Hubbry Logo
RagayRagayMain
Open search
Ragay
Community hub
Ragay
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Ragay
Ragay
Ragay
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Ragay, officially the Municipality of Ragay (Central Bikol: Banwaan kan Ragay; Tagalog: Bayan ng Ragay), is a municipality in the province of Camarines Sur, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 58,843 people.[5]

Key Information

History

[edit]

Ragay was originally a visita of Lupi and became a separate town on April 15, 1753. The first settlement stood along the Paculago River and was inhabited by Bicol, Tagalog, and Visayan speaking groups. Frequent Moro raids forced residents to move to a safer area upstream. The new community was called Hagay, meaning single, and was occupied by Christian settlers. When raids stopped and the Spanish arrived, the town shifted to its present site. The name Ragay emerged in the 1840s after a Spanish soldier misheard a resident who mentioned Hagay.[6]

Churches

[edit]
  • Santísima Trinidad Parish - Poblacion
  • San Lorenzo Ruíz Parish - Godofredo Reyes Sr
  • Nuestra Señora de la Salvación Parish - Banga Caves
  • San Andrés Apóstol Parish - Liboro

Geography

[edit]

Ragay is 79 kilometres (49 mi) from the provincial capital town Pili and 317 kilometres (197 mi) from the country's capital city of Manila.

Barangays

[edit]

Ragay is politically subdivided into 38 barangay's. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

  • Agao-ao
  • Agrupacion
  • Amomokpok
  • Apad
  • Apale
  • Banga Caves
  • Baya
  • Binahan Proper
  • Binahan Upper
  • Buenasuerte
  • Cabadisan
  • Cabinitan
  • Cabugao
  • Caditaan
  • Cale
  • Godofredo Reyes Sr.(Catabang)
  • Catabangan Proper
  • Inandawa
  • Laguio
  • Lanipga-Cawayan
  • Liboro
  • Lohong
  • Lower Omon
  • Lower Santa Cruz
  • Panaytayan
  • Panaytayan Nuevo
  • Patalunan
  • Poblacion Ilaod
  • Poblacion Iraya
  • Port Junction Norte
  • Port Junction Sur
  • Salvacion
  • Samay
  • San Rafael
  • F. Simeon (Pugod)
  • Tagbac
  • Upper Omon
  • Upper Santa Cruz

Climate

[edit]
Climate data for Ragay, Camarines Sur
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 32
(90) 		31
(88) 		35
(95) 		37
(99) 		37
(99) 		36
(97) 		36
(97) 		34
(93) 		35
(95) 		34
(93) 		33
(91) 		32
(90) 		34
(94)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 27
(81) 		27
(81) 		28
(82) 		30
(86) 		31
(88) 		31
(88) 		30
(86) 		29
(84) 		29
(84) 		29
(84) 		28
(82) 		28
(82) 		29
(84)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 159.85
(6.29) 		61.25
(2.41) 		60.56
(2.38) 		43.28
(1.70) 		69.32
(2.73) 		183.65
(7.23) 		346.37
(13.64) 		386.41
(15.21) 		281.42
(11.08) 		296.39
(11.67) 		389.18
(15.32) 		119.9
(4.72) 		2,397.58
(94.38)
Average rainy days 26 22 22 18 20 26 30 31 28 28 30 28 309
Source: World Weather Online[7]

Demographics

[edit]
Population census of Ragay
YearPop.±% p.a.
1903 2,344—    
1918 3,811+3.29%
1939 11,514+5.41%
1948 20,062+6.36%
1960 27,925+2.79%
1970 32,635+1.57%
1975 32,798+0.10%
1980 34,891+1.24%
1990 41,438+1.73%
1995 44,154+1.20%
2000 47,743+1.69%
2007 52,021+1.19%
2010 54,934+2.00%
2015 58,214+1.11%
2020 59,770+0.56%
2024 58,843−0.37%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[8][9][10][11][12]

In the 2020 census, the population of Ragay, Camarines Sur, was 59,770 people,[13] with a density of 150 inhabitants per square kilometre or 390 inhabitants per square mile.

Economy

[edit]

Poverty incidence of Ragay

10
20
30
40
50
60
2000
56.51
2003
50.30
2006
47.60
2009
46.40
2012
37.42
2015
44.65
2018
30.41
2021
40.65

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21]

Transportation

[edit]
A portion of Andaya Highway in Ragay town

The municipality is connected with Manila by the Andaya Highway and daily rail services to and from Naga & Legazpi are provided by the Philippine National Railways.

In order to spur development in the municipality, The Toll Regulatory Board declared Toll Road 5 the extension of South Luzon Expressway.[22] A 420-kilometer, four lane expressway starting from the terminal point of the now under construction SLEX Toll Road 4 at Barangay Mayao, Lucena City in Quezon to Matnog, Sorsogon, near the Matnog Ferry Terminal. On August 25, 2020, San Miguel Corporation announced that they will invest the project which will reduce travel time from Lucena to Matnog from 9 hours to 5.5 hours.[23]

Another expressway that will serve Ragay is the Quezon-Bicol Expressway (QuBEx), which will link between Lucena and San Fernando, Camarines Sur.[24]

Education

[edit]

The Ragay Schools District Office governs all educational institutions within the municipality. It oversees the management and operations of all private and public, from primary to secondary schools.[25]

