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Pasacao (/pɑːsəˈkoʊ/), officially the Municipality of Pasacao (Central Bikol: Banwaan kan Pasacao; Tagalog: Bayan ng Pasacao), is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Camarines Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 53,461 people.[3] The area is noted for its brown sand beaches and is sometimes referred to as the "Summer Capital of Camarines Sur.[5]
Pasacao | |
|---|---|
| Municipality of Pasacao | |
 Aerial shot of Pasacao with its port and oil depot | |
 Flag  Seal | |
| Nickname: Summer Capital of Camarines Sur | |
| Motto: Matatag[a] na Bayan ng Pasacao | |
 Map of Camarines Sur with Pasacao highlighted | |
OpenStreetMap  | |
.svg)  Pasacao Location within the Philippines | |
| Coordinates: 13°30′37″N 123°02′31″E / 13.5103°N 123.0419°E | |
| Country | Philippines |
| Region | Bicol Region |
| Province | Camarines Sur |
| District | 2nd district |
| Founded | 1872 |
| Barangays | 19 (see Barangays) |
| Government | |
| • Type | Sangguniang Bayan |
| • Mayor | Jorge R. Bengua |
| • Vice Mayor | Maryol O. Tayco |
| • Representative | Luis Raymund F. Villafuerte Jr. |
| • Municipal Council | Members |
| • Electorate | 31,618 voters (2022) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 149.54 km2 (57.74 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 36 m (118 ft) |
| Highest elevation | 756 m (2,480 ft) |
| Lowest elevation | 0 m (0 ft) |
| Population (2020 census)[3] | |
| • Total | 53,461 |
| • Density | 360/km2 (930/sq mi) |
| • Households | 11,971 |
| Demonym | Pasaqueño (Masculine) Pasaqueña (Feminine) |
| Economy | |
| • Income class | 3rd income class municipality |
| • Poverty incidence | 41.62% (2015)[4] |
| • Revenue | ₱197,378,822.82 |
| • Assets | ₱ 528.4 million (2020), 121.1 million (2012) |
| • Expenditure | ₱ 137.2 million (2020) |
| • Liabilities | ₱ 168.3 million (2020) |
| Service provider | |
| • Electricity | Camarines Sur 1 Electric Cooperative (CASURECO 1) |
| • Water | Pasacao Water District (PAWADI) |
| Time zone | UTC+8 (PST) |
| ZIP code | 4417 |
| PSGC | |
| IDD : area code | +63 (0)54 |
| Native languages | Central Bikol Tagalog |
| Major religions | Roman Catholicism |
| Feast date | August 30 |
| Catholic diocese | Diocese of Libmanan |
| Patron saint | Saint Rose of Lima |
| Website | pasacao.gov.ph |
During the Spanish colonization in the 16th century, a settlement surrounded a port in what is now Pasacao, serving as a primary embarkation point in Camarines Sur and the only sea link to Manila.[6] This strategic location fostered commerce and trade, enhancing economic interactions throughout the archipelago.
Colloquially, "Pasacao" refers to this former settlement, which is still recognized separately as the modern town center housing government and business hubs. The settlement was designated as a town in 1854 and expanded to incorporate neighboring barrios, leading to the establishment of a municipality during the American colonial period in the early 20th century.
