Polangui, Albay

Updated on Oct 23, 2023

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Country Philippines Municipality 1584 Demonym(s) Solangueño Province Albay		District 3rd district Barangays 44 (see Barangays) Area 145.3 km²

Region Bicol Region (Region V)

Danao lake polangui albay

Polangui, officially the Municipality of Polangui (Central Bikol: Banwaan kan Polangui; Filipino: Bayan ng Polangui), is a municipality in the province of Albay in the Bicol Region (Region V) of the Philippines. The population was 88,221 at the 2015 census. In the 2016 electoral roll, it had 48,728 registered voters.

Map of Polangui, Albay, Philippines

Buhay sa polangui albay

Etymology

The origin of the name Polangui has many versions. The foremost and seemingly more accepted version is, "that of a giant robust tree which existed majestically in the early municipal settlement". The natives of the settlement called the "Oyangue", which also served as the early landmark of the area whereby new settlers looked upon in their wandering. Similarly, the early Spanish frontier settlers found this tree and it became their famous settlement landmark. The settlement was then called "Binanuaan" but often referred to as "Oyangue" by nearby settlers. As more settlers came to dwell and engage in trade endeavors with the indigenous inhabitants, the more was the settlement known in distant areas by the name "Oyangue" (referring to the tree landmark) which was more widely accepted than "Binanuaan". The passing of generations corrupted the word "Oyangue" into several acronyms. Most acceptable and widely used before was "Polangue" and later "Polangui" which has remained today.

Another legend is about the story of a maiden named "Pulang Angui" which means "Red Maria" (Angui is the nickname for Maria) who loved red colors for dress and whose beautiful body, face and red lips became the object of affection by the males to the point of adoration. She was modest in her ways, talented for possessing various skills, with happy disposition, showing love of arts and religion. She would lead the tribe in festivities. When the Spaniards came, the soldiers who first set foot in Polangui asked for the name of the place. The native thought the foreigners was asking for the name of "Pulang Angui" and said so. The Spaniards recorded the name of the place as Pulangui, a concoction of the name which was later on, as years went by, was converted to Polangui.

Precolonial period

Pre-colonial Polangui was a fertile valley cradled by the virgin forests of Mount Masaraga. It was formed out of five settlements ruled by the Datu of Ponso till the late 1583. The center of the settlements was called Banwang gurang, meaning "old town" and is now known as Magurang.

In 1584, Fray Baltazar de la Magdalena, left Ambos Camarines and stumbled upon this place west of Mount Masaraga. He found that each of the five settlements had about 100 inhabitants. In the same year, he founded a settlement within the fertile valley and established a ranch, which he called "Binanwaan". Being inland and strategically situated, the town was spared from the frequent raids of sea pirates as well as from the occasional destruction caused by the eruption of Mayon Volcano.

Polangui became a visita, or outreach village under the jurisdiction of the Villa Santiago de Libon, which was established in 1573 by Juan de Salcedo, the grandson of the Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. The villa, which lies south-west of Polangui, would be known as the fourth of its kind in the entire archipelago.

Fray de la Magdalena was credited with the founding of Polangui. Old manuscripts in the Archives of Manila and in the Franciscan Convent in Manila point to 1584 as the year Polangui was founded, and thus considered as one of the oldest municipalities in the Philippines.

Spanish regime

By 1654, the original settlement became considerably bigger when Fray Alonzo de San Juan, was assigned in Polangui as "Encargado". The settlement was expanded reaching the present barangay sites in Lanigay, Ponso and Balinad. The town proper was established in Lanigay where a church made of wood was erected adjacent to about 280 wooden dwellings and more than 1,000 nipa huts. Unfortunately, this church together with the dwelling units was razed by a fire to the ground.

With the coming of another missionary, Fray Juan Bautista Marza, a new church made of bricks and stones was completed in 1664. This church stood on a new elevated site and still stands to this day. Under the leadership of Fray Marza, roads and bridges were also initiated and schools were introduced simultaneously with the Christian Doctrine and Spanish culture.

Growth of the settlement was so fast that it became a Poblacion and finally recognized as a Pueblo in 1674. Owing to its steady growth, a link with nearby Libon and Oas became a necessity. Hence, Fr. Jose Arnao, parish priest and Encargado from 1832 until 1852, directed the construction of roads and bridges that would connect Polangui to neighboring towns, including upland Buhi in Camarines Sur.

During Spanish regime, a significant highlight is the construction of its parish church which took 10 years to be completed starting in 1654 by Fray Alonzo de San Juan and completed in 1664 by Fray Juan Bautista Marza.