Primary and elementary schools

[edit]
  • Agao-ao Elementary School
  • Agrupacion Elementary School
  • Apad Elementary School
  • Apale Elementary School
  • Arborvitae Plains Montessori
  • Bagasimbahan Elementary School
  • Banga Elementary School
  • Baya Elementary School
  • Berachah Christian School
  • Binahan Elementary School
  • Buenasuerte Elementary School
  • Cabadisan Elementary School
  • Cabinitan Elementary School
  • Cabugao Elementary School
  • Caditaan Elementary School
  • Catabangan Proper Elementary School
  • Cawayan Elementary School
  • Godofredo Reyes Sr. Elementary School
  • GRS SDA Multigrade School
  • Laguio Elementary School
  • Liboro Elementary School
  • Lohong Elementary School
  • Lower Omon Elementary School
  • Lower Sta Cruz Elementary School
  • Marian Formation Center
  • Mother Immaculate & Infant Jesus Learning Center
  • Omon SDA Multigrade School
  • Panaytayan Elementary School
  • Panaytayan Nuevo Elementary School
  • Patalunan Elementary School
  • Port Junction Adventist Elementary School
  • Port Junction Elementary School
  • Pugod Elementary School
  • Ragay Central School
  • Ragay SDA Multigrade School
  • Salvacion Elementary School
  • Samay Elementary School
  • San Rafael Elementary School
  • St. Salome Early Riser Montessori School
  • Tagbac Elementary School
  • Upper Omon Elementary School
  • Upper Sta. Cruz Elementary School

Secondary schools

[edit]
  • Arborvitae Plains Montessori
  • Cristobal D. Aquino Memorial High School
  • Don M. Gonzalvo Memorial High School
  • Godofredo Reyes Sr. National HS
  • Quezon Camarines High School
  • Ragay National Agricultural and Fisheries School
  • Ragay Science and Math Oriented High School
  • Simeon Tycangco Memorial High School
  • Sisa Feliciano Memorial High School
  • Tomas A. Andaya Sr. National High School

Higher educational institution

[edit]
  • Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Ragay (est. 1993)
[edit]
  • Godofredo Reyes Sr. (GRS) Public Market
    Godofredo Reyes Sr. (GRS) Public Market
  • Rolando R. Andaya Highway near Poblacion Iraya
    Rolando R. Andaya Highway near Poblacion Iraya
  • Rolando R. Andaya Highway near Godofredo Reyes Sr. (GRS)
    Rolando R. Andaya Highway near Godofredo Reyes Sr. (GRS)
  • Godofredo Reyes Sr. (GRS) Barangay Proper
    Godofredo Reyes Sr. (GRS) Barangay Proper

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ragay

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ragay, officially the Municipality of Ragay, is a coastal municipality in the northwestern part of province, within the of the . Covering a land area of 400.22 square kilometers, it recorded a population of 59,770 in the 2020 census, yielding a density of approximately 150 inhabitants per square kilometer. The municipality's economy centers on , in the adjacent Ragay Gulf, and nascent development, with local crafts such as bamboo furniture and sweets contributing to livelihoods. Natural attractions like the Banga Caves, Binaliw Falls, and coastal beaches position Ragay as an emerging destination for eco-tourism, aligned with its vision of becoming a peaceful, growing trading town that preserves . The local emphasizes transparent services in , healthcare, and to foster sustainable growth and .

History

Etymology and Pre-Colonial Origins

The name "Ragay" originated during the Spanish colonial era in the , stemming from a phonetic misunderstanding. An initial settlement called "Hagay," meaning "single" and denoting a community inhabited solely by Christian settlers, was relocated to its present location along the upper Ragay River after Moro pirate raids subsided. A Spanish , upon arriving, asked a local her name; she replied "Hagay" without comprehending the inquiry, but he recorded it as "Ragay." Prior to documented colonial administration, the Ragay area featured early indigenous settlements along the Paculago River, occupied by communities speaking Bicolano, Tagalog, and Visayan languages—reflecting Austronesian linguistic diversity from prehistoric migrations across the Philippine archipelago. These groups likely practiced , fishing, and inter-island trade typical of pre-Hispanic societies in the Bicol Peninsula, though specific archaeological evidence for Ragay remains limited. The broader vicinity of Ragay Gulf was among the territories of populations, including the Iraya Agta, who inhabited southeastern for millennia before the dominance of Malay-Polynesian settlers.

Colonial Period and Independence

Ragay, originally a visita of the municipality of Lupi in , was formally separated on April 15, 1753, during the Spanish colonial administration of the . The settlement, initially situated along the Paculago River and inhabited by Bicolano, Tagalog, and Visayan speakers, faced repeated raids by Moro pirates, leading to the deaths and burial of many raiders on site; Christian settlers relocated inland to avoid desecrating the graves, in line with Spanish-influenced religious practices. By the mid-18th century, as part of the broader Ambos Camarines province established in 1573, Ragay's area fell under Spanish governance, which emphasized Christianization and defense against external threats. The cessation of Moro raids in the early allowed for stabilization and relocation to the town's current site. The name evolved from "Paculago" to "Hagay," denoting a singular, pure Christian enclave amid indigenous populations, before a Spanish soldier's mishearing in the rendered it "Ragay," a phonetic adaptation that persisted under colonial records. Spanish rule in the Bicol region, including Ragay, involved encomienda systems for tribute collection and missionary efforts by Augustinians and Franciscans, though local documentation highlights primarily defensive and settlement-focused administration rather than large-scale infrastructure until later periods. Following the Spanish-American War, U.S. forces assumed control of the Philippines in 1898, incorporating Ragay into the American colonial framework by 1901, with emphasis on public education, infrastructure, and local governance reforms under the Philippine Organic Act. The Tydings-McDuffie Act of 1934 established the Commonwealth, granting limited self-rule, but Ragay remained a rural municipality with agriculture-dominant economy, experiencing gradual modernization in roads and schools. Japanese forces invaded the Bicol Peninsula, reaching Catabangan Proper in Ragay by December 14, 1941, converting local schools into garrisons and imposing strict controls, forced labor, and executions that instilled widespread fear among residents. Filipino guerrillas, organized under leaders like Pedro and Alvino Simbajon and the Yglip siblings, conducted ambushes and recruited locals such as Pedro Loyola and Geronimo de Paz, resisting Japanese authority through hit-and-run tactics. Atrocities included summary killings and the ordeal of residents like Marcial Embudo, who survived the Bataan Death March after capture. Allied forces, supported by local guerrillas, liberated Ragay in 1945, with Japanese troops evacuating via American vessels, marking the end of occupation and paving the way for national recovery. The , including Ragay, achieved full from the on July 4, 1946, under the Treaty of Manila, transitioning Ragay to Philippine sovereignty with its municipal status intact within . Post-liberation commemorations, such as those on April 30 and May 1, 1949, in Catabangan Proper, reflected community resilience amid wartime devastation.

