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PROVINCIAL PROFILE OF SORSOGON
FAST FACTS
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LOCATION
Sorsogon in the Bicol Peninsula is at the southeastern tip of Luzon Island. It is bounded on the north by Albay and Albay Gulf, on the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the west by Burias and Ticao Passes, and on the south by the Samar Sea and San Bernardino Strait.
THE LAND
Mountains sprawl along the northeastern part of the province. The tallest peak is Mount Bulusan, an active volcano 1,560 m above sea level; Lake Bulusan lies on its slopes. The major rivers are the Cawayan River in Sorsogon town and the Putiao River in Pilar. The capital town lies on the slender rock of land that joins the province's two parts separated by Sorsogon Bay. Except for landlocked Irosin, all the towns lie along the coast.
The eastern half of the province has no dry season but with very pronounced maximum rain period from November to January, while the westem half has rainfall more or less evenly distributed through out the year. Sorsogon lies at the heart of the typhoon belt.
A BRIEF HISTORY
In 1570, Fathers Alonzo Jimenez and Juan Orta of the Augustinian Order led a group sent to explore the island of Luzon. Upon reaching its southem shores, they found a small fishing village at the mouth of Ginangra River in what is now Magallanes town. The village, called Gibalong by its residents, became the first Christian settlement in Luzon. Later, the friars called the whole Bicol region "Tierra de Ibalong."
When the Spaniards had settled in Gibalong, they set out to further explore inland. Upon reaching a small river emptying into what is now Sorsogon Bay, they asked a native they met for the name of the place. The native, not understanding Spanish and thinking they were asking for directions, answered, "Solsogon," meaning "trace the river by going upstream." Through constant use, Solsogon became Sorsogon. Sorsogon was established as a province on October 17, 1894.
THE PEOPLE
Bicolano is the predominant dialect but because it is a gateway to the Visayas, their version is a unique mixture of Visayan and Bicol dialects.
COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
The fertile soil due to past volcanic eruptions and year-round rainfall make Sorsogon a major producer of abaca. It is said the province produces the best hemp in all of Bicol. Other crops widely grown are coconut and rice. The province also has a significant fishing industry as it is surrounded by rich fishing grounds. Raw materials abound for cottage industries. Deposits of sulphur, kaolin, limestone, and coal are largely untapped.
Information gathered from:
League of
Provinces
by:Roberto C. Arellano
This page last revised:January 29, 1999.
