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PROVINCIAL PROFILE OF CAMARINES SUR
FAST FACTS
Click Here to View The List Of Towns.
LOCATION
Camarines Sur is in the central part of the Bicol Peninsula at the southern tip of Luzon Island. It is bounded on the north by the province of Quezon and Camarines Norte, SanMiguel Bay, and the Pacific Ocean, on the east by Lagonoy Gulf, on the west by Ragay Gulf, and on the south by Albay.
THE LAND
Camarines Sur is the largest of Bicol's six provinces. At its center lies the vast Bicol Plain. This is surrounded by mountains, two of which, Isarog and Iriga, are extinct volcanoes. To the east is the Caramoan Peninsula. The Bicol River drains the central and southern parts of the province. Iriga is surrounded by three lakes - Buhi, Bato, and Baao. The northeastern side has no pronounced dry season but a very distinct rainy season from November to February.
A BRIEF HISTORY
Originally, Camarines was one political unit but in 1829, the province was divided into two, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur. In 1854, the two provinces were again unites to form the province of Ambos Camarines.
However, in 1857, they were again separated until 1893. The Philippine Legislative Act No. 2711 of March 10, 1917, divided the province into Norte and Sur. Naga City, the former capital, was founded in 1573 as Nueva Caceres, after Caceres in Spain. Among the great sons of Camarines Sur are Bishop Jorge Barlin, the first Filipino Catholic bishop, revolutionary leaders Elias Angeles and Felix Plazo, and the 15 Bicol Martyrs, led by Manuel and Domingo Abella, who died fighting against Spanish rule.
THE PEOPLE
The population is a conglomeration of Bicolanos, Visayans, and Ilocanos. The dominant dialects is Bicolano. Migrant dialects have also been brought in. Cultural communities belonging to the Agra-Tabangnon and Cimaron tribes can be found on the eastern part of the province.
COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Camarines Sur is basically agricultural. The major crops are coconut, ice, abaca, banana, rootcrops, and vegetables. Mining is a growing industry. There are deposits of gold, silver chromite, copper, and other metal in the eastern side. The province also has rich fishing grounds. Cottage industries include bamboocraft in Nabua, embroidery in Baao, and fibercraft in the other towns.
Information gathered from:
League of
Provinces
by:Roberto C. Arellano
This page last revised:January 29, 1999.
