Sorsogon Tourist Information

The province of Sorsogon, through its municipalities and capital city, is one of the leading examples in Region V of a land that has been able to make giant strides economically but at the same time maintaining its sense of culture and identity.

Geography

Sorsogon province is situated in the Bicol Region, with Albay province at its northern tip, and gazes at Samar on the southeast. At the southwest is the island of Ticao. From the east lies the Pacific Ocean, and at its south side the San Bernadino Strait. It occupies an area approximately 2,100 sq. km, or some 1,200 sq. miles.

The landscape presents interesting contrasts. In a lot of places the land is rugged, with hills and valleys. Large mountains, like the famed Mount Bulusan (5,000 ft high), can be found in throughout, especially the northeast and west areas. This is contrasted by the fact that with the exception of Albay at its northern tip, the province is encompassed by water.

Facts & Figures

Location: Region V, also known as the Bicol Region
Cities: 1 (Sorsogon City, the capital)
Population: approx. 700,000
Representation in Congress: 2
Municipalities: 14

The Economy

Few places have contributed to the economic resurgence of Bicol Region like Sorsogon. Much of the strength of the province stems from the economic strength of its capital, Sorsogon City. As a special economic zone, the city now sports all the aspect of modern, first class city life; banks, schools, restaurants, theaters, malls proliferate.

Outside of the capital, the province is heavily dependent on agriculture and fishery, and its geographical placement has made these endeavors profitable to a large extent. Rice, copra, bananas, santol, bamboo are produced extensively.

The People

The vast majority of the province stem from the Bisakol and Bicolano groups. Like most Filipinos, they are very outgoing and their generosity towards their kin and even strangers is well known.

The influence of the Spaniards can be readily seen in the fact that most of the inhabitants are Roman Catholics, and this is reflected by the numerous festivities dedicated to various saints and patrons. However there are also several minorities, including the Muslims. In Sitio Bolangan is a well known mosque, frequented by devotees. There are also some Chinese and Hindus, mostly in the capital where they are engaged in various businesses.

Language

Virtually everyone in the province can comprehend and speak Tagalog, and also Bioclano, but it is interesting to note that there exists a wide array of “local” dialects, which differ somewhat from district to district. This does not just refer to the distinctions between the Biocalno and Bisakol language; the Bisakol (also termed Waray) used in places like Satan Magdalena, Bulusan and Gubat are not the same as those spoken in Magallanes, Sorsogon City and Juban. Some also speak Cebuano and of course English is utilized in schools, and people, particularly in the capital, use it very well.

Educational Facilities

A major reason for the success of Sorsogon is the large number of schools and universities in its midst. These include the Bicol Merchant Marine College, Lewis College, STI College, AMA Computer Learning Center, Sorsogon State College, Our Lady of Penfrancia Sanctuary and many others. Most of these are located in the capital city.

Infrastructure & Transport

Most of those who will travel to Sorsogon from the National Capital Region do so via motor vehicles, and the route usually taken is that of the Maharlika Highway. However, the construction of the Sorsogon City Domestic Airport is expected to be complete before the end of 2008 and will provide another way.

This facility, together with the capital’s well maintained communication infrastructure (including Internet access) is expected to further boost the status of the province.