Tabaco

Tabaco
Component City
City of Tabaco

Seal
Nickname(s): [1]

Location of Tabaco within the province of Albay
Tabaco

Location within the Philippines

Coordinates: PH 13°21′34″N 123°43′49″E / 13.35944°N 123.73028°E / 13.35944; 123.73028Coordinates: PH 13°21′34″N 123°43′49″E / 13.35944°N 123.73028°E / 13.35944; 123.73028
Country Philippines Philippines
Region Bicol (Region V)
Province Albay
District 1st district
Incorporated (town) circa 1731
Incorporated (city) March 24, 2001
Barangays 47
Government[2]
 • Mayor Marie Demetriou
Area[3]
 • Total 117.14 km2 (45.23 sq mi)
Highest elevation
(top of Mayon Volcano)		 2,462 m (8,077 ft)
Lowest elevation 0 m (0 ft)
Population (2010)[4]
 • Total 125,083
 • Density 1,100/km2 (2,800/sq mi)
Time zone PST (UTC+8)
ZIP code 4511
Dialing code 52
City Class Component City
Income Class 4th Class City
Website www.tabacocity.com.ph

Tabaco, officially the City of Tabaco or simply Tabaco City, is a city in the province of Albay in the Philippines. It is one of the three component cities of the province, along with Legazpi City and Ligao City. The mainland part of the city is bordered by the town of Malinao to the north, the towns of Polangui and Oas to the west, Ligao City to the southwest, Malilipot town to the southeast, and Lagonoy Gulf to the east.[5] The symmetric Mayon Volcano, the most active volcano in the Philippines, lies south of the city. Tabaco is one of the eight towns and cities that share jurisdiction on the volcano, dividing the peak like slices of a pie when viewed from above.

The island of San Miguel, the westernmost of the four main islands in the Lagonoy Gulf, falls under the jurisdiction of Tabaco. Five of the barangays of the city are located on the island for a total of 47 barangays composing the city.[6] According to the 2007 census, Tabaco is a 4th class city in terms of income classification.[3] The total population as of May 2010 is 125,083.[4]

Etymology

It is not true that Tabaco got its name from "tabak ko" which means "my bolo", but from tobacco (in Spanish "Tabaco"), a primary product of the city in the pre-Hispanic period. Nevertheless, the Official Seal of the city was still conceived from the "Tabak Ko" legend, and was officially adopted through Municipal Council Resolution No. 29 on February 23, 1966.

History

Spanish Period

According to the Estado Geografico Estadistico Historico written in 1805 by Father De Huerta, the recorded history of the city began in 1587 through the missionary work of the first Franciscan Fathers. In 1616, Fr. Pedro De Alcareso became the first permanent parish priest and established a church dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of the city.[7]

The first inhabitants settled along the seashore and engaged in fishing and crude farming. Due to the continuous attacks by the Moro raiders, the natives migrated to San Vicente and San Carlos, and started the foundation of the first poblacion in 1703, while the fishermen of the town transferred to the shores of the bay of what is now known as Barangay Cormidal. Under the administration of the first town executive, a church was built in Cormidal in 1731. Records on the elected capitan municipal (town mayor) started only in 1731 with Martin Aguirre listed as the first mayor of Tabaco.[5]

In 1811, a terrible typhoon called Baguiong Oguis or White Typhoon brought havoc to the town. This was followed in 1814 by the most destructive eruption of the Mayon Volcano, which showered the areas with ashes and stone. These two events rendered many residents homeless and left the fields unproductive for many years after. It took a full decade for the people to recover, at which time they built a cemetery and laid the foundation of the present church which was completed in a period of 17 years.[7]

American period and independence

The Americans landed at Tabaco on February 9, 1900, under the command of Col. Walter Howe. Despite the well-documented courage and patriotism of the Tabaquenos, the residents of Tabaco, the superior armaments and well-trained soldiers of the American army hastened its conquest of Tabaco and adjoining towns, starting the American rule in the area.[7]

With the restoration of peace after World War II, the Tabaqueños started rebuilding their lives and their land. By the time the Philippines gained independence in 1946, Tabaco was once again a thriving town.[7]

Other catastrophic events

Another catastrophe to hit the town was Typhoon Trix in 1952, which completely submerged Natunawan Island. A 1964 fire razed the commercial center, and in 1970, another destructive storm, Typhoon Sening, slashed through the town.[5]

Cityhood

The former mayor, Krisel Lagman-Luistro, is the 177th to hold the position. She introduced House Bill No. 7851, upgrading the municipality of Tabaco into a component city of the Province of Albay. Senate Bill No. 2244 was sponsored by Senators Sergio Osmeña III and Franklin Drilon as its counterpart in the Senate. The Republic Act No. 9020 converted the Municipality of Tabaco into a component city of the Province of Albay. It was signed into law by the president of the Philippines Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on February 5, 2001. The municipality was finally converted into a city after the plebiscite conducted on March 4, 2001.

