Provinces, Cities and Municipalities in Region V-Bicol

Albay

Camarines Norte

Camarines Sur

Catanduanes

Masbate

Sorsogon

Region V-Bicol: The South Luzon Gateway

The Bicol Region, officially designated as Region V, occupies the southeastern stretch of the Luzon island group, forming the Bicol Peninsula. This strategically located region is defined by its dramatic geography—a landscape of active volcanoes, rich agricultural plains, and extensive coastlines. Bicol is composed of six provinces: the mainland provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon, and the two major island provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate. The region is bordered by the Sibuyan Sea and Ragay Gulf to the west, the Pacific Ocean (or Philippine Sea) to the east, and is connected to the rest of Luzon by the province of Quezon to the north. Transportation to and around Bicol is highly integrated: By Air: The primary gateway is the Bicol International Airport (DRP), located in Daraga, Albay, which is just outside the regional center, Legazpi City. There is also the Naga Airport (WNP) in Camarines Sur, serving the northern part of the region. By Land: The region is highly accessible via the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway (known as the Maharlika Highway or the South Road), which connects Manila to the Visayas and Mindanao. A network of daily, long-distance bus lines (traveling 8 to 12 hours from Metro Manila) efficiently connects the entire peninsula. By Sea: Being a coastal region, Bicol has several active ports, including Legazpi Port, Tabaco Port (Albay), and the ports of Matnog (Sorsogon), which serves as the primary jump-off point for ferries crossing to Samar/Visayas, and Masbate City Port.

Population Snapshot: The 2020 Census

According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing (CPH) conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the Bicol Region recorded a total population of 6,082,165 residents. This figure represents approximately 5.58% of the entire population of the Philippines, underscoring its role as a significant population center in Luzon outside the NCR and CALABARZON areas. The population is spread across six provinces and seven cities, including the regional center of Legazpi and the independent component city of Naga. Among the provinces, Camarines Sur is the most populous, accounting for over 2 million residents. This high concentration of people supports a large, resilient labor force predominantly engaged in the services and agricultural sectors.

Proximity to Major Transport Hubs

The administrative capital and regional center of Region V is Legazpi City, Albay. Its excellent location ensures seamless connectivity to regional and national transport infrastructure. To Bicol International Airport (DRP) – Air Hub: The Bicol International Airport is situated in Daraga, Albay, immediately adjacent to Legazpi City. The distance from the Legazpi City Hall/business center is generally less than 10 kilometers by road. Travel time is typically 15 to 30 minutes by taxi or public jeepney, making it one of the most accessible international airports in the country from its regional center. To Legazpi Port – Sea Hub: The main port of Legazpi is located centrally, within the city proper itself. This allows for extremely short travel times from the government headquarters, often less than 15 minutes by public vehicle, facilitating the efficient transport of goods, particularly abaca and copra, and passengers across the island provinces and the Visayas.

Economic Pillars and GDP Ranking

The Bicol Region’s economy is undergoing a dynamic transformation, shifting from purely agrarian toward a strong Services-based economy. According to the Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) released by the PSA for 2023, the Services sector, which includes tourism, retail trade, real estate, and government services, is the main contributor to the regional Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP). Key Economic Drivers: Services: Predominant in Albay, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon. Agriculture and Fisheries: Still vital, with major products including abaca (Manila Hemp, Bicol is the world’s largest producer), rice, corn, coconut (copra), and marine products (Donsol is famous for its whale sharks, which drives eco-tourism). Industry: Manufacturing and construction contribute strongly, particularly in the urban centers. Catanduanes, for instance, showed a strong growth rate predominantly driven by its Industry sector in 2023. In terms of economic standing, the region’s overall Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) is highly significant. While regional GDP is often cited, individual provinces within Bicol consistently demonstrate strong performance, with Albay ranking high (9th in the 2024 Provincial Competitiveness Index) among all provinces nationwide for its overall economic dynamism and infrastructure.

