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| Daraga, Albay |
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| Our Lady of the Gate Church AKA Daraga Church 1773 |
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| Lignon Hill |
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| View of Legaspi Airport, Albay Gulf and Legaspi Embarcadaro from Lignon Hill |
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| Mt. Mayon Volcano |
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| Jeepney on National Highway |
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| Weaver/Cottage Industry |
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| Church Tower and Mt. Mayon Volcano at Cagsawa Ruin |
The city of Daraga, Albay is in the Philippines on the island of Bicol. It can be reached by a 40 minute plane ride or a 12 hour bus trip from Manilla. It is a fast growing municipality that caters to tourists and Filipinos on holiday. The attractions in the area make it a popular distination. Visitors come to see: Cagsawa Ruins, Lignon Hill Nature Park, Albay Park and Wildlife Center, Nabasan and/or Bigao Caves and the Church of Daraga.
The Daraga area was settled in the 12 century as the result of migrating Malasians from the Sri Vasayan Empire. The conquistadors, led by Juan Salceda, arrived later and established the town of Budiao. The Spanish built the Cagsawa Church that was destroyed when Mt. Mayon volcano erupted in 1814. After the eruption, the Daraguenos moved their community and established Daraga as the main town. Budiao became a barrio of Daraga. The main industy in Daraga is farming. Rice and coconuts are grown. The handicrafts of the area also generate income. 17.71% of the economy comes from cottage industries. Samples of the handicrafts can be found in the marketplace next to Cagsawa Ruins. Examples of the products are abaca bags, anahaw fans and sculptures made out of volcanic rock. Pili sweets and nuts are grown and sold in the region as well.
The literacy rate in the area is 96.08% and the ratio of teachers to students in a classroom is the national average of 50:1. All the public schools in the area are in need of repair. Typhoons, heavy rains and lack of maintenance have contributed to the current state of the structures. The current population of 115,804 is growing and the economy is strong in the area. An international airport at Alobo is expected to be completed in 2013. This will bring many people and income to the area.
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