Pasacao

The town's name is derived from the Spanish-Tagalog portmanteau Pasa-Ikaw (English: Pass it on). This is because dock guards stationed at the Pasacao Port would regularly issue directions to passengers by shouting "Pasa ikaw, Pasa ikaw." Passengers mistook the phrase for the town's name, Pasacao.^[6]

History

Historical journals from early European travelers suggest that a separate polity named Pasacao, situated at the present-day town center, was viewed separately from neighboring barangays like Dalupaon and Tinalmud. While this isn't explicitly stated, it implies that these areas may have been regarded as distinct villages rather than part of a unified territory before any formal ratification.^{[citation needed]}

From 1585 to the 19th century, Pasacao served as a crucial defense port against Moro pirate incursions. The raid in Caranan on October 4, 1779, is an example. Pasacao and 9 other towns and two missions were entirely destroyed.^[7] In 1823, the town had an estimated population of only 200 people due to frequent attacks.^[6] To defend Pasacao against these raids, Alcalde Jacinto Rodriguez Morales contributed material for a balwark. The fortification of Pasacao in 1848, which included Cabusao in Camarines Sur, Pantao (now Libon), and Donsol in Sorsogon, was motivated by these attacks.^[6]

Between 1609 and 1616, during the governor generalship of Juan de Silva, two galleons, the Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe and Angel dela Guardia, were built in Barangay Dalupaon, as well as the Astillero de Dalupaon (English: Dalupaon Shipyard). Guadalupe was vital in the galleon commerce between Manila and Acapulco, as well as the defense of the Philippines against the Dutch at the Battle of Playa Honda.^[6][8]

In 1627, an attempt was made to establish a canal linking a river in Pasacao^[b] to the Bicol River,^[9] which would have connected the town to Nueva Caceres (now Naga).^[10][11] However, the project was abandoned due to concerns about the high costs involved. There was also uncertainty over whether the small boats that would utilize the canal would justify the expense,^[12] and fears arose that seawater intrusion might threaten the town's rice fields.^[10]

In World War II, the Tangcong Vaca Guerilla Unit [bcl], based near Mount Bernacci, carried out significant operations against Japanese forces. Notably, after Japanese ships docked at Pasacao Pier, they were bombed as part of the guerrilla resistance, marking Pasacao’s involvement in the region’s wartime activities.^[6]

The Six Daughters of Charity arrived in Pasacao to establish Naga's first regular girls' school, Universidad de Santa Isabel.^[6]

On July 20, 1966, a major fire devastated the commercial and residential center of Pasacao. The blaze, ignited by sparks from a chimney, swept through approximately 13 blocks, resulting in damage estimated at PHP 3 to 4 million. The fire left about 700 families, or 3,000 individuals, homeless. Key structures, including the mayor's residence and a rural bank were destroyed.

Local firefighting efforts were hampered by inadequate equipment, and looting occurred amidst the chaos. In response, President Marcos allocated PHP 10,000 in initial aid, and Governor Armando B. Cledera provided PHP 10,000 worth of goods and materials. Various organizations, including the Philippine Red Cross and the Naga City Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, contributed food and supplies to support the affected residents.^[13]

Pasacao is located on the northwest coast of Camarines Sur. It shares its northwestern border with Libmanan, marked by Mount Bernacci, while San Fernando lies to the east and Pamplona to the north. The town center is nestled in a valley^[14] between the Ragay Hills, offering direct access to the Bicol Plains. Pasacao's 29.56 kilometres (18.37 mi) coastline lies on the southern part of the municipality, facing the Ragay Gulf, which is part of the Sibuyan Sea.

 

It covers an area of approximately 149.54 square kilometres (57.74 sq mi). The municipality is characterized by flat lowlands in the north and east, consisting of silt,^[15] and mountainous regions in the west. The western area mainly features rolling hills that are part of the highlands surrounding the Ragay Gulf, with the terrain primarily consisting of limestones,^[15] sandstones, and marls.^[12][16][17] The town's topography is characterized by steep slopes, with elevations ranging from sea level to over 400 metres (1,300 ft) above sea level. The highest point in the town is Mount Bernacci, which stands at 756 metres (2,480 ft) above sea level.