Polangueño martyr, Camilo Jacob, who is a photographer, was executed in January 4, 1897 with other Bicolanos. They are now commemorated as the Quince Martires del Bicolandia. A year later, the Spanish rule in Bicol ended with the mutiny of Guardia Civil in Naga led by Elias Angeles.

American period

Sometime during the Philippine-American War, Polangui became the seat of the Provincial Government of Albay for a brief period under Governor Domingo Samson. When the Americans conquered Polangui in 1890 without firing a single shot, the form of government went through transition from military to civil government then Commonwealth system. The seat of the municipal government was in Ponso with Clemente Sarte as the acting Chief Executive. A few months later, the seat of the municipal government was transferred to Centro Occidental and still remains up to this day.

Japanese occupation

When the Japanese forces occupied Polangui on December 13, 1941, Cipriano Saunar, then vice mayor of the Commonwealth government was appointed mayor by the Japanese military administration. A secret civil government was established simultaneously headed by Julian Saunar which was supported by the people. Cipriano Saunar’s successor was Manuel Samson Sr. and in turn was succeeded by Jesus Salalima who ruled from 1947 to 1960.

Geography

Polangui is located at 13°17′32″N 123°29′08″E, in the north-eastern quadrant of the third district of Albay.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality has a land area of 145.3 square kilometres (56.1 sq mi) constituting 7000564000000000000♠5.64% of the 2,575.77-square-kilometre- (994.51 sq mi) total area of Albay.

Polangui is bounded on the north by Buhi and Iriga City of Camarines Sur province, south by Libon, Oas and City of Ligao; and west by Malinao and the City of Tabaco. It is about 43 kilometres (27 mi) north of the regional center of the Bicol Region, Legazpi City; 56 kilometres (35 mi) north-east of Naga City and 136 kilometres (85 mi) south of Daet, Camarines Norte.

Climate

Polangui has a general climate characterized by dry season with a very pronounced maximum rainfall from November to December. Prevailing wind is in the general direction from north-east to south-west.

Barangays

Polangui is politically subdivided into 44 barangays., grouped into three divisions:

Poblacion Barangays - 13 member barangays

Rinconada Area Development Council (RADC) - 11 member barangays

Upland Area Development Council (UADC) - 20 member barangays

Demographics

In the 2015 census, Polangui had a population of 88,221. The population density was 610 inhabitants per square kilometre (1,600/sq mi).

In the 2016 electoral roll, it had 48,728 registered voters.

Languages

Bikol Polangueño is the main dialect in Polangui. The majority of the population speak Tagalog and English. Other languages/dialects spoken are Bicolano Viejo and Bikol Rinconada (Agos-Matacon Area)

Religion

Christianity is the predominant religion with Roman Catholicism having the biggest practitioners. There are four (4) Catholic parishes in the municipality: Saints Peter and Paul Parish at Barangay Centro Occidental (main parish), Saint Dominic Guzman Parish at Barangay Matacon, Saint Anthony of Padua Parish at Barangay Ponso and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at Barangay Lidong.

Other Christian denominations present in the municipality include Protestants, Baptist, United Pentecostal Church, and Iglesia ni Cristo. Islam and Buddhism also have followers in the municipality.

All of the barangays have their respective patron saints and barangay chapels.

Atrractions

Polangui provides a good view of Mount Mayon. The town hosts various historical and cultural tourism spots and other tourism-oriented recreation centers. Among these are:

Highlanders Watering Hole Resort is a "back-to-nature" vacation spot, located at Barangay Maynaga. It is 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) away from the business district of Polangui.

Danny's Spring Resort at Barangay Balinad

Kathleen's Paradise Resort at Barangay Agos

Laka Fuerte Resort (formerly La Oping Swimming Pool and Resort) at Barangay Gabon

7 Hills Farm and Resort at Barangay Balinad

Sabido Park

Parish Patio

Kiwanis Children's Park

Lake Danao Natural Park in Barangay Danao is a small, scenic crater lake, located 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from the town proper. It is nestled between Mount Malinao and Mount Masaraga. The rare tabios or sinarapan (Mystichtys luzonensis), the world’s smallest fish, is also cultured here. The lake is a 30-minute hike through carabao trails and abaca plantations.

Saint Expeditus Eco-Park is part of the Zepeda Leisure Estates, located at Barangay Agos. Its primary activities such as nature trailing, birdwatching, horseback riding and camping, among others.

