Iriga City, Philippines

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Iriga City, Philippines

Region: Camarines Sur

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Geographic Coordinates: 13.423100, 123.412000

Climate: I don’t know.

Population: 114457

Language: Filipino

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Iriga City, Located in the province of Camarines Sur, Philippines, Is a beautiful and vibrant city. Situated at the foot of Mount Iriga, An active volcano that adds to its natural beauty, The city has a population of around 111, 000 people and covers an area of 139 square kilometers. The hot springs in Iriga City are one of its top attractions. Buhi Hot Spring Resort and Timoga Cold Springs Resort are just a few examples. These hot springs are known for their therapeutic properties and attract both locals and tourists.

Mount Iriga itself is another popular attraction in Iriga City. It offers stunning views of rice paddies, Forests, And waterfalls. Visitors can hike to the summit or take guided tours to explore its natural beauty. Iriga City also has a rich cultural heritage dating back centuries with Bicolano culture seen through various art forms such as music, Dance, Literature among others. Visitors can experience this firsthand by attending local festivals like Tinagba Festival or Kaogma Festival where they showcase their rich culture through colorful parades showcasing costumes with intricate designs.

The food scene in Iriga City also deserves special mention as it offers some unique dishes not found elsewhere in Philippines such as “pinangat” which consists mainly of taro leaves cooked with coconut milk wrapped into small packets using gabi leaves then boiled until tender or “laing,” another dish made from taro leaves cooked with coconut milk but spiced up with chili peppers.

In terms of infrastructure development projects being implemented by local government units (LGUs), There are ongoing efforts to improve public transportation services within Iriga City which includes upgrading roads connecting different barangays (villages) making it easier for commuters to travel around the city. The LGU is also working on building more public facilities such as sports complexes, Parks, And community centers. Iriga City is a hidden gem in the Philippines that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, Cultural heritage, And culinary delights.

Its hot springs and Mount Iriga are must-see attractions for nature lovers while its rich culture can be experienced through festivals and art forms. With ongoing infrastructure development projects being implemented by the local government unit (LGU), There’s no doubt that Iriga City will continue to thrive as a tourist destination in the years to come.

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1. Mount Iriga
2. Tinagba Park
3. Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Church
4. Buhi Lake
5. Iriga City Ecopark and Butterfly Center
6. San Francisco de Asis Church
7. Sabang Falls
8. Calvary Hill
9. Bato Springs Resort
10. Rinconada Falls

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1. Agriculture
2. Tourism
3. Retail trade
4. Service-oriented businesses including:
   • Healthcare
   • Education
   • Hospitality

The city is famous for:

• Producing abaca fiber and rice crops
• Tourist attractions including:
  • Mount Iriga Natural Park
  • Tinagba Festival
  • Buhi Lake

There are also:

• Various shopping centers and supermarkets that cater to both residents’ needs as well as visitors’
• Hospitals along with schools which include higher education institutions
• Hotels/resorts/restaurants/cafes/bars also contribute significantly to the local economy

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Noteable History

1. The founding of Iriga City dates back to 1575, when Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo established the city.
2. During the Philippine-American War, a significant battle occurred in Iriga between American forces and Filipino revolutionaries led by General Simeon Ola.
3. In 1938, the Naga-Iriga Railway was completed, linking Iriga to Naga City and improving regional trade and transportation.
4. Jose Maria Panganiban was a prominent writer and revolutionary during the Philippine Revolution against Spain; he was born in nearby Mambulao (now Jose Panganiban).
5. Ramon Obusan, who was born in Iriga City, was a well-known dancer and choreographer who founded the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group to promote traditional Filipino dance.
6. Francisco Arcellana spent much of his childhood in Iriga before moving to Manila; he became known for his short stories as a prolific writer.
7. Bishop Francisco Gainza served as bishop of Nueva Caceres (now Archdiocese of Caceres) from 1878-1901; he played an essential role in developing education and infrastructure in Bicol region where Baao town is located nearby.
8. The Bikol Martyrs Monument located at Plaza Rizal downtown honors local heroes who fought for freedom during World War II against Japanese occupation forces.
9. Located on Mount Isarog is National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima which is a popular pilgrimage site that attracts thousands of devotees each year from all over Bicol region as well as other parts Philippines.
10. In 1952 there were eruptions on Mt Asog that caused widespread damage to crops and infrastructure throughout Iriga City.

