Bicol Peninsula is located in the Southeast portion of Luzon island. It has the potential to become a major tourist destination, with major attractions such as Mayon Volcano, watersports, unspoilt white beaches along the Pacific coastline, a whaleshark spotting area, diving spots, ecotourism attractions, as well as numerous caves and waterfalls. But due to poor tourism infrastructure, natural disasters and limited access to the region, this potential has never been realised to the fullest.
Ethnicity
People from Bicol are called Bicolanos. They are of Austro-Polynesian origin, with Spanish, Chinese and Malayo-Indonesian influences.
People from Bicol are called Bicolanos. They are of Austro-Polynesian origin, with Spanish, Chinese and Malayo-Indonesian influences.
Population and Geography
The total population of the Bicol region is 7 million, distributed into 6 provinces. Our mission area is Albay province.
The total population of the Bicol region is 7 million, distributed into 6 provinces. Our mission area is Albay province.
Language
There are several Bicol languages and many different dialects. They are the languages used most commonly in homes and general life. Most Bicolanos also speak Filipino. Three other languages, Cebuano and Masbateño, are spoken by many in the region. English is well spoken and understood; in fact Bicolanos are among the best speakers of the English language in the Philippines. At least seven of the 23 members of the Senate are from Bicol, for example.
There are several Bicol languages and many different dialects. They are the languages used most commonly in homes and general life. Most Bicolanos also speak Filipino. Three other languages, Cebuano and Masbateño, are spoken by many in the region. English is well spoken and understood; in fact Bicolanos are among the best speakers of the English language in the Philippines. At least seven of the 23 members of the Senate are from Bicol, for example.
Livelihood
Most older Bicolanos have completed elementary school only. They tend to have agricultural jobs. They farm, fish, or sell food products. Some are involved in mining, handicrafts, or one of a variety of industries. Because the region is far from the country’s commercial centres, it cannot compete in many areas of business, and thus has a higher poverty rate than the national average. Natural disasters also hinder the area’s economic growth. Two active volcanoes erupt on occasion, and many typhoons blow in off the Pacific Ocean between 8 to 16 times every year.
The younger generation is pursuing higher education. There are many colleges in the area, including a very good medical and engineering school. But due to the slow rate of development in this area, underemployment is high (40 percent). Many professionals move elsewhere to find work.
Most older Bicolanos have completed elementary school only. They tend to have agricultural jobs. They farm, fish, or sell food products. Some are involved in mining, handicrafts, or one of a variety of industries. Because the region is far from the country’s commercial centres, it cannot compete in many areas of business, and thus has a higher poverty rate than the national average. Natural disasters also hinder the area’s economic growth. Two active volcanoes erupt on occasion, and many typhoons blow in off the Pacific Ocean between 8 to 16 times every year.
The younger generation is pursuing higher education. There are many colleges in the area, including a very good medical and engineering school. But due to the slow rate of development in this area, underemployment is high (40 percent). Many professionals move elsewhere to find work.
Religion
Spain targeted the Bicol region early on in its colonisation efforts, resulting in the country’s oldest Roman Catholic diocese. Today, the vast majority of Bicolanos are Catholic (91%). In five of the region’s six provinces only about one percent of residents are Protestants.
Spain targeted the Bicol region early on in its colonisation efforts, resulting in the country’s oldest Roman Catholic diocese. Today, the vast majority of Bicolanos are Catholic (91%). In five of the region’s six provinces only about one percent of residents are Protestants.
How Do We Get There?
a) Direct flight from Singapore to Manila (3 hours 15 mins); Direct flight from Manila to Legaspi (1 hour but after 4-7 hours layover); Public Transport from Legaspi to Mission area (45 minutes); or
a) Direct flight from Singapore to Manila (3 hours 15 mins); Direct flight from Manila to Legaspi (1 hour but after 4-7 hours layover); Public Transport from Legaspi to Mission area (45 minutes); or
b) Direct flight from Singapore to Manila (3 hours 15mins); Public bus from Manila to Mission area (12 hours).
Where Do We Stay?
We will be billeted at the University dormitory at the Bicol University College of Agriculture.
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