Masbate City
Encyclopedia
The City of Masbate is a 4th class city in the province of Masbate, Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
. It is the capital city of Masbate province. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 81,585 people in 13,400 households.
History of masbate
The account that "Masbate" was coined after the words "masa" and "bate" remains anecdotal, rich with a mixture of facts and folklore.The islands of Masbate
Masbate
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.-History:...
, Ticao and Burias were explored by Captain Luis Enriquez de Guzman in 1569. This exploration work was continued by Captain Andres de Ibarra,Ibalon(Albay
Albay
Albay is a province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Luzon. Its capital is Legazpi City and the province borders Camarines Sur to the north and Sorsogon to the south. Also to the northeast is Lagonoy Gulf....
) Province assumed jurisdiction over Masbate Islands, and Masbate was named the town's capital village for security reasons, the seat of government had to be moved time and time again. It was first moved to Mobo and then again, to Guiom. It was later transferred to Palanog near the mouth of Lumbang River to make it more accessible to Bicol
Bicol Region
The Bicol Region or Bicolandia is one of the 17 regions of the Philippines. Its regional center is Legazpi City...
Mainland and to the islands of Burias and Ticao. However, government records were kept inland in Cagay.
The political history of the town dates back to the 1850s when the Spaniards established their government under a Spanish Gobernadorcillo. The Masbateños’ vassalage to Spain ended sometime in the early part of 1898 as an offshoot of the libertarian campaign waged by General Emilio Aguinaldo.
Sometime after General Aguinaldo inaugurated the Philippine Independence at Kawit, Cavite, he issued a military order to overthrow the Spanish Government in the Visayas and Masbate. General Justo Lucban and General Diego de Dios acted on this order with the help of Masbateño rebels under the legendary Pedro Kipte. The defeat of the Spanish Crown in Masbate could be largely credited to Pedro Kipte. Immediately thereafter, the military government under the Republic of the Philippines was established. But when the American forces reached the Municipality of Masbate in November 1900, it took over the government of Masbate without any resistance from the Masbateños.
After a devastating typhoon in 1908, an Executive Order was passed annexing the Province of Masbate to the Province of Sorsogon. Masbate, by force of circumstance, became a sub-province of Sorsogon until 1922 when its provincial status was restored. Shortly before the restoration of Philippine Independence in 1946, the town of Masbate was established as the provincial capital.
Masbate forms part of the second congressional district. In the mid-90s, the idea of converting the municipality into a city was pushed by 2nd District House Representative Luz Cleta Reyes Bakunawa. Her successor, Congressman Emilio Espinosa, Jr., together with the Municipal Mayor Juan P. Sanchez, Sr. and some local officials and employees took over where she left off. On August 16, 2000, President Joseph E. Estrada signed Republic Act 8807 converting the Municipality of Masbate into a component city. In a plebiscite held later that year, Masbateños voted 7,800-3,200 in favor of cityhood, and on September 30, 2000, the Commission on Elections Regional Office in Region 5 officially proclaimed Masbate as a component city.
Pagdayao Festival
This festival honors, praises and give thanks to the City's Patron Saint Anthony of Padua every 13 June of the year.Lapay Bantigue Dance Festival
It is celebrated annually during the City Anniversary on 30th day of September. This event highlights the traditional folk dance created by "Lola Felisa" many years ago, when she imitated the graceful movement of the seagull (locally known as Lapay). The dance has evolved and is now recognized by the Cultural Center of the PhilippinesCultural Center of the Philippines
The Cultural Center of the Philippines is a government-owned and controlled corporation established to preserve, develop and promote arts and culture in the Philippines. The CCP was established through Executive Order No. 30 s. 1966 by President Ferdinand Marcos...
as one of the official folk dances of the country. This dance was also recognized during the Spanish Colonization.
Rodeo Masbateño
It is the only rodeo show in Asia. It is celebrated annually in April and showcase 10 competitive rodeo events. Highlighting this event is the difficult "figure of eight" competition where the cowboy crisscrosses around a group of barrels. Women participate in heart stopping events like calf wrestling, calf lassoing and carambola.Pawa Mangrove Nature Park
The city's biggest area of natural mangrove growth. Experience the dramatic scene of the 300 hectares of mangroveMangrove
Mangroves are various kinds of trees up to medium height and shrubs that grow in saline coastal sediment habitats in the tropics and subtropics – mainly between latitudes N and S...
plantation along its 1.3 kilometer boardwalk.
