It is believed that the province coined its name from the native beetle “tandu” resulting to “Katanduan” and the native tree “samdong” with “Kasamdongan” as the word formed. Both words finally metamorphosed to Catanduanes
Catanduanes was a former sub-province of Ambos Camarines in the early 1900s and later of Albay. It gained provincial autonomy when Congressman Francisco Perfecto filled House Bill No. 301 which separated the province from Albay. It was approved on September 26, 1945 and subsequently signed into law by President Osmenia on October 24, 1945.
LOCATION
Catanduanes is a kidney-shaped island at the easternmost seaboard of the Philippines. It is the first landmass of the Philippine archipelago to kiss the Pacific Ocean at 13.5o to 14o north latitude and 124º to 125.5º east longitude. A part of the Bicol Region, Catanduanes is the 12th largest island of the Philippines and is separated from the Bicol Peninsula by the Maqueda Bay and Lagonoy Gulf.
TOPOGRAPHY
Catanduanes is a lush island of mountains and water. Forest cover about 46 percent of the total land area. Surfacing from the mountains are numerous springs, waterfalls and rivers trailing out into the ocean. The island is lined with more than 20 islets and rocks that give it an interesting shoreline. It also provides the choice of deep swells and surfs of the Pacific Ocean in the northeastern tip. On the southern tip, one can view the gentle lolling of the ebb and flow of the waters of Maqueda Channel over cream sand beaches.
POLITICAL SUBDIVISION
Composed of 11 municipalities, namely: Virac (the Provincial Capital), San Andres, Caramoran, Pandan, Bato, Gigmoto, Baras, Panganiban, Bagamanoc, Viga, and San Miguel. The province has 315 barangays and one Congressional district.
POPULATION
The population of the province as of 2010 was 246,300, as per the National Census Statistic Office.
CLIMATE
Indistinct dry season. Precipitation is distributed throughout the year although monsoon weather brings in heavy rains from November to January. December to February are coldest months. The best time of the year to visit Catanduanes is from the months of March to August when the weather turns dry.
LANGUAGE / DIALECT
Bicol is the native tongue but with different nuances and variations, especially when one goes up to the northern towns like Pandan, Caramoran, and Panganiban. English and Tagalog are commonly spoken and understood.
MAJOR INDUSTRY
Abaca and lasa abound in the whole province. Native products made of abaca fiber like bags, lamps, utility boxes, handmade paper, among others, adorn the local souvenir shops and serve as local ‘pasalobong” and souvenirs. Lately, the indigenous abaca fiber, commonly called “pinukpok” produced and woven by the locals of Baras, Catanduanes, has now found its niche in the local and international fashion industry. This indigenous fabric has shown its versatility in the globally appealing designs and creations of famous fashion designer Dita Sandico-Ong.
TRANSPORTATION
· BY AIR
Cebu Pacific flies from Manila to Virac and vice versa every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
· BY LAND AND WATER
Numerous bus lines operate air-conditioned and Ordinary buses and coaches from Manila to Tabaco City, Albay. Some of these buses are loaded to the Ferry for its final stop in the town of Virac.
From the seaport of Tabaco, hop on either MV Calixta 2, 4 and 5 which would bring you to the port of San Andres or MV Eugene Elson which docks in the port of Virac.
Transportation around the Island is provided by jeepneys and bus for inter-town travel, while tricycles and pedicabs will take you around the towns. Private vehicles are also available for hire, which can take you to any point of the Island.
COMMUNICATION
Cellular phone services allow access to national and international calls. Internet access through Wi-Fi and Broadband connections are available.
Local Cable companies operate in most towns. TV repeaters allow access to Manila broadcast stations. Satellite dish is a common site in rooftops of houses in remote areas.
POWER SUPPLY
Electrical Power is supplied by power plants, a mix of diesel powered generators and hydroelectric turbines. Electricity is served on 24-hour basis to all the eleven (11) municipalities. Catanduanes has a 220-volt electrical system.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Catanduanes is home to the “Majestic Waves”, with its long magnificent barrels, it is a surfer’s paradise. It also boasts idyllic beaches with powdery sands and coral formations. Mysterious caves with historical significance to compliments its beauty and mystic would surely enchant the travelers. Nature trails and panoramic views such as the one viewed from the grounds of the PAGASA Weather Radar Station is a photo enthusiast dream-come-true. A religious pilgrim will be well satisfied with a tour of the churches and religious shrines in the Island. The Museo De Catanduanes with its fine collection of artifacts is a must for the history buff.
Each town has its own festival, featuring the towns’ distinct qualities, some coincides with the town fiesta while others are held as a separate event. The “Catandungan” Festival is the mother of all festivals in Catanduanes.
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