Camarines Sur

Camarines Sur
Introduction
It is a province in the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Luzon with Pili as
capital. Camarines Sur is the largest among the six provinces in the Bicol Region
both by population and land area.
Its territory includes two cities: Naga, the lone chartered city, as the province’s
religious, culture, financial, commercial, industrial and business center; Iriga, a
component city, which is the center of the Rinconada area and Rikonada
Language. Within the province lies Lake Buhi, where the smallest commercially
harvested fish, the Sinarapan can be found.
The province is also home to the critically endangered Isarog Agta language, one
of the three critically endangered languages in the Philippine according to
UNESCO.
History
The earliest settlers in Camarines Sur are the Isarog Agta people who live within
the circumference of Mount Isarog. They have been in the province for
thousands of years and have been one of the first settlers in the entire
Phillipines.
The American forces occupied the Bicol Peninsula in 1900. In March on the same
year, General John M. Bell made the military governor of Southeastern Luzon.
Civil government was finally established in Ambos Camarines in April 1901.
On June 6, 1955 however, Pili, the adjoining town, was declared the provincial
capital by virtue of Republic act 1336 up to the present.
People
Geography
Camarines Sur covers a total area of 5,497.03 square kilometers occupying the
central section of the Bicol Region in Luzon. The province borders Camarines
Norte and Quezon to the northwest, and Albay to the south. To the east, lies
Masqueda channel.
Camarines Sur occupies the central section of the Bicol Peninsula, the largest
province in the Bicol Region with 35 municipalities and 2 cities. At the center of
the province is the Bicol Plain, surrounded by mountains which include Mount
Isarog and Mount Iriga.
The eastern portion of the province lies on the mountainous Caramoan
Peninsula, which faces the island of Catanduanes to the east. The Bicol River
drains the central and southern parts of the province into the San Miguel Bay.
Mount Asog is surrounded by three lakes: Buhi, Bato, and Baao.
Language
The main languages spoken in Camarines Sur are the Coastal Bikol, especially
Central Bikol and Inland Bikol group of languages.
The latter is a group of languages that includes Albay Bikol group and Rinconada
Bikol, while the former just consists dialects.
A dialect of Coastal Bikol, is used in the eastern portion of the province in
Lagonoy Gulf, and another dialect called Coastal Bikol-Central is spoken around
Naga City.
In 2010, UNESCO released its 3rd world volume of Endangered Languages in the
World, where 3 critically endangered languages were in the Philippines.
On of theses languages is the Isarog Agta language which has an estimated 5
speakers in the year 2000, they were living within the circumference in Mount
Isarog. They belong to the Aeta people classification, but have distinct language
and belief systems.
Tagalog and English are spoken as another medium of communication in
education and business.
Economy
Camarines Sur is mostly agriculture-based producing rice, corn, feedmeal,
freshwater fish, livestock, coconut, sugar, abaca, and water-lily.
Entrepreneurs engage in trading, often branching out towards neighboring
provinces in the south and other municipalities.
Handicrafts are the major source of rural income, providing a fairly large share in
the small-scale industries of the province. The manufacture of abaca products
such as Manila hemp, hats, bags, mats, and slippers is one of the main sources
of income in the rural areas.
Fishing is also done along both shores of the province. Tourism, primarily
because of Caramoan and Mount Isarog, also generate income for Camarines
Sur.
Naga and several towns have a tri-economy or three-base economy: commerce,
industry, and agriculture. As the main center in the Bicol Region, all of the
products from other provinces in the region are brought to Naga.
Culture and Pop Culture

Quipayo Church. Located in Calabanga, this is another ancient
Church founded by the Franciscan missionaries who came to
Camarines Sur in 1578.
Bombon Parish and Leaning Bell Tower. Located in Bombon,
this old Church was constructed by Fray dela Torre, completed
by another missionary.
Bowa-bowaan Festival. This festival is celebrated every May 2,

coinciding the town fiesta of Nabua. The highlight of the affair is the
re-enactment of the 13th century pagan rites which is enriched by
colorful costumes.
Penafrancia Festival. This is the most awaited celebration of

Bicol is being held in honor of Our Lady of Penafrancia on
September. Her centuries old image becomes an object of a
stirring religious event which is the ceremonial fluvial
procession.
Tourist Attractions
Camsur watersport complex is one of the best tourist spots in Camarines Sur
for water sports enthusiasts. Considered as the first world-class water sports
complex in the Philippines, it takes pride in its excellent facilities primarily
designed for wakeboarding, wakeskating and waterskiing. The 6-hectare
property has 6-point cable ski system which pulls the skiers on a clockwise
direction around the lake. The complex is known to host international
wakeboarding events. Other amenities includes swimming pools, massage
huts, cabanas and a restaurant.
Mount Isarog is one of the renowned tourist spots in Camarines Sur, a

potentially active volcano standing 1,976 meters above sea level. The mountain
and its surroundings is a protected area composed of grasslands, thick and
mossy forests which serves as a habitat of some endemic animals. The summit
of the mountain offers a “sea of clouds” in the early morning, a panoramic
view of Bicol Peninsula and Mount Mayon. The trek going to the mountain
starts from an easy trail to challenging terrains approaching the campsites. A
2-day itinerary is recommended.
Penafrancia Basilica Minore commonly known as Our Lady of Peñafrancia

Church is an 18th century Roman Catholic Church in Camarines Sur. It is a
Baroque style church built on 1750. The structure of the church is made of
fine architectural designs beautified by stained-glass images and paintings.
The church houses the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the patroness of the
city of Naga believed by devotees to have performed countless miracles. The
feast day of Our Lady of Peñafrancia being celebrated every September 17 is
considered as one of the most prestigious religious events in the country.
Caramoan Island are the main destinations for island hopping activities in
Camarines Sur. These group of islands which lies on the lower eastern part of
province gained its reputation of having the best secluded white sand beaches
and coves. Aside from swimming, the best things to do in the islands are to
snorkel down the diverse marine life, explore the caves and lagoons, hike the
hilltops or climb up the limestone rocks for spectacular views. Notable islands
includes Matukad Island, Lahos Island, Hunongan Island and Gota
Island among other paradise islands.
Famous Food
Kinalas Pancit Bato
Sinarap
Pili Nuts

Camarines Sur

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Camarines Sur

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Camarines Sur

Culture and Pop Culture

Bowa-bowaan Festival. This festival is celebrated every May 2,

Penafrancia Festival. This is the most awaited celebration of

Mount Isarog is one of the renowned tourist spots in Camarines Sur, a

Penafrancia Basilica Minore commonly known as Our Lady of Peñafrancia

Kinalas Pancit Bato

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