Catanduanes Province, Philippines

People of Catanduanes

• As of the 2020 Census, Catanduanes had a population of 271,879.
• In 2015, the province recorded a population of 255,520, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 1.25% annually.
• Catanduanes is home to the Southern Catanduanes Agta, a Negrito group with deep ancestral ties to the island’s forests and coastal areas. Though their population is small, their cultural imprint remains visible in oral traditions and subsistence practices.
• The major dialect spoken is Bikol Catanduanes, a variant of the Bikol macrolanguage. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, 97.7% of households in the province use Bikol in daily communication. While Bikolano is dominant, English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and global readiness.

Location of Catanduanes

• Catanduanes is an island province located in the Bicol Region (Region V), off the eastern coast of Luzon. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 13.8000°N latitude and 124.2667°E longitude.
• The province spans a land area of 1,492.16 square kilometers. Its topography is rugged and mountainous, with less than 10% of land having slopes under 8%. The highest peak is in Boctot, between Virac and San Miguel, rising to 803 meters above sea level. Catanduanes has a tropical rainforest climate, with an average annual temperature of 27.91°C and over 213 rainy days per year.
• The capital of Catanduanes is Virac, and the Provincial Capitol is located in Barangay Santa Elena.
• Most people reach Catanduanes via sea and air. The Virac Airport serves domestic flights from Manila, while the Port of Virac and Port of San Andres connect the island to mainland Luzon. From Manila, travel typically involves a bus to Tabaco City, followed by a ferry to Virac.

Tourist Attractions of Catanduanes

• Binurong Point: A dramatic cliffside viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean and rolling green hills.
• Twin Rock Beach Resort: A popular destination for swimming, diving, and family outings in Igang, Virac.
• Puraran Beach: Known internationally for its “Majestic” waves, ideal for surfing and photography.
• Maribina Falls: A multi-tiered waterfall nestled in a forested area near Virac.
• Catandungan Festival: Held every October, this province-wide celebration honors the founding of Catanduanes as an independent province. It features street dancing, agro-industrial fairs, and cultural showcases.

Economy of Catanduanes

• In 2023, Catanduanes recorded a GDP growth of 7.6%, up from 6% in 2022.
• Key industries include:
  • Abaca production: Catanduanes is known as the “Abaca Capital of the Philippines,” contributing significantly to global fiber exports.
  • Agriculture: Root crops, coconut, rice, and banana are major products.
  • Fisheries: Coastal communities rely on small-scale fishing and aquaculture.
  • Tourism: Driven by eco-tourism, surfing, and cultural festivals.

Educational Institutions of Catanduanes

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Catanduanes State University (CatSU): Located in Virac, this state university offers programs in education, engineering, agriculture, health sciences, and business. It also has a campus in Panganiban.
  • Catanduanes College: A private institution offering liberal arts and teacher education programs.
  • Catanduanes Institute of Technology Foundation: Focused on vocational and technical training.

History of Catanduanes

• Catanduanes was originally a subprovince of Albay. Its name is believed to derive from “tandu,” a native word for a type of tree, and “catanduan,” meaning a place of many tandu trees.
• During the Spanish period, the island was Christianized and integrated into colonial governance. It remained under Albay’s jurisdiction until the American era.
• On September 26, 1945, Catanduanes was officially established as an independent province through Commonwealth Act No. 687. The act mandated the separation of Catanduanes from Albay and designated Virac as its capital.
• Since its founding, Catanduanes has developed a distinct identity as “The Happy Island,” known for its resilience, natural beauty, and cultural pride. The Catandungan Festival commemorates this legacy every October.

Elected Officials of Catanduanes

• As of the 2025 elections, Catanduanes is led by:
  • Governor: Patrick Alain T. Azanza
  • Vice Governor: Robert A. Fernandez
  • Representative (Lone District): Eulogio R. Rodriguez
  • Provincial Board Members: Refer to the official Halalan 2025 results for the complete list.
• For full election results and updates, visit: Catanduanes Election Results.

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