Post-Independence Developments

Following Philippine in 1946, Ragay's expanded steadily, reflecting broader regional recovery and migration patterns, with a recorded growth rate of approximately 1% to 1.05% from 1960 to 2015. By the 2020 , the municipality's reached 59,770, up significantly from earlier 20th-century figures, underscoring sustained demographic development driven by agricultural opportunities and improved accessibility. A pivotal infrastructure project was the construction of the Quirino Highway—later renamed the Rolando R. Andaya Highway—in 1976 under Presidential Decree 774 issued by President Ferdinand Marcos, which connected Manila to the Bicol region via Ragay and reduced travel times substantially. This highway facilitated economic integration by enhancing transport of goods and people, supporting local commerce in agriculture and fisheries centered around Ragay Gulf, a major fishing ground contributing to Camarines Sur's marine output. The route's development, including segments through barangays like Godofredo Reyes Sr., boosted mobility and spurred ancillary facilities such as the Godofredo Reyes Sr. Public Market. In recent decades, efforts have focused on and connectivity enhancements, including projects to resorts in Barangay Lohong and restoration of the ' Binahan Bridge in Ragay to extend services southward. These initiatives, alongside the establishment of educational institutions like the Ragay Campus under Congressman Rolando R. Andaya Sr., have aimed to diversify the economy beyond primary sectors. Ragay's classification as a first-class by revenue reflects these progressive developments.

Geography

Location and Topography


Ragay is a coastal municipality in the northwestern portion of Camarines Sur province, Bicol Region, Philippines, bordering Ragay Gulf to the west. Its central coordinates are approximately 13°49′N 122°47′E, with boundaries spanning 13°49′00″ to 13°59′00″ North latitude and 122°47′00″ to 122°52′00″ East longitude. The municipality encompasses 400.22 square kilometers of land area. The of Ragay consists primarily of coastal plains along the gulf, transitioning to hilly and rolling inland. Slope classifications, derived from topographic maps, indicate that 50% of the land falls under level to nearly level gradients (0-2.9%), 30% under gently sloping to undulating (3-8%), 15% under undulating to rolling (8.1-18%), 4% under moderately steep to steep (18.1-30%), and 1% under very steep to precipitous (>30%). Elevations range from near at the coastline, with the at 8.8 meters, to higher inland areas averaging 51 meters across the municipality.

Administrative Divisions

Ragay is administratively subdivided into 38 , the smallest local government units in the . These serve as the primary administrative divisions, each governed by an elected and council responsible for local services, , and community affairs. Of the 38 , two form the or town center: Pob. Ilaod and Pob. Iraya. Nine are situated along the of Ragay Gulf, facilitating and activities. Eleven are traversed by the , a major arterial road connecting Ragay to neighboring areas, while the remaining 16 are inland, often focused on . The complete list of barangays is as follows:
  • Agao-Ao
  • Agrupacion
  • Amomokpok
  • Apad
  • Apale
  • Banga Caves
  • Baya
  • Binahan Proper
  • Binahan Upper
  • Buenasuerte
  • Cabadisan
  • Cabinitan
  • Caditaan
  • Cale
  • Cat. Proper
  • F. Simeon
  • GRS
  • Inandawa
  • Laguio
  • L. Cawayan
  • Liboro
  • Lohong
  • Lower Omon
  • Lower Sta. Cruz
  • Panaytayan
  • Panaytayan Nuevo
  • Patalunan
  • Pob. Ilaod
  • Pob. Iraya
  • Port Junction Norte
  • Port Junction Sur
  • Salvacion
  • Samay
  • San Rafael
  • Tagbac
  • Upper Omon
  • Upper Sta. Cruz

Climate and Natural Environment

Ragay exhibits a (Köppen classification ), marked by consistently high s and substantial rainfall year-round, with no extended . The stands at 28.51 °C (83.32 °F), with mean highs of 30.7 °C (87.26 °F) and lows of 24.81 °C (76.66 °F); May records the highest averages at 33.19 °C (91.74 °F), while sees the lowest at 23.05 °C (73.49 °F). Under the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration () system, the locality aligns with Type II patterns prevalent in , featuring no distinct dry period but a peak from to , alongside frequent s due to its position in the typhoon belt. varies monthly, with as the wettest at 193.63 mm (7.62 inches) and the driest at 30.43 mm (1.2 inches), accompanied by approximately 176 rainy days ly and humidity of 84.1%. The natural environment encompasses coastal marine ecosystems bordering Ragay Gulf—a key fishery basin in the —and inland terrestrial features, including forests and wetlands. Natural spanned 8.91 thousand hectares in 2020, occupying about 30% of Ragay's land area, though losses totaled 29 hectares in , equivalent to 14.2 kilotons of CO₂ emissions from tree cover reduction. Abundant freshwater resources sustain ecosystems often linked to forested zones, with creeks and rivers supporting hydrological connectivity; these elements contribute to the municipality's , though specific endemic species data remain limited beyond the gulf's role in regional . pressures, driven by land use changes, pose ongoing risks to habitat integrity and in this of coastal plains and hilly interiors.