Buntod Sand Bar and Marine Sanctuary
The first established marine sanctuary of the city where live hard and soft coral covers highlights the majestic underwater sceneries.Bugsayon Marine Sanctuary
A 50-hectare marine sanctuary where you can experience to see the amazing live corals and its diverse marine animals.Coastal Resource Management Interpretative Center (CRMIC)
Being the first of its kind in the Philippines is a great staging point from which you can plan and begin your journey of discovery and exploration of the diverse and amazing natural and cultural wonders of Masbate.Tatoo Island
Also called as Minalayo Island. It has a number of openings of various sizes that lead to an underground lagoon where sea snakes and bats reigns.By air
The city is served by Masbate AirportMasbate Airport
Moises R. Espinosa Airport , also known as Masbate Airport , is the airport serving the general area of Masbate City, located in the province of Masbate in the Philippines...
that is located at the city proper. It is served by Zest Airways and South East Asian Airlines
South East Asian Airlines
Southeast Asian Airlines , Inc. operating as SEAir is an airline based in Pampanga, the Philippines. It operates domestic services and its main base is Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila, with hubs at Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, Malay, Aklan.- History :The airline was established in 1995...
daily from Manila
Manila
Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the sixteen cities forming Metro Manila.Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and is bordered by Navotas and Caloocan to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east, Makati on the southeast,...
to Masbate vice versa. However, Cebu Pacific
Cebu Pacific
Cebu Air, Inc., operating as Cebu Pacific Air, is based on the grounds of Ninoy Aquino International Airport , Pasay City, Metro Manila, the Philippines. It offers scheduled flights to both domestic and international destinations...
will be establishing flights to Masbate within this year due to increasing demand of tourism.
By land
Masbate can be reached from Manila by land through South Road to the Port of PilarPilar, Sorsogon
Pilar is a 1st class municipality in the province of Sorsogon, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 57,898 people in 10,883 households.-Barangays:Pilar is politically subdivided into 49 barangays...
and Bulan, Sorsogon
Bulan, Sorsogon
Bulan is a 1st class municipality in Sorsogon Province, Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population 91,730 inhabitants.-Geography:...
. From there, fastcraft can take you for two hours and fifteen minutes or motorized boat for a three-hour ride t the Port of Masbate.
By sea
Masbate can also be reached through the sea on board in a luxury shipping lines from the Port of ManilaPort of Manila
The Port of Manila is the largest seaport in the Philippines, and is the premier international shipping gateway to the country. It is located in the vicinity of Manila Bay.-Port Area:...
.The 18-hour trip is best spent on the ship's bar or in its all night disco. Other sea trips is via Dalahican,Lucena.
City Councilors
- Hon.Ruby "Bing" M. Sanchez-Morano
- Hon.Alberto R. Abayon
- Hon.Ralph Daigo
- Hon.Lucio J. Aguilar,Jr.
- Hon.Andrei Diez
- Hon.Leilah D. Placer
- Hon.Janus M. Tuason
- Hon.Rudy O. Yaneza
- Hon.Jona R. Mesinas
- Hon.Antonio Legaspi
Coastal Resources
With about 37.6 kilometers of shoreline, 300 km2. of municipal waters,1240 hectares of mangrove,560 hectares of coral reefs and 400 hectares of seagrasses.Barangays
Masbate City has 30 barangays with their following population:
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Barangay Description
- Anas
Anas came from the word “Dangas” which literally means bald. A native whose hair had seriously thinned out at the pate lived in this place. “Dangas” later on became “Angas” and finally “Angas” became “Anas”. Anas was established as a barangay in 1880 by the following persons: Vicente Lerit, Lorenzo Verano, Pedro Bello, Juan Cortes and Cornelio Bello. The tenientes who served the barangay in early times were Pedro Bello, Tomas Cortes, Antonio Suplito, Pedro Badillo, Timoteo Asne, Andres Verano, Epifanio Buhion, Felipe Zaragoza, Constantino Zaragoza, Casiano Lerit, Lucio Lerit, Bernabe Asne, Carmelito Cortes and Serapio Serrano. The sitios of Anas are Purang, Cabanatihan, Can-anab and Libas.
- Ibingay
Barangay Ibingay was originally called Punta Ibingay the name came from the word “Bingcay” or assorted seashells, which children played with, while their mothers were busy with the entre cuatro or card playing. In 1973, it was renamed “Balo” or swordfish, the kind of fish often caught by fishermen in Ibingay waters. However, “Balo” did not stick. People continued to refer to the place as “Ibingay”. So, today, Ibingay remains as its official name.
