Legazpi City
Encyclopedia
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. Legazpi City is the capital city of the Bicol Region being the political and the administrative center. Legazpi City is also the educational center of the region because of the Bicol University
also known as the BU, which is the largest state-run higher education institution in the region.
Located in the geographical center of the peninsula and between the two island provinces of Catanduanes
and Masbate
, Legazpi is the southernmost terminus of the Philippine National Railways
Main Line South, though it will be extended up to Matnog in Sorsogon. It also services sea-going vessels through its port.
The city is the ecclesiastical seat of the Diocese of Legazpi, and most of its inhabitants are Roman Catholics.
, the Spanish
conquistador
who conquered the Philippine islands in 1565, and whose family name came from Legazpi
, a town in Gipuzkoa, Spain
.
Legazpi was founded by the ancient settlers of the old barangay of Sawangan in the domain of Gat Ibal, a chief who ruled Albay. Spread in small groups of huts made of nipa and rattan, the small settlement occupied a conscription of low and swampy land known as Banuang-gurang or Binanuahan, which means old town or place in which a town was built. The indigenous name Sawangan was a corruption of Sabang, signifying natural wharf formed by the waters of the sea. It was built on mangrove swamps, which once bordered its magnificent deep water port. In 1587, Franciscan friars of the Doctrina of Cagsawa began to convert the settlement of Christianity; in 1616, they transformed it into a separate town and parish called Albay. Its first parish priest built a small chapel and established the "Mission de San Gregorio Magno de Sawangan".
The eruption of Mayon Volcano
on February 1, 1814 left a wide swath of destruction on two centuries of progress. It also forced inhabitants of the town to evacuate to Taysan (then known as Makalaya). They finally settled in Taytay (now Bagumbayan) as a result of the decree of the Gobierno Superior issued on October 1, 1829 prohibiting the founding of another town. In 1818, Sawangan, then already known as the town of Albay was separated from Cagsawa and was made the Capital of the Partido de Ibalon (the old name of Albay Province).
Some of the people, however, remained in the old town and began anew as a barrio. In lieu of their former patron saint, St. Gregory the Great, which had also been transferred to Albay, they adopted St. Raphael the Archangel and transformed the ermita into a church. They finally regained their old status but never changed the name of the place as Albay Viejo or Banwang Daan. Even after their autonomy in 1856, they called it "Binanwahan" meaning the former site of a town. In their fight for autonomy which took 21 years, they sought the support of the Spaniards living in the town and as a sign of gratitude for their help, they readily accepted the name Legazpi for the town proposed by the Spaniards upon the fulfillment of their efforts to perpetuate the memory of the Adelantado Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. A royal decree dated September 22, 1856 officially gave the name of Legazpi to Old Albay, and with the visitas of Lamba, Rawis, and Bigaa made it into an independent town. It was inaugurated on October 23, 1856 with Lorenzo Hac as the first elective gobernadorcillo and the Rev. Camilo Abainza as acting parish priest.
Now autonomous and mixed with the progress and prosperity it attained, Legazpi was declared by Royal Cedula on May 18, 1872 open to world trade.
Legazpi first became a city under the Becerra Law of 1892. It constituted the municipalities of Legazpi, Albay Nuevo, and Daraga into the Ayuntamiento de Albay. The first set of officials — Alcalde, Teniente de Alcalde, Sindico, Secretario and Regidores (councilor) — took office in 1898. With the American occupation in 1900, the city was dissolved. Upon restoration of peace, the three towns were re-established and in 1908 became the municipality of Albay, the provincial capital of Albay. In 1922, the town of Daraga was separated from the capital. Legazpi became a city for the second time on July 18, 1948 when Daraga and Legazpi were combined to constitute its territory under Republic Act No. 306. But on June 8, 1954, R.A. No. 993 was approved, which recreated the two towns (Daraga and Legazpi) were reconstituted.
With the re-creation of the two municipalities, the city was dissolved on June 8, 1954.
Finally, on June 12, 1959, Legazpi became a city for the third time under R.A. 2234. Amendments were introduced under R.A. 5525. Presidential Decree 125 issued on February 23, 1973 declared the town of Daraga as part of the territorial jurisdiction of the city. This decree, however, was not implemented with the onset of the Integrated Reorganization Plan, which involved the restructuring of local governments.
The city went through raids by Dutch and Muslim pirates before the arrival of the Spanish and was a horrifying sight of a much bloody battle during the Fil-Am war and World War II. The monument at the intersection of Quezon and Rizal Streets were built to commemorate the defeat of Filipino fighters by American forces in 1900.
In 1941 and 1942, Japanese troops landed and occupied Legazpi City, Albay.
In 1945, American and Filipino liberation forces supported by Bicolano guerrillas liberated Legazpi City from Japanese Imperial forces during the Second World War.
Legazpi City, Albay is one of the Bicol Region's top tourist destinations. It is where the Mayon Volcano
, one of the Philippines' most famous volcanoes is located. Mayon Volcano
is the Philippines' most active volcano and is considered to be the world's most perfectly formed volcano for its symmetrical cone. It is also a convenient embarkation point to other tourist destinations in the region such as the Cagsawa Ruins, the upscale resort of Misibis, Donsol, the site of one of the world's largest annual migration of whale sharks and the white sand beaches of Sorsogon and Catanduanes. The city is served by Legazpi Airport which accommodates Airbus A320, Boeing 737-400, and Boeing 727 and has the Mayon Volcano
as its scenic backdrop. Plans are underway to construct a new airport that has the capacity to serve international flights which the government sees as an opportunity to boost tourism in the region.