Demographics

Population Dynamics

The population of Ragay has exhibited steady but decelerating growth over recent decades, as recorded in national censuses conducted by the (PSA). In the 2000 census, the municipality recorded 47,743 residents, increasing to 54,934 by 2010, 58,214 in 2015, and 59,770 in 2020. This trajectory reflects an average annual growth rate of approximately 1.32% from 2000 to 2015, computed as the compound annual rate yielding the observed increase over 15 years.
Census YearPopulationAnnual Growth Rate (Prior Period)
200047,743-
201054,9341.42%
201558,2141.17%
202059,7700.53%
The growth rate slowed markedly between 2015 and 2020 to 0.53% annually, consistent with broader provincial trends in where rural municipalities face out-migration to urban centers and declining fertility rates. This deceleration aligns with the municipality's reported average growth of 1% to 1.05% from 1960 to 2015, indicating a long-term stabilization influenced by limited industrial development and reliance on . Population density stood at approximately 158 persons per square kilometer in 2020, based on the municipality's area of 379.1 square kilometers, underscoring its rural character with dispersed settlements across 31 barangays. data from 2015 enumerates 12,840 units, implying an average household size of about 4.54 persons, though updated figures post-2020 remain unavailable in official releases. These dynamics position Ragay as a low-growth rural enclave within , where provincial averages hover around 1.3% but are pressured by emigration and aging demographics.

Ethnic and Linguistic Composition

The population of Ragay, enumerated at 59,770 in the 2020 Census of Population and Housing conducted by the , consists predominantly of ethnic Bicolanos of Austronesian descent, reflecting the broader demographic patterns of province. A minor indigenous component includes the Manide, a group classified under threatened ethnolinguistic communities in the . Linguistically, the municipality features a bilingual environment where Tagalog serves as a primary vernacular, influenced by adjacency to Tagalog-dominant Quezon province, alongside Central Bikol as a regional language. The Manide language, an Ininiwrid subgroup of Austronesian spoken by small communities in Ragay, represents a distinct indigenous linguistic tradition, with usage persisting among local Negrito populations despite endangerment status. English and Filipino (standardized Tagalog) function as official languages for administration and education, per national policy.

Religion and Social Structure

The predominant religion in Ragay is Roman Catholicism, with the Most Holy Trinity Parish Church in Poblacion serving as the central since its establishment in 1753, following the separation of the from Lupi. The church falls under the jurisdiction of the and operates as a dedicated to the Holy Trinity. This aligns with the broader Bicol Region's religious landscape, where accounts for approximately 99% of the population among speakers, the majority ethnic group in . Smaller Protestant congregations exist, including the Church and a branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, reflecting minor diversification from Catholicism in the municipality. Ragay's social structure is characterized by a mix of networks typical of rural Bicolano communities, centered around agrarian households and barangay-level ties, alongside the integration of indigenous Manide groups. The Manide, an indigenous Negrito people inhabiting upland areas of Ragay and adjacent municipalities like Lupi, maintain distinct cultural practices supported by initiatives, such as medical outreach and preservation of traditional customs. Their , Manide (ISO : abd), is spoken by a threatened community and reflects pre-colonial linguistic heritage amid broader Bikolano dominance. Social welfare services from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office address vulnerabilities among both mainstream and indigenous residents, providing assistance in medical, educational, and emergency needs to foster community cohesion. This structure emphasizes familial and communal solidarity, with the local government unit playing a key role in bridging lowland majority and upland minorities through targeted programs.

Government and Politics

Local Governance Structure

Ragay, classified as a first-class based on its annual income exceeding ₱100 million as of recent fiscal assessments, follows the governance framework outlined in the ' Local Government Code of 1991. The executive authority is vested in the municipal mayor, who oversees policy implementation, budget execution, and administrative operations, including public services and development projects. The legislative body, known as the , is responsible for enacting ordinances, approving the annual budget, and providing oversight; it is presided over by the vice mayor and includes elected councilors along with ex-officio members such as the president and the Federation president. As of October 2025, following the 2025 local elections, the is Benchie G. Horibata, and the mayor is Giovanni A. Señar. The comprises the following elected councilors: Julio A. Aro, Apolinario H. Alvarez, AnnBelle R. Llabres, Elmer A. Linao, Petronilo G. Mercado, Ricardo B. Aquino, Roderick L. Sandagon, Romano C. Sulit, and Sonny A. Cedo. Ex-officio positions are held by President Allan A. Angeles and SK Federation President Walter M. Eje, who participate in legislative deliberations without voting rights on certain matters.
PositionOfficial
Municipal MayorBenchie G. Horibata
Municipal Vice MayorGiovanni A. Señar
Liga ng mga Barangay PresidentAllan A. Angeles
SK Federation PresidentWalter M. Eje
The municipality is administratively divided into 38 s, the smallest political units, each governed by a headed by an elected and supported by councilors (kagawads). Barangay officials handle grassroots administration, including peace and order, basic services, and community programs, while coordinating with the municipal government for resource allocation and enforcement of local ordinances. The serves as the federation of , representing their interests in the . Elections for municipal and officials occur every three years, with terms commencing on July 1 following the May polls.

Electoral and Administrative History

Ragay was originally a visita of the of Lupi in and achieved administrative separation on April 15, 1753, marking its establishment as an independent settlement along the Paculago River. The early community, initially known as "Hagay," faced repeated Moro raids, prompting settlers to relocate burials and eventually the town site; by the , with raids subsiding and Spanish influence increasing, the settlement moved to its current location and the name evolved to "Ragay" after a Spanish soldier's mishearing of local speech. No precise date for formal municipal incorporation under Spanish colonial administration is recorded, but the 1753 separation reflects early autonomous governance within the broader Ambos Camarines framework, which split into Norte and Sur provinces in 1829. Under American colonial rule and into the era, Ragay retained its status as a fifth-class in the of , with local administration transitioning to elected officials following the establishment of municipal governments via the . Post-independence in 1946, it integrated into the standardized Philippine system, governed by mayors and councils under the Revised Administrative Code of 1987 and subsequent Local Government Code of 1991, which formalized three-year terms for executives elected via plurality vote in synchronized national-local polls. Electoral history features competitive races typical of rural Bicol municipalities, with no major documented irregularities or shifts in partisan dominance beyond provincial trends favoring established families. The 2022 elections saw Thaddeus Abengoa Ramos elected mayor for the 2022–2025 term, succeeding prior administrations amid standard campaigning on and . In the May 2025 local elections, Tsuyoshi Anthony G. Horibata assumed the mayoralty, reflecting continuity in local leadership focused on development priorities like road networks and public markets. aligns with provincial averages around 70–80% in recent cycles, per Commission on Elections data, though specific Ragay precinct results emphasize family-based political networks common in small-town Philippine politics.