Bastian Wildlife Center

Zepeda Leisure Estates — Situated at Barangay Agos, this leisure park offers a variety of amenities and facilities such as the Albay's first golf course, a driving range, a spring resort, camping grounds, lodge cabin, a restaurant, picnic area and a nature trail. Aside from playing golf and throwing in a picnic, available activities also includes pitch and putt, birdwatching and horseback riding.

Polangui Tennis Club at Barangay Centro Occidental

JGL Gamefarm at Barangay Ubaliw

Salceda Sports Complex at Barangay Centro Oriental

Polangui Oval at Barangay Centro Oriental (for renovation)

The Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church is located at Barangay Centro Occidental. It is one of the oldest Catholic churches in the Philippines, which took 10 years to finish. The church construction was started in 1654 by Fr. Alonzo de San Juan and was finished in 1664 under the management of Fr. Juan Bautista Marza.

Santo Entierro Shrine

Angustia / La Pieta Shrine

The Pedro Sabido Monument was constructed as a dedication to former Philippine Senator, Pedro Sabido, who was born in Polangui on October 19, 1894 to Don Juan D. Sabido and Doña Maximina Ribaya. His monument is located at the Sabido Park, beside the Office of the Sangguniang Bayan. A provincial road, the Pedro Sabido Road, was also dedicated in his honor. It serves as a major transport road which connects the municipality of Polangui to the municipalities of Oas, the City of Ligao and the First District of Albay.

The Veterans' Memorial was constructed as a dedication to the fallen sons of Polangui who died and shed their blood during the Japanese military occupation in World War II. The memorial is located in front of the Polangui Tennis Club.

Cristo Rey

Festivals and events

Polangui town fiesta — started as "Oyangui Festival" in 2003 and later became "Pulang Angui Festival". It is an annual celebration of Polangueños during the whole month of June.

Pulang Angui festival

Semana Santa (Holy Week) — The procession of pasos (Holy images) during Viernes Santo (Good Friday) has attracted devotees and local tourist alike because of the colorful and grandiose life-sized rebultos (statues) depicting the Passion of Christ and His resurrection installed on top of ornately decorated and lighter carrozas or cars. Many of the images and sculpture are of great antiquity and of magnificent artistry. Some of them are even centuries-old, like the image of St. Peter which dates back to 1857 as an heirloom piece.

Karangahan sa Polangui — is Polangui's adaptation of the month-long celebration of the province's Karangahan sa Pasko: Albay Green Christmas, usually starting during the last week of November throughout December. Karangahan originated from the Bicolano term, ranga, which pertains to a higher level of joy and contentment; a term of endearment. The festival is aimed at the safety of both families and environment by means of an environment-friendly celebration which can be achieved through continued propagation and adherence to its original campaign which is the "plastic-free, smoke-free and zero casualty" advocacy and objectives of the province. Before it was even called Karangahan sa Polangui, Polangueños are already celebrating it as Tia Angui Festival, a concoction of the name of the town's maiden, Angui (Tiya Angui), from which the town derived its name. Likewise, it may be interpreted as tiangge, a local term for "bazaar", which flood the town's public market during Christmas season. Usually, it is a tight gridwork of crowded stalls peddling Christmas decorations, fireworks, fresh fruits, assorted toys, discounted clothes, jewelry, accessories, electronics, and handicrafts, in the hallways and other empty spaces.

Local products and delicacies

Calamay (Sankaka) — also spelled Kalamay, which means "sugar", is a sticky sweet delicacy popular in many regions of the Philippines. It is locally known in Polangui as sankaka and is made of coconut milk, brown sugar, and ground glutinous rice. Kalamay can be eaten alone but is usually used as a sweetener for a number of Filipino desserts and beverages. The town's largest natural producer of sankaka is the Sarilla's Muscovado Milling Facility at Barangay Balaba.

Rice Cakes

Ibos — is made from glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk, and often steamed wrapped in buli or buri palm (Corypha) leaves. It is usually eaten sprinkled with sugar.

Balinsuso — is a Bicolano suman made up of ground rice (ordinary or sticky rice), coconut milk, sugar and grated coconut. In other towns, they call it balisongsong.

Binûtong — is made up of glutinous rice with coconut cream, wrapped in banana leaves. This is often served as breakfast or merienda, and best paired with hot chocolate or coffee. The term itself, probably came from the root word "butok" or to "tie a knot" as the mouthwatering meal is wrapped and tied in layers of banana leaves in order to confine the flavors inside white it is being cooked. The banana leaves gives a wonderful flavor to the rice.

