Daraga

Daraga, officially the Municipality of Daraga (Central Bikol: Banwaan kan Daraga; Tagalog: Bayan ng Daraga), is a 1st class municipality in the province of Albay, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 133,893.[3]

This article is about a municipality in the Philippines. For the former United States Navy patrol boat, see USS Daraga (SP-43).

Daraga
Municipality
Municipality of Daraga
Daraga Church with Mayon Volcano in the background
Daraga Church with Mayon Volcano in the background
Flag of Daraga
Flag
Official seal of Daraga
Seal
Nickname: 
The International Gateway to Bicol "Home of Cagsawa Ruins"
Motto: 
Arangkada Banwa
Map of Albay with Daraga highlighted
Map of Albay with Daraga highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Daraga is located in Philippines
Daraga
Daraga
Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 13°09′43″N 123°41′38″E
CountryPhilippines
RegionBicol Region
ProvinceAlbay
District 2nd district
FoundedJune 12, 1772
Barangays54 (see Barangays)
Government
 [1]
 • TypeSangguniang Bayan
 • MayorCarlwyn G. Baldo
 • Vice MayorGerry Raphael Z. Jaucian Jr.
 • RepresentativeJose Ma. Clemente "Joey" S. Salceda
 • Municipal Council
Members
 • Electorate83,560 voters (2022)
Area
[2]
 • Total118.64 km2 (45.81 sq mi)
Elevation
79 m (259 ft)
Highest elevation
292 m (958 ft)
Lowest elevation
0 m (0 ft)
Population
 (2020 census)[3]
 • Total133,893
 • Density1,100/km2 (2,900/sq mi)
 • Households
30,777
DemonymDaragueño
Economy
 • Income class1st municipal income class
 • Poverty incidence
13.51
% (2018)[4]
 • Revenue₱ 382.4 million (2020)
 • Assets₱ 1,514 million (2020)
 • Expenditure₱ 363.3 million (2020)
 • Liabilities₱ 521.5 million (2020)
Service provider
 • ElectricityAlbay Power and Energy Corporation (APEC)
Time zoneUTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code
4501
PSGC
050503000
IDD : area code +63 (0)52
Native languagesAlbay Bikol
Tagalog
Websitewww.daraga.gov.ph

The municipality is home to the famous Cagsawa Ruins.

History

The word daraga historically referred to a "maiden", and is the modern term for an "unmarried woman" in many of the Bikol languages. The original settlement of Daraga dates back to the 12th century, but has changed location repeatedly due to the constant threats posed by the Mayon Volcano. The town was previously named Budiao, Cagsawa, Locsin, and Salcedo.

Year Event
12th c. Early settlers were mostly traders. The name Daraga came from a type of tree that was abundant on the hill where a baroque Catholic church now stands.
1578 Franciscan missionaries arrive, and christen the place Budiao, later renaming it to Cagsawa.
1595 Cagsawa becomes a visita (satellite mission station) attached to the town of Camalig.
1772 Governor-General Simón de Anda renames Cagsawa to Salcedo, which is later renamed Daraga.
1814 The municipality is destroyed in the deadliest eruption of Mayon Volcano, killing 1,200 people that sought refuge inside the church.
1815 Government for Daraga is formally organized, with Venancio Espíritu Salomon as Barangay Captain.
1892 Under the Becerra Law, Daraga becomes a constituent of Legazpi City.
1922 Daraga regains its autonomy when the Philippine Assembly ordered the partition of Daraga from Albay, composed of Albay and Legazpi City.
1948 Under Republic Act 306, Daraga is again incorporated into Legazpi as one of its districts.[5]
1954 Republic Act 993 officially recreates the Municipality of Daraga.[6]
1959 Daraga renamed to Locsin, through Republic Act No. 2505.[7]
1967 Republic Act 4994 restores the name Daraga.[8]
1973 Under Presidential Decree 125, Daraga is again incorporated as part of Legazpi City;[9] implementation of decree was suspended.
1993 Daraga adjudged the 'cleanest and greenest' municipality in Bicol.
2001 Mayon Volcano erupts in June, blanketing the town with an inch of ash.
2002 Municipal government finishes construction of modern supermarket.
2006 Mudflows from Mayon Volcano, triggered by heavy rains from Typhoon Reming (international name: Durian) buried at least eight villages. More than 20,000 Individuals were evacuated, and thousands lost their homes.
2007 The National Museum declared the town's 400-year-old Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church a national cultural treasure.
2008 Daraga experiences economic boom with the opening of several national food chains and the opening of LCC Supermarket.
2010 The government of Daraga negotiates for the establishment of the Bicol International Airport in the town, with the proposed construction site in Barangay Alobo.
2012 Daraga holds first ever Cagsawa Festival in February.
2016 Daraga became the first applicant for cityhood in the 17th congress.[10]

