Brief History Of Catanduanes Panay.

Their scions then, spread out

throughout the archipelago were the first
Language/Dialect  settlers to have set foot in Catanduanes.
Bicol is the native tongue but with different The island was not spared from raids of the
nuances and variations, especially when Moros coming from the island of Mindanao.
one goes up to the northern towns like Because of these destructive raids, many
Pandan, Caramoran, and Panganiban. records of the past were destroyed and lost.
English and Tagalog are commonly spoken
and understood. 
SPANISH PERIOD
Catanduanes is an island province of
the Philippines located in the Bicol Juan de Salcedo arrived in this island in
Region of Luzon. It is the 12th largest 1573, hunting for pirates, and conquered
Island in the Philippines. Its capital the natives. Three years later, a galleon
is Virac and the province lies to the east expedition from Acapulco was shipwrecked
of Camarines Sur across Maqueda Channel. near the island and the survivors were
As of the 2010 census, the population of the either killed or made servants. The Batalay
province is 246,300 people.[2] The island Church in Bato, just several kilometers from
province was among the 42 provinces in the the capital town of Virac, marks that
country listed as “Peaceful and Ready for historical event.
Development” last year 2014. The Christianization of the island started
some twenty years later. The
The province, formerly known as conquistadores, after subjugating the Bicol
"Catanduan, "Catandongan", and finally mainland, returned to the island with
"Catanduanes", derived its name from the Franciscan missionaries. From 1600 to
"tando" trees.; 1857, the colonizers were able to put up
nine centers of local governments through
The early settlers of this island were said to the establishment of parishes.
be scions of the Datus of Borneo. Juan de
Salcedo arrived in this island in 1573, EVANGELIZATION
hunting for pirates, and conquered and
Christianized the natives. Three years later, The actual evangelization of the island
a galleon expedition from Acapulco was started some twenty years later, when the
shipwrecked near the island and the soldiers of Spain, after subjugating the Bicol
survivors were either killed or made mainland, came back with Franciscan
servants. The Batalay Church in Bato, just missionaries. The missionaries armed with
several kilometers from the capital town of the cross and backed by the sword of the
Virac, marks that historical event. conquistadors evangelized the entire
population without much resistance, after
Commonwealth Act No. 687 established initially converting the southern tribes.
Catanduanes as a province independent
from Albay. It was approved by Congress on CHRISTIANIZATION
September 26, 1945, signed into law by
President Sergio Osmeña, Sr. on October From 1600 to 1857, the colonizers were
24, 1945, and took effect on October 16, able to put up nine centers of local
1945. governments through the establishment of
parishes: Caramoran ; Pandan (1650); Viga
Historical Background (1661); Panganiban (1663); Virac (1775);
Bato (1830); and San Andres (1853). During
PRE-SPANISH PERIOD the early fifties, Baras was created.
Bagamanoc, a thriving municipality during
Bornean Datus settled on the island of 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 Sanchez won the election. Governor
Gigmoto in 1951, and San Miguelin 1952. It Sanchez run for re-election but lost to
was during this period that the island saw Governor Leandro B. Verceles Jr who
its own development growth. Interlinking became governor for two successive terms.
roads built and trading centers created. In 2007 synchronized elections, Gov.
Verceles run again for his third and last
AMERICAN PERIOD term for governor but lost to Governor
Joseph C. Cua, who became governor from
During the American Regime, the local 2007-2013 for two successive terms but lost
insurgents refused to recognize the to Gov. Araceli B. Wong last May 2013
sovereignty of the United States. Most of election. Gov. Wong is now the incumbent
them fled to the mountains. The American governor.
occupation did not last long. In 1934, the
Americans had ceased control of the island. Virac