Other places to go to and sights to visit include:
Cagsawa Ruins
,you can see here the damage of mayon volcano when it exploded in 1814.But you can still see the church's bell tower and a fine resort, the cagsawa resort and pool.
Plans have been approved for the construction of a new international airport to be located on a plateau in Barangay Alobo in neighboring Daraga
town. It is hoped that the proposed airport, named Bicol International Airport, will boost tourism in the Bicol Region. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo affirmed her commitment to fast-track the airport's construction in her State-of-the-Nation-Address in 2007.
Legazpi 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. More than 10 bus companies operate daily transport to and from Manila to Legazpi which makes the city very accessible to commuters and tourists alike.
. Also, it was recently cited as the most business-friendly city for the whole South Luzon by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). To further boost the development of its economy, the city is focusing its efforts for the development of the Bicol Regional Agro Industrial Center (BRAIC) and a Special Economic Zone
(SEZ).
The construction of Legazpi City International Airport
is just right in time for the transformation of Legazpi City into a world-class city with an expected influx of investments and tourism-related developments such as the now on full-swing development "Embarcadero", Misibis Resorts, Estates & Spa, windmills and mini-hydroelectric plants and the Cagraray Waterworld Park in the Sula Channel.
Pacific Mall Legazpi serves as the centerpiece of Landco Business Park Legazpi. Recently, Pacific Mall has expanded its floor area to accommodate more tenants. Headquartered in nearby Tabaco City
, and with its LCC Central Mall in Naga City, Liberty Commercial Center (LCC) Legazpi remains the city's original mall. Modernistic Bichara Silverscreen and Entertainment Center is a multi-story haven of shops, bistros, and cinemas.
The city hall and several provincial offices are located in what promises to be another progressive new downtown area known as Albay District (also Old Albay or simply Albay as this place was originally the capital town of Albay Province before it was merged with Legazpi) which has bistros that remain open till late at night. Some shops also are also open 24/7. Legazpi has its share of popular fast-food restaurants such as Jollibee, McDonald's, Max's, Shakey's, Chowking, Greenwich, Mang Inasal, Gerry's Grill, Kitaro, Tapa King and Binalot. In 2009, a Marina-inspired project dubbed as "Embarcadero" is scheduled to open in the Legazpi Port Area. It will be a 24-hour, IT and Commercial Complex that is truly world-class and first of its kind in the Bicol Region. The new Legazpi City Central Bus Terminal/LKY MetroHub and Lifestyle Center is now open to serve the Bicolanos with shops selling souvenire items, restobar and the first store of SM SAVEMORE in the Bicol Region.
Legazpi City is connected nationwide and to the rest of the world through up-to-date communication facilities. It has two cable TV operators, DCTV (Digital Cable Television) and ESTV, and cellular and landline phone operators, Digitel/Sun Cellular, Globe Telecom, Smart/PLDT (Philippine Long Distance Telecommunication); and local MATELCO (Mayon Telephone Company), offering mobilephone, fax, data, and DSL Internet services.
A number of AM, FM, and TV stations such as Manila Broadcasting Company's 99.5 LOVE RADIO, GMA (TV 12 and Campus Radio 96.3), 89.9 FOX FM, 91.5 Magik Radio, 92.3 Home Radio, 95.5 DWRC, 97.1 OK FM, 98.7 WOW Legazpi, 106.7 CA-FM, ABC
through its affiliate station TV 6 (ABC/PBN). Other TV stations are SBN TALK TV 21, GMA News TV 27, Studio23, NBN 8 and IBC TV-7 Is Temporary Legazpi City Station. A number of mobile phone shops have also available in the city, country shoppe cellphone and accessories is one of them.
Legazpi City has two air-conditioned arenas, the Albay Astrodome and the newly renovated Ibalong Centrum for Recreation. These arenas served as venues of PBA
games in the past. Apart from these, other sports stadiums are present at the city which are owned by private schools and universities namely in Aquinas University, Divine Word College of Legazpi and St. Agnes Academy.
US Auto Parts, one of the largest online retailers of automotive aftermarket parts and accessories in the U.S., has established its development arm, MBS Tek Corporation, in the city. MBS Tek provides back office support including software development, content development, Internet marketing, research and customer care services. New York-based Innodata tapped the city's young population and put up a data conversion center that operates three shifts.
The city also boasts of a modern eye center, Legazpi Eye Center (LEC) which serves as a referral center for ophthalmologic care. The center has board certified ophthalmologists with subspecialty training in various fields. LEC is reportedly comparable to major eye centers in Metro Manila in terms of services, expertise, and equipment.
Legazpi has around 40 bank branches that offer products and services such as deposits, loans, and automated teller machines (ATM).
Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda of Albay recently announced plans to develop the highland plateau of Legazpi City, Daraga, Camalig and Guinobatan as a relocation site for residents made homeless by Typhoon Reming and as a new investment area. There is also an ongoing road project that will connect Legazpi to Donsol, Sorsogon, where the whale sharks, locally known as "Butanding" are tourist attractions. The said route would take shorter travel time than the current one.
Legazpi has hosted important events in the past such as Miss Asia-Pacific pageant in 2001. In 2002, it hosted an international convention of the Free Masons. In 2003, about 4,000 members of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) conducted their 57th annual national convention in the city.
