Cawayan, Philippines
Region: Cawayan is located in Masbate province
Geographic Coordinates: 9.966700, 122.617000
Temperature Range: 24.0°C to 32.0°C (75°F to 90°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with no distinct seasons and high humidity, frequent rainfall throughout the year.
Population: 108480
Language: Filipino
Cawayan is a charming rural town located in Masbate province, Philippines. It’s nestled on the eastern coast of Masbate Island and is renowned for its picturesque beaches, Verdant forests, And diverse flora and fauna. The town spans 191 square kilometers with a population of approximately 25, 000. The stunning beaches are one of Cawayan’s main attractions. Cagpating beach is particularly famous for its crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. There are also many secluded beaches that can be reached by hiking or boat ride through the forest.
Apart from its natural beauty, Cawayan has a rich cultural heritage. The town celebrates several festivals throughout the year such as Sinulog Festival every January 15th to honor Sto Niño (Child Jesus), Feast Day celebration every May 1st, And Pili Festival every July 10th-16th to showcase their local delicacy – pili nuts. The majority of people in Cawayan rely on farming as their primary source of income. They grow crops like rice, Corns, Coconuts and root crops such as cassava and sweet potatoes.
Fishing also plays an important role in the livelihoods of many residents since it’s surrounded by water bodies that offer abundant marine resources. Tricycles are readily available for transportation within the town proper or nearby towns around Masbate Island while jeepneys serve longer routes to different municipalities on Masbate Island. Buses can be taken from nearby cities like Legazpi City or Naga City going to Pilar Port where ferry boats transport passengers to Ticao Island with a stopover at Cataingan Port before reaching San Jacinto port (Masbate mainland).
From thereon one can ride another jeepney going to different towns within mainland Masbate including Cawayan. if you’re looking for an authentic cultural experience combined with natural beauty then visiting Cawayan is a must. The town offers visitors an opportunity to witness the simple yet fulfilling way of life in rural Philippines while enjoying the stunning beaches and lush green forests.
Cawayan, Philippines – Landmarks and Tourist Attractions
- Cawayan Falls
- Tinalisayan Island
- Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary
- San Isidro Labrador Church
- Masbate Rodeo Festival
- Palani Beach Resort
- Mangrove Forests of Cawayan River
- Cagpating Island
Sure! Here’s the provided information formatted into an HTML organized list:
- Agriculture:
- Rice
- Corn
- Coconut
- Fishing
- Handicrafts production:
- Bamboo
- Rattan
- Small-scale trading
- Small businesses:
- Sari-sari stores
- Eateries
- Service shops
- The establishment of the town in 1902 during the American colonial period.
- The Japanese occupation during World War II, which resulted in the massacre of several residents.
- The construction of the Cawayan Bridge in 1965, which connects the town to neighboring municipalities.
- The election of Mayor Ramoncito Ocampo, who served from 2010 to 2019 and implemented various infrastructure projects for the town’s development.
- Notable individuals from Cawayan include former Philippine Senator Edgardo Angara and former Governor Jose Reyes Jr., who both served as representatives of Aurora province where Cawayan is located.
- In recent years, Cawayan has been known for its eco-tourism attractions such as trekking to Mount Dibuluan and visiting nearby waterfalls like Ditumabo Falls.
- Cawayan Mangrove Forest – a protected area with a diverse ecosystem of mangroves and wildlife.
- St. Joseph Parish Church – a beautiful church built during the Spanish colonial era with intricate designs and architecture.
- Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary – a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving with colorful coral reefs and marine life.
- Calabidongan Island – an idyllic island with white sand beaches and crystal clear waters perfect for swimming, kayaking or just relaxing.
- Bagumbayan Beach Resort – a family-friendly resort offering various activities such as beach volleyball, banana boat rides, and island hopping tours.
- Balay Buhay sa Uma Farm School – an organic farm school that promotes sustainable agriculture practices through workshops, training programs, and farm tours.
- San Isidro Labrador Chapel Ruins – the remains of an old chapel built during the Spanish colonial era that offers a glimpse into the town’s rich history.
- Cawayan Eco-Park Adventure Zone – an adventure park offering zipline rides over lush forests, wall climbing activities and other outdoor adventures.
Note: Due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions some of these places may be closed or have limited access to visitors at this time so it is best to check ahead before planning any visits or travel arrangements.
- Cawayan Festival – A week-long celebration held every February in honor of the town’s patron saint, Our Lady of Lourdes.
- Karaw Festival – Celebrated every July to showcase the town’s rich cultural heritage through street dancing and colorful parades.
- Feast of San Roque – Celebrated every August 16th in honor of San Roque, the patron saint of Cawayan.
- Kakanin Festival – A food festival held every November to promote traditional Filipino delicacies made from rice such as puto, kutsinta and bibingka.
- Christmas Lantern Parade – Held during the Christmas season where residents decorate their houses with lanterns made from bamboo and colorful cellophane papers.
- Paskuhan sa Barangay – A community-based event where residents come together to celebrate Christmas through caroling, gift-giving, and sharing meals with their neighbors.
- Holy Week Processions – An annual religious event where devotees participate in a procession that reenacts Christ’s passion and death on Good Friday.
- Kinunot – a spicy coconut milk-based dish made with shark meat or stingray.
- Inihaw na baboy – grilled pork skewers marinated in soy sauce and calamansi juice.
- Adobo – a classic Filipino dish made with chicken or pork cooked in vinegar and soy sauce.
- Lechon Kawali – deep-fried crispy pork belly served with a dipping sauce of vinegar and soy sauce.
- Seafood dishes such as grilled squid, shrimp sinigang (sour soup), and crispy fried tilapia.
Some popular restaurants to try these dishes include:
- Ate Vi’s Grill & Restaurant
- EJ’s Eatery
- Elvie’s Kitchenette
- Jhong’s Grill & Restaurant
- Melchor’s Kitchen
- Cawayan Eco-Park – a park featuring a swimming pool, picnic area, and hiking trails.
- Cawayan River – a popular spot for fishing and boating.
- Bantayog ng Bayani Memorial Park – a park dedicated to the Filipino heroes who fought for freedom during World War II.
- Barangay Plaza – the central gathering place for locals where events and festivals are held.
- Basketball courts – there are several basketball courts around town where locals play pick-up games or join leagues.
- Beaches – nearby beaches like Panganiban Beach offer swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports activities.
- Trekking/hiking trails – Mount Cadig Hill is a popular destination among hikers looking for scenic views of the town’s landscape.
- Sports facilities – visitors can enjoy sports facilities like tennis courts and football fields to play their favorite sport.