It has been said that Virac is a derivation of

WORLD WAR II the word “Vidak” while others claim it is a
contraction of the Spanish version of the
During World War II, Catanduanes was not word burac, meaning flower. A priest is on
spared from Japanese invasion. The a quest for more information about the
Japanese erected garrisons in different natives. Pointing to a tree, he asked what it
parts of the island and committed many was called and the natives replied, “Burac.”
atrocities. Thereupon, the priest made his first
Major Salvador Rodolfo organized the notation on his book of information
Catanduanes Liberation Forces and the back “burac”.
bone of the resistance movement. It
performed numerous ambuscades against Virac is a first class municipality in
the Japanese Imperial Army and conducted the province of Catanduanes, Philippines. It
intelligence gathering, which was necessary is the capital municipality of the province
in paving the way for the eventual and the most populous and fifth largest in
liberation of the province by the combined land area. According to the 2010 census, it
American and Filipino troops. During his has a population of 66,951 persons.
exploits as a guerilla leader, Rodolfo was
rumored several times to have been killed Brief History
in battle but time and again he keeps on
coming back to destroy every vestige of During pre-Hispanic times, tribal chieftain
enemy control in the province of Lumibao, scion of Datu Dumaguil, came to
Catanduanes, hence he was called the Philippines with his wife Milbigan and
"Phantom" or the Man who never dies. the 13 Malay datus, settling near Vidak
spring where he founded a settlement.
PEOPLE POWER REVOLUTION During the Revolution, a bloody battle
between the Spaniards and the rebels was
The People Power Revolution in February fought at Virac (Sitio Ili, Brgy. Danicop).  The
1986 ushered in new leadership. Former Spaniards left before the arrival of Filipino
Ambassador Leandro I. Verceles Sr. was troops from Luzon in 1898.
appointed Governor of the province. In During the Philippine-American War, the
1988, Governor Leandro I. Verceles Sr. ran Americans entered Virac in 1900.
for Governor and won the election. His The town’s name is said to be a derivation
term ended in 1992 when lost to Governor of the word Vidac while others claim it is a
Rosalie A. Estacio. After Governor Estacio, contraction of the Spanish version of the
Governor Severo C. Alcantara became the word burac, meaning “flower.”
governor of the province in 1995. Gov.
Alcantara did not run for re-election due to TRADITIONS/CULTURE
failing health. In 1998 Governor Hector S. (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
Christ’s way of the cross can be best seen in the
Municipality of San Andres during Holy
Abaca Festival  Wednesday and Good Friday of every year.
is an annual cultural celebration of the
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 Pantomina
the province.  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.
 Industry
The five major income sources of Catanduanes
are:
Services, Agriculture and Fishing, Tourism,
Padadyao sa Tinampo Cottage Industry and Manufacturing.
is purely native cultural presentation of street
dancing held every 24 October to Cottage Industry and Manufacturing
commemorate the province‘s founding The Abaca Capital. From 2001 through 2010,
anniversary. 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 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. Catanduanes Island is the native
habitat of the endemic abaca plant (a banana
Sugbo Festival relative) which is globally renowned for its
is a very recent addition to these traditional strong fiber. In fact, the Philippines FIDA (Fiber
festivals. The notable contemporary event is Industry Development Authority) declared the
celebrated by the seven barangays of Hitoma island as the highest abaca producing province
in Caramoran that produces sugbo or tiger in 2010.
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.
Agriculture and Fishing
Catanduanes is also reclaiming the title of “Crab
Capital” of the Philippines, which it lost to
Negros province about three decades ago. But
still the province still the region's "Crab Capital".
Catanduanes mud crab industry is enjoying the
support of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
 Resources, Department of Science and tour of the churches and religious shrines in the
Technology, Department of Environment and Island. The Museo De Catanduanes with its fine
Natural Resources, Department of labor and collection of artifacts is a must for the history
Employment and Catanduanes State University. buff.
The provincial government, for its part, is Catanduanes is “An Eco-Adventure Paradise,” it
maintaining the Catanduanes Crab Center (CCC) is for those who love nature at its best.
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.

Catanduanes Specialty Products

Crispy Pili

Tourism
Tourism Industry in the province is relatively
Chili Cupcakes
growing despite of almost year round typhoon,
naming the province as a "Typhoon Capital of
the Philippines" with a tagline "The Land of the
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 surfer’s Rattan Chair
paradise in idyllic Baras. It also boasts idyllic
beaches with powdery sands and coral
formations. Mysterious caves with historical
significance to compliments its beauty and
mystic would surely enchant the travelers, most
notably the Luyang Cave. Nature trails and
panoramic views such as the one viewed from
the grounds of the PAGASA Weather Radar
Station is a photo enthusiast dream-come-true.
A religious pilgrim will be well satisfied with a
 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.
Here’s 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

 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
Political Subdivisions reigns the whole length of the cave. From a
Political Government distance is Mt. Cagmasosco, one of the highest
-Catanduanes has 11 Towns. Catanduanes is mountain peaks in the province.
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 AMENIA BEACH RESORT
and one Congressional district.  Palawig, San Andres
- Virac is a first class municipality in
the province of Catanduanes,  Reeling with the textures of the sun, sea and
Philippines. sand, one can easily lose oneself and be drifted
away  while leisurely walking along the stretch
Famous Natural Resources and Tourist Spots of its powdery-white sands and dabbling in its
undeniably tamed waters. A place to enjoy the
Natural vantage view of the beautiful sunset and
where one could take a full view of the
PURARAN BEACH breathtaking perfect silhouette of Mayon
Puraran, Baras Volcano and its neighbor, Bulusan Volcano, in
the distance.
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.

TWIN ROCK BEACH RESORT

Igang, Virac    

Luyang Cave Park Where the aquamarine vastness is punctuated

Lictin, San Andres by two rocks jutting out of the Pacific Ocean,
 where the underwater coral formations are the Pacific Ocean. Abandoned in 1972, the
ideal for snorkeling, this resort is one of the camp was then used by local coastguards in
best in the entire islan. It’s mysteriously 1980 and was again abandoned. The beach is a
comforting calm and safe refuge to visiting short walk from the drop off point, reachable
tourists, whether foreign or domestic, are by banca 30 to 40 minutes from the shoreline
warm assurances of a wholesome and relaxing of the town of Bagamanoc. It has white sand
experience. Experience the adrenaline rush that lead to a stairway up a hill where the
with its own zip-line, a 40 foot climbing wall, a structures are located. From atop, the
wipeout like obstacle course, canopy walk and marvelous view of the Pacific’s turquoise
ATV rides. The resort also offers diving waters crashing against the shoreline is more
packages. than enough to compensate for the long
journey.