Pasacao is characterized by several rivers, notably including the Caranan, Cagbunini, Itulan, Balogo, and Tinalmud Rivers. All these waterways flow into the Ragay Gulf. Among them, the Tinalmud River is the longest, extending approximately 10.5 kilometres (6.5 mi).

Pasacao's coastline extends approximately 22 kilometres (14 mi). Its brown sand beaches, are used for activities like swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. Balogo Beach, the most notable beach, is near Daruanak Island, the town's landmark and one of the major features of the official seal.^[15]

Pasacao is home to 73 species across 64 genera and 41 families, including 10 mammals, 53 birds, 4 reptiles, and 6 amphibians.

 

Suminabang Cave, located in Caranan near Dalupaon, hosts insectivorous species such as the Caroline swiftlet (Aerodramus inquietus) and the Philippine forest roundleaf bat (Hipposideros obscurus). Another cave in Bahay, situated on the slopes of Mt. Tigbi, features a distinctive dog-head shaped entrance and is accessible after a one-hour hike. This cave is part of a limestone mountain range that forms the natural boundary between Bahay and Caranan.^[15]

Coastal Pasacao is abundant in marine species, including sea urchins, seaweeds, shellfish, and sea cucumbers. Indo-Pacific Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) and Spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata) have been sighted in the town's coastal waters.^[15]

On August 9, 1993, a fish sanctuary and marine reserve were established under Municipal Ordinance No. 93-007, covering 32 hectares in Calibayan, Dalupan, and 112 hectares in Sarimao, Caranan. The reserve includes a site in Suminabang, Dalupaon, where a Japanese warship wreck can be seen underwater.^[15]

Pasacao is politically subdivided into 19 barangays.

  Poblacion

According to the Köppen climate classification system, Pasacao has a tropical rainforest climate. The north-east monsoon dominates the area; therefore, rainfall is evenly spread throughout the year. From October to January, the wind blows from north to east, from east to southeast from February to April, and from May to September, it blows from east to southeast. From December to May, the area is rather dry, and the rest of the year is wet. The town is occasionally affected by typhoons during the wet season, which can cause flooding and landslides in some areas.

Based on PAGASA’s Climate Projections, the temperature in Pasacao is estimated to rise ranging from 0.9 °C to 1.1 °C in year 2020, and will continue to rise in 2050 ranging from 1.8 °C to 2.2 °C. This will affect vital ecosystems such as forest, agriculture, and coastal and marine. The agricultural sector may experience loss as studies reveal that 1 °C increase in temperature causes 10% decrease in rice yield.^[15]

 

In the 2020 census, the population of Pasacao was 53,461 people,^[3] with a density of 360 inhabitants per square kilometre or 930 inhabitants per square mile.

Poverty incidence of Pasacao

The primary language spoken in Pasacao is Bikol, specifically the Central Bikol dialect. However, many residents also speak Tagalog and English, which are the official languages of the Philippines.

Despite the presence of a single church, Saint Rose of Lima Parish, and a few chapels, Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in the municipality. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Iglesia ni Kristo, Born Again denominations, Jehovah's Witnesses, and other Christian denominations are also present across the municipality.

The Public Market serves as the main commercial center of Pasacao, bustling with economic activity from the trading of agri-fishery products and dry goods. It attracts not only local residents but also people from neighboring towns, contributing significantly to local revenues. The market benefits from its proximity to Pasacao Port.^[15]

Agriculture is the primary economic driver in Pasacao, with agricultural land comprising 59.59% of the municipality's total area. Activities include crop production, livestock and poultry raising, and fishing.^[15]

Pasacao also has 383.26 hectares (947.1 acres) dedicated to forest production. The local government continuously plants and maintains a tree park in Cagbibi, Caranan, where an 8.5 hectares (21 acres) parcel is planted with 20,000 forest trees of various species, including Gmelina, Mahogany, Acacia mangium, Narra, and Pili.^[15]

As of 2015, Pasacao had 19 industrial establishments, categorized into Construction, Electricity, Gas and Water, Mining and Quarrying, and unclassified sectors. The majority are in Barangay Santa Rosa del Sur, followed by Santa Rosa del Norte, San Cirilo, and Caranan.^[15]