Economy

Agricultural and Fisheries Sectors

Ragay's economy is predominantly agricultural, with farming serving as the primary livelihood for a significant portion of the . The spans approximately 13,000 hectares of , of which 5,000 hectares are irrigated, supporting cultivation of key staple and cash crops. Major crops include , which dominates due to the region's and soil suitability, alongside as the principal food crop, and various fruit trees such as bananas and root vegetables. These activities align with broader patterns in , where palay production reached 150,652 metric tons province-wide in recent assessments, though Ragay-specific yields reflect local constraints and reliance on rain-fed systems during dry seasons. The fisheries sector complements , leveraging Ragay's coastal position along Ragay Gulf. The manages 29,085 hectares of municipal waters extending over a 30.11-kilometer coastline, encompassing eight coastal barangays where small-scale predominates using gears like handlines, entangling nets, and pots. Annual production in Ragay Gulf waters, which border the , is estimated at around 13,000 metric tons, though local catches have faced pressures from and declining trends observed province-wide—from 71,031.68 metric tons in 2016 to 69,371.29 metric tons in recent years. Initiatives such as coastal under programs like FishCORAL have aimed to enhance through protected areas and gear restrictions, with fisherfolk reporting observed increases in but limited income gains to date. The Municipal and Fishery Council coordinates sectoral policies, emphasizing sustainable practices amid environmental challenges like habitat degradation.

Trade, Industry, and Services

The trade sector in Ragay primarily revolves around local markets and micro-enterprises that facilitate the buying and selling of agricultural products, including derivatives and . The Godofredo Reyes Sr. Public Market serves as the central hub for retail trade, accommodating vendors selling fresh produce, processed goods, and daily necessities to the municipality's residents. In , the Office of the Treasurer recorded approximately 374 micro-business owners, many engaged in sari-sari stores, small retail outlets, and trading of locally sourced commodities. Industry in Ragay remains nascent and closely tied to agro-processing, with limited large-scale . Small-scale operations focus on value-adding activities such as abaca and coconut processing, aligning with the municipality's vision to become a center for these sectors. Recent government support includes the provision of ₱76,000 in processing equipment to the Ragay in September 2024 by the , Department of Trade and Industry, and local government unit, aimed at enhancing milk pasteurization capabilities to boost local supply chains. According to the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index, Ragay ranks 396th in active business establishments nationwide, reflecting a modest industrial footprint dominated by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Services sector activities emphasize support for MSMEs and basic commercial operations, facilitated by the local Department of Trade and Industry office, which provides business registration assistance, , and market linkage programs. The Negosyo Center in Ragay promotes ease of doing , contributing to the municipality's strong 6th national ranking in cost of doing business within the Economic Dynamism pillar. Employment generation in services lags, with a 439th , indicating reliance on informal and family-based operations rather than formal . Infrastructure like the Rolando R. Andaya Highway supports for trade and services, enabling connectivity to broader markets in .

Economic Indicators and Challenges

Ragay's economy remains predominantly agrarian and fisheries-dependent, with the majority of households engaged in , , and abaca farming alongside small-scale in Ragay Gulf. Local economic output is modest, reflected in the municipality's ranking of 249th in local economy size among Philippine local government units, with 396 active business establishments supporting trade and services. reached ₱326.3 million in 2022, funding basic infrastructure amid limited private investment. These sectors contribute to a labor force where over 80% of the working population is involved in primary production, aligning with provincial patterns in . Key indicators mirror the challenges of rural Bicol municipalities: stands at approximately 93.4% regionally, with at 6.6%, though persists due to seasonal agricultural cycles. Poverty incidence in , the highest in the at 38.7% of the population in 2021, likely extends to Ragay given its rural composition and dependence on volatile primary industries. lags, with the recording 3.2% GDP expansion in 2023, driven by but hampered by low . Major challenges include frequent , as Ragay lies in the typhoon belt, disrupting harvests and fisheries yields annually. in Ragay Gulf has led to declining and scallop production, forcing fishers to retreat from the sector due to insufficient returns. Population pressures exacerbate strain, reducing per capita incomes and hindering diversification into higher-value industries. Efforts to mitigate these through coastal have shown limited success in curbing illegal and prohibited activities near sanctuaries.

Infrastructure

Transportation Systems

Ragay's transportation systems are dominated by road networks, with the Rolando R. Andaya Highway functioning as the principal route traversing the municipality. This national primary highway links Ragay to Naga City, situated 67 kilometers south, and integrates into the broader , facilitating connectivity to approximately 367 kilometers north. Public road transport includes jeepneys servicing inter-barangay and inter-municipal routes along the highway, while tricycles and habal-habal—motorcycle taxis—handle short-distance travel to inland and upland areas. Coastal accessibility relies on motorized and non-motorized boats navigating the 30.11 kilometers of shoreline and municipal waters spanning 29,085 hectares. The highway has experienced periodic disruptions from natural damage requiring repairs by the Department of Public Works and Highways, as seen in late 2024 when additional resources were deployed to alleviate in segments. No operational rail lines or serve Ragay directly; historical rail connections via the Bicol Line to Port Ragay station ceased after 1933 operations.

