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LEGAZPI CITY – Despite a nationwide trend of economic expansion, the Bicol Region recorded the slowest growth among the country’s 18 regions in 2025, according to the latest Regional Accounts released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). While all regional economies posted positive gains, Bicol’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) grew by a marginal 0.5 percent. This figure is significantly lower than the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of 4.4 percent and marks a sharp contrast to the 6.4 percent growth seen in Western Visayas, the country's fastest-growing region. The region's sluggish performance is largely attributed to a significant slump in investments. Bicol experienced a 17.2-percent decline in gross capital formation, the second-largest contraction in the Philippines, trailing only SOCCSKSARGEN’s 19.1-percent drop. Economists point to this "investment drought" as a primary hurdle for the region, which also trailed behind other sl...

PANDAN, CATANDUANES — The shores of Northern Catanduanes beamed with pride as the municipality of Pandan officially kicked off the 33rd Dinahit Festival, marked by a grand parade that transformed the streets into a kaleidoscope of culture and community spirit. This year’s celebration reached a new milestone, proving that after over three decades, the "Dinahit"—a traditional sailing vessel used by ancestors—remains a powerful symbol of the Pandananon’s resilience and seafaring heritage. The festivities began with a massive display of local solidarity. The Grand Dinahit Parade saw an impressive turnout from various sectors. As the parade wound through the heart of the town, onlookers were treated to a spectacle where "every step moves to tradition, and every smile tells a story," embodying the deep-rooted connection the people have with their history. The energy reached a fever pitch during the Opening Program with a headline performance by the Gubtik PANdance Group. ...

The identity of a place is often forged in the intersection of colonial decree and local life. For the municipality of Bato in Catanduanes, that identity was officially sealed on April 15, 1799. However, the story of its name and its spirit of defiance dates back much further. A Name Born of a Misunderstanding The roots of Bato trace back to the Hispanization of the Philippines. While Spanish explorer Juan de Salcedo reached the shores of Catanduanes as early as 1575, many settlements remained unregistered for centuries. The shift occurred when the Gobernadorcillo mandated a formal registry of all settlements to streamline population data and tax collection for the Spanish Crown. Legend has it that when Spanish officials arrived at a local settlement to ask for its name, they encountered a woman washing clothes at a natural stone well. Misinterpreting their question, she replied "Bato" (the Tagalog/Bicol word for stone), referring to the well. The name stuck, and what began a...

On this day in history, we reflect on the unique nomenclature of Panganiban, a town in the province of Catanduanes, Philippines, which has undergone a rhythmic back-and-forth with its identity. Originally known as Payo, the town saw a significant legislative shift on April 20, 1957, during the final term of Assemblyman Francisco Perfecto. Under Republic Act No. 1654, the municipality’s name was reverted from Panganiban back to its ancestral name, Payo. This change, however, was short-lived; by April 15, 1959, Congressman Jose M. Alberto facilitated the enactment of Republic Act 2122, which officially restored the name Panganiban, the title it carries to this day. The cultural roots of the town are deeply tied to local folklore and the early organization of its people. According to legend, the original name "Payo" was not merely a random choice but a tribute to the community's leadership. It is said that the early settlers elected a tribal chief whom they addressed as ...

VIRAC, CATANDUANES — In a proactive move to shield locals from rising fuel costs driven by Middle East tensions, the Provincial Government of Catanduanes has secured a major commitment from the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to modernize maritime services and stabilize transportation costs. Governor Patrick Alain T. Azanza —represented in strategic talks by the provincial leadership—met with PPA General Manager Jay Santiago to fast-track infrastructure projects aimed at making the island province more accessible and resilient to global economic shocks. The Codon Pier: A Strategic Shortcut The centerpiece of the meeting was the long-awaited construction of a proper pier in Codon. Currently, travelers often face logistical hurdles, but the proposed port is designed to: Shorten travel time significantly between Catanduanes and mainland Bicol. Lower freight and passenger costs by optimizing sea routes. Boost tourism by providing a more seamless entry point for visitors. General Manager S...

In the heart of Catanduanes, where the Pacific winds often test the land's resolve, stands a monument that has refused to bow for nearly two centuries. St. John the Baptist Church, affectionately known as Bato Church, is more than just a house of worship; it is a masterclass in colonial engineering, a sanctuary of resilience, and a living laboratory of history. A Legacy Carved from the Sea While many historical structures in the Philippines were built with brick or wood, the Bato Church tells a story written in coral limestone. Constructed between 1830 and 1883, the church took 53 years to complete. This wasn't merely due to the scale of the project, but the meticulous nature of the polo y servicio (forced labor) system under Spanish friars, where every block was hauled from the sea and joined with a primitive yet potent chemistry. The Science of Longevity What makes Bato Church truly remarkable is its ability to bridge the gap between 19th-century craftsmanship and fundamental...