- Asid
Asid, according to the legend, was formerly called “Asin”. Asid River separates Masbate City from Milagros Municipality. This barangay is known for its bamboo craft. Incidentally, Asid is also the name for the gulf which is a rich fishing ground in the vicinity of Milagros town.
- B. Titong
Barangay B. Titong was named after Benigno Titong, Jr. who donated the barangay site of B. Titong. His father, Benigno Sr. was a German national who came to Masbate as a trader of lumber. He settled in what is now B. Titong. Formerly the place was called “Bugsayon”. The barangay was established in 1890. The original families of Bugsayon were the Veranos, Tumambacs and the Titongs. The first Teniente del Barrio was Bernaldo Verano followed by Eulogio Verano, Isidro Verano, Felipe Verano and Mario Verano.
- Bagumbayan
Bagumbayan was formerly called “goma”. In time, the place was used by laborers as a temporary corral for cattle while the shippers were waiting for the vessel that would transport the animals to Manila. Later, the laborers called the place Bagumbayan or New Town when transients built their homes near the shore and a community was created. The name “goma” was forgotten due to disuse. Today, Bagumbayan is bursting at the seams so to speak, because of the influx of people.
- Bantigue
Bantigue, a barangay across the sea facing the city poblacion is a fishing village founded by the Boholano fishermen who migrated to Masbate sometime in the 50s. Its name was derived from the Borobantigue tree, a specie of mangrove abundantly growing in the Bantigue mudflats in the olden days. Bantigue barangay is better known as the place where the native dance “Lapay Bantigue” originated.
- Bapor
Barangay Bapor in earlier times was called “Puerto de San Antonio”, then it was named Muelle later on, and then renamed “Eldorado”, because this was the name of the Corporation which bought copra, the bodega of which was called El Dorado. In 1973, it was named bapor because of the ships that dock at Masbate wharf, which is found in the barangay. An incident tells that in 1973, when the barangay officials were deliberating and mulling on the proper name for their barangay, an incoming boat sounded its horn. Then, someone in the group said, “Why don’t we call this place “Bapor” and everyone nodded in approval.
- Batuhan
Barangay Batuhan came from “Kabatuhan” meaning, where rocks or boulders abound. The locality of this barangay has a large deposit of marble rocks or “kabatuhan”. It is unfortunate that up to this writing, no effort has been exerted to quarry the deposit of marbles or to exploit the “guano” (bat droppings) and the edible birds nest from the caves of this barangay. Some of the noted settlers of Batuhan were Lucas Zurbito, Felipe Danao, Pedro Rosero, Venancio Natural, Ambrosio Brioso, Nicolas Danao, Francisco Malunes, Apolinario Ebona and Aproniano Torres. The sitios of Batuhan are Ed-idan, Makalangkag, Kampoon, Bukana, Ilawod, Iraya, Pacil, Kabagohan, and Ubo. The barangay was founded in 1882. With Lucas Zurbito as the first Cabeza de Barangay. The Tenientes del Barrio who were selected by the people through the years were Mariano Cervantes, Toribio Brioso, Onofre Danao, Epifanio Torres, Rufino Cebu, Jose Espinosa, and Agaton Espinosa.
- Bayombon
Bayombon originated from the term Bayong and Bong. Bayong is a large buri bag, where farmers place the things they bought from Malinta during the market days. Bong is a nickname of endearment for a boy. “Daraha tabi an bayong, Bong”, or please bring the bag, Bong. Later it evolved into “Bayongbong” and then “Bayombon”. Another legend about the name Bayombon tells that it was named “baybay sa bobon” which refers to the sand in the well. The sitios of Bayombon are Mapugahan and Macawayan. The barangay was established in 1895 by the following families: Bacar, Torres, Guadayo, Andaya, Danao, Recto, Nerza, Francisco and Manlapaz. The Tenientes del Barrio were: Fructuoso Candidato, Eulalio Ramos, Ciriaco Bevantucios, Bibrano Manlapaz, Prudencio Nerza, Heracleo Fermin, Saturnino Tupas, Gaudencio Natural and Cresencio Bacar.