Public Utilities and Services

Electricity supply in Ragay is provided by the I Electric Cooperative (CASURECO I), a distribution utility based in that covers Ragay and nine other municipalities across congressional districts in . CASURECO I operates under the National Electrification Administration and distributes power from the national grid, though full household remains incomplete in some of Ragay's 38 barangays as of recent municipal assessments. Potable water services are managed by the Ragay Water District (RWD), a government-owned corporation established on March 26, 1979, and regulated by the Local Water Utilities Administration. The RWD sources and treats water for distribution primarily in urban and peri-urban areas, including and Panaytayan, with services encompassing billing, metering, and maintenance of pipelines; it employs 11 permanent staff and focuses on to ensure supply reliability. As of 2021 regional data, hosts numerous local water utilities, with RWD contributing to broader efforts for expanded access amid challenges like dependency and seasonal variability. Sanitation and systems in Ragay are largely decentralized, relying on household-level septic tanks and communal facilities overseen by the local government unit, with no centralized plant reported; integrates with provincial initiatives for solid waste collection and disposal, though specific coverage metrics for Ragay indicate ongoing gaps in rural barangays. services, including mobile and internet access, are provided by national providers such as and Smart, facilitated by proximity to major highways, but penetration remains limited in remote areas per regional benchmarks.

Education

Primary and Secondary Levels

and in , , falls under the oversight of the Department of Education (DepEd) Region V, following the Philippine K-12 system where encompasses through Grade 6, and spans Grades 7 to 12, including junior and senior high levels. Public s predominate, with instruction delivered in Filipino and English, emphasizing basic , numeracy, and core subjects like , , and . The municipality's high rate of 97% as of reflects substantial completion rates at these levels, with a significant portion of the population having finished elementary and high education. Elementary education is provided through a network of public distributed across Ragay's 38 barangays to ensure accessibility in this rural setting. Key institutions include Ragay Central , Liboro Elementary , Apad Elementary , Pugod Elementary , Salvacion Elementary , Samay Elementary , San Rafael Elementary , and Lower Omon Elementary , among others. These schools focus on foundational skills, with recent efforts including the reopening of facilities like Inandawa Elementary to expand coverage. Private options are limited at this level, such as Berachah , which supplements public offerings. Secondary education features several public national high schools offering junior high (Grades 7-10) and senior high (Grades 11-12) programs, with senior high tracks including General Academic Strand (GAS) and Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL). Prominent schools are Tomas Avila Andaya Sr. National High School, Simeon Tycangco Memorial High School, Sisa Feliciano Memorial High School, Ragay Science and Math Oriented High School, and Casay National High School. The Ragay National Agricultural and Fisheries School, established in 1971, provides vocational focused on and fisheries, serving as a specialized institution in the . Private secondary institutions include Quezon-Camarines High School, Inc. Local studies indicate ongoing efforts to address performance gaps, such as in and for Grade 11 students at schools like Sisa Feliciano Memorial High School.

Tertiary and Higher Education

The maintains a satellite campus in Ragay, , serving as the primary provider of tertiary education in the municipality. Established as an extension to extend access to higher education in the , the campus is situated in Lower Santa Cruz and focuses on programs aligned with national development needs, including instruction, , and extension services. It operates under the Free Tuition Law, enabling tuition-free enrollment for qualified students. Academic offerings at PUP Ragay emphasize practical and technical fields, such as the in Computer Science, in Information Technology, in Accountancy, and programs in and computer management. These undergraduate degrees prepare students for roles in , , and teaching, with an entrance requirement of the PUPCET exam. The campus supports a modest student body, as evidenced by studies involving hundreds of freshmen in specific programs, though comprehensive enrollment data specific to Ragay remains limited in . Tertiary education completion rates in Ragay are notably low, reflecting broader challenges in rural access and retention, with local assessments rating the sector as underdeveloped compared to primary and secondary levels. No other independent universities or colleges are established within the , directing most higher education seekers to this PUP extension or nearby institutions in . Recent partnerships, such as those involving the Ragay Polytechnic Skills Institute with Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, aim to bridge technical-vocational training toward higher education pathways, but these remain nascent and focused on skill enhancement rather than full degree programs.

Culture and Heritage

Religious Institutions

The religious institutions of Ragay are predominantly Roman Catholic parishes under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of , reflecting the municipality's historical ties to Spanish colonial evangelization and the broader Catholic dominance in the . The Most Holy Trinity Parish, established in 1753 upon separation from the parish of Lupi, serves as the foundational and central institution, originally constructed from bamboo and nipa and dedicated to the Most Blessed Trinity. Its early site near Ragay Gulf faced relocations due to Moro pirate raids, with remnants of old church walls and cemetery still visible; a later structure of and lime was destroyed by American forces in 1900, rebuilt in 1920, and replaced by the current concrete edifice in 1970 following a 1968 fire. Currently led by Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Michael Dela Rosa and Resident Priest Rev. Fr. Ian Trillanes, it functions as a key community and pilgrimage site within the diocese. Subsequent parishes emerged to accommodate population growth across barangays. The San Lorenzo Ruiz de Parish in Godofredo Reyes Sr. (GRS), founded in 1988 and dedicated to the ' first saint, is administered by Rev. Fr. Rey Abiog and holds its feast on September 28. Nuestra Señora de Salvacion Parish in Banga Caves, established in 1998 with a feast on the second Saturday of August, is headed by Rev. Fr. Jonnel Sibulo. The most recent, St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Liboro, erected in 2023 and administered by Rev. Fr. Elsiver Quine, observes its feast on November 30 and includes facilities like a multi-purpose hall. These institutions collectively support sacramental services, community gatherings, and local devotion, with additional religious congregations such as the Daughters of Mary Convent in GRS contributing to catechesis and formation. Smaller Protestant groups, including Jesus Is Lord Church and Baptist congregations, exist but represent a minority presence without comparable institutional scale or historical documentation.