(AUL),sister school of University of Santo Tomas
in Manila, and the state-run Bicol University
(BU), the biggest tertiary school in Bicol, and is one of the country's biggest universities that is acknowledged as an accountancy and engineering powerhouse and also renowned for its agricultural and fisheries research. Aquinas University is the first university in Bicol to offer College of Pharmacy. Mariners' Polytechnic Colleges Foundation (MPCF), the only maritime institute in Legazpi City,has a sister school in Naga City, and Canaman, Camarines Sur.
maba
Divine Word College
is also based in the city. Manila-based institutions have also established branches: AMA Computer University
along Rizal Street, while STI College
is nearby. The Ago Medical Educational Center-Bicol Christian College of Medicine in Albay District is the first and only school of medicine in the Bicol Region
.Computer Arts and Technological College Formerly CATS located at Balintawak St., Albay District, Legazpi City - at the back of Albay Astrodome. Singapore-based Informatics is located at the second floor of GTS Building, Rizal Street. SL Technological College Foundation Inc. along Quezon Avenue is the first in the city to offer business process outsourcing (BPO) services and support.
The city's renowned private co-educational institution; St Agnes Academy, founded in 1912 and considered as the oldest Catholic school in Albay, is a sister school of Manila's St. Scholastica's College
.
Another school that offers primary and secondary education is Legazpi Hope Christian School, located at St. Vincent Village, Cabangan, Legazpi City. LHCS is a Chinese Christian School that seeks to provide quality education to form well-rounded, God-fearing leaders of the future.
Saint Raphael Academy,founded in 1949 by Monsgr. Nicanor B. Belleza, formerly Saint Raphael Parochial School but it was turned over in 1956 to the Augustinian Recollect Sisters. It celebrated its 60th year of existence in the city in 2009.
The Legazpi City Science High School is the only public science school in the Legazpi City that has an ESEP Curriculum
which means it is a Science school. It is located in Bitano, Legazpi City near the Legazpi Grand Terminal and the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation (ICR). Last 2010, Ms. Michelle M. Daniel, a Chemistry teacher has been awarded as Albay's Most Outstanding Teacher. In television, one student of this school has successfully auditioned in the Pilipinas Got Talent
Season 2 named Justin Mae Aguilar who presented a talent of acting and singing portraying a part in the Miss Saigon
. In Contests, a student of the school named Cris Gino T. Mesias won the 7th National Science Quest. The Legazpi City Science High School Drum and Lyre Corps won the Legazpi Port Fiesta Drum and Bugle Competition (2008) and won again the Legazpi Port Fiesta Drum and Bugle Competition (2009) and Parada Bicolandia (2009). During the comeback of the school's Drum and Lyre Corps (2011), with the perseverance to bring again the school's pride and won again during the Magayon Festival Drum and Lyre Corps Competition (April 3, 2011) In Sports, Frances Katreen S. Razon is the Gold Medalist of this year's Paralong Bikol in the Taekwondo
Girls Division.
s.
(Köppen Af), with copious amount of rainfall throughout the course of the year. Legazpi has noticeably wetter and drier periods of the year. However, the city’s driest month, March still sees on average over 150 mm of precipitation per year. Similar to many other cities with this climate, temperatures are relatively constant throughout the course of the year, averaging roughly 27 degrees Celsius.
, Philippines
Butuan City
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Chōshi, Chiba
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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...
. With 179,481 inhabitants according to the 2007 census, it is the largest city in the Bicol Region
Bicol Region
The Bicol Region or Bicolandia is one of the 17 regions of the Philippines. Its regional center is Legazpi City...
in terms of population, though not in land area. Legazpi City is the capital city of the Bicol Region being the political and the administrative center. Legazpi City is also the educational center of the region because of the Bicol University
Bicol University
Bicol University is a state university in Legazpi City, the Philippines. The administrative center of Bicol University is in the City of Legazpi while its colleges are in separated campuses of Polangui, Guinobatan, Daraga, Legazpi City and Tabaco of Albay province...
also known as the BU, which is the largest state-run higher education institution in the region.
Located in the geographical center of the peninsula and between the two island provinces of Catanduanes
Catanduanes
Catanduanes is an island province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Luzon. Its capital is Virac and the province lies to the east of Camarines Sur across Maqueda Channel. As of 2007, the population of the province is 232,757 people.-Etymology:"Isla de Cobos" was Catanduanes' first...
and 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:...
, Legazpi is the southernmost terminus of the Philippine National Railways
Philippine National Railways
The Philippine National Railways , or PNR, is a state-owned railway company in the Philippines, operating a single line of track on Luzon. As of 2010, it operates one commuter rail service in Metro Manila and a second in the Bicol Region. PNR restored its intercity service to the Bicol region in 2011...
Main Line South, though it will be extended up to Matnog in Sorsogon. It also services sea-going vessels through its port.
The city is the ecclesiastical seat of the Diocese of Legazpi, and most of its inhabitants are Roman Catholics.
History
Legazpi was named after Miguel López de LegazpiMiguel López de Legazpi
Miguel López de Legazpi , also known as El Adelantado and El Viejo , was a Spanish conquistador who established one of the first European settlements in the East Indies and the Pacific Islands in 1565. He is the first Governor-General in the Philippines...
, the Spanish
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
conquistador
Conquistador
Conquistadors were Spanish soldiers, explorers, and adventurers who brought much of the Americas under the control of Spain in the 15th to 16th centuries, following Europe's discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus in 1492...
who conquered the Philippine islands in 1565, and whose family name came from Legazpi
Legazpi, Spain
Legazpi is a city in the Gipuzkoa province of the Autonomous Community of Basque Country, northern Spain.Legazpi is a town of about 9000 inhabitants located on top of Urola valley, in Guipuzcoa...
, a town in Gipuzkoa, Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
.