Etymology
editThe town's name is derived from the Spanish-Tagalog portmanteau Pasa-Ikaw (English: Pass it on). This is because dock guards stationed at the Pasacao Port would regularly issue directions to passengers by shouting "Pasa ikaw, Pasa ikaw." Passengers mistook the phrase for the town's name, Pasacao.[6]
History
editHistorical journals from early European travelers suggest that a separate polity named Pasacao, situated at the present-day town center, was viewed separately from neighboring barangays like Dalupaon and Tinalmud. While this isn't explicitly stated, it implies that these areas may have been regarded as distinct villages rather than part of a unified territory before any formal ratification.[citation needed]
Spanish colonization
editFrom 1585 to the 19th century, Pasacao served as a crucial defense port against Moro pirate incursions. The raid in Caranan on October 4, 1779, is an example. Pasacao and 9 other towns and two missions were entirely destroyed.[7] In 1823, the town had an estimated population of only 200 people due to frequent attacks.[6] To defend Pasacao against these raids, Alcalde Jacinto Rodriguez Morales contributed material for a balwark. The fortification of Pasacao in 1848, which included Cabusao in Camarines Sur, Pantao (now Libon), and Donsol in Sorsogon, was motivated by these attacks.[6]
Between 1609 and 1616, during the governor generalship of Juan de Silva, two galleons, the Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe and Angel dela Guardia, were built in Barangay Dalupaon, as well as the Astillero de Dalupaon (English: Dalupaon Shipyard). Guadalupe was vital in the galleon commerce between Manila and Acapulco, as well as the defense of the Philippines against the Dutch at the Battle of Playa Honda.[6][8]
In 1627, an attempt was made to establish a canal linking a river in Pasacao[b] to the Bicol River,[9] which would have connected the town to Nueva Caceres (now Naga).[10][11] However, the project was abandoned due to concerns about the high costs involved. There was also uncertainty over whether the small boats that would utilize the canal would justify the expense,[12] and fears arose that seawater intrusion might threaten the town's rice fields.[10]
Japanese occupation
editIn World War II, the Tangcong Vaca Guerilla Unit, based near Mount Bernacci, carried out significant operations against Japanese forces. Notably, after Japanese ships docked at Pasacao Pier, they were bombed as part of the guerrilla resistance, marking Pasacao’s involvement in the region’s wartime activities.[6]
The Six Daughters of Charity arrived in Pasacao to establish Naga's first regular girls' school, Universidad de Santa Isabel.[6]
Post-colonization
editOn July 20, 1966, a major fire devastated the commercial and residential center of Pasacao. The blaze, ignited by sparks from a chimney, swept through approximately 13 blocks, resulting in damage estimated at PHP 3 to 4 million. The fire left about 700 families, or 3,000 individuals, homeless. Key structures, including the mayor's residence and a rural bank were destroyed.
Local firefighting efforts were hampered by inadequate equipment, and looting occurred amidst the chaos. In response, President Marcos allocated PHP 10,000 in initial aid, and Governor Armando B. Cledera provided PHP 10,000 worth of goods and materials. Various organizations, including the Philippine Red Cross and the Naga City Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, contributed food and supplies to support the affected residents.[13]
Geography
editPasacao is located on the northwest coast of Camarines Sur. It shares its northwestern border with Libmanan, marked by Mount Bernacci, while San Fernando lies to the east and Pamplona to the north. The town center is nestled in a valley[14] between the Ragay Hills, offering direct access to the Bicol Plains. Pasacao's 29.56 kilometres (18.37 mi) coastline lies on the southern part of the municipality, facing the Ragay Gulf, which is part of the Sibuyan Sea.
It covers an area of approximately 149.54 square kilometres (57.74 sq mi). The municipality is characterized by flat lowlands in the north and east, consisting of silt,[15] and mountainous regions in the west. The western area mainly features rolling hills that are part of the highlands surrounding the Ragay Gulf, with the terrain primarily consisting of limestones,[15] sandstones, and marls.[12][16][17] The town's topography is characterized by steep slopes, with elevations ranging from sea level to over 400 metres (1,300 ft) above sea level. The highest point in the town is Mount Bernacci, which stands at 756 metres (2,480 ft) above sea level.
Pasacao is characterized by several rivers, notably including the Caranan, Cagbunini, Itulan, Balogo, and Tinalmud Rivers. All these waterways flow into the Ragay Gulf. Among them, the Tinalmud River is the longest, extending approximately 10.5 kilometres (6.5 mi).
Pasacao's coastline extends approximately 22 kilometres (14 mi). Its brown sand beaches, are used for activities like swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. Balogo Beach, the most notable beach, is near Daruanak Island, the town's landmark and one of the major features of the official seal.[15]
Biodiversity & resources
editPasacao is home to 73 species across 64 genera and 41 families, including 10 mammals, 53 birds, 4 reptiles, and 6 amphibians.
Suminabang Cave, located in Caranan near Dalupaon, hosts insectivorous species such as the Caroline swiftlet (Aerodramus inquietus) and the Philippine forest roundleaf bat (Hipposideros obscurus). Another cave in Bahay, situated on the slopes of Mt. Tigbi, features a distinctive dog-head shaped entrance and is accessible after a one-hour hike. This cave is part of a limestone mountain range that forms the natural boundary between Bahay and Caranan.[15]
Coastal Pasacao is abundant in marine species, including sea urchins, seaweeds, shellfish, and sea cucumbers. Indo-Pacific Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) and Spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata) have been sighted in the town's coastal waters.[15]
On August 9, 1993, a fish sanctuary and marine reserve were established under Municipal Ordinance No. 93-007, covering 32 hectares in Calibayan, Dalupan, and 112 hectares in Sarimao, Caranan. The reserve includes a site in Suminabang, Dalupaon, where a Japanese warship wreck can be seen underwater.[15]
Barangays
editPasacao is politically subdivided into 19 barangays.
