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Sorsogon - Bicol's Whaleshark Paradise
Brief Description
Sorsogon is situated at the southernmost tip of Luzon. As a part of the gateway to the Visayas and Mindanao, the province is a melting pot of cultures and influences. From its earliest days as a trading post frequented by Chinese and Malay merchants, Sorsogon has evolved into a center of trade and commerce in the Bicol Region.
Sorsogon offers the visitor a wide variety of diversions from scuba diving to snorkeling, sport fishing, swimming, boating, island hopping, mountain climbing, biking, hiking, spelunking, or just simply touching base with nature. The tourist, too, can revel in Sorsogon’s pageantry and celebration during its numerous festivals and fiestas, and experience its rich cultural heritage.
In Sorsogon, you will never run out of things to do, sights to see, places to explore, folk celebrations to join and enjoy. This is Sorsogon, the Land of Kasaggayahan – a land of peace and serenity, and happy, hospitable people.
Geography
The province of Sorsogon on the north extends westward from 124° to 123° longitude and on the north-south axis from 120° to 130° north latitude. Forming a triangle shape, it is bounded on the north by the province of Albay and Albay Gulf, on the south by Samar and San Bernardino strait; on the east by the Pacific Ocean, and on the west by Burias Island and Ticao Pass.
Political Subdivision
The ratification on December 16, 2000 of Republic Act 8806, which merges the towns of Bacon and Sorsogon and converting them into Sorsogon City, reduced the composition of the province into 14 municipalities and one component city. Sorsogon City serves as the capital. The province has 541 barangays and two congressional districts.
Population
The NSO Survey of Population in 2000 shows that Sorsogon has a total population of 650,535.
Language/Dialects
The Bicol dialect is spoken in the province, being at the gateway between the Visayas and Luzon through the Bicol Region. Sorsogon’s brand of Bicol, however, is a unique mixture of the Visayas and Bicol dialects. Most of the natives can speak English and Filipino fluently.
Climate
Generally, the climate is pleasant the whole year round with only two pronounced seasons: rainy from July to December and dry from January to June.
Major Industries
Sorsogon is rich in natural resources but many of them remain undeveloped. The major crops are abaca and copra. The province boasts of producing the best hemp in the Bicol Region. Its fishing industry ranks next. Freshwater and offshore fishing resources are not yet fully developed. There are plenty of raw materials for cottage industries. The province has untouched deposits of sulfur, kaolin, limestone, and coal.
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