Geography

Topography

The City of Tabaco is located on the eastern coast of Albay province with an area of 117.14 km2 (45.23 sq mi). The terrain in the poblacion or town center of Tabaco, is generally flat with the highest elevation at around 5 m (16 ft). The northwestern portion reaches 400 m (1,300 ft) above sea level. The city's southwest boundary reaches all the way to the top of Mayon at an elevation of 2,462 m (8,077 ft).

San Miguel Island is almost entirely surrounded by groups of small hills with the highest elevation at about 35 m (115 ft) above sea level.

Forest

Total forest area in Tabaco is 2,572 ha (6,360 acres).

Climate

The City of Tabaco belongs to the Type II climate of the Philippines. It is characterized by no distinct dry season but with a very pronounced maximum rainfall from November to January.

The area has pronounced warmness and humidity throughout the year with a mean temperature of 26.0 °C (78.8 °F) and a humidity range up to 80%. February is the coldest month with a low of 21.0 °C (69.8 °F). The warmest temperature is experienced during the month of May with a mean temperature of 27.0 °C (80.6 °F).

Barangays

Tabaco City is politically subdivided into 47 barangays. San Pedro became a barrio in 1952.[8]

Barangay Barangay Captain
Agnas (San Miguel Island) Vicente B. Bataller, Jr.
Bacolod Danilo B. Brillantes
Bangkilingan Efren Duroy
Bantayan Arsenio B. Biglete
Baranghawon Rene B. Realizan
Basagan Gerardo Q. Barasona
Basud (Pob.) Jaime E. Abaniel, Jr.
Bogñabong Emerita B. Bognalos
Bombon (Pob.) Ramon Mirasol, Sr.
Bonot Julio B. Borromeo
San Isidro Eduardo C. Buison
Buang Rachelle B. Bongon
Buhian Dionisio P. Ragodon
Cabagñan Noel B. Bonaobra
Cobo Wilson B. Bondoy
Comon Flaviano B. Bueno
Cormidal Maria Gracia B. Esmenda
Divino Rostro (Pob.) Salvador V. Sabariza, Jr.
Fatima Ruben V. Bualoy
Guinobat Erwin B. Borlagdan
Hacienda Odon B. Bobiles
Magapo Regino B. Broncate
Mariroc Mecilla Jarabe
Matagbac Reynaldo B. Borromeo
Oras Abraham A. Camata
Oson Clara B. Boringot
Panal Glenn B. Sanchez
Pawa Danilo B. Carillo
Pinagbobong Orlando B. Buendia
Quinale Cabasan (Pob.) Juan Sia C. Pielago
Quinastillojan Armando C. Buere
Rawis (San Miguel Island) Preciosisima B. Tango
Sagurong (San Miguel Island) Lourdes B. Brusola
Salvacion Edgar B. Realizan
San Antonio Asunción B. Rañola
San Carlos Virgilio Brinas
San Juan (Pob.) Samuel C. Carinan
San Lorenzo Felicitas B. Bongon
San Ramon Edilberto T. Balingbing
San Roque Salvacion E. Balingbing
San Vicente Severino L. Brosas
Santo Cristo (Pob.) Roderick P. Martires
Sua-Igot Lilybeth B. Broña
Tabiguian Lorenzo B. Flores
Tagas Leticia B. Saba
Tayhi (Pob.) Calixto C. Onrubia, Jr.
Visita (San Miguel Island) Pedro B. Boboyo

Demographics

Population census of Tabaco
YearPop.±% p.a.
1990 85,697—    
1995 96,993+2.35%
2000 107,166+2.16%
2007 123,513+1.98%
2010 125,083+0.46%
Source: National Statistics Office[4][9]

Language / Dialect

Bicol first district of albay is the main dialect in Tabaco and in the region. The majority of the population speak bicolano languages some are using Tagalog manila dialect and English. Other languages/dialects spoken are Bicolano Viejo, Spanish and Chinese.

Religion

Christianity is the predominant religion with Roman Catholicism with the most number of practitioners. Other Christian denominations are also present in the city like Protestants, Baptist, Philippine Independent Church, United Pentecostal Church, Members Church of God International,[Tabaco Faith International Church], and Iglesia ni Cristo. Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism also have followers in the city.