BALITE BEACH MARIBINA FALLS

Balite, Virac Marinawa-Binanuahan, Bato

The sprawling beach is covered with cool and Maribina Falls is the most popular and widely
shady trees and blessed with fine creamy sand, publicized among the numerous waterfalls in
both in the shorelines and in the swimming Catanduanes. Gushing with breath-taking
area. The clear water is ideal for snorkeling rapids of crystal-clear waters, the cascading
and spear fishing because of the well- three-layer falls is located  amid rustic
developed coral formations. The beach is an surroundings and lush green vegetation. There
ideal place for family and office outings and are ideal picnic grounds near the waterfalls
weekend picnics. and sheds are available for day visitors.

LORAN RUINS
Panay Island, Bagamanoc NAHULUGAN FALLS
San Pedro, Gigmoto
At the tip of Panay Island, in the barangay of
Quigaray in the municipality of Bagamanoc, is The cascades of this falls boast of a tall drop
the famous LORAN Beach. LORAN stands for where its waters beautifully cascade on three
Long Range Aid to Navigation, a former tiers, creating spectacular sprays where
American naval base built around the early bathers can soothe their tired muscles. It is
1950s as an outpost to monitor movements in surrounded by lush vegetation and forest
 where locals have made place into a natural comforts of truly high-end accommodation
picnic ground. facilities.

Kosta Alcantara Beach Resort Bosdak Beach Resort

Virac, Catanduanes Magnesia del Sur, 12 km south-west of Virac

Its shoreline is covered with fine white sand Bask in the glow of deep blue waters
and its pristine azure waters never fail to lure stretching like an expanse of warm silk that
visitors to take a dip. It faces the mainland kisses the velvety sky. Complete with
Bicol where one could take a full view of the amenities like a swimming pool, restaurant
breathtaking Mayon Volcano. and bar, and hostel accommodations.
Accommodations are truly classy and elegant.

Emmalyn Paradise Resort Solong Falls

San Andres, Catanduanes San Miguel, Catanduanes

It boasts of luxurious and world-class air- Secluded and relatively unexplored, the
condition cottages, an orchidarium, and a waterfalls beckon trekkers for a refreshing dip.
spring-fed swimming pool. Its complete line of Located along lush vegetation that grow under
scuba diving equipment makes it stand out the damp mist of the clouds, creating forests
from the rest of the resorts. Luxuriate in the with peaceful and ethereal beauty. It has
several cascading waters flowing into natural
pools. Cottages are available for picnic goers Soboc Cove
and adventurers at a minimal entrance fee.
Located in Viga on the northeastern portion of
the province, the cove has white beaches and
when seen from a distance, the panoramic
view is simply superb. The whole stretch of
Soboc Cove continues to beguile visitors with
its unspoiled beauty-an asset which the locals
within the area are guarding zealously.

Mamangal Beach
Virac, Catanduanes

Crystalline waters abound with natural and

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.

Man-Made

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

The well-developed coral formations Experience a glimpse of the historical

underwater makes it ideal for snorkeling and development of the province in its own one
spear fishing. and only culture and heritage center, a
showcase of CAtanduanes history and rich
repository of its genetic culture.
 PAG-ASA WEATHER RADAR STATION Historical
Buenavista, Bato
Japanese Tunnel
The latest state of the art Doppler radar
station that sits on top of a mountain is This is the former radar site of the Japanese
expected to mitigate the impact of devastating Imperial Navy during World War II.
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 river bank is believed to have grown in size
Batalay, Bato over the years. At present, one can view the
image with the bare eyes unlike before, when
The shrine is the site where the first Catholic one had to use a magnifying lens. The image
Cross was planted in Catanduanes and was has drawn many devotees throughout the
built over the burial place of Augustinian priest years and a mass is being heard every Friday
Fray Diego de Herrera in 1576 who died in afternoon as devotees flock the chapel
Batalay, Bato. Legend says that a spring water regularly to pray the rosary and novenas. Every
sprouted near the cross, believed to have Lenten week celebration people on Holy
healing powers. It is a common belief that the Thursday walk from Virac and as far as Batalay,
cross presently enshrined in the Batalay Bato on a penitentiary pilgrimage to visit and
Chapel is still the original cross planted more pray to the Lady of Sorrows.
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.

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
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with stained glass windows and a roof dome is
Poblacion, Bato being added on top of the altar.

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.

Godbless 

Prepared By: Florexan Pason BEED 2A

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