Legazpi was founded by the ancient settlers of the old barangay of Sawangan in the domain of Gat Ibal, a chief who ruled Albay. Spread in small groups of huts made of nipa and rattan, the small settlement occupied a conscription of low and swampy land known as Banuang-gurang or Binanuahan, which means old town or place in which a town was built. The indigenous name Sawangan was a corruption of Sabang, signifying natural wharf formed by the waters of the sea. It was built on mangrove swamps, which once bordered its magnificent deep water port. In 1587, Franciscan friars of the Doctrina of Cagsawa began to convert the settlement of Christianity; in 1616, they transformed it into a separate town and parish called Albay. Its first parish priest built a small chapel and established the "Mission de San Gregorio Magno de Sawangan".
The eruption of Mayon Volcano
Mayon Volcano
Mayon Volcano, also known as Mount Mayon, is an active volcano in the province of Albay, on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. Renowned as the "perfect cone" because of its almost symmetric conical shape, Mayon forms the northern boundary of Legazpi City, the largest city in terms of...
on February 1, 1814 left a wide swath of destruction on two centuries of progress. It also forced inhabitants of the town to evacuate to Taysan (then known as Makalaya). They finally settled in Taytay (now Bagumbayan) as a result of the decree of the Gobierno Superior issued on October 1, 1829 prohibiting the founding of another town. In 1818, Sawangan, then already known as the town of Albay was separated from Cagsawa and was made the Capital of the Partido de Ibalon (the old name of Albay Province).
Some of the people, however, remained in the old town and began anew as a barrio. In lieu of their former patron saint, St. Gregory the Great, which had also been transferred to Albay, they adopted St. Raphael the Archangel and transformed the ermita into a church. They finally regained their old status but never changed the name of the place as Albay Viejo or Banwang Daan. Even after their autonomy in 1856, they called it "Binanwahan" meaning the former site of a town. In their fight for autonomy which took 21 years, they sought the support of the Spaniards living in the town and as a sign of gratitude for their help, they readily accepted the name Legazpi for the town proposed by the Spaniards upon the fulfillment of their efforts to perpetuate the memory of the Adelantado Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. A royal decree dated September 22, 1856 officially gave the name of Legazpi to Old Albay, and with the visitas of Lamba, Rawis, and Bigaa made it into an independent town. It was inaugurated on October 23, 1856 with Lorenzo Hac as the first elective gobernadorcillo and the Rev. Camilo Abainza as acting parish priest.
Now autonomous and mixed with the progress and prosperity it attained, Legazpi was declared by Royal Cedula on May 18, 1872 open to world trade.
Legazpi first became a city under the Becerra Law of 1892. It constituted the municipalities of Legazpi, Albay Nuevo, and Daraga into the Ayuntamiento de Albay. The first set of officials — Alcalde, Teniente de Alcalde, Sindico, Secretario and Regidores (councilor) — took office in 1898. With the American occupation in 1900, the city was dissolved. Upon restoration of peace, the three towns were re-established and in 1908 became the municipality of Albay, the provincial capital of Albay. In 1922, the town of Daraga was separated from the capital. Legazpi became a city for the second time on July 18, 1948 when Daraga and Legazpi were combined to constitute its territory under Republic Act No. 306. But on June 8, 1954, R.A. No. 993 was approved, which recreated the two towns (Daraga and Legazpi) were reconstituted.
With the re-creation of the two municipalities, the city was dissolved on June 8, 1954.
Finally, on June 12, 1959, Legazpi became a city for the third time under R.A. 2234. Amendments were introduced under R.A. 5525. Presidential Decree 125 issued on February 23, 1973 declared the town of Daraga as part of the territorial jurisdiction of the city. This decree, however, was not implemented with the onset of the Integrated Reorganization Plan, which involved the restructuring of local governments.
The city went through raids by Dutch and Muslim pirates before the arrival of the Spanish and was a horrifying sight of a much bloody battle during the Fil-Am war and World War II. The monument at the intersection of Quezon and Rizal Streets were built to commemorate the defeat of Filipino fighters by American forces in 1900.
In 1941 and 1942, Japanese troops landed and occupied Legazpi City, Albay.
In 1945, American and Filipino liberation forces supported by Bicolano guerrillas liberated Legazpi City from Japanese Imperial forces during the Second World War.
Culture
The Ibalong Festival is among the renowned non-religious festivals in Bicol. The epic story of the ancient heroes is the theme of the Ibalong Festival. Starting this year the festival will be celebrated on the month of August. People involved in this clamorous merriment parade in the streets wearing masks and costumes to imitate the appearances of the heroes and the villains, portraying the classic battle that made its way to the history of Bicol. Continuing the joyful event up to the present, the Ibalong Festival aims to express warmth and goodwill to all people, and visitors and tourists are always encouraged to celebrate with the Bicolanos. Legazpi is also home to the annual Magayon Festival of Albay which is held throughout the month of April.Tourism
Mayon Volcano
Mayon Volcano, also known as Mount Mayon, is an active volcano in the province of Albay, on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. Renowned as the "perfect cone" because of its almost symmetric conical shape, Mayon forms the northern boundary of Legazpi City, the largest city in terms of...