Attractions

Tabaco Cemetery Chapel

Places of interest

The Church of San Juan Bautista in San Juan, Tabaco City, is one of the most impressive religious structures in the province of Albay. The construction of the present church started in 1750. It was designated as National Historical Landmark by PD. 260 on August 1, 1973.[10][11]

Beaches and resorts:

  • Dhio Endheka Spring Resort in Mayon Crossing, Buang
  • Hacienda Long Beach Resort in Barangay Hacienda in San Miguel Island
  • Jennifer's Garden and Resort in Barangay Bantayan
  • Natunawan Cove
  • Punta Island Beach Resort in Barangay Rawis in San Miguel Island
  • San Lorenzo Beach in Barangay San Lorenzo
  • Borcels Nature Springs in Barangay Marriroc
  • Cassandra Spring Resort in Barangay Pinagbobong (near Borcels Nature Springs)
  • Villa Azon in Barangay Matagbac

Historical:

Educational:

Institutions:

Events/Festival

Economy

Port of Tabaco

Agriculture

Its economy is still heavily dependent on agriculture. Major crops include rice, corn, cacao, pili, root crops, vegetables, coconuts and abacá. Poultry and livestock raising as well as aquaculture and fishing are very much alive.

International Seaport

Tabaco International Seaport in 2007

Tabaco today is rapidly growing with a thriving commercial center and port area. The city has the sole International Seaport in the region contributing to the city's vibrant economy.

Fishing & Aquatic Resources

There are sixteen coastal barangays, five in the island of San Miguel and eleven in the mainland of the city.

Other Industries

Media

Newspaper Agencies

All the major national daily newspapers and magazines are available in the community. The major newspapers are transported to Tabaco via Daily Overland Corporation. There are four weekly regional newspapers circulating in the city namely:

Radio Station

The city receives signal from all the major radio stations from Legazpi City and even Naga City in Camarines Sur. FM Stations that originate from the city are:

TV Stations

There is one TV relay station operating in the city (ABS-CBN). However, local TVs get strong signals from nearby Legazpi City stations. Cable services are also offered in the area by two companies:

Transportation

Roads

Roads are good in Tabaco and they are classified as follows:

Airport

The nearest airport is in Legazpi City – Legazpi Airport – about 30 kilometres (19 mi) from Tabaco City. Four commercial airline companies (Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines, Zest Air) operate in the airport.

Seaport

The Port of Tabaco City is one of the ports of entry open to overseas shipping in the province of Albay. It also serves as a passenger and cargo movement facility to the islands of San Miguel, Cagraray, Batan and Rapu-Rapu as well as the Province of Catanduanes and the coastal town of Camarines Sur. The main Sea Transportation operators in the port are:

Buses

There are regular transportation to and from Manila and to the other main cities in the Bicol Region. Some bus companies with stations in Tabaco:

  • Cagsawa Travel & Tours Inc.
  • Peñafrancia Tours & Travel Transport Inc.
  • Bicol Isarog Transport System Inc.
  • Gold Line Tours, Inc.
  • Philtranco
  • Amihan Busline Inc.
  • Raymond Transportation
  • RSL Bus Transport Corporation
  • Tawtrasco
  • RMB Transport
  • Alps The Bus Inc.
  • DLTBCo
  • Isarog Line Express Transport
  • Mark Eve's Transit
  • St. Jude Transit
  • Our Lady of Salvation Busline
  • St.Rafael Bus Lines
  • C.Bragais Liner
  • Antonina Line
  • St.Christopher Bus Lines
  • JVH Transport
  • Executive Carrier
  • RJ transit
  • E. Belleza Line
  • RLH Transport

Other forms of transportation

Education

Secondary School

  • Bantayan National High School
  • Bogñabong National High School
  • Comon National High School
  • Daniel B. Peña Memorial College Foundation
  • Hacienda National High School
  • Mariroc National High School
  • San Antonio National High School
  • San Isidro National High School
  • San Miguel National High School
  • San Lorenzo National High School
  • St. Gregory the Great Seminary
  • St. Louise de Marillac School
  • Tabaco National High School
  • Tabaco Pei Ching School

Tertiary / Vocational / Technical Schools

  • Amando Cope College, School of Nursing in Baranghawon
  • Bicol Maritime Technical Colleges Foundation on Rizal St.
  • Bicol University Tabaco Campus in Tayhi
  • CarolynA Institute of Technology Incorporated in San Roque
  • Computer Communication Development Institute on Gen. Luna St.
  • Daniel B. Peña Memorial College Foundation on Ziga Ave.
  • Dr. Carlos S. Lanting College, Inc. / Casaul Technological College, Inc. in Tomas Cabiles Ave.
  • Informatics Computer Institute is on the corner of Ziga Ave. and Karangahan Blvd.,
  • Pacific Technical Institute in Tagas
  • Perpetual Help Paramedical College in Tagas
  • Polytechnic Institute of Tabaco in Panal
  • Tabaco College on Tomas Cabiles Ave.

