Virac is a 1st class coastal municipality of Catanduanes Province in the Bicol Region, Philippines. It is the capital and most populous town of the province.
Profile of Municipality (Geography)
Location –> Southern Part of Catanduanes Island east of Camarines Sur Province (See map below)
Neighboring Towns –> Caramoran (north), San Miguel and Bato (east), San Andres (west)
* Virac is bounded on the south by Cabugao Bay which merges with the Philippine Sea
Area –> 152.40 km2 (58.84 sq mi)
Population –> 73,650 (2015 Census)
Terrain –> Mountainous with coastal plain
Industries –> Agriculture, Trading, Tourism
Major Products –> Rice, Abaca, Vegetables, fish, coconut, Poultry, Handicraft, Furniture, Home-made Food Items
People/Language –> Bicolano, Tagalog, English
Barangays –> 63
Revenue (2016) –> 176,731,427.26
Legislative District –> Lone
Government Officials
Congressman –> Hector Sanchez
Mayor –> Sinforoso Sarmiento Jr.
Vice Mayor –> Arlynn H. Arcilla
Councilors (Sangguniang Bayan or SB Members)
Jose Romeo Francisco
Ephraim Antonio Gianan
Rosie Olarte
Reynante Bagadiong
Robert M Maullon
Alipio Abundo
Juan Paolo Sales
Karen Sebastian
Regional Trial Court Executive Judge – Genie Gapas-Agbada
History of Virac
Folk stories tell of the arrival and settlement of Lumibao and his wife Milbigan together with their children and servants in an area called Vidak Spring. Lomibao was presumably a scion of Datu Dumaguil, one of the Malay Datus who colonized Panay Island in western Visayas.
When the men of Spanish conqueror Juan Salcedo explored the area in the late 16th century, they changed the pronunciation of Vidak to Virac and that’s how the town was called since then.
Christianity was brought to the place by the Dominican Friars.
In 1775, Virac was formally organized as a pueblo.
Don Leon Reyes was the Capitan Municipal of Virac when the Philippine-American War erupted in 1898. He led the resistance to American rule and was subjected to hard labor after the Americans succeeded in colonizing the archipelago.
Economy of Virac
Virac’s economy is anchored on its being the capital and largest town in terms of population. It is home to a seaport and airport which make it the gateway to the province. It is also the financial and commercial center with many banks, shops and grocery stores.
Still, many of the residents are engaged in farming and fishing. Rice, abaca, fish and vegetables are the main products.
Tourism is considered a sunrise industry and the government is supporting its development.
Tourist Spots in Virac
Igang Beach
Marilima Beach
Mamangal Beach at Barangay Balite
Virac Parish Cathedral (Immaculate Conception)
Provincial Capitol
The Juan M. Alberto Memorial Building and Theatre
Imelda Boulevard
Festivals
Abaca Festival
Map of Virac Municipality in Catanduanes
See also: Profile of Mayor Sinforoso Sarmiento Jr. , Governor Joseph Cua