- Biyong
Biyong came from the native term “lambiyong”, meaning whirlwind. Biyong is a level land below Igang Mountain. During foul weather, the wind tends to form into a whirlwind, which usually destroys houses and crops. In the course of time “lambiyong” shortened to “Biyong”. This is a farming barangay.
- Bolo
Nipa and Pagbato-on are sitios of Bolo. The barangay was established in 1926 by the following families: Daniel Fernandez, Mateo Fernandez, Julian Antonio, Timoteo Valladores, Emiliano Gutierrez, Hilario Dometita. The barangay captains were Fortunato Flores, Mateo Fernandez, Andres Buhion, Cesario Natural, Enrique Ragaza, Venancio Azuto, and Bino Gutierrez.
- Cagay
Cagay got its name from the common vine plant called “cagay”. The vine was used for ropes of carabaos because it is stronger than rattan. The sitios of Cagay are Caly, Tagbon, and Burabod. The barangay was established in 1897 by Telesforo Rejuso, and the families of Dalanon, Espares, Malunes, delos Reyes, Saldivar and Robles.
- Cawayan Exterior
Cawayanis a Masbateño name for bamboo. Barangay Cawayan Exterior was established in the 1900s. The sitios are: Danao, Bil-at, Lab-ogan and Pocdol. The original families of Cawayan were: Hermogenes Verano, Domingo Bajar, Pedro Cabug, Dionisio Celebre, Basilio Floresta, Pedro Cornal, Pio Cebu, Timoteo Valladores, Regacio Verano, Alberto Cabug and Florencio Fernandez Sr., the father of the governor of Masbate, Jolly T. Fernandez.
- Cawayan Interior
The barangay is called Cawayan Interior because the place were bounded from coastal to upland west was situated in between Bolo, Batuhan, and Cawayan exterior. Since Cawayan upland is a sitio of Cawayan coastal (Cawayan Exterior), there happened to be an agreement of splitting into two Cawayans. This was them the idea of a certain leader Mr. Florencio Fernandez Sr. soon the official separation was made on October 1966 initiative of them Mayor Juan P. Sanchez Sr. according to sources the barangay was organized sometimes in 1971:kind hearted individuals donated the lot to be the barangay site it was Mr. Leopoldo Brioso who solicited from the late Lope Buncaras Sr. and Antonio Luzanta Sr. to donate.
Folks main sources of income were farming left coastal community and settled fishing remained in the coast to fish for a decent living.
- Centro
Barangay Centro is situated at the center of the City. The first Barangay Chairman was Mr. Agapito Guadayo, Sr. followed by Dr. Antonio Chang and Dr. Ricardo Lazaga.
- Espinosa
Barangay Talahib, formerly known as Lomboy got its name sometime in 1972, when the late Tito R. Espinosa became the Municipal Mayor of Masbate Town. Talahib was the former Mayor’s moniker when addressed by his close associates. Later, Talahib became Barangay Espinosa when an assassin gunned down Tito who died in Quezon City in 1995.
- F. Magallanes
Barangay Magallanes was formerly called “Upa”. It was a soggy swampy place but because of the Veloso Rice Mill, which deposits rice hull, the swamp was reclaimed from the sea in the course of time. Eventually, homeless settlers occupied and named the place Barangay F. Magallanes in honor of the late Francisco Magallanes the Mayor of Masbate in 1931, and the father of former Mayor of Masbate Benjamin M. Magallanes who served the town for 25 years.
- Igang
Igang was named after the sharp stones that litter the area or kaigangan. The sitios of Igang are Cacia, Cabulu-an, Manticaun. Casili, Tuminobo and Buyog. The barangay was established in 1890. The original families of Igang were: Marcos, Pusing, Amaro, Andaya, Dela Peña, Gamgam, Esquillo and Arciete. The barangay tenientes were: Zoilo Amaro, Nicolas Lupango, Benito Marcos, Macario Senede, and Rencio Presado. Bolo is an Ilongo word which means a small variety of bamboo called Bolo Bagacay which grew abundantly in Bolo before.
- J. T. Fernandez
JT Fernandez is a poblacion barangay. This barangay was known as barangay Kalipay since the 1973 when the City poblacion was divided into barangays.
Kalipay was renamed into JT Fernandez to honor the former OIC Governor and former Assemblyman Jolly T. Fernandez through Resolution No.113-94 by motion of Hon. Esteban G. Almero on December 20, 1994.
