Catanduanes

Catanduanes is an island province located within the Bicol Region of Luzon in the Philippines.

It is recognized as the 12th-largest island in the Philippine archipelago. The province is situated on the easternmost edge of Luzon. To its west lies the Maqueda Channel. The Philippine Sea borders the island to the north and east. To the south, the island meets the Lagonoy Gulf. The province consists of the main island of Catanduanes and several outer islands. These include Panay, Leyte, and the Palumbanes group of islands. The Palumbanes group is made up of Porongpong, Tignob, and Calabagio. The capital and most populated town is Virac. As of the 2020 census, the province had a population of 271,879 people.

The geography of Catanduanes is defined by its rugged and mountainous topography. Most of the land is characterized by steep terrain. In fact, 32% of the land is classified as steep hills and mountainous. Only about 10% of the land area has a slope gradient under 8%. Most of the inhabitants settle on narrow, fractured strips of plains along the coast. The highest point is a mountain peak in Boctot. This peak sits between the municipalities of Virac and San Miguel. It reaches an elevation of over 1,000 meters above sea level. Other significant mountain ranges include the Obi, Cagmasoso, Summit, and Magsumoso ranges. These mountains host old-growth forests that serve as vital watersheds for nearby towns.

The island's name has deep roots in its natural environment. Early Spanish conquistadors called it Isla de Cobos in 1573. They named it after the thatched huts, or cobos, used by local tribes. The modern name, Catanduanes, is a Hispanicized version of native terms. It comes from the words tandu, a native beetle, and samdong, a native tree. People once called the area katanduan or kasamdongan. This meant a place where the tandu and samdong tree thrive in abundance. The island's history includes early settlers who were descendants of rulers from Borneo. Later, Spanish explorers like Juan de Salcedo arrived in 1573 while hunting for pirates.

Catanduanes has undergone several political changes over the last century. For a long time, it was a sub-province of either Ambos Camarines or Albay. During World War II, it was governed by a delegate commissioner from Albay. The Japanese Imperial Forces invaded the region in December 1941. However, some reports suggest the people suffered relatively less oppression due to Japanese pseudo traders. After the war, the province moved toward independence. Congressman Francisco Perfecto filed House Bill No. 301 to separate the province from Albay. This bill was approved on September 26, 1945. President Sergio Osmeña signed it into law on October 24, 1945. Remigio Socito became the first appointed Provincial Governor.

The province is a major biodiversity hotspot with many endemic species. Endemic species are plants or animals found only in one specific place. The rainforests house the Philippine brown deer and various flying foxes. One notable animal is the southern giant slender-tailed cloud rat. This creature is found only in Catanduanes and the southern half of Luzon. It is currently considered critically endangered due to hunting. The island also hosts the Catanduanes narrow-mouthed frog. This arboreal amphibian is found in Catanduanes and parts of the Bicol region. Scientists have also discovered the loam-swimming skink, a legless reptile, in the area.

Geological history makes Catanduanes a place of great scientific interest. The province contains various mollusc fossil sites. Most notably, it holds the second-oldest ammonite site in the Philippines. Ammonites were ancient sea creatures. The species found here are not found anywhere else in Southeast Asia. Because of this rich history, scholars suggest it could become a UNESCO Geopark Reserve. The marine environment is also diverse. The reefs hold many mollusks, including octopuses, squids, and nautiluses. Marine mammals like dolphins and whales visit the eastern coasts from March to June. The island is also positioned at the beginning of the Kuroshio Current.

Economic and environmental factors continue to shape the province today. In 2022, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11700. This law declared Catanduanes the abacá capital of the Philippines. Abacá is an important plant used for various purposes. The island's forests also contain valuable hardwood trees. These include species like yakal, apitong, palosapis, and molave. However, these trees are currently considered threatened. The coastal areas feature large mangrove forests. The largest ones are located in Banquerohan, Agoho, and Batalay. These ecosystems are vital to the island's natural balance.