Sinapot — a local term for maruya. These are sliced bananas dipped in batter, deep fried and dredged in sugar. All are popular street food and is best eaten during merienda.

Biniribid — is made from grated lukadon (young coconut)/coconut milk, and flour, topped with a mixture of kalamay and brown sugar. Its name is a Bikol term for twisted, as it is usually curled to form an eight much like twisted bread. Like the sinapot, it is also best eaten during merienda.

Pili — Of the family Burseracea, pili (Canarium ovatum) is native to the Philippines and can be found in especially in the Bicol region where it is an important crop and source of income of many families. Pili is a versatile nut being used for a variety of products. The nut kernel is the most important product. It can be eaten raw or roasted where its mild, nutty taste and tender-crispy texture can compare with and even found better than an almond.

Economy

Polangui is classified as a first class municipality,

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 are also very much alive.

Major business commercial establishments include the Liberty Commercial Center (LCC)- Bicol's largest mall chain; and the Novo Asia Jeans and Shirts. Other establishments are Tri-Star Commercial and V5 General Merchandise.

Transportation

Roads in Polangui are classified into:

National roads

Provincial roads

Municipal roads

Barangay roads

Airport The nearest airport is in Legazpi City Legazpi Airport - about39.1km from Polangui. Four commercial airline companies like Philippine Airlines,Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines,Zest Air operate in the airport. The construction of the soon Polangui Domestic Airport at Barangay Balangibang is still under negotiation.

Seaport The nearest ports available are the Tabaco International Seaport,Albay/ Legazpi Seaport and Pantao Port in, Albay/Libon.

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 Polangui are:

Alps

Antonina Lines

Cagsawa Travel & Tours

DLTB Co.

Executive Carriers

Gold Line Tours, Inc.

Peñafrancia Tours

Philtranco

Raymond Transportation

RSL Bus Transport Corporation

Other forms of transportation

There are motorized (Auto rickshaw/tricycles)with routes to different barangays and neighboring municipalities.

There are some pedicabs for transportation within the (poblacion).

There are several (jeepney) routes around the city or to anywhere in the province.

Mode of access

Buy Air The construction of the soon Polangui Domestic Airport at Barangay Balangibang is still under negotiation.

By land Polangui can be reached through land transport (by bus) from Manila in about 10 hours, two hours less if the new (Andaya Highway)route is taken. Main routes can be reached through by aircon buses, Garage to Terminal (GT) Vans and FX (location and access to is underway with the new Polangui Terminal), private cars, trimobiles, padyak and motorcycles.

By train As of March 2012, The 10 1/2-hour Mayon Limited started traveling between Manila and Ligao, about (convert/28|km) from Legazpi. The Mayon Limited serves this place.

By water Polangui is a landlocked municipality, entirely enclosed by land. The nearest ports available are the Tabaco International Seaport, Legazpi Seaport and Pantao Port in Libon.

Communication

The municipality receives signal from all the major radio stations from Legazpi City and even Naga City in Camarines Sur. But there is one FM Station that originate from the municipality- the Hot FM Polangui DWJJ 97.9 MHz. It broadcasts live updates, news and entertainment.

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

Dream Cable Television (DCTV)

Estevez Cable Television (ESTV)

Education

Presently, there are almost 20 Day Care Centers, 3 private pre-schools, 42 public elementary schools, 5 private elementary schools, 7 public high schools, 3 private high schools and 4 tertiary schools in the municipality.

The municipality has four tertiary schools:

The Bicol University Polangui Campus (BUPC) is located in Barangay Centro Occidental, and used to be known as the School for Philippine Craftsmen and offered vocational courses. It was integrated into Bicol University, through R.A. 7722, R.A. 8292 & R.A. 8769, on December 14, 2000 and renamed as Bicol University Polangui Campus. From the five courses offered in 2000, it now offers fifteen courses including BS in Nursing, BS in Computer Engineering and BS in Electronics and Communications Engineering.

The Polangui Community College (PCC) has four major program offerings: Associate in Hotel & Restaurant Management, Associate in Office Administration, Bachelor in Secondary Education and Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness.

The Elite Fashion School, which offers technical and vocational courses. It is located at Barangay Centro Oriental, in front of the Land Bank of the Philippines- Polangui Branch.

The Computer Arts and Technological (CAT) College, which was opened in 2012. It is located at the newly constructed commercial building at Barangay Ubaliw, beside the Polangui Terminal.