| Barangays[18] | Population (2020)[19] | |
|---|---|---|
| Antipolo | 1.78% | 953 |
| Bagong Silang | 1.03% | 550 |
| Bahay | 3.56% | 1,905 |
| Balogo | 10.82% | 5,785 |
| Caranan | 19.57% | 10,460 |
| Cuco | 3.75% | 2,004 |
| Dalupaon | 7.44% | 3,977 |
| Hubo | 1.46% | 780 |
| Itulan | 2.29% | 1,226 |
| Macad[c] | 3.41% | 1,823 |
| Odicon | 5.69% | 3,043 |
| Quitang | 5.59% | 2,991 |
| Salvacion | 1.86% | 995 |
| San Antonio | 1.15% | 613 |
| San Cirilo | 9.97% | 5,53 |
| Santa Rosa Del Norte | 7.74% | 4,136 |
| Santa Rosa Del Sur | 6.60% | 3,527 |
| Tilnac | 1.73% | 927 |
| Tinalmud | 4.55% | 2,435 |
| Total | 100% | 53,461 |
Climate
edit| Climate data for Pasacao | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 82 (28) |
84 (29) |
86 (30) |
88 (31) |
90 (32) |
90 (32) |
86 (30) |
88 (31) |
88 (31) |
86 (30) |
84 (29) |
84 (29) |
90 (32) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | 75 (24) |
73 (23) |
75 (24) |
75 (24) |
79 (26) |
79 (26) |
79 (26) |
79 (26) |
77 (25) |
77 (25) |
77 (25) |
77 (25) |
73 (23) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 5.82 (147.9) |
3.56 (90.5) |
3.06 (77.8) |
3.08 (78.2) |
5.66 (143.8) |
8.31 (211.1) |
12.46 (316.4) |
10.05 (255.3) |
11.96 (303.9) |
10.10 (256.6) |
5.81 (147.7) |
8.85 (224.7) |
88.72 (2,253.9) |
| Average rainy days | 6 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 12 | 18 | 13 | 14 | 11 | 7 | 8 | 111 |
| Average ultraviolet index | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Source: World Weather Online (modeled/calculated data, not measured locally)[20] | |||||||||||||
According to the Köppen climate classification system, Pasacao has a tropical rainforest climate. The north-east monsoon dominates the area; therefore, rainfall is evenly spread throughout the year. From October to January, the wind blows from north to east, from east to southeast from February to April, and from May to September, it blows from east to southeast. From December to May, the area is rather dry, and the rest of the year is wet. The town is occasionally affected by typhoons during the wet season, which can cause flooding and landslides in some areas.
Based on PAGASA’s Climate Projections, the temperature in Pasacao is estimated to rise ranging from 0.9°C to 1.1°C in year 2020, and will continue to rise in 2050 ranging from 1.8°C to 2.2°C. This will affect vital ecosystems such as forest, agriculture, and coastal and marine. The agricultural sector may experience loss as studies reveal that 1°C increase in temperature causes 10% decrease in rice yield.[15]
Demographics
edit
In the 2020 census, the population of Pasacao was 53,461 people,[3] with a density of 360 inhabitants per square kilometre or 930 inhabitants per square mile.
|
|
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| Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[21][22][23][24] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Poverty incidence of Pasacao
10
20
30
40
50
2006
50.00 2009
48.74 2012
44.55 2015
41.62 2018
32.75 2021
44.87 Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] |
Language
editThe primary language spoken in Pasacao is Bikol, specifically the Central Bikol dialect. However, many residents also speak Tagalog and English, which are the official languages of the Philippines.
Religion
editDespite the presence of a single church, Saint Rose of Lima Parish, and a few chapels, Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in the municipality. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Iglesia ni Kristo, Born Again denominations, Jehovah's Witnesses, and other Christian denominations are also present across the municipality.
