical Drafting
302078
Cabcab National High School
1989
Cabcab
San Andres West
Senior High
GAs & TVL
Bread and Pastry Production, Cookery, Food and Beverage Services
302091
Manambrag National High School
1977
Sta. Lourdes, Manambrag
San Andres West
Senior High
GAS & TVL
Carpentry, Horticulture
302092
Mayngaway National High School
1976
Mayngaway
San Andres West
Senior High
GAS & TVL
Bread and Pastry Production, Dressmaking, Beauty/ Nail Care, Computer
Hardware Servicing, Broadband Installation- Fixed Wireless Systems,
Horticulture
302096
San Andres Vocational School
1970
San Andress
San Andres East
Senior High
STEM, ABM, GAS, HUMSS & TVL
Computer Hardware Servicing, Technical Drafting, Hairdressing,
Housekeeping, Bread and Pastry Production, Shielded Metal Arc Welding,
Tailoring, Dressmaking
302098
San Miguel Rural Development High School
1972
District 1
San Miguel South
Senior High
STEM, GAS & TVL
Animal Production, Artificial Insemination- Ruminants, Computer
Hardware Servicing, Technical Drafting
302097
San Jose (Oco) National High School
1967
San Jose (Oco)
Viga West
Senior High
GAS & TVL
Cookery, Bread and Pastry Production, Food and Beverage Services
302104
Tambognon National High School
1988
Tambongon
Viga East
Senior High
GAS & TVL
Bread and Pastry Production, Cookery, Housekeeping, Carpentry
302107
Viga Rural Development High School
1972
San Vicente Pob.
Viga West
Senior High
STEM, ABM & TVL
Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Hairdressing, Bread and
Pastry Production, Beauty/ Nail Care
Services[edit]
Police services[edit]
The
Philippine National Police

Philippine National Police in the province is composed of the
local police force and the fire brigade's services. The province crime
rate is 6.39 in 2006. Crime volume over the same period was
191.[citation needed]
Media/Entertainment[edit]
Local cable companies operate in most towns. TV repeaters allow access
to
Manila

Manila broadcast stations. Satellite dish is a common site in
rooftops of houses in remote areas.
Power supply[edit]
Electrical Power is supplied by power plants, a mix of diesel powered
generators and hydroelectric turbines. Electricity is served on
24-hour basis to all the eleven (11) municipalities.
Catanduanes

Catanduanes has a
220-volt multi ground electrical system, Power distribution system run
by FICELCO ( First
Catanduanes

Catanduanes Electric Cooperative ). The power
company engage in power distribution in this island are NAPOCOR and
SUNWEST.[citation needed]
Transportation[edit]
Air[edit]
Virac Airport
.svg/440px-Philippines_location_map_(square).svg.png)
Virac Airport is the primary airport serving
Catanduanes

Catanduanes with
scheduled flights to Manila.
Sea[edit]
From the seaport of Tabaco, MV Calixta 2, 4 and 5 travels to the port
of San Andres. MV Eugene Elson and fast-craft service MV Silangan can
travel in just one hour and a half which docks in the port of Virac.
Land[edit]
Overland, a 12-hour bus ride from
Manila

Manila to Tabaco, in Albay, is
needed to cover the 580 km (360 mi) distance. Several ferry
services in the Port of Tabaco offer connections to San Andres, which
takes about 2½ hours, or to Virac Seaport, at 3½ hours, or at least
1½ hours for fast-craft service.[19] Numerous bus lines operate
air-conditioned and ordinary buses and coaches travel from
Manila

Manila to
Tabaco in Albay. Some of these buses are loaded to the Ferry for its
final stop in the town of Virac.
Transportation around the Island is provided by jeepneys, vans and bus
for inter-town travel, while tricycles and pedicabs will take you
around the towns. Private vehicles are also available for hire, which
can take you to any point of the Island.
Notable people from Catanduanes[edit]
Carmen Camacho – 1960s Philippine Kundiman Diva
Bernabe Concepcion – a native of Rizal, Viga. Is a Filipino
featherweight boxer.
Jose Tomas Sanchez

