Catanduanes History
Profile of Catanduanes Province (Geography)
Location –> Bicol Region, Philippines (See map below)
Capital –> Virac
Area –> 1,492.16 km2 (576.13 sq mi)
Population –> 260,964 (2015 census)
Terrain –> Mountainous with very narrow coastal plain
Industries –> Agriculture
Major Products –> Abaca, Coconut, Rice, and Fish
People/Language –> Bicolano, Tagalog, English
City –> None
Municipalities (Towns) –> (11) Bagamanoc, Baras, Bato, Caramoran, Gigmoto, Pandan, Panganiban, San Andres, San Miguel, Viga, Virac
Government Officials
Go here to see the elected provincial officials of Catanduanes.
Catanduanes History
In 1573, Juan de Salcedo arrived in Catanduanes Island and thereafter, started the occupation and christianization of the native people by the Spaniards. The foreign rulers were driven away in 1898 when the independence of the Philippines was declared. The Americans controlled the island from 1900 until 1942 when the Japanese invaded the country and ruled the archipelago including Catanduanes for three years.
Catanduanes was a former sub-province of Ambos Camarines in the early 1900s and later of Albay. On October 24, 1945, it gained its status as a regular province by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 687 signed into law by President Sergio Osmena, Sr. on October 24, 1945. Remigio Socito, the last Lieutenant Governor when it was a sub-province, was appointed as the first Provincial Governor. Alfonso V. Usero was the first elected governor in 1947.
As an independent province, it started having its own representative in the Philippine Congress in 1946 in the person of Francisco A. Perfecto. He was succeeded by Severiano P. De Leon. The longest serving congressman was Jose M. Alberto who served for five terms from 1957 to 1972 and from 1984 to 1986.
Go here to see all the candidates and results of the 2019 election in Catanduanes.
Go here to see the famous people from Catanduanes Province.
Read the history of Catanduanes in Tagalog here.
Economy of Catanduanes
Catanduanes is an agricultural province with abaca and coconut as the main products. Rice is produced in the coastal areas. Fishing is also an important industry. The processing of abaca and rattan into handicraft are the main cottage industries in the province. The commercial production and processing of crab meat is currently being promoted to investors.
Tourism is gaining ground in Catandauanes especially among surfing enthusiasts.
RELATED: Profile of Palawan Province
See also: List of Philippine Provinces and Capital by Region