Cityhood
Main article: Cities of the Philippines

House Bill No. 1528 was filed last July 4, 2019, for the conversion of the municipality of Daraga into a component city in the province of Albay.[11] The bill is currently pending with the committee on local government since July 24, 2019.

On July 6, 2022, House Bill No. 1303 was filed by Rep. Joey S. Salceda which seeks to convert Daraga into a component city.

Geography

Daraga is located at 13°09′43″N 123°41′38″E, in the south-west portion of Albay province, along the Maharlika Highway, making it accessible from Manila, the Visayas, and the other municipalities of eastern Bicol Peninsula. It is roughly "boot-shaped", with the "tall" part ranging 13.05–13.25° north latitude and 123.66–123.73° east longitude and the "wide" part ranging 13.02–13.09° north latitude and 123.56–123.71° east longitude. It is bounded on the north and east by Legazpi City, south by Sorsogon (particularly the municipality of Pilar), and west by Camalig, and Jovellar. It is 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) from Legazpi and 524 kilometres (326 mi) from Manila.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality has a land area of 118.64 square kilometres (45.81 sq mi) [12] constituting 4.61% of the 2,575.77-square-kilometre- (994.51 sq mi) total area of Albay. This municipal land area is distributed among the present 16 urban barangays and 42 rural barangays. The urban barangays total 1,500 hectares (3,700 acres) (12.65%) and the rural barangays make up the remaining 10,360 hectares (25,600 acres) (87.35%) of the total municipal land area.[13]

Elevation

67.3% of the total municipal land area has a predominantly low elevation of up to 100 metres (330 ft). The surface terrain is generally characterized by combination of level to nearly level areas, gentle to undulating areas and undulating to rolling areas.

Soil

The different soil types to be found within Daraga are the Mayon Gravelly Sandy Loam, Annam Clay Loam, Gravelly Sandy Loam, Legazpi Fine Sandy Loam (Stoney phase), Sevilla Clay Loam and Sevilla Clay.

The underlying geology are made up of several types: Alluvium, Shale and Sandstone Limestone and Basalt and Andesite Series. The prevalent geologic type is the Shale and Sandstone Sequence and other equally significant geologic types such as alluvium. Recent Volcanic, Crystalline Limestone and Psyroclastine Limestone are found near the base of Mayon Volcano mostly in the urban barangays.

Minerals available within the municipality of Daraga are non-metallic consisting of Gravel, and Boulders. These minerals are abundant in Barangays Budiao, Busay, Bañadero and Matnog brought down from the slopes of Mayon Volcano during occurrences of volcanic eruptions and rains.

Drainage

The surface drainage pattern of Daraga is largely affected by the water runoff coming from Mayon Volcano coupled with those from other directions. Major river systems which convey and act as natural drainage channels as well as water sources include:

  • Yawa River in Barangay Cullat, Malobago, Kilicao, Tagas, Binitayan & Bañag which connects to the Albay Gulf in Legazpi City
  • Colabos Creek in Bañag, San Roque, Market Area, Sagpon, and Bagumbayan
  • Quillarena River in Malabog & Budiao
  • Gumacon Creek in Barangay Maroroy, Tagas
  • Gulang-Gulang Creek in Barangay Pandan