Jose Tomas Sanchez –
Roman Catholic
.jpg/440px-Ignatius_of_Antiochie,_poss._by_Johann_Apakass_(17th_c.,_Pushkin_museum).jpg)
Roman Catholic Prefect Emeritus of the
Congregation for the Clergy and Cardinal Priest from the Philippines
Shalani Soledad – Politician and TV personality
Francisco Tatad – former Senator of the
Philippines

Philippines (1992–2001)
Mike Velarde – Tele-evangelist, Founder and Servant-Leader of El
Shaddai DWXI-PPFI
Salvador A. Rodolfo Sr. – a Filipino soldier who helped liberate the
Island Province of
Catanduanes

Catanduanes in the
Philippines

Philippines from the Japanese
Imperial Army during World War II. He was known in
Catanduanes

Catanduanes as
"Phantom" or the "Man who Never Dies", based on the comic book hero
The Phantom

The Phantom created by Lee Falk in 1936.
Don Trollano – a native from Gigmoto. He is a Filipino professional
basketball player for the
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters of the
Philippine Basketball Association

Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Reil Cervantes – a native from Virac. Is a Filipino professional
basketball player for
Blackwater Elite

Blackwater Elite in the Philippine Basketball
Association (PBA). He was drafted 9th by
Barangay

Barangay Ginebra Kings in the
2011 PBA draft.[20] In 2014, He was drafted 2nd overall by Kia Sorento
in the 2014 PBA Expansion Draft.[21]
Leandro I. Verceles - Former Ambassador and Immigration Commissioner.
The first Bicolano career diplomat.
Joseph Santiago – then Congressman for 2 terms 2004 and 2007. He is
a former executive of Pilipino Telephone Corporation. Serves as
Commissioner of the National Telecommunications Commission, and From
1997 to 1998, he served as team manager of the Mobiline Cellulars
professional basketball team in the Philippine Basketball Association.
Atty. Jorge Sarmiento - Former President and Chief Operating Officer
of the PAGCOR
Rene Sarmiento - Former COMELEC Commissioner and current chairperson
of non-partisan, non-sectarian non-profit organization PPCRV.
Gina Vera-Perez de Venecia – She is the daughter of the famed
star-builder of Sampaguita Pictures, then Doc Jose Perez and Azucena
Vera-Perez. She is the wife of Jose de Venecia, Jr., Speaker of the
House of Representatives of the
Philippines

Philippines from 1992 to 1998 and 2001
to 2008.
John Arcilla – multi-awarded Filipino movie actor[22] and
environmentalist.[23]
Leandro Verceles Jr. Former Congressman and Governor. Principally
authored Administrative Order 332 - House Resolution 890" directing
all government agencies and units to undertake electronic
interconnection through the Internet to be known as the "RPWEB". Among
The Internet's 10 Most Influential Filipinos promoting E-Commerce. He
launched the
Catanduanes

Catanduanes Internet Network (CATNET), the testbed of the
Philippine Government Information Sharing Technology Network now
(Government Network (GovNet)).
Kyla

Kyla – Melanie Calumpad Alvarez in real name.
Kyla

Kyla is a Filipino
R&B singer-songwriter, producer, occasional actress and presenter
dubbed as the Philippines' "Queen of R&B".
Jose Tomas Sanchez

Jose Tomas Sanchez –
Roman Catholic
.jpg/440px-Ignatius_of_Antiochie,_poss._by_Johann_Apakass_(17th_c.,_Pushkin_museum).jpg)
Roman Catholic Prefect Emeritus of the
Congregation for the Clergy and Cardinal Priest from Pandan
Philippines
Linda Estrella – a native from Pandan. Is a
Filipina

Filipina actress, one of
the players of Sampaguita Pictures.
Larry Que
.svg/560px-Philippines_location_map_(square).svg.png)
Larry Que - was a publisher and journalist killed after he had written
an article linking government officials to a major drug seizure of
methamphetamine.
See also[edit]
Islands portal
Philippines