- Kinamaligan
Kinamaligan was an old name. It literally means a “camalig” or a nipa hut built in the area. Today, Kinamaligan is being urbanized. However, because of the narrow strip between the sea and the roadside, houses are overcrowded. For its expansion, it has to reclaim a generous portion of the sea nearby.
- Malinta
Barangay Malinta. The name “Malinta” originated from the root word “Linta” which means leech – a small (about one inch in length and ¼ inch in width) blood sucking worm that inhabit the dark but warm forest corridor. When engorged with blood, the worm swells to about two inches in length and a half inch in width. “Malinta” literally means the place where linta is plentiful. This must have started in the later part of the 1800s when Malinta was still forested. A highland barangay, Malinta is a growing community with 500 households according to the latest Census. During saudan or tiangge (marketdays) Malinta is a center of trade for various goods such as farm products, livestock, fish and assorted commercial commodities. It is a meeting place for minor entrepreneurs and farmers. Juan Villamor was the first Teniente del Barrio of Malinta.
- Mapiña
Mapiña may have gotten its name from the piña or pineapple grove planted in the area. Mapiña means the place where pineapple is plentiful.
- Maingaran
Maingaran probably came about in the 30s when Pio V. Corpuz was a Congressman for Masbate. His residential house was built one hundred meters away from the road. In order to inform his visitors, the name “Don Pio V. Corpuz” was printed and placed right at the roadside. Since then, the people refer to the place “May ngaran” which literally means – the site where the name was printed. May Ngaran eventually evolved into Maingaran. The sitios of Maingaran are Calpi, Buyog, Pukdol, Bagalihog, Daan-Lungsod, and Panangdangan. The original families were: Julian Casadangan, Antonio Malunes, Lorenzo Malunes, Jorge Malunes, Lutz Radaza, Leoncio Cabatingan, Isidro Villaraiz, Macario Cristobal, Juan Dioquino and Gregorio Sampaga.
- Nursery
Barangay Nursery, was the original name of the place. Sometime in the 50s, the area was occupied by the Masbate Provincial Nursery under Mr. Romeo Escuadra, Provincial Agriculturist. In the course of time, at the periphery of Nursery, the population grew. In 1973, the place was renamed “Acacia”, but like “Balo” the name was not popular. The residents continued to call their place Nursery. So Nursery remains as the official name of the barangay.
- Pating
Barangay Pating, formerly called ubos elected Natividad Cervantes whose alias was “Pating”, the first Barangay Chairman.
- Pawa
Pawa is a Masbateño term for clearing. In the olden days, the place was heavily forested with mangrove trees. The residents decided to cut the trees and created a clearing. They built a cluster of houses and then in the course of time, Pawa community was formed. Boat building and fishing are the major industries of Pawa barangay.
- Sinalongan
Pawa is a Masbateño term for clearing. In the olden days, the place was heavily forested with mangrove trees. The residents decided to cut the trees and created a clearing. They built a cluster of houses and then in the course of time, Pawa community was formed. Boat building and fishing are the major industries of Pawa barangay.
- Tugbo
Tugbo Barangay is situated some four kilometers south of Masbate City proper. The legend of the place tells that its name originated from “tigbe” a kind of wild plant which thrived abundantly in olden days. Tugbo is a fishing community, no wonder then that the Badjaos who came in droves some two years ago had chosen the shoreline of Tugbo as their dwelling place.
- Ubongan Dacu
Ubongan, on the other hand was named after the portion of the river where residents wade especially during the rainy season when the river swells. Originally, it was “ubogan”, meaning, where one wades, from the root word “ubog” or wade.
- Usab
Usab evolved from the Cebuano word “usab” which literally means repeat. When the American Liberation Army came in 1945, it is said that a Cebuano farmer had crossed the street and was almost run over by a large army truck. Later, he told the people that he will not cross the street again if there is a vehicle around by saying “Dili na ako mo usab paglakaw sa kalsada ug na-ay sakyahan nga mo-agi.” The people named the place where the incident happened, “Usab”. The Barangay is a farming community.
Economy
The city is the center of trading activities in the province. It serves as the intra-distributor of almost all commodities being traded to other municipalities in the entire province. Masbate’s main products are copra and marine resources such as fish. These are traded to ManilaManila
Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the sixteen cities forming Metro Manila.Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and is bordered by Navotas and Caloocan to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east, Makati on the southeast,...
, Lucena
Lucena City
Metro Lucena has an estimated population of 700,000 which is mostly concentrated in the flat south-central portion of Quezon, which includes the cities of Lucena and Tayabas, Sariaya, Candelaria, Lucban & Pagbilao . The people are often characterized as friendly and hardworking...