Public services

Waste Disposal

In dealing with solid waste management, the City of Tabaco has adopted the usual means of dumping garbage in an open-pit dumpsite. Garbage is collected from each barangay in the poblacion daily. The city has four garbage trucks and four compactor to ensure that the garbage is collected and disposed in the waste disposal site located at Pinagbobong, about 4-kilometre (2.5 mi) distance from the central business district.

Fire protection

Police & Law Enforcement

Tabaco Police Force
The Philippine National Police (PNP) Tabaco City Station is manned by five police officers and seventy-five police NCOs (non-commissioned officers), located at Llorente St., at the back of the City Hall, headed by Police Chief Superintendent Jose Lipa Capinpin.
PNP CID Regional Office
Assisting the city police in its drive against criminality is the PNP Criminal Investigation & Detection Group Tabaco Regional Sub-Office. The station is under the direct command of the Provincial Officer and serves the first district of Albay.
Tabaco City Jail
The Tabaco City District Jail is situated at Burac St., San Lorenzo, Tabaco City, 3 km (1.9 mi) away from the city proper. The jail structure is composed of six (6) operation cells, manned by two BJMP officers and twenty non-officer ranks.

Utilities

Power

Two power companies provide electricity to the city.

Water

Water supply is managed by the Tabaco Water District (TAWAD) located in Karangahan Blvd. Tabaco City. Its present service area encompasses the poblacion and 21 other barangays, serving about 25,000 people in 2,933 households presently connected to the system.[5]

City Hymn

Official hymn of the city written and composed by Crispin Nacpil Cadiang. The words of this hymn was a collaboration with former mayor Krisel Lagman-Luistro. This was first sang and played during the 10th Cityhood Anniversary of the city on March 24, 2011.

From the heights and grandeur of Mayon
Unto the depths and soul of the sea
Blessed with Nature's best, vast and fertile land
All the seeds of hope are sown.

Tested, our blades were sharpened
Stronger faith, living hope, enduring love
Let us rise and walk tall and with pride let us move:
Tabaqueños we are one!

Chorus:
Go Tabaco City!
Grow Tabaco City!
Go Tabaqueño grow
Let us heed the call
Let us raise our hands now
Pledge to work with love
Let one vision lead us on
In surpassing all!
(Chorus)

Sister cities

References

  1. ↑ "Festivals". Tabaco City Official Website. Retrieved on 2012-04-20.
  2. ↑ "Cities". Quezon City, Philippines: Department of the Interior and Local Government. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  3. 1 2 "Province: Albay". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  4. 1 2 3 "Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay: as of May 1, 2010" (PDF). 2010 Census of Population and Housing. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Tabaco Town, Albay Province, Region V, Philippines". Retrieved 17 December 2010.
  6. ↑ "City of Tabaco". PSGC Interactive of National Statistical Coordination Board. Retrieved on 2012-04-20.
  7. 1 2 3 4 "Historical Tabaco". Tabaco City Official Website. Retrieved on 2012-04-20.
  8. ↑ "An Act Creating the Barrio of San Pedro in the Municipality of Tabaco, Province of Albay". LawPH.com. Retrieved 2011-04-09.
  9. ↑ "Province of Albay". Municipality Population Data. LWUA Research Division. Retrieved 16 August 2013.
  10. ↑ "Church of Tabaco". National Registry of Historic Sites and Structures in the Philippines. Retrieved on 2012-05-24.
  11. ↑ Wow Legazpi (2010-03-27). "Visita Iglesia: Tabaco Church". Wow Legazpi. Retrieved on 2010-06-29.
  12. 1 2 Gil Francis Arevalo (2006-07-20). "Mayon planetarium also in danger zone". Mayon Monitor. Retrieved on 2010-06-29.
  13. ↑ Albay Provincial Government. "Festivals of Albay". Albay Tourism. Retrieved on 2010-07-01.
  14. ↑ Department of Tourism, Region V, "Festival & Events". WowBicol. Retrieved on 2010-07-01.
  15. ↑ "RESOLUTION EXPRESSING INTENTION FOR SISTERHOOD AND TWINNING WITH TAGUIG CITY". Tabaco City.com. March 21, 2011.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tabaco City.
 Malinao
Polangui
Oas		 Lagonoy Gulf
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Ligao Mayon Volcano Malilipot
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