MASBATE

Population

33rd largest Total (2007) 768,939 Area 30th largest Total 4,047.7 km sq

languages

Masbatenyo, Cebuano, Hiligaynon and Bikol

General Information

Masbate is an island province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region. Its capital is Masbate City and consists of three major islands: Masbate, Ticao and Burias.

Economy

Masbate is the biggest cattle raising province in the region. Its main economic activity is agriculture with copra, rice, corn and tobacco as its main products. Fishing is also a major industry in the province. Until lately, the province is the site of the biggest gold mining operation in the region. Other minerals found in the island province are manganese and limestone.

Geography

The island of Masbate lies exactly at the center of the Philippine archipelago between latitudes 11o43’ north and 123o09’ east and 124o5’ east. It is bounded on the north by Vurias and Ticao Pass, east by San Bernardino Strait, south by the Visayan Sea, and west by the Sibuyan Sea. Relative to mainland Bicol, the province faces the southwestern coasts of Camarines Sur, Albay, and Sorsogon. The general surface configuration of the province ranges from slightly undulating to rolling and from hilly to mountainous. In each island, the rugged topography is concentrated in the northeastern portion and gradually recedes to blunt hills and rolling areas in the south, southeast, and southwest.

Culture

The people of Masbate were formerly called "Visaya" but when the province was transferred to Bicol region during the regime of President Ferdinand Marcos, they were called "Bicolanos" or "Masbatenos". Many of its people are immigrants from several provinces such as Romblon and Panay Island provinces. The people of Masbate are known as best in agriculture, history, politics and geography means.

Climate

The climate in Olongapo City is tropical. Temperature ranges from 25.6 degree C during cold months and 28.3 degree C during warm months. Cool and Dry season from November to February, Warm and Dry season from March to May, and Rainy season from June to October.

Transportation

By Air - Masbate can be accessed via Air Philippines and Asian Spirit carriers. By Land - Major bus companies ply the Manila to Bicol-Visayas-Mindanao routes. Bus terminals are located in Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City, Pedro Gil St., Manila and EDSA, Pasay City. By Sea - The city is also accessible via ride of shipping lines such as Sulpicio Lines, WG&A, and Montenegro Shipping Lines among others, with regular trips to the port of Masbate.