Philippines portal
List of islands of the Philippines
Notes[edit]
^ "List of Provinces". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines:
National Statistical Coordination Board. Archived from the original on
January 21, 2013. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
^ a b c d e Census of Population (2015). "Region V (Bicol Region)".
Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. PSA.
Retrieved 20 June 2016.
^ "Brief Historical Background". Catandungan; The Official Website of
Catanduanes. Provincial Government of Catanduanes. Archived from the
original on June 8, 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
^ a b http://www.bicolperyodiko.com/index.php/catanduanes
^ a b c "Province: Catanduanes". PSGC Interactive.
Quezon

Quezon City,
Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 8 January
2016.
^ a b c d Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region V (Bicol
Region)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and
Barangay. NSO. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
^ "Census 2000; Population and Housing; Region V" (PDF). Philippine
Statistics Authority (
Philippine Statistics Authority

Philippine Statistics Authority – Region V).
Retrieved June 29, 2016.
^ "Statictics;
Catanduanes

Catanduanes Demographics". Philippine Information
Agency (PIA). Retrieved January 10, 2015.
^ "Statictics; Religion in Catanduanes". Philippine Statistics Agency
(PSA). Retrieved January 10, 2015.
^ (October 6, 2016)Past Governors of Bicol. Retrieved from:
https://biklish.com/2010/08/19/past-governors-of-bicol-catanduanes/
^ "Ranking 2009; Human Development Index (HDI); Region V". Philippine
Statistics Authority (
Philippine Statistics Authority

Philippine Statistics Authority – Region V).
Retrieved January 14, 2013.
^ "Ranking 2012; Most Competitive Municipality; Philippines". National
Competitiveness Council (NCC). Retrieved August 1, 2013.
^ "Statistics 2009; Top Producer of
Abaca

Abaca Fiber; Philippines". Fiber
Industry Development Authority (FIDA). Retrieved August 5, 2009.
^ "Statistics 2015;
Abaca

Abaca Fiber Production; Philippines". Fiber
Industry Development Authority (FIDA). Retrieved June 29, 2015.
^ "Statistics 2014;
Bicol Region

Bicol Region Tourist Arrival; Catanduanes".
Department of Tourism (DOT). Retrieved January 5, 2015.
^ "Statistics 2015; Increase in Tourist Arrival; Catanduanes".
Department of Tourism (DOT). Retrieved March 12, 2015.
^ "Dinahit
Festival

Festival (Pandan)". Catandungan; The Official Website of
Catanduanes. Provincial Government of Catanduanes. Archived from the
original on January 7, 2013. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
^ "Republic Act No. 6341 – an Act Converting the Virac National
Agricultural and Trade School in the Municipality of Virac, Province
of Catanduanes, to a State College to be Known as the Catanduanes
State Colleges, and Appropriating Funds Therefore". Chan Robles
Virtual Law Library. June 19, 1971. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
^ "Reaching Catanduanes".
Catanduanes

Catanduanes Island Promotion. Archived from
the original on February 19, 2009. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
^ http://www.pba-online.net/profile/Reil-Cervantes/446/
^
http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/63708-ildefonso-cervantes-pba-expansion-draf-kia-blackwater
^ "
John Arcilla Awards". Who's Dated Who. Archived from the original
on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
^ Salamat, Marya (March 2, 2012). "John Arcilla, actor,
environmentalist attends Peoples' Mining Conference". Bulatlat.com.
Archived from the original on February 23, 2016. Retrieved July 24,
2016.
References[edit]
NSCB-RD5
External links[edit]
Map all coordinates using: OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
Download coordinates as: KML · GPX
Media related to
Catanduanes

Catanduanes at Wikimedia Commons
Geographic data related to
Catanduanes

Catanduanes at OpenStreetMap
Official website of the Provincial Government of Catanduanes
DILG Regional Office No. 5 (Bicol Region)
Places adjacent to Catanduanes
Philippine Sea
Camarines Sur

Camarines Sur / Maqueda Channel
Catanduanes
Philippine Sea
Albay

Albay / Lagonoy Gulf
Philippine Sea
v
t
e
Province of Catanduanes
Virac (capital)
Municipalities
Bagamanoc
Baras
Bato
Caramoran
Gigmoto
Pandan
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San Andres
San Miguel
Viga
Virac
Articles related to Catanduanes
v
t
e
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