, one of the Philippines' most famous volcanoes is located. Mayon Volcano
Mayon Volcano
Mayon Volcano, also known as Mount Mayon, is an active volcano in the province of Albay, on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. Renowned as the "perfect cone" because of its almost symmetric conical shape, Mayon forms the northern boundary of Legazpi City, the largest city in terms of...
is the Philippines' most active volcano and is considered to be the world's most perfectly formed volcano for its symmetrical cone. It is also a convenient embarkation point to other tourist destinations in the region such as the Cagsawa Ruins, the upscale resort of Misibis, Donsol, the site of one of the world's largest annual migration of whale sharks and the white sand beaches of Sorsogon and Catanduanes. The city is served by Legazpi Airport which accommodates Airbus A320, Boeing 737-400, and Boeing 727 and has the Mayon Volcano
Mayon Volcano
Mayon Volcano, also known as Mount Mayon, is an active volcano in the province of Albay, on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. Renowned as the "perfect cone" because of its almost symmetric conical shape, Mayon forms the northern boundary of Legazpi City, the largest city in terms of...
as its scenic backdrop. Plans are underway to construct a new airport that has the capacity to serve international flights which the government sees as an opportunity to boost tourism in the region.
Other places to go to and sights to visit include:
- The Albay Park and Wildlife - This is a picnic grove and a park combined. It also serves as the home to 347 animals of 75 species.
- Liberty Bell - Installed in 1945 by the American liberation forces at the Penaranda park, in front of Albay Provincial Capitol. It is made from bronze.
- Japanese Tunnel - Used as an arsenal during the second World War, it measures 40 meters long and around 7 feet deep.
- Magayon Art Gallery - Found at the lobby of the Albay Provincial Capitol and serves as the avenue for artists to show off their visual creations
- Legazpi City Museum - Showcases the heritage and culture of the city. It is currently the only public museum in the Bicol Region.
- Bicol Heritage Park - Located inside the Camp General Simeon Ola Headquarters. This is where you can find the statue of General Simeon A. Ola.
- Ligñon Hill - Located behind Albay Park and Wildlife. One of the best places to view Mayon VolcanoMayon VolcanoMayon Volcano, also known as Mount Mayon, is an active volcano in the province of Albay, on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. Renowned as the "perfect cone" because of its almost symmetric conical shape, Mayon forms the northern boundary of Legazpi City, the largest city in terms of...
and Legazpi City is the Lignon Hill (also spelled as Ligñon Hill and pronounced as /li-NYON/). This 143-meter high cinder-cone hill located 11 kilometers southeast of the volcano’s summit is the highest location in the city’s downtown area and towers over the adjacent Legazpi Airport. A long and winding road crawls up the sides of Lignon Hill where there is an observation station constructed on top. This is where the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has a permanent station to observe Mayon. - Kapuntukan Hill (also known as the Sleeping Lion Hill) – This is the place to visit if you wish to have a view of the Legazpi Port District and the Albay Gulf.
- Embarcadero - A major waterfront development in Legazpi that will become a destination for both local and international tourists alike. The masterplan maximizes the uniqueness of the location – the site fronts the main harbour of Legazpi with views to the Mount Mayon VolcanoMayon VolcanoMayon Volcano, also known as Mount Mayon, is an active volcano in the province of Albay, on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. Renowned as the "perfect cone" because of its almost symmetric conical shape, Mayon forms the northern boundary of Legazpi City, the largest city in terms of...
. Embarcadero comprises retail, restaurants, markets, a major civic space and landmark lighthouse, with a future waterfront hotel and spa. Embarcadero will “activate” the waterfront creating an attractive and vibrant focus for the city’s leisure and lifestyle activities. Embarcadero will function as a waterfront promenade, with theatrical lighting and performance spaces creating a lively, family friendly environment during the day and at night. - Regional Government Offices in Rawis - PPA (Philippine Ports Authority), DepEd (Department of Education), DOT (Department of Tourism), RTC (Regional Trial Court), DAR (Department of Agrarian Reform), DOST (Department of Science and Technology), and LTO (Land Transportation Office), COA (Commission on Audit), DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highway), TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority), DBM (Department of Budget and Management), PRC (Professional Regulation Commission), COMELEC (Commission on Elections).
- Legazpi AirportLegazpi AirportLegazpi Airport in the Philippines is a major airport in the Bicol Region, serving the vicinity of Legazpi City in Albay...
, with a runway of 2,280 meters, is capable of handling international aircraft. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific has 3 flights each daily from Manila. Cebu Pacific's third flight route is Manila-Legazpi-Cebu. Both Cebu Pacific and PAL use Airbus A319s and A320s. Zest Air and AirPhil Express also has a daily flight. Two (2) airlines with about five (6) flights a day to and from Manila make Legazpi the real gateway city of Southern Luzon.
Cagsawa Ruins
Cagsawa Ruins
The Cagsawa Ruins are the remnants of an 18th century Franciscan church, the Cagsawa church, built in 1724 and destroyed by the 1814 eruption of the Mayon Volcano...
,you can see here the damage of mayon volcano when it exploded in 1814.But you can still see the church's bell tower and a fine resort, the cagsawa resort and pool.
Plans have been approved for the construction of a new international airport to be located on a plateau in Barangay Alobo in neighboring Daraga
Daraga
Daraga may refer to:*Daraga, Albay, a municipality in the Philippines*USS Daraga , a United States Navy patrol boat in commission from 1917 to 1919*Daraga, Albay, Name originated from Dalaga - which means a single lady...
town. It is hoped that the proposed airport, named Bicol International Airport, will boost tourism in the Bicol Region. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo affirmed her commitment to fast-track the airport's construction in her State-of-the-Nation-Address in 2007.
Legazpi 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. More than 10 bus companies operate daily transport to and from Manila to Legazpi which makes the city very accessible to commuters and tourists alike.