The Polangui General Comprehensive High School is located in Barangay Centro Occidental, and started as Albay High School Polangui (AHSP) with Mr. Sisenando Reantaso as its first Principal (1948-1953). In 1963, President Diosdado Macapagal signed RA No. 3993 converting the AHSP into a community school, The Polangui General Comprehensive High School (PGCHS), a national secondary school patterned after the comprehensive high school in Detroit, Michigan U.S.A. At present, it is touted as Albay's best public high school, having been a consistent frontrunner in division, regional and national competitions, such as the Sci-Math Competition, Secondary Schools Press Conference, Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge and Intel Philippines Science Fair, among others.

Ponso National High School

Matacon National High School

Magpanambo National High School

Itaran National High School

La Medalla National High School

Lanigay National High School

Salle Learning Center at Barangay Centro Occidental

Saint Peter's Academy at Barangay Centro Occidental

Colegio de Santa Monica of Polangui, Inc. at Barangay Centro Occidental

Public services

The present health services of the municipality are administered by 2 Municipal Health Officers, 2 Public Health Nurses, 1 Medical Technologist, 1 Dentist, and 12 Midwives.

Aside from the Municipal Health Office and Barangay Health Stations, there are 2 Private Hospitals (Isip General Hospital in Gabon and Perillo General Hospital in Magurang), and 14 clinics that provide alternative health services to the population of the municipality. Polangui is equipped with 6 ambulances- 1 in the Rural Health Unit (RHU), 2 in the municipal hall, and 3 in the health station centers in Balinad, Itaran and Matacon.

The Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) Birthing Facility at RHU-Polangui specializes in maternal healthcare, along with several lying-in and birthing clinics. Polangui's BEmONC Birthing Facility is a PhilHealth-accredited institution and offers free services to cardholders.

A new medical establishment recently opened its doors- the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Diagnostic and Dialysis Center at Barangay Centro Oriental, in front of the Polangui South Central Elementary School. Polangui and Legazpi City are the only ones in Albay who have a dialysis facility.

In dealing with solid waste management, the Municipality of Polangui has adopted the usual means of dumping garbage in an open-pit dumpsite. Garbage is collected from each barangay in the poblacion every Tuesday and Friday. The municipality has four garbage trucks to ensure that the garbage is collected and disposed in the waste disposal site located at Sitio Barobo, about 4-kilometre (2.5 mi) distance from the central business district.

The Polangui Fire Station, Bureau of Fire Protection is located at Barangay Centro Occidental, between the Municipal Hall and the Polangui Police Station. The Polangui BFP is headed by Fire Marshal Insp. Noel N. Peñarubia.

Polangui PNP is headed by PSI Jon R. Retumban.

The Polangui District Jail is manned by officers of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), headed by Jail Warden Sr. Insp. Alfredo R. Ricaford, Jr.

The Albay Electric Cooperative (ALECO) Sub-Station 2 in Barangay Centro Occidental provides electricity to the majority of the town's barangays.

Water supply is managed by the Polangui Water System (inaugurated by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Governor Joey Salceda) located in Barangay Balinad. Its present service area encompasses the poblacion and some of the other barangays. The rest of the residents, most especially those in the upland and rural areas are still dependent on shallow wells, deep wells or spring-water.

There are 7 cemeteries in the municipality:

Incumbent municipal officials (2016-2019)

Mayor: Cherilie Mella Sampal ‹›

Vice Mayor: Herbert S. Borja ♯

Councilors:

* Jesciel Richard S. Salceda ‹›

* Noli Samlero +

* Wex Gonzales +

* Andy Mariscotes +

* William H. Buendia, Sr. ‹›

* Restituto "Buboy" Fernandez +

* Edgar B. Arbo ‹›

* Edna R. Siguenza ‹›

ABC President: Vacant

SK Federation President: Vacant

Notable people

Pedro R. Sabio — Former Philippine Senator, Former Philippine Ambassador to Spain and the Vatican, 3rd District of Albay Former Congressman (1922-1925, 1925-1928, 1928-1931, 1931-1934, 1935–1938, 1938-1941)

Jose Ma. Clemente "Joey" S. Salceda — Albay Provincial Governor (2007–present), 3rd District of Albay Former Congressman (1998-2001, 2001-2004, 2004–2007), Malacañang Chief of Staff (February 10, 2007 – March 29, 2007)

Reno G. Lim — Former Congressman, 3rd District of Albay (2007-2010)

Dianne Elaine S. Necio — Binibining Pilipinas International 2011, Binibining Pilipinas 2010 First Runner-up, Miss Tabak 2009, Mutya ng Bicolandia

References

Polangui, Albay Wikipedia

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