, Legazpi
Legazpi City
The City of Legazpi is a first class city and capital of the province of Albay, Philippines. With 179,481 inhabitants according to the 2007 census, it is the largest city in the Bicol Region in terms of population, though not in land area...
, and Cebu
Cebu City
The City of Cebu is the capital city of Cebu and is the second largest city in the Philippines, the second most significant metropolitan centre in the Philippines and known as the oldest settlement established by the Spaniards in the country.The city is located on the eastern shore of Cebu and was...
cities. Other traded products such as dried fish, crabs, prawn, bangus, livestock, and rice are coming from the neighboring municipalities of Milagros, Baleno
Baleno, Masbate
Baleno is a 4th class municipality in the province of Masbate, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 19,897 people in 3,612 households.-Barangays:Baleno is politically subdivided into 24 barangays.-External links:***...
, Balud, Mandaon, Aroroy, Mobo
Mobo, Masbate
Mobo is a 4th class municipality in the province of Masbate, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 28,233 people in 5,199 households.-Barangays:Mobo is politically subdivided into 29 barangays.* Baang* Bagacay* Balatucan...
, Uson, Dimasalang, Palanas, Placer
Placer, Masbate
Placer is a 4th class municipality in the province of Masbate, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 44,418 people in 9,035 households....
, Pio. V. Corpus and Cawayan.
The city has existing trading relation with Manila, Cebu, Lucena, Iligan, Roxas
Roxas
Roxas various by language: Roahaas , Roahous , Rohan , Rohanna , Rojo , Roja Red , Rocksas , Rocksberry, Roxbury, Roxberry, Rowhous , Rosas , Roxburg , Roxburghe , Roxborough , Rocshire , Roxshire , Rochas and Rocha , Roach , Roashan Places in the Philippines:* Pres. Manuel A...
, Iloilo
Iloilo
Iloilo is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Iloilo occupies the southeast portion of Panay Island and is bordered by Antique Province to the west and Capiz Province and the Jintotolo Channel to the north. Just off Iloilo's southeast coast is Guimaras Province,...
, Tacloban, Ormoc, Legaspi, Naga
Naga, Cebu
Naga is a city in the province of Cebu, Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 95,163 people.The town is home to a large power station, situated on a 30-hectare site, Cemex cement factory at Tinaan , recently a Small Medium Enterprise industrial park was opened in...
, Daet and Sorsogon
Sorsogon
Sorsogon is a province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region; it is the southernmost province in Luzon and is subdivided into fourteen municipalities and one city. Its capital is Sorsogon City and borders the province of Albay to the north...
. These are the main destinations of the products traded by the city and those of the other municipalities passing through the city’s port. Copra, cattle, and aquamarine products are also shipped-out to Metro Manila, Cebu, Batangas and Lucena, etc. Shrimps, crabs and prawns are shipped to Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, mud crabs to Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
, headless squid to USA and Japan, crab meat to USA and scallops to Europe.
The city is importing products mainly from Manila, Lucena, Cebu and Legaspi. These are mostly rice, bakery raw materials, transport vehicles and appliances, farm inputs, construction materials and basic commodities. These are also traded by the city to other municipalities in the whole province.
Educational Institutes
The City of Masbate has several schools, both public and private. Each barangay has its flagship school.Banks
Masbate City has several banks,they are:1. Legazpi Savings Bank
2. Development Bank of the Philippines
Development Bank of the Philippines
The Development Bank of the Philippines , commonly known by its initials, DBP, is a state-owned development bank in Makati, Philippines.It is the seventh-largest bank in the Philippines in terms of assets, and is the second-largest...
(DBP)
3. LandBank of the Philippines
4. Philippine National Bank
Philippine National Bank
The Philippine National Bank is one of the largest banks in the Philippines, ranking fourth in terms of assets...
(PNB)
5. Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation
Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation
The Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation was established in 1960 as a development bank and is licensed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for both commercial and investment banking...
(RCBC)
6. United Coconut Planters Bank
United Coconut Planters Bank
The United Coconut Planters Bank, more popularly known by its initials, UCPB, or by its old name, Cocobank, is one of the largest banks in the Philippines, ranking within the top twenty banks in the Philippines in terms of assets. The bank, owing to its name, caters heavily to coconut farmers, but...