Traditions and Festivals

The principal annual celebration in Ragay is the Town Fiesta, held from late May, culminating on May 30 to honor the Most Holy Trinity, patron of the established in 1753. This week-long event includes a civic parade, cultural performances featuring local dances and music, and community gatherings that emphasize faith and unity. A highlight of the fiesta is the Reyna Elena, or May Flower Festival, conducted on May 29, which reenacts the search for the Holy Cross by and involves participants adorned as Reyna Elenas in floral attire. This tradition underscores Ragay's Catholic heritage and local identity, drawing community participation in processions and festivities. Residents observe the regional Peñafrancia Festival in September, devoted to , Bicol's patroness, with local events such as school-based cultural showcases and processions. -level fiestas supplement these, honoring specific patron saints—for instance, San Rafael Arcangel in San Rafael on October 23–24, and Nuestra Señora de Salvacion in Banga Caves on the second Saturday of August—typically featuring novenas, masses, and communal feasts. These observances reflect the municipality's entrenched Catholic traditions, rooted in Spanish colonial influences and sustained through parish activities.

Tourism and Development

Key Attractions

Ragay's primary attractions consist of natural sites emphasizing coastal, cavernous, and waterfall features, drawing visitors for and outdoor activities. Ogtoc Island, located off the municipality's northeastern coast, serves as a central draw with its undeveloped beaches, islets, and marine spots including Bagolayag Islet, Getsame Cove, Halabang Baybay, Nabarko Sand Bar, and Pinong Dahon Islet; a watchtower provides panoramic views of the surrounding waters. Access typically involves boat rentals from nearby ports, supporting and island-hopping amid coral reefs and mangroves. Beaches such as Bagotayok Beach and Pang-ot Beach Resort in Lohong offer white to fine sands comparable to more renowned Philippine destinations, with calm coves suitable for swimming and relaxation; the latter's pebble-free shoreline attracts day-trippers via short drives from the . Inland, cave systems like Banga Caves and Agrupacion Caves provide spelunking opportunities through limestone formations, though exploration requires local guides due to uneven terrain and limited as of 2020. Waterfalls dominate the interior attractions, with Pinamalatikan Falls in Samay standing at 25 meters tall and cascading into a wide natural pond ideal for bathing; it features a short hike from the trailhead. Nearby clusters include Baya Falls, Digoy Falls, and Hagayhay Falls in Baya, surrounded by cliffs and vegetation for trekking and picnics, while Maglagingling Falls and Binaliw Falls in Cabadisan offer secluded cascades accessible by footpaths. These sites remain largely unmanaged, preserving their pristine state but necessitating caution for slippery rocks and seasonal water levels. Andaya Park emerges as a developed green space along the Rolando R. Andaya Highway, featuring manicured lawns and shaded areas for leisure, contrasting the wilder natural draws.

Recent Initiatives and Prospects

In November 2024, the of Ragay adopted the municipality's Tourism Development Plan for 2024-2026, aiming to foster strategic tourism growth, preserve cultural heritage, promote sustainable practices, and generate economic opportunities through enhanced visitor experiences. The plan includes strategies such as compiling a Local Cultural Inventory for recognition by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and drafting a Municipal Tourism Code to regulate and incentivize sector expansion. To support these objectives, the local under Thaddeus A. has advanced targeted projects. The road in Bagotayok, Lohong, remains ongoing as of late 2024, designed to improve access to Pang-ot Beach Resort, Villa Nena Beach Resort, and Tagparak Beach Front, thereby boosting connectivity to coastal attractions. Complementing this, the completed road in Catabangan Proper facilitates safer and more efficient travel to Krocodyle’s Beach Resort and Sirenah Beach Resort, contributing to sustained tourist inflows and local economic activity. Legislative efforts further underscore development momentum. House Bill 489, introduced in 2025, proposes designating the Ragay River in Panitayan as a priority eco-tourism site, with the tasked to lead collaborative development focused on conservation and community benefits; the bill awaits action in the House Committee on following its first reading on July 29, 2025. Similarly, House Bill 7304 seeks to establish Banga Caves in Ragay as an ecotourism destination, highlighting subterranean natural assets for potential guided exploration. These initiatives position Ragay for expanded prospects, leveraging its beaches, rivers, and caves within the broader Bicol region's growth trajectory, where enhanced and eco-focused policies could elevate the as a competitive destination in by improving accessibility and preserving for long-term viability. Sustained investment in roads and regulatory frameworks may increase visitor numbers, supporting livelihoods tied to and guiding services, though realization depends on national funding and environmental safeguards.

