REGION 5

Regional background/ Provinces/ Capital City

The Bicol Region, also known as Bikol, is a region of the Philippines, designated as
Region V. Bicol comprises six provinces, four on the Bicol Peninsula Albay,
Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon and the island provinces of
Catanduanes and Masbate.
The regional capital and largest city is Legazpi City, Albay.

Anything to be remembered
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Bicol is one of the Philippines best-known tourist destinations. Some of its

famous treasures are the gentle butanding whale sharks of Donsol, the fierce
and fiery Mayon Volcano and Bulusan Volcano, and the popular Cam Sur
Watersports Compex (CWC)

Strawberry Country
-Strawberries are now being grown in Bicol soil. The first lowland strawberry
plantation is in Camarines Sur at Pinit, Ocampo. (If youre wondering, Agribusinessgraduate Libreja found a way to raise strawberries in the yard through
experimentation in this hot and humid part of the country.)

Mango Island
-Mango island is an island and is located in the Province of Albay. The estimate
terrain elevation above seal level is 7 metres.

Well known scenic spots

Mayon Volcano, Cagsawa Ruins Park, Basilica of Our Lady of Penafrancia, Cagsawa
National Museum, Malabsay falls, Vera Falls, Bagasbas beach, Mt. Isarod National
Park and many more.

Characteristics of Bicolanos
The Bicolano cuisine is primarily noted for the prominent use of chili
peppers and gata (coconut milk) in its food. A classic example is the gulay na lada,

known outside the region as Bicol Express, a well-loved dish using siling
labuyo (native small chillies) and the aforementioned gata.
Like their other neighboring regions, Bicolanas are also expected to lend a hand in
household work. They are even anticipated to offer assistance after being married.
On the other hand, Bicolano men are expected to assume the role of becoming the
primary source of income and financial support of his family.
Bicolanos are also known for being very religious, the place is known for the Our
Lady of Peafrancia in Naga City. Bicolanos are often sweet, regionalistic, friendly,
adventurous, puts high importance on education and social status. Contrary to what
is believed, not all Bicolanos are fond of chili. Men often know how to cook.

Livelihood
Geography defines the region's traditional occupations - agriculture and fishing.
Bicol's agricultural sector contributes 60% of the gross regional domestic product,
with the services and industrial sectors contribution 30% and 10%. Rice, coconut,
and abaca are major crops. About half the farming land cultivates coconut while
20% and 10% are planted to rice and abaca, respectively. Bicol ranks second to
eastern Visayas in abaca production. Rice, the staple is supplemented with corn
and root crops. Bicol is currently the largest producer of sweet potato, and the third
largest producer of cassava and calamansi. Coffee and cacao are also grown.
Bicol's tourism industry is another source of income. Among the more popular sites
are the perfect cone-shaped Mayon Volcano, Lake Buhi, Pasacao Beach, Nats Beach,
And San Jose Beach in Camarines Sur, Bulusan's mountain lake, Tiwis' geothermal
plant and Cagsaua beach. The Philippine Tourism Authority is developing the
Maranawa falls in Bato, Catanduanes into a nature park and resort.
Mining is also one of the contributors to the region's economy. Several handicrafts,
jewelry manufacturing, other small-scale industries and manufacturing enterprises
bolster rural incomes.

Authors from the region

H. Francisco V. Peones Jr. (Halo-Halo), Rizaldy M. Manrique (Bikol Blogger) and
Judith Balares-Salamat (Hinghing nin Buhay)

Youre welcome.