Climate
Climate data for Daraga, Albay
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 27
(81)		 28
(82)		 29
(84)		 31
(88)		 31
(88)		 30
(86)		 29
(84)		 29
(84)		 29
(84)		 29
(84)		 29
(84)		 28
(82)		 29
(84)
Average low °C (°F) 22
(72)		 21
(70)		 22
(72)		 23
(73)		 24
(75)		 25
(77)		 25
(77)		 25
(77)		 24
(75)		 24
(75)		 23
(73)		 22
(72)		 23
(74)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 65
(2.6)		 44
(1.7)		 42
(1.7)		 39
(1.5)		 87
(3.4)		 150
(5.9)		 184
(7.2)		 153
(6.0)		 163
(6.4)		 154
(6.1)		 127
(5.0)		 100
(3.9)		 1,308
(51.4)
Average rainy days 13.9 9.2 11.1 12.5 19.6 24.3 26.5 25.0 25.5 24.4 19.4 15.1 226.5
Source: Meteoblue[14]

Daraga has a generally wet climate characterized by a lack of the dry season. Maximum rainfall is from November to January, and average monthly rainfall is 223.4 millimetres (8.80 in). Prevailing winds are generally from north-east to south-west. Average temperature is 27.0 °C (80.6 °F).[13]

But the climate change phenomenon has changed the past climate pattern. Dry spells are becoming more pronounced, as it is with the wet season. The phenomenon is felt all over the country as well.

Barangays

Daraga is politically subdivided into 54 barangays.[15] Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

Barangay Population (2010)[16] Area (ha)[17] Class Barangay head
Alcala 2,755 116.18 Rural Ester L. Llandeza
Alobo 792 160.65 Rural Dexter L. Marmol
Anislag 9,445 858.50 Urban Elmer Lodronio
Bagumbayan 3,254 132.54 Urban Mark C. Magalona
Balinad 2,230 153.74 Urban Darren Maceda
Bañadero 1,637 204.00 Rural Archie Bajamundi
Bañag 2,719 27.35 Urban Gayzel M. Cardiño
Bascaran 3,946 423.00 Urban Julius L. Duran
Bigao 1,015 296.08 Rural Salvador Miravalles
Binitayan 4,257 24.06 Urban Cecilia A. Arevalo
Bongalon 1,123 73.48 Rural Ferelyn M. Seva
Budiao 271 290.07 Rural Jefferson M. Mapula
Burgos 1,122 148.67 Rural (Urban) Pilar L Llanera
Busay 1,684 213.79 Rural Salvyn Mandane
Canarom 501 247.36 Rural Efren M. Llasos
Cullat 1,460 30.78 Rural Luis D. Espejo
de la Paz 773 73.19 Rural Maria L. Marjalino
Dinoronan 608 61.07 Rural Hirfa M. Espadilla
Gabawan 1,983 93.18 Rural Roberto C. Obispo
Gapo 1,982 389.25 Rural Jesus M. Magdaong Jr
Ibaugan 546 179.00 Rural Raul Ll. Malto
Ilawod 1,987 18.42 Urban Cecil Mirabete
Inarado 1,694 682.22 Rural Rommel N. Marticio
Kidaco 1,205 116.03 Rural Nelson Magallano
Kilicao 3,925 379.43 Urban Eriberto M. Madrona
Kimantong 1,980 20.98 Urban Ramon D. Paran Jr.
Kinawitan 405 78.46 Rural Eduardo N. Lubiano
Kiwalo 1,160 57.65 Rural Janet L. Lorilla
Lacag 2,321 383.86 Rural Arthur L. Llabore Sr.
Mabini 581 124.83 Rural Ranulfo N. Llorera
Malabog 4,099 287.46 Rural Paulo Montallana
Malobago 492 61.56 Rural William Marbella
Maopi 1,166 252.95 Rural Alex M.LoteriÑA
Market Area 2,538 20.82 Urban Wilfredo N. Nayve
Maroroy 5,331 73.60 Urban Robinson "toto" Lubiano
Matnog 1,680 270.15 Rural Bonifacio M. Odiver
Mayon 1,759 356.70 Rural Adoracion Blazo
Mi-isi 1,028 518.20 Rural Elmer A. Lorica
Nabasan 506 552.14 Rural Menche A. Llamasares
Namantao 1,538 363.07 Rural Danilo Llaneta
Pandan 1,683 94.32 Rural Rosalito Cimanes
Peñafrancia 2,986 193.74 Urban Jose M. Lobas
Sagpon 5,723 29.62 Urban Loreto Barajas
Salvacion 3,344 551.61 Rural Nelson N. Mabini
San Rafael 296 32.64 Rural Alodea M. Lisay
San Ramon 1,441 784.99 Rural Aidar L. Llaguno
San Roque 4,308 41.97 Urban Gina Callada
San Vicente Grande 961 346.57 Rural Elena M. Vibar
San Vicente Pequeño 320 63.67 Rural Jesus Oarde
Sipi 3,454 38.92 Urban Dexter Billy M. Lorica
Tabon-tabon 2,588 207.99 Rural Ric M. Rodrigueza
Tagas 6,527 100.45 Urban Cherry M. Mayor
Talahib 541 341.93 Rural Nieves M. Jacob
Villahermosa 2,203 414.71 Rural Eladio L. Rodrigueza