Current Elected Leaders (2022–2025 Term)

The region’s governance is led by the elected provincial officials for the term 2022 to 2025:

Education: Major Universities and Colleges

Bicol offers a high concentration of highly respected educational institutions, attracting students from all over Southern Luzon and the Visayas. These centers ensure local access to quality professional training: Bicol University (BU): Located in Legazpi City, Albay, this premier regional state university operates multiple campuses offering a comprehensive range of programs in engineering, health sciences, agriculture, and business. Ateneo de Naga University (AdNU): A private, Jesuit-run institution in Naga City, Camarines Sur, highly respected for its programs in law, business, and liberal arts, and consistently noted for high board exam passing rates. University of Nueva Caceres (UNC): Also in Naga City, UNC is the first university established in Southern Luzon outside of Metro Manila. Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA): Located in Pili, Camarines Sur, this state university focuses heavily on agricultural research and development. University of Santo Tomas–Legazpi (UST-L): Formerly the Aquinas University of Legazpi, this institution in Albay is part of the UST network and is known for its programs in accountancy, law, and medicine.

Tourist Attractions: Majestic Mayon and Marine Wonders

Bicol’s tourism is world-renowned, centered on a blend of natural spectacle and adventure tourism: Mayon Volcano (Albay): Known for its perfect conical shape, the active Mayon Volcano is the region’s most iconic landmark. Tourists visit the Cagsawa Ruins—a church bell tower partially buried by a 19th-century eruption—for the most famous photo-op, and participate in ATV adventures to get closer to the volcano’s base. Whale Shark Interaction (Donsol, Sorsogon): Donsol is famous as the “Whale Shark Capital of the World,” offering responsible eco-tourism where visitors can swim and interact with the gentle giants (locally called butanding). Caramoan Peninsula (Camarines Sur): A rugged, beautiful coastal area famous for its pristine beaches, hidden lagoons, and islands, which gained international fame as a location for the reality show Survivor. Surfing in Puraran (Catanduanes): Catanduanes, the “Happy Island,” is a major draw for surfers, particularly Puraran Beach in Baras, known for its powerful wave, Majestic.

Yearly Festivals: Faith, Food, and Folk Epics

Bicol is famous for its vibrant cultural calendar, highlighted by two major festivals: Peñafrancia Festival (Naga City, Camarines Sur): Held every September, this is one of the largest Marian pilgrimages in Asia. The main highlight is the Translación (transfer of the image of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia) and the Fluvial Procession along the Naga River, where the patroness is escorted by thousands of male devotees aboard a decorated pagoda. Ibalong Festival (Legazpi City, Albay): Held every August, this non-religious, colorful street dance festival celebrates the Bicolano folk epic Ibalong, which recounts the adventures of legendary heroes like Baltog, Handiong, and Bantong, who fought against mythical beasts in the ancient land of Bikol. Kadaon Festival (Various Provinces): Numerous other provincial and city festivals celebrate the local agricultural abundance, such as the Dinamulag Festival in Camarines Norte, celebrating the sweet Queen Pineapple, and the Sarung Banggi Festival in Albay, honoring the classic Bicolano love song.

History: The Land of Fire and Faith

The Bicol Region boasts a history dating back over 2,000 years, with archaeological evidence in Albay and Masbate showing early trade with China and Malaya. The name Bikol or Bicol is believed to derive from the name of the Vicol River (now Bicol River), the region’s longest and most important river system. The first major contact with Spain occurred in 1565. The sight of Mayon Volcano erupting was often noted by early chroniclers, giving rise to its historical nickname, the “Land of Fire.” During the Spanish colonial period, the region was governed by two primary districts: Ibalon (roughly encompassing Albay, Sorsogon, and Catanduanes) and Camarines (Camarines Norte and Sur). The Spanish established the seat of power in Naga City, which became a significant commercial, educational, and religious center. The Bicolanos, often characterized by their strong religious fervor and resilience, were converted to Catholicism, which continues to shape the region’s culture today, exemplified by the massive devotion to the Our Lady of Peñafrancia. The modern provinces and their current boundaries were largely established during the late Spanish and American periods. Despite facing frequent natural disasters, the people of Bicol—the Bicolanos—have historically demonstrated profound resilience, continuously rebuilding and preserving their rich cultural heritage, unique language dialects, and fiery, spice-loving cuisine.

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