While the tourism industry generates jobs and fosters skill development, Pasacao remains relatively underdeveloped as a tourist destination despite its rich cultural history and natural resources. The town's tourism industry primarily caters to drive-by travelers due to limited development of tourism sites and facilities.^[15]

Pasacao holds its annual fiesta and Pasa-Pasa Ikaw Festival on August 29–30 in honor of Saint Rose of Lima, the town's patron saint.^[33][34] The municipal government organizes various events, including pageant competitions, ci parades, and other activities. These festivals are key to Pasacao's cultural calendar, showcasing the town's heritage and offering opportunities for local celebration. Additionally, the Daruanak Summer Festival takes place during the summer season.^[15]

Pasacao has no public hospital but it has 21 total health facilities that is composed of 19 barangay health stations (1 from each barangay), one (1) polyclinic (St. Rose of Lima Polyclinic) that is located in Santa Rosa del Sur and the Municipal Health Office located in Santa Rosa del Norte.^[15]

The municipality has no sanitary landfill but maintains three (3) Materials Recovery Facilities, which are located in Caranan, San Cirilo and Santa Rosa del Sur.^[15]

Pasacao is primarily accessible via the Danao-Pasacao Road, a 8.89 km (5.52 mi)^[35] road which extends from a junction with the Pan-Philippine Highway in Tambo, Pamplona, to various local road networks within the town's barangays. This road serves as the main route connecting Pasacao to surrounding areas and facilitates internal transportation.

In addition, the town benefits from the Pasacao-Balatan Tourism Coastal Highway, a 40.69 km (25.28 mi) project developed under the Build, Build, Build program. This highway not only links Pasacao to neighboring municipalities—San Fernando, Minalabac, Bula, and Balatan—but also integrates 15 barangays from these towns. The coastal highway is designed to enhance connectivity and promote ecotourism in Camarines Sur.^[36] Together, these road networks play a crucial role in supporting transportation and economic development in Pasacao and its surrounding regions.

The town's civic center, Signature Park (stylized as SigNATURE Park), located in Barangay Sta. Rosa Del Norte, covering 1,145 square meters, is a key civic and recreational center. It includes the CBD Complex,^[37] the DRRM/Evacuation Court, and a Eco-park complex housing the town's plaza. The park will also house the new municipal office, with construction still underway.

 

Pasacao Seaport, also known as the Port of Pasacao, locally known as Pier, is a fishing, passenger, and cargo port managed by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in Camarines Sur. It is situated in Barangay Sta. Rose del Sur. The port serves passengers traveling from Pasacao to Burias and Mobo in Masbate Province.

The nearby smaller Pasacao Fishport is primarily utilized for fishing and unloading fish, as well as pump boats and fastcrafts for short trips.

Pasacao has several educational institutions catering to different levels of education. For elementary education, the town has 16 public schools and 2 private schools. At the secondary level, there are 6 public high schools and 2 private high schools. Students can continue their studies in nearby cities like Naga and Legazpi.

A key institution in Pasacao is the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) - Pasacao Campus, which offers undergraduate programs in education. The town also supports non-formal education through the Alternative Learning System (ALS) for out-of-school youth and adults, and technical and vocational training through the Camarines Sur Institute of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (CASIFMAS), which offers courses in various vocational fields.

Below is the list of the tertiary and secondary level existing schools on the municipality.

Tertiary

• Camarines Sur Institute of Fisheries and Marine Sciences
• Camarines Sur Institute of Fisheries and Marine Sciences - Caranan Campus
• Central Bicol State University for Agriculture (CBSUA) - Pasacao Extension Campus

Secondary

• Antipolo Heights Integrated School
• Arbovitae Plains Montessori Inc. (APMI) - Pasacao Branch
• Balogo Baptist Christian School, Inc.
• Dalupaon National High School
• Dr. Lorenzo P. Ziga Memorial High School
• Juan F. Triviño Memorial High School
• Lyceo de Pasacao
• Pasacao Academy, Inc.
• Pasacao Municipal High School
• Rolando R. Andaya Memorial High School

 

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Pasacao.

• Official Website of Pasacao, Camarines Sur
• Philippine Standard Geographic Code
• Philippine Census Information
• Official Site of the Province of Camarines Sur
• Barangays of Pasacao, Camarines Sur