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PROVICIAL PROFILE OF CATANDUANES
FAST FACTS
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LOCATION
Catanduanes is an island province in Bicol region southeast of Luzon. It is separated from the mainland by the Maqueda Channel on the west and Lagonoy Gulf on the south. the north and east sides are open to the Pacific Ocean.
THE LAND
The whole island is virtually one single mountain mass, with low mountains rising almost directly form the western shore. There is a narrow depression in the midsection of the island and limited plains along the coast facing the Pacific. Caatanduanes' geographical position exposes it to frequent typhoons. It has no dry season as rain falls throughout the year.
A BRIEF HISTORY
The province was formerly known as Catanduan, or "where tando trees abound." In 1573, Juan de Salcedo explored the island and found Malayan settlers believed to be descendants of the ten Bornean datus who came to Panay in the 13th century. Up to now, one of the islands off the northeast coast of Catanduanes is callled Panay.
In 1576, a galleon sailing from Acapulco to the Philippines was shipwrecked near the coast of Catanduanes. Ten Augustinian friars were aboard. It is said that survivors of the disaster were either killed by the natives or made servants of the datu. The Holy Cross of Batalay in the town of bato is said to mark the burial site of the Augustinians' leader, Father Diego de Herrera. Throughout the Spanish era and the American occupation, Catanduanes was a distinctive of Albay. It became a separate province under Commonwealth Act No. 687 on September 26, 1945.
THE PEOPLE
The inhabitants speak the Bicolano dialect with a distinctive accent. They are also known for their religious fervor, which many attribute to their constant exposure to typhoons.
COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Major crops are rice, corn, coconut abaca, and rootcrops. Fishing ranks second to farming as the main source of livelihood. The province has no major industry except cottage industries which are abaca and forestry-based.
Information gathered from:
League of
Provinces
by:Roberto C. Arellano
This page last revised:January 29, 1999.