Demographics
Population census of Daraga
YearPop.±% p.a.
1903 18,695—    
1939 29,484+1.27%
1960 41,973+1.70%
1970 58,335+3.34%
1975 63,265+1.64%
1980 73,224+2.97%
1990 83,928+1.37%
1995 91,829+1.70%
2000 101,031+2.07%
2007 110,625+1.26%
2010 115,804+1.68%
2015 126,595+1.71%
2020 133,893+1.11%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[18][16][19][20]

In the 2020 census, Daraga had a population of 133,893.[3] The population density was 1,100 inhabitants per square kilometre (2,800/sq mi).

In 2010, the 2010 municipal population of 115,804 was distributed among the urban and rural barangays. The urban population was 48.54% while rural population completed the remaining 51.45%. The "built-up density" was 5,659 persons/km2. It had a literacy rate of 96.08% and a municipality growth rate of 1.3%.

In terms of employment and livelihood, farming ranks high at 33.53%, crafts and related workers as well as elementary occupations follow second with 17.71% and 21.89% respectively.

Language

The languages spoken in Daraga include East Miraya (Daragueño), Bicol, Tagalog, and English.

Economy
Poverty Incidence of Daraga
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[21][22]
[23][24][25][26][27]
The tower is what remains of the Cagsawa Church, which was buried by the 1814 eruption of Mayon Volcano.

Daraga's economy, originally agriculture-based, has rapidly transformed into an emerging urban system, benefiting from the economic opportunities of being located contiguously with the urban center of Legazpi. It draws trade relations with the island province of Masbate through the nearby Port of Pilar.

Daraga is the site of the Bicol International Airport which will further boost tourism in the region and will introduce more opportunities especially in this town. Local officials are now considering cityhood in the near future or upon the completion of the said international airport, if that so, Daraga would be the fourth city in Albay.

Daraga has the highest number of business establishments among towns in Albay. As of 2011 it has over 2,300 business establishments registered with the Permits and Licensing Office. The municipality is a center of handicraft manufacturing with several handicraft factories choosing their location in the municipality.

Government

The current town mayor is Carlwyn “Awin” G. Baldo.

Tourism
Our Lady of the Gate Parish or Daraga Church

Daraga's existing tourist spots/attractions are the Cagsawa Ruins and Resort and the Our Lady of the Gate Parish.

Cagsawa Ruins and Resort is located in Barangay Busay. Its prominent attraction is the belfry of the Cagsawa Church which submerged in mudflow during the February 2, 1814, Mayon Volcano Eruption which killed 1,200 people.

The Our Lady of the Gate Parish was constructed in 1773 atop Santa Maria Hill in Barangay San Roque and is uniquely known for its rich Baroque architecture.