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Museums and Things To See

1. Mount Iriga Natural Park is a protected area that offers scenic views, hiking trails, and camping sites.
2. The Iriga City Museum showcases the history and culture of Iriga City.
3. Tinagba Park is a public park that features a statue of the city’s patron saint, Our Lady of Fatima.
4. San Antonio de Padua Church is a historic church built in the 1800s which features unique architectural design and religious artifacts.
5. Buhi Lake is an expansive lake located near Iriga City which offers boating, fishing, and scenic views.
6. Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Parish Church is another historic church located in nearby Baao town which features intricate Baroque architecture.
7. Nabontolan Falls is a beautiful waterfall located within the Mount Iriga Natural Park which can be reached through trekking trails.
8. Calvario Hill Monument is an iconic monument situated atop Calvario Hill which provides panoramic views of the cityscape below.
9. Bicol Science Centrum & Planetarium is an interactive science museum where visitors can learn about astronomy, physics, biology and other sciences through hands-on exhibits and displays.
10. Cagsawa Ruins are historical ruins where visitors can see remains of Cagsawa Church after it was destroyed by Mayon Volcano eruption in 1814.

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Cultural Events

1. Kasanggayahan Festival is a week-long celebration held every October to commemorate the city’s foundation anniversary.
2. Tinagba Festival is a thanksgiving festival held every February to honor the city’s patron saint, Our Lady of Lourdes.
3. Penafrancia Festival is a religious festival celebrated in September in honor of the miraculous image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.
4. Bicol Arts and Culture Week is an annual event showcasing the rich cultural heritage and artistic talents of Bicolanos.
5. Iriga City Day is a celebration held every August 30 to commemorate the city’s charter anniversary with various activities such as parades, concerts, and sports competitions.
6. Agro-Industrial Fair and Garden Show is an annual showcase of agricultural products and ornamental plants that highlights Iriga City’s abundant natural resources.
7. Feast Day of Sts. Peter and Paul is a religious celebration held on June 29 which features processions, masses, novenas, and other religious activities in honor of Sts.Peter & Paul who are considered as patrons saints for fishermen & farmers respectively.

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Cuisine

1. Pinangat – a dish made with taro leaves, coconut milk, and fish or meat.
2. Bicol Express – a spicy dish made with pork, coconut milk, and chili peppers.
3. Laing – another dish made with taro leaves and coconut milk but with added spices.
4. Kinunot na Pagi – a fish dish cooked in coconut cream and seasoned with chili peppers.
5. Inolokan – a soup made from chicken or pork broth mixed with vegetables and rice noodles.

Some popular restaurants in Iriga City that serve these dishes are:

1. Kusina ni Lola Garing
2. Manna Restaurant
3. Laing King
4. Lolo Nonoy’s Food House
5. Aling Cely’s Ihaw-Ihaw

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Parks and Recreation

1. Iriga City Plaza – a public park located in the city center that offers a playground, picnic areas, and a scenic view of Mount Asog.
2. Mount Asog Eco-Tourism Park – a nature park that offers hiking trails, camping sites, and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
3. Danao Lake – a natural lake surrounded by lush vegetation that offers boat rides and fishing activities.
4. Tinagba Park – a public park located near the city hall that features a playground and picnic areas.
5. Bato Springs Resort – an eco-tourism resort located in nearby Barangay San Isidro that features hot springs pools, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
6. Buhi Lake – another natural lake located near Iriga City that offers boating activities and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
7. Sabang Falls – a waterfall located in Barangay San Roque that offers trekking opportunities and swimming activities.
8. Calabanga Hot Spring Resort – an eco-tourism resort located in nearby Calabanga town that features hot springs pools, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

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Experience The Extraordinary.

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