(UCPB)
7. CARD Bank
8. China Banking Corporation (Chinabank)
9. Allied Bank
Allied Bank
Allied Bank, formally known as Allied Banking Corporation, is one of the largest banks in the Philippines, ranking tenth in terms of assets...
10. Metrobank
Metrobank
Metrobank can refer to:*Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company , a Philippine bank*MetroBank, the subsidiary of MetroCorp Bancshares, an American bank based in Houston, Texas* Metro Bank , a British retail bank established in 2010...
11. Camalig Bank
Dining
There are several restaurants here at Masbate City. They are:- Amperez Bar and Grill
- Baywalk Garden
- D'San Restaurant
- Double B
- Eden's Cafe
- Eden's Plaza
- Greenview Restaurant
- Grace's Grill
- GRND Richelle Dimsum
- Joe's Pizza
- JollibeeJollibeeJollibee Foods Corporation is the parent company of Jollibee, a fast-food restaurant chain based in the Philippines. Among JFC's popular brands are Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Caffe Ti-amo, Mang Inasal and Burger King...
- Julie's Bakeshop
- La Concha Snack House
- Masbate Snack House
- Maui Restaurant
- Maxim Restaurant
- Minlan Restaurant
- Mario's Retaurant
- Park n' Eat Fastfood
- Port Zirtea's Restaurant
- Racknel
- Rendezvous Hotel
- St. Anthony Restaurant
- Sylvanna's Restaurant
- Tio Jose
- Tribe League (10 D Alonzo Building, Ibingay Street, Masbate City / Contact: Mr. Gilbert Rosales Daligdig @ +639207240475) - "Economy and Quality at its Best"
- Winvel's Restaurant
- Yellow Cafe
- 7AR (Restaurant)
Accommodation
- Balay Valencia
- Circle E Hotel
- GV Hotel
- Jade House Hotel
- Hotel Sea Blick
- MG Hotel
- Ranchers' Hotel
- Rendezvous Hotel
- Sampaguita Tourist Inn
- St. Anthony Hotel
- Stairway Inn
- Team Centrum
- West Wind Waters Beach Resort
- Backpack Accommodation
- Bituon Beach Resort
- 7AR (Hotel and Resort)
City Hymn
CITY OF HEARTS(1st Verse)
Masbate in my mind
Heart of the Philippine isles
For the love of our land and soil
Bloom the flowers of our charm and toil
Protect the wildlife,the seas and trees
Springs of hope,flowing rivers that inspire
For our children now,for tomorrow
Leading to a beautiful dawn
(Chorus)
Masbate by the bay
City of hearts of worth and prayer
Loving deeply,living simply
One for peace and harmony
So proud stands the winner by our sweat bless o redeemer
Masbate City 'tis our duty all the
Way to give you glory
(2nd Verse)
Masbate to the fore!
Harbor of talents galore
Keepin' a pace with tech and time
For a healthy life and rhyme
Sun is high,let our dreams come true!
In unity,we achieve with all our might
Smiling people,nature lovers
Marching,unflinching and strong!
(Repeat Chorus)
Masbate city,our pride,our joy
Seat of devotion,poetry in motion
Beat with the City of Hearts ...
Television Networks
- GMA NetworkGMA NetworkGMA Network is a major commercial television & radio network in the Philippines. GMA Network is owned by GMA Network, Inc. a publicly listed company...
: Channel 7 - Masbate Community Broadcasting Corporation: ABS-CBNABS-CBNABS–CBN Corporation is a Philippine-based media conglomerate. It is the Philippines' largest media and entertainment conglomerate. The corporation was the merger of Alto Broadcasting System which at that time owned by James Lindenberg and Antonio Quirino, and the Chronicle Broadcasting Network ...
Affiliates (Channel 10) - ACQ-Kingdom Broadcasting Network: Channel
Radio stations
- Radyo Natin 107.1/DZRH: MBC- Manila Broadcasting Company
- Masbate Community Broadcasting Corporation: RMNRadio Mindanao NetworkRMN is the largest radio network in the Philippines with almost 60 company-owned AM & FM radio stations located around the Philippines. Radio Mindanao Network remains the legal name of the radio network, while Radyo Mo Nationwide is the slogan of the network. The network's first radio station was...
Affiliates (DYME 873AM/95.9FM) - DWMH/HOT FM 94.9-Manila Broadcasting Company
- SPIRIT FM 98.3 (A Media Affiliate of the Catholic Media Network)