Economy
In 2006, Legazpi City was recognized as one of the most competitive cities in the Philippines by the Asian Institute of ManagementAsian Institute of Management
The Asian Institute of Management, or simply AIM, is a graduate school of business and a center of business and management research. It is one of the few business schools in Asia to be internationally accredited with the AACSB. It was established in partnership with Harvard Business School and uses...
. Also, it was recently cited as the most business-friendly city for the whole South Luzon by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). To further boost the development of its economy, the city is focusing its efforts for the development of the Bicol Regional Agro Industrial Center (BRAIC) and a Special Economic Zone
Special Economic Zone
A Special Economic Zone is a geographical region that has economic and other laws that are more free-market-oriented than a country's typical or national laws...
(SEZ).
The construction of Legazpi City International Airport
Legazpi City International Airport
Bicol International Airport is an under construction international airport that would serve Legazpi City, the capital of Albay and the regional center of Bicol Region, in the Philippines. The airport is currently under construction in the town of Daraga...
is just right in time for the transformation of Legazpi City into a world-class city with an expected influx of investments and tourism-related developments such as the now on full-swing development "Embarcadero", Misibis Resorts, Estates & Spa, windmills and mini-hydroelectric plants and the Cagraray Waterworld Park in the Sula Channel.
Pacific Mall Legazpi serves as the centerpiece of Landco Business Park Legazpi. Recently, Pacific Mall has expanded its floor area to accommodate more tenants. Headquartered in nearby Tabaco City
Tabaco City
Tabaco City is a 4th class city in the province of Albay in the Philippines. It is one of the three component cities of the province. 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...
, and with its LCC Central Mall in Naga City, Liberty Commercial Center (LCC) Legazpi remains the city's original mall. Modernistic Bichara Silverscreen and Entertainment Center is a multi-story haven of shops, bistros, and cinemas.
The city hall and several provincial offices are located in what promises to be another progressive new downtown area known as Albay District (also Old Albay or simply Albay as this place was originally the capital town of Albay Province before it was merged with Legazpi) which has bistros that remain open till late at night. Some shops also are also open 24/7. Legazpi has its share of popular fast-food restaurants such as Jollibee, McDonald's, Max's, Shakey's, Chowking, Greenwich, Mang Inasal, Gerry's Grill, Kitaro, Tapa King and Binalot. In 2009, a Marina-inspired project dubbed as "Embarcadero" is scheduled to open in the Legazpi Port Area. It will be a 24-hour, IT and Commercial Complex that is truly world-class and first of its kind in the Bicol Region. The new Legazpi City Central Bus Terminal/LKY MetroHub and Lifestyle Center is now open to serve the Bicolanos with shops selling souvenire items, restobar and the first store of SM SAVEMORE in the Bicol Region.
Legazpi City is connected nationwide and to the rest of the world through up-to-date communication facilities. It has two cable TV operators, DCTV (Digital Cable Television) and ESTV, and cellular and landline phone operators, Digitel/Sun Cellular, Globe Telecom, Smart/PLDT (Philippine Long Distance Telecommunication); and local MATELCO (Mayon Telephone Company), offering mobilephone, fax, data, and DSL Internet services.
A number of AM, FM, and TV stations such as Manila Broadcasting Company's 99.5 LOVE RADIO, GMA (TV 12 and Campus Radio 96.3), 89.9 FOX FM, 91.5 Magik Radio, 92.3 Home Radio, 95.5 DWRC, 97.1 OK FM, 98.7 WOW Legazpi, 106.7 CA-FM, ABC
Associated Broadcasting Company
The Associated Broadcasting Company, Inc is a television network in the Philippines, with main broadcast facilities and transmitter located at 762 Quirino Highway, San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City. The network was previously known as the , Associated Broadcasting Company remains the legal...
through its affiliate station TV 6 (ABC/PBN). Other TV stations are SBN TALK TV 21, GMA News TV 27, Studio23, NBN 8 and IBC TV-7 Is Temporary Legazpi City Station. A number of mobile phone shops have also available in the city, country shoppe cellphone and accessories is one of them.
Legazpi City has two air-conditioned arenas, the Albay Astrodome and the newly renovated Ibalong Centrum for Recreation. These arenas served as venues of PBA
Philippine Basketball Association
The Philippine Basketball Association , is a men's professional basketball league in the Philippines composed of 10 company-branded franchised teams. It is the first and oldest professional basketball league in Asia and the second oldest in the world after the NBA...
games in the past. Apart from these, other sports stadiums are present at the city which are owned by private schools and universities namely in Aquinas University, Divine Word College of Legazpi and St. Agnes Academy.
US Auto Parts, one of the largest online retailers of automotive aftermarket parts and accessories in the U.S., has established its development arm, MBS Tek Corporation, in the city. MBS Tek provides back office support including software development, content development, Internet marketing, research and customer care services. New York-based Innodata tapped the city's young population and put up a data conversion center that operates three shifts.
The city also boasts of a modern eye center, Legazpi Eye Center (LEC) which serves as a referral center for ophthalmologic care. The center has board certified ophthalmologists with subspecialty training in various fields. LEC is reportedly comparable to major eye centers in Metro Manila in terms of services, expertise, and equipment.
Legazpi has around 40 bank branches that offer products and services such as deposits, loans, and automated teller machines (ATM).
Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda of Albay recently announced plans to develop the highland plateau of Legazpi City, Daraga, Camalig and Guinobatan as a relocation site for residents made homeless by Typhoon Reming and as a new investment area. There is also an ongoing road project that will connect Legazpi to Donsol, Sorsogon, where the whale sharks, locally known as "Butanding" are tourist attractions. The said route would take shorter travel time than the current one.