Economy
editThe Public Market serves as the main commercial center of Pasacao, bustling with economic activity from the trading of agri-fishery products and dry goods. It attracts not only local residents but also people from neighboring towns, contributing significantly to local revenues. The market benefits from its proximity to Pasacao Port.[15]
Agriculture is the primary economic driver in Pasacao, with agricultural land comprising 59.59% of the municipality's total area. Activities include crop production, livestock and poultry raising, and fishing.[15]
Pasacao also has 383.26 hectares (947.1 acres) dedicated to forest production. The local government continuously plants and maintains a tree park in Cagbibi, Caranan, where an 8.5 hectares (21 acres) parcel is planted with 20,000 forest trees of various species, including Gmelina, Mahogany, Acacia mangium, Narra, and Pili.[15]
As of 2015, Pasacao had 19 industrial establishments, categorized into Construction, Electricity, Gas and Water, Mining and Quarrying, and unclassified sectors. The majority are in Barangay Santa Rosa del Sur, followed by Santa Rosa del Norte, San Cirilo, and Caranan.[15]
While the tourism industry generates jobs and fosters skill development, Pasacao remains relatively underdeveloped as a tourist destination despite its rich cultural history and natural resources. The town's tourism industry primarily caters to drive-by travelers due to limited development of tourism sites and facilities.[15]
Culture
editPasacao holds its annual fiesta and Pasa-Pasa Ikaw Festival on August 29-30 in honor of Saint Rose of Lima, the town's patron saint.[33][34] The municipal government organizes various events, including pageant competitions, ci parades, and other activities. These festivals are key to Pasacao's cultural calendar, showcasing the town's heritage and offering opportunities for local celebration. Additionally, the Daruanak Summer Festival takes place during the summer season.[15]
Infrastructure
editPasacao has no public hospital but it has 21 total health facilities that is composed of 19 barangay health stations (1 from each barangay), one (1) polyclinic (St. Rose of Lima Polyclinic) that is located in Santa Rosa del Sur and the Municipal Health Office located in Santa Rosa del Norte.[15]
The municipality has no sanitary landfill but maintains three (3) Materials Recovery Facilities, which are located in Caranan, San Cirilo and Santa Rosa del Sur.[15]
Roadways
editPasacao is primarily accessible via the Danao-Pasacao Road, a 8.89km (5.52 mi)[35] road which extends from a junction with the Pan-Philippine Highway in Tambo, Pamplona, to various local road networks within the town's barangays. This road serves as the main route connecting Pasacao to surrounding areas and facilitates internal transportation.
In addition, the town benefits from the Pasacao-Balatan Tourism Coastal Highway, a 40.69km (25.28 mi) project developed under the Build, Build, Build program. This highway not only links Pasacao to neighboring municipalities—San Fernando, Minalabac, Bula, and Balatan—but also integrates 15 barangays from these towns. The coastal highway is designed to enhance connectivity and promote ecotourism in Camarines Sur.[36] Together, these road networks play a crucial role in supporting transportation and economic development in Pasacao and its surrounding regions.
Civic center
editThe town's civic center, Signature Park (stylized as SigNATURE Park), located in Barangay Sta. Rosa Del Norte, covering 1,145 square meters, is a key civic and recreational center. It includes the CBD Complex,[37] the DRRM/Evacuation Court, and a Eco-park complex housing the town's plaza. The park will also house the new municipal office, with construction still underway.
Ports
edit
Pasacao Seaport, also known as the Port of Pasacao, locally known as Pier, is a fishing, passenger, and cargo port in Camarines Sur. It is situated in Barangay Sta. Rose del Sur. The port serves passengers traveling from Pasacao to Burias in Masbate Province.
The nearby smaller Pasacao Fishport is primarily utilized for fishing and unloading fish, as well as pump boats and fastcrafts for short trips.
Education
editPasacao has several educational institutions catering to different levels of education. For elementary education, the town has 16 public schools and 2 private schools. At the secondary level, there are 6 public high schools and 2 private high schools. Students can continue their studies in nearby cities like Naga and Legazpi.
A key institution in Pasacao is the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) - Pasacao Campus, which offers undergraduate programs in education. The town also supports non-formal education through the Alternative Learning System (ALS) for out-of-school youth and adults, and technical and vocational training through the Camarines Sur Institute of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (CASIFMAS), which offers courses in various vocational fields.
Below is the list of the tertiary and secondary level existing schools on the municipality.
- Tertiary
- Camarines Sur Institute of Fisheries and Marine Sciences
- Camarines Sur Institute of Fisheries and Marine Sciences - Caranan Campus
- Central Bicol State University for Agriculture (CBSUA) - Pasacao Extension Campus
- Secondary
- Antipolo Heights Integrated School
- Arbovitae Plains Montessori Inc. (APMI) - Pasacao Branch
- Balogo Baptist Christian School, Inc.