Transportation

Daraga has a total road network of about 129.01 kilometres (80.16 mi). These are categorized as national roads, provincial roads, municipal roads and barangay roads. The barangay roads comprise the bulk of the municipality road network system. About 24.97% are concrete paved while the remaining 75.03% remains in asphalt, gravel or earth fill pavement conditions. These are about 25 bridges within the municipality and 66.22% of which are within barangay roads while the other bridges are part of national, provincial or barangay roads.

Daraga is the site of the newly constructed Bicol International Airport. It serves the City of Legazpi and the rest of Albay. It is located at barangay Alobo.

Education

Elementary

Each barangay of Daraga has its own elementary school.

High school
  • Anislag National High School
  • Anislag National High School - Bascaran HS Extension
  • Anislag National High School - San Vicente Grande HS Extension
  • Banadero National High School
  • Bicol College (BC) - High School Department.
  • Daraga National High School (DNHS)
  • Immaculate Concepcion College of Albay (ICCA) - High School Department
  • Kilicao High School
  • Lacag National High School
  • Malabog National High School
  • Mary's Child Science Oriented School (MCSOS) - High School Department
  • United Institute (U.I.) - High School Department

College
  • Bicol University – Daraga
  • Belen B. Francisco Foundation Inc.
  • Bicol College (BC)
  • Daraga Community College (DComC)
  • Immaculate Concepcion College of Albay (ICCA)

Notable people

References
  1.  Municipality of Daraga | (DILG)
  2. "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.
  3. Census of Population (2020). "Region V (Bicol Region)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
  4. "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. December 15, 2021. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  5. "Republic Act No. 306 - An Act Creating the City of Legaspi". Chan Robles Virtual Law Library. June 18, 1948. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved October 23, 2016.
  6. "Chan Robles Virtual Law Library". Republic Act No. 993 - An Act Recreating the Municipalities of Legaspi and Daraga in the Province of Albay. June 8, 1954. Archived from the original on September 25, 2013. Retrieved October 23, 2016.
  7. "Republic Act No. 2505 - An Act Changing the Name of the Municipality of Daraga, Province of Albay, to Municipality of Locsin". Chan Robles Virtual Law Library. June 21, 1959. Archived from the original on June 3, 2012. Retrieved October 23, 2016.
  8. "Republic Act No. 4994 - An Act Changing the Name of the Municipality of Locsin, Province of Albay, to Municipality of Daraga". Chan Robles Virtual Law Library. June 17, 1967. Archived from the original on September 26, 2013. Retrieved October 23, 2016.
  9. "Presidential Decree No. 125; Amending Certain Provisions of Republic Act No. 2234, Otherwise Known As the City Charter of Legazpi, and For Other Purposes". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. Malacañang, Manila, Philippines. February 5, 1973. Retrieved October 23, 2016.
  10. Basmayor, MV. "Daraga is first applicant for cityhood in 17th Congress". Bicol Standard. Archived from the original on October 20, 2016. Retrieved October 23, 2016.
  11. Sarte, Joey. "AN ACT CONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF DARAGA, ALBAY PROVINCE, INTO A COMPONENT CITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE CITY OF DARAGA" (PDF). House of Representatives. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 3, 2020. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  12. "Province: Albay". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved November 12, 2016.
  13. "General Information". About the LGU. Municipal Government of Daraga. Archived from the original on April 25, 2012. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  14. "Daraga, Albay : Average Temperatures and Rainfall". Meteoblue. Retrieved December 29, 2018.
  15. "Municipal: Daraga". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
  16. Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region V (Bicol Region)" (PDF). Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. National Statistics Office. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
  17. Daraga Municipal Planning and Development Office
  18. Census of Population (2015). "Region V (Bicol Region)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved June 20, 2016.
  19. 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.
  20. "Province of Albay". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  21. "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  22. "Estimation of Local Poverty in the Philippines" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. November 29, 2005.
  23. "2003 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. March 23, 2009.
  24. "City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates; 2006 and 2009" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. August 3, 2012.
  25. "2012 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. May 31, 2016.
  26. "Municipal and City Level Small Area Poverty Estimates; 2009, 2012 and 2015". Philippine Statistics Authority. July 10, 2019.
  27. "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. December 15, 2021. Retrieved January 22, 2022.

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