Legazpi has hosted important events in the past such as Miss Asia-Pacific pageant in 2001. In 2002, it hosted an international convention of the Free Masons. In 2003, about 4,000 members of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) conducted their 57th annual national convention in the city.
Education
Legazpi is the academic center of the province of Albay as well as of the region . The city has two universities: Catholic institution such as Aquinas University of LegazpiAquinas University
Aquinas University of Legazpi is a school in Legazpi City, Philippines run and owned by the Dominican fathers. It was founded by Don Buenaventura de Erquiaga in 1948 as Legazpi Junior Colleges; the name subsequently changed to Legazpi College, and it became a university in 1968.-Foundation:Legazpi...
(AUL),sister school of University of Santo Tomas
University of Santo Tomas
The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines , is a private Roman Catholic university run by the Order of Preachers in Manila. Founded on April 28, 1611 by archbishop of Manila Miguel de Benavides, it has the oldest extant university charter in the...
in Manila, and the state-run Bicol University
Bicol University
Bicol University is a state university in Legazpi City, the Philippines. The administrative center of Bicol University is in the City of Legazpi while its colleges are in separated campuses of Polangui, Guinobatan, Daraga, Legazpi City and Tabaco of Albay province...
(BU), the biggest tertiary school in Bicol, and is one of the country's biggest universities that is acknowledged as an accountancy and engineering powerhouse and also renowned for its agricultural and fisheries research. Aquinas University is the first university in Bicol to offer College of Pharmacy. Mariners' Polytechnic Colleges Foundation (MPCF), the only maritime institute in Legazpi City,has a sister school in Naga City, and Canaman, Camarines Sur.
maba
Divine Word College
Divine Word College of Legazpi
The Divine Word College of Legazpi or DWCL is a Catholic institution of higher learning run by the Society of the Divine Word or SVD in Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines.-Early history:...
is also based in the city. Manila-based institutions have also established branches: AMA Computer University
AMA Computer University
AMA Computer University , formerly AMA Computer College, was the first ICT University in Asia. The University serves as the flagship brand of the AMA Education System....
along Rizal Street, while STI College
STI College
Systems Technology Institute College is the largest network of for-profit information technology-based colleges in the Philippines. This private college system offers a curriculum including business studies, computer science, education, engineering and health care.STI uses a trimestral calendar as...
is nearby. The Ago Medical Educational Center-Bicol Christian College of Medicine in Albay District is the first and only school of medicine in the Bicol Region
Bicol Region
The Bicol Region or Bicolandia is one of the 17 regions of the Philippines. Its regional center is Legazpi City...
.Computer Arts and Technological College Formerly CATS located at Balintawak St., Albay District, Legazpi City - at the back of Albay Astrodome. Singapore-based Informatics is located at the second floor of GTS Building, Rizal Street. SL Technological College Foundation Inc. along Quezon Avenue is the first in the city to offer business process outsourcing (BPO) services and support.
The city's renowned private co-educational institution; St Agnes Academy, founded in 1912 and considered as the oldest Catholic school in Albay, is a sister school of Manila's St. Scholastica's College
St. Scholastica's College
St. Scholastica's College, Manila is a Catholic institution for women established in 1906 and managed by the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing. It is located in 3.66 hectare lot in Malate in the city of Manila. It is bounded by Estrada Street on the north, P...
.
Another school that offers primary and secondary education is Legazpi Hope Christian School, located at St. Vincent Village, Cabangan, Legazpi City. LHCS is a Chinese Christian School that seeks to provide quality education to form well-rounded, God-fearing leaders of the future.
Saint Raphael Academy,founded in 1949 by Monsgr. Nicanor B. Belleza, formerly Saint Raphael Parochial School but it was turned over in 1956 to the Augustinian Recollect Sisters. It celebrated its 60th year of existence in the city in 2009.
The Legazpi City Science High School is the only public science school in the Legazpi City that has an ESEP Curriculum
Engineering and Science Education Program
The Engineering and Science Education Program is a science and mathematics-oriented curriculum devised for high schools in the Philippines. The ESEP program is offered by specialized high schools, whether public or private, supervised by the Department of Education...
which means it is a Science school. It is located in Bitano, Legazpi City near the Legazpi Grand Terminal and the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation (ICR). Last 2010, Ms. Michelle M. Daniel, a Chemistry teacher has been awarded as Albay's Most Outstanding Teacher. In television, one student of this school has successfully auditioned in the Pilipinas Got Talent
Pilipinas Got Talent
Pilipinas Got Talent is a Philippine talent show on ABS-CBN that began February 20, 2010. It is based on the Got Talent franchise, a British TV format conceived and owned by Simon Cowell's SYCO company. "Pilipinas" is the Filipino word for Philippines. Anyone can join and showcase their talents...
Season 2 named Justin Mae Aguilar who presented a talent of acting and singing portraying a part in the Miss Saigon
Miss Saigon
Miss Saigon is a musical by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, with lyrics by Boublil and Richard Maltby, Jr.. It is based on Giacomo Puccini's opera Madame Butterfly, and similarly tells the tragic tale of a doomed romance involving an Asian woman abandoned by her American lover...
. In Contests, a student of the school named Cris Gino T. Mesias won the 7th National Science Quest. The Legazpi City Science High School Drum and Lyre Corps won the Legazpi Port Fiesta Drum and Bugle Competition (2008) and won again the Legazpi Port Fiesta Drum and Bugle Competition (2009) and Parada Bicolandia (2009). During the comeback of the school's Drum and Lyre Corps (2011), with the perseverance to bring again the school's pride and won again during the Magayon Festival Drum and Lyre Corps Competition (April 3, 2011) In Sports, Frances Katreen S. Razon is the Gold Medalist of this year's Paralong Bikol in the Taekwondo
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art and the national sport of South Korea. In Korean, tae means "to strike or break with foot"; kwon means "to strike or break with fist"; and do means "way", "method", or "path"...