- Dalupaon National High School
- Dr. Lorenzo P. Ziga Memorial High School
- Juan F. Triviño Memorial High School
- Lyceo de Pasacao
- Pasacao Academy, Inc.
- Pasacao Municipal High School
- Rolando R. Andaya Memorial High School
Notes
edit- ^
- Malinig (English: Clean)
- Asensado (English: Prosperous)
- Trangkilo (English: Peaceful)
- Areglado (English: Organized)
- Tarabangan para sa aktibong pag gobernar (English: Cooperated for an active governance)
- ^ The river mentioned is not specified, but it could be the Tinalmud River, given its proximity to the Bicol River. [citation needed]
- ^ Formerly Hebrio Lourdes
References
edit- ^ Municipality of Pasacao | (DILG)
- ^ "2015 Census of Population, Report No. 3 – Population, Land Area, and Population Density" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. Quezon City, Philippines. August 2016. ISSN 0117-1453. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
- ^ a b c Census of Population (2020). "Region V (Bicol Region)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
- ^ "PSA releases the 2015 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Quezon City, Philippines. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
- ^ Barrameda, Shiena M. (2013-06-12). "Saving Pasacao as summer capital". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2022-05-15.
- ^ a b c d e f g "History of Pasacao | LGU Pasacao Official Website". Retrieved 2022-05-13.
- ^ Abella, Domingo (1954). Bikol annals: A Collection of Vignettes of Philippine History.. Manila.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ^ Jr, Juan Escandor (2012-06-20). "Camarines Sur village relives days of galleons". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ Best, Elsdon (1892). "The Races of the Philippines". The Journal of the Polynesian Society. 1 (1): 7–19. ISSN 0032-4000. JSTOR 20701225.
- ^ a b "133rd Parish Fiesta Celbration in honor of Saint Rose of Lima". Diocese of Libmanan.
- ^ Abella, Domingo (1954). Bikol Annals: The see of Nueva Cáceres.
- ^ a b The Philippine Journal of Science. Bureau of Science. 1911.
- ^ Milano, Ben H. (July 28, 1966). "4M fire razes Pasacao". The Bicol Mail.
- ^ Jagor, Fedor. Travels in the Philippines (Volume IX ed.). Filipina Book Guild.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Final Draft Pasacao CLUP Volume III". pdfcoffee.com. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ Wernstedt, Frederick L.; Spencer, Joseph Earle (1967-01-01). The Philippine Island World: A Physical, Cultural, and Regional Geography. University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-03513-3.
- ^ Gula, Louie P. (2022-07-18). Philippine Culture: Kultura ng Pilipinas. Amazon. ISBN 979-8-8391-6558-8.
- ^ "Barangays | LGU Pasacao Official Website". Retrieved 2022-05-15.
- ^ "Municipality of Pasacao | Philippine Statistics Authority | Republic of the Philippines". psa.gov.ph. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ "Pasacao Climate Weather Averages". Retrieved May 13, 2022.
- ^ Census of Population (2015). "Region V (Bicol Region)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
- ^ Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region V (Bicol Region)" (PDF). Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
- ^ Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region V (Bicol Region)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. National Statistics Office.
- ^ "Province of Camarines Sur". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
- ^ "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
- ^ "Estimation of Local Poverty in the Philippines" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 29 November 2005.
- ^ "2003 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 23 March 2009.
- ^ "City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates; 2006 and 2009" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 3 August 2012.
- ^ "2012 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 31 May 2016.
- ^ "Municipal and City Level Small Area Poverty Estimates; 2009, 2012 and 2015". Philippine Statistics Authority. 10 July 2019.
- ^ "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 15 December 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
- ^ "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ "Pasa-Pasa Ikaw Festival sa Pasacao, Camarines Sur –". Retrieved 2024-09-08.
- ^ pmbautista (2023-08-15). "Four Amazing August Festivals You Can Drive to From Manila". The Smart Ako Blog. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ "Camarines Sur 2nd District Road Data".
- ^ "Groundworks for Pasacao-Balatan Tourism Coastal Highway now underway". ph.news.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2022-12-27.
- ^ "Pasacao Mayor cites economic gains". PIA. 2021-10-15. Retrieved 2024-09-08.
External links
edit