2. The name Bicol first came to be known as the name of the
biggest and longest river in the region. The river comes
from the outflow of lakes and springs from the provinces of
Albay, Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte and form a
large stream that exits in the San Miguel Bay, off the
shores of Camarines Sur.
The Bicolanos are descended from the Austronesian-
speaking immigrants who came from Southern China
during the Iron Age. Many of Bicolanos also have Chinese,
Arab, and Spanish admixtures. Most of the townsfolk have
Spanish Mixtures and their language is referred to as Bicol
or Bicolano.
Bicol Region
History
3. Bicol's Economy and
Traditional
Occupations
The region’s production of chicken ranked 11th in the
national production in 2013, while its production of corn
and eggplant ranked seventh. Rice, coconut, and abaca
are major crops. About half of the farming land is planted
to coconut, while 20% is planted to rice and 10% to abaca.
Bicol ranks second to eastern Visayas in abaca
production.
4. Bicol's Economy and
Traditional
Occupations
Rice, the staple, is supplemented with corn and root crops.
Coffee and cacao are also grown. Camarines Sur has the
biggest livestock and poultry production and is the region’s
main source of carabao, duck, and chicken. Hogs and
goats are mostly raised in Masbate. It is also the region’s
leader in cattle production, although this is controlled by
wealthy families. Camarines Sur is the largest fish
producer in the region; Masbate, the best inland fish
producer; and Camarines Norte, the most efficient
commercial fish producer.
5. Political
System
Early Bikol society was family
centered, and the leader was
the head of the family.
The influences and even their
political competition extended to the
provincial level, such as in the case
of the family of the Abella and
Arejola in Camarines Sur. Many of
these families later led Bicol’s
revolutionary efforts.
To assure full and timely collection of
taxes, Simon de Anda’s 1781 decree
stipulated that the cabezas de barangay
(barangay heads) be wealthy. Such
posts that were exempt from tribute and
forced labor were much coveted, and
this gave way to election anomalies.
6. Social Organization,
Customs and Traditions
Naming children according to their attributes or the conditions
marking their birth was a regional custom; hence names such
as Macusog (strong) and Magayon (beautiful). The practice still
exists among a few Bikol families.
The pamalaye, the meeting of the two families for the wedding
agreements, is observed today with greater simplicity, stripped of many
of its old formalities. In modern times, Bikol weddings are no longer
arranged for familial alliances.
7. Religious Beliefs and
Practices
Bikol religiosity is deeply
rooted. Sometimes Christian
faith is expressed through
indigenous forms, and
indigenous beliefs may
assume a Christian face
Indigenous beliefs determine certain actions
and forms of behavior. Night birds like kikik or
tiktik convey ill omens that may prevent one
from venturing out of the house. Dreaming of
one’s teeth falling forebodes a close relative’s
death. The deceased’s relatives attending the
funeral should throw a bit of soil into the grave
so as not to be haunted by the deceased. Using
the remains of the materials for making the
coffin causes bad luck.
The most popular and distinct manifestation of
Bikol faith is the special devotion to Nuestra
Señora de Peñafrancia, Patroness of Bicol,
who is endearingly addressed as “Ina”
(mother). Her feast is commemorated with the
procession of the traslacion (transfer) to the
Naga Cathedral on the second Friday of
September and a huge fluvial parade on the
third Saturday of September back to the
Basilica.
8. Cultural Sites
in Bicol
Region
Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
The largest church in Bicol, it was
constructed in 1816 to 1831. For many
years, the Cathedral was the seat of the
Archdiocese of Caceres which
encompassed the six Bicol provinces.
Lagonoy Church
Found in Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, the
imposing ruins of the Lagonoy belfry is all
that is left of the original stone church build
in 1763. Abandoned after a great flood, the
church was almost totally destroyed in
1811 by an earthquake. The “kampanario”
is now covered with thick vines and
guarded by a large snake, the “irago”
(boa).
Quipayo Church
Found in Calabanga, Camarines Sur,
this ancient church was established by
the Franciscan missionaries in 1578.
The existing parishes of Libmanan,
Cala-banga, Bombon and Siruma
were originally under its jurisdication.
Bombon Parish
Famous for its leaning bell tower, this
old church was first constructed by
Fray dela Torre and completed by
Rev. Fr. Jose Ribaya. The bell tower,
which is being likened the tower of
Pisa in Italy, was said to have almost
been destroyed by the parishioners.
The parish priest however insisted to
continue the completion of the tower
despite his parishioners’ protests.