Girls Division.
Health care
- Ago Medical Center
- Ibalong Medical Plaza
- Aquinas University Hospital
- Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH)
- Estevez General Hospital
- Dr. Esteban Ante Memorial Hospital
- Albay Doctors Hospital
- Tanchuling Hospital
Barangays
Legazpi City is politically subdivided into 70 barangayBarangay
A barangay is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines and is the native Filipino term for a village, district or ward...
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Climate
Legazpi features a tropical rainforest climateTropical rainforest climate
A tropical rainforest climate, also known as an equatorial climate, is a tropical climate usually found along the equator...
(Köppen Af), with copious amount of rainfall throughout the course of the year. Legazpi has noticeably wetter and drier periods of the year. However, the city’s driest month, March still sees on average over 150 mm of precipitation per year. Similar to many other cities with this climate, temperatures are relatively constant throughout the course of the year, averaging roughly 27 degrees Celsius.
Notable Legazpeños
- Baba Parma - TV/Print Ad & Fashion model, PMAP member/officer
- Celia Rodriguez - TV & movie actress
- Cindy KurletoCindy KurletoCynthia Kristina Kurleto is a model, actress, and a former MTV VJ in the Philippines. Her father is Austrian. She is known for being a commercial model and an FHM model in the Philippines and also for playing the role of Cassiopea in the hit series Encantadia and its prequel/sequel...
- Actress, VJ, TV Host, TV, Print & Ramp model - Dina BonnevieDina BonnevieGeraldine Schaer Bonnevie known as Dina Bonnevie is an actress in the Philippines.-Early Life and background:...
- model, TV and movie actress - Edna Diaz - model,TV and movie actress
- Emmanuel Mago - Model, Mr.Philippines-World
- Georgina Sandico - Binibining Pilipinas- International (1999)
- Irene CortesIrene CortesIrene R. Cortes was an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines and a respected law academician. She was also the first female dean of the University of the Philippines College of Law.-Professor and Dean:...
- former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the PhilippinesSupreme Court of the PhilippinesThe Supreme Court of the Philippines is the Philippines' highest judicial court, as well as the court of last resort. The court consists of 14 Associate Justices and 1 Chief Justice...
/ First Female Dean of the UP College of Law - Melody GersbachMelody GersbachMelody Adelaide Manuel Gersbach was best known as a beauty pageant contestant from the Philippines.-Personal life:...
- Binibining Pilipinas-International (2009) - Merlinda Carullo BobisMerlinda BobisMerlinda Carullo Bobis is a contemporary Philippine-Australian writer and academic.Born in Legaspi City, in the Philippines province of Albay, Merlinda Bobis attended Bicol University High School then completed her B.A. at Aquinas University in Legaspi City...
- contemporary Filipino writer and academic in Australia - Janelle Quintana ManahanJanelle QuintanaJanelle Ann Karen Quintana Manahan is an actress in the Philippines. She started showbusiness when she joined ABS-CBN's reality talent search Star Circle National Teen Quest and made it to the top ten.- Career :...
- teen actress / Best New Female Artist (19th Aliw AwardsAliw AwardsAliw Awards by the Aliw Awards Foundation, Inc. was established by the renowned Philippine journalist Alice H. Reyes, to recognize achievements in the live entertainment industry in the Philippines...
) nominee - Maria Muriel Moral - Binibining Pilipinas-Maja International (1988); Mrs. Philippines-Universe (2010); Mrs. Intelligence Title Winner at the 2010 Mrs. Universe Pageant held in Lithuania; International Winner and Multi-Awardee: Best in National Costume Award and Miss Maja Simpatica Award at the 1988 Miss Maja International Pageant /Competition held in Puerto Rico
- Fr. Nolan A. Que - Radio & TV Host,writer, Parish Priest
- Roderick PaulateRoderick PaulateRoderick Paulate is a Filipino actor, TV host, comedian and politician who is a councillor for Quezon City.-Child actor:Paulate started his career as a child actor. He received his first Best Child Actor award from the Manila Film Festival for the movie "Kasalanan Kaya" in 1968...
- TV & movie Actor - Shawnaleh A. Brauner - Model & Mutya ng Pilipinas-Globe
- Cheryl Diaz-Meyer - 2004 Pulitzer-Prize Winner, Free-lance Photograph
- Flored Jay Naval Medina - Student Ambassador of the Philippines to Japan
Sister cities
Bacolod CityBacolod City
The City of Bacolod , is a highly urbanized midsize Philippine city. It is the capital of the Negros Occidental province. Having a total of 499,497 inhabitants as of August 1, 2007, it is the most populous city in the Western Visayas Region. It is currently ranked as the 17th most populous city in...
, 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...
Butuan City
Butuan City
The City of Butuan is the regional center of Caraga, serving as an administrative region of the Philippines; it is a highly urbanized city. It is located at the northeastern part of Agusan Valley, Mindanao, sprawling across the Agusan River. It is bounded to the north, west and south by Agusan del...
, 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...
Chōshi, Chiba
Choshi, Chiba
is a city located on the Pacific Ocean coast of Chiba Prefecture, Japan. It is the easternmost city in the Greater Tokyo Area. The easternmost point in the Greater Tokyo Area is Cape Inubō....
, 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...