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PROVINCIAL PROFILE OF ALBAY
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LOCATION
Albay is part of the Bicol peninsula which is at the southern tip of Luzon island. It is between Camarines Sur on the north and Sorsogon on the south. It is bounded on the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the northeast by the Lagonoy Gulf and on the west by the Burias Pass.
THE LAND
The province is generally mountainous with scattered fertile plains and valleys. About 40 percent of the land area is flat and cradled by the mountains of Masaraga, Malinao, Pantao, Catburawan, and the majestic Mayon Volcano. In the north are the islands of Rapu-rapu, Batan, Cacraray, and San Miguel. The eastern half of Albay has no dry season and very pronounced rainfall from November to January. The erstern half has rainfall evenly distributed throughout the year.
A BRIEF HISTORY
Albay and its surrounding areas were known as Ibalon when Juan de Salcedo and 120 soldiers explored it in 1573. Sawangan, a small settlement by a mangrove swamp, became a town called Albaybay (meaning "by the bay") in 1616. The town was first renamed Albay, then Legaspi, as Albay went on to refer to the province.
In 1846, Masbate, Ticao, and Burias were separated from Albay to form the comandancia of Masbate. Albay was then divided into four districts: Iraya, Cordillera or Tabaco, Sorsogon, and Catanduanes.
In 1894, Sorsogon became a separate province and Catanduanes followed suit in 1945. The province of Albay itself was created under Act No. 2711 on March 10, 1917. Its colorful history includes both natural and man-made disasters. In 1649, the natives rebelled against their recruitment to Cavite to build galleons.
In 1814, Mayon Volcano erupted, killing 1,200 people and burying the town of Cagsawa. During the early 19th century, hemp for shipping rope became an international course of wealth. Albay prospered greatly until the demand for hemp fell sharply.
THE PEOPLE
The Bicol dialect spoken in Legaspi is the common tongue used, but there are variations in tone and meanings of words as one goes farther away from the city. However, the people also speak Tagalog frequently. A number of tribal communities can be found in the towns of Tiwi and Rapu-rapu.
COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
While efforts are being directed toward the development of industries in he province, agriculture remains the main source of livelihood. The important crops are coconut, rice, sugarcane, pineapple, vegetables and hemp. The forests are sources of timber, rattan and pili nuts. Among the large-scale industries are Isarog Pulp and Paper Mills and Albay Industrial Development Corporation. Tiwi is the site of a major geothermal power projects. Handicrafts, especially the making of abaca products, such as hats, mats, bags, slippers and rope, are a major source of income in the rural areas. Both shores of the province are rich fishing grounds.
Information gathered from:
League of
Provinces
by:Roberto C. Arellano
This page last revised:January 29, 1999.