References

  1. https://www.ragaycamsur.gov.ph/
  2. https://www.philatlas.com/luzon/r05/camarines-sur/ragay.html
  3. https://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/PRSA_Ragay-Gulf-Jan-12-2020.pdf
  4. https://www.ragaycamsur.gov.ph/tourism/
  5. https://www.ragaycamsur.gov.ph/about/history/
  6. https://barangay.org.ph/provinces/camarines-sur
  7. https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Camarines_Sur_Province%2C_Philippines_Genealogy
  8. https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/articles/a-chronicle-of-the-japanese-occupation-in-catabangan-proper-ragay-camarines-sur/
  9. https://www.ragaycamsur.gov.ph/about/municipal-profile/
  10. https://alchetron.com/Andaya-Highway
  11. https://www.casureco1.com/casureco-i-brief-history/
  12. https://www.ragaycamsur.gov.ph/paving-the-way-to-ragays-tourism-growth/
  13. https://www.facebook.com/TravelUp/posts/news-pnr-plans-to-expand-rail-operations-in-camarines-sur-to-quezon/1184000096862348/
  14. https://pupragaycamsur.weebly.com/history.html
  15. https://cmci.dti.gov.ph/lgu-profile.php?lgu=Ragay
  16. https://www.camsur.com/about/profile
  17. https://en-us.topographic-map.com/map-4kvttp/Ragay/
  18. https://www.ragaycamsur.gov.ph/about/barangay/
  19. https://region5.dilg.gov.ph/camarinessur/ragay/
  20. https://weatherandclimate.com/philippines/camarines-sur/ragay
  21. https://www.bswm.da.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/Camarines-Sur.pdf
  22. https://www.globalforestwatch.org/dashboards/country/PHL/20/32?category=land-cover
  23. https://www.citypopulation.de/en/philippines/luzon/admin/camarines_sur/051730__ragay/
  24. https://www.camarinessur.gov.ph/about/quick-facts
  25. https://linguistics.upd.edu.ph/the-katig-collective/language-capsules/manide/
  26. https://www.ragaycamsur.gov.ph/tourism/most-holy-trinity-parish-church/
  27. https://gcatholic.org/churches/asia-east/64437
  28. https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/11116/RP
  29. https://www.facebook.com/p/Jesus-Is-Lord-Church-Ragay-Camarines-Sur-61550613825675/
  30. https://local.churchofjesuschrist.org/en/ph/ragay/provincial-road
  31. https://www.ragaycamsur.gov.ph/medical-and-social-services-to-the-indigenous-peoples-of-ragay-manide-tribe/
  32. https://www.ragaycamsur.gov.ph/ragay-supports-the-manide-tribe/
  33. https://www.ragaycamsur.gov.ph/government/department-offices/municipal-social-welfare-and-development-office/
  34. https://www.ragaycamsur.gov.ph/programs-and-project/
  35. https://blgf.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/04.-BLGF-MC-No.-020.2024.pdf
  36. https://www.ragaycamsur.gov.ph/government/elected-officials/
  37. https://biklish.com/2023/08/20/elected-officials-of-ragay-camsur-2022-2025/
  38. https://ph.rappler.com/elections/2025/local-race/camarines-sur/ragay
  39. https://sdiopr.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/2023/May/6-May-23/2023_CJAST_98752/Revised-ms_CJAST_98752_v1.pdf
  40. https://systems.bicol-u.edu.ph/journal/assets/journal_pdf/30-37_Candelaria.pdf
  41. https://journalcjast.com/index.php/CJAST/article/view/4096
  42. https://www.facebook.com/maoragay2022/posts/in-support-to-the-continuous-effort-of-our-agriculture-and-fisheries-sector-the-/778051321599234/
  43. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ernie-Avila/publication/337007292_Level_of_Financial_Literacy_of_Micro-Business_Owners_in_the_Municipality_of_Ragay_Camarines_Sur_Philippines/links/5dbff154a6fdcc212800b1a9/Level-of-Financial-Literacy-of-Micro-Business-Owners-in-the-Municipality-of-Ragay-Camarines-Sur-Philippines.pdf
  44. https://www.dar.gov.ph/darco-news-subroute/23041
  45. https://www.ragaycamsur.gov.ph/government/department-offices/dti/
  46. https://cmci.dti.gov.ph/lgu-profile.php?lgu=Ragay&year=2024
  47. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10877178/
  48. https://rsso05.psa.gov.ph/infographics/2023-provincial-product-accounts-2023-economic-performance-province-camarines-sur
  49. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2017551/dpwh-reinforces-resources-as-repairs-continue-on-camarines-sur-highway
  50. https://www.casureco1.com/about-us/
  51. https://ragaywd.gov.ph/about/
  52. https://ragaywaterdistrict.weebly.com/
  53. https://pdp.depdev.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Bicol-RDP-2023-2028.pdf
  54. https://saminovic.wordpress.com/the-bicol-region/infrastructure-utilities/
  55. https://www.scribd.com/document/539980874/list-of-schools-in-Cam-sur
  56. https://www.facebook.com/apadelemschl/
  57. https://www.ragaycamsur.gov.ph/launching-ceremony-of-the-reopening-of-inandawa-elementary-school/
  58. https://www.scribd.com/document/843243550/data-of-Private-School-as-of-March-2025
  59. https://www.facebook.com/STMHS301929/
  60. https://www.facebook.com/sfmhs1999/
  61. https://r5-2.lms.deped.gov.ph/moodle/course/index.php?categoryid=2094
  62. http://vhsn.seameoted.org/member/112.html
  63. https://www.deped.gov.ph/k-to-12/senior-high-school/list-of-senior-high-schools/
  64. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ma-Jalen-Lea-Gueta/publication/360100020_TITLE_IMPROVING_THE_PERFORMANCE_LEVEL_IN_STATISTICS_AND_PROBABILITY_THROUGH_PROJECT_ADD_ALTERNATE_ADDITIONAL_DAILY_DRILL_AND_ACTIVITIES/links/62623289ee24725b3ebc36b2/TITLE-IMPROVING-THE-PERFORMANCE-LEVEL-IN-STATISTICS-AND-PROBABILITY-THROUGH-PROJECT-ADD-ALTERNATE-ADDITIONAL-DAILY-DRILL-AND-ACTIVITIES
  65. https://www.pup.edu.ph/ragay/
  66. https://www.finduniversity.ph/universities/polytechnic-university-of-the-philippines-ragay-extension/
  67. https://www.courses.com.ph/polytechnic-university-of-the-philippines-ragay-camarines-sur/
  68. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/1933/1/012130/pdf
  69. https://region5.dilg.gov.ph/attachments/article/122/LGPMS_CamSur_Ragay_SLDR.pdf
  70. https://www.finduniversity.ph/universities/province-camarines-sur/
  71. https://libmanandiocese.org/?p=353
  72. https://www.parishph.com/2022/01/san-lorenzo-de-manila-parish-ragay.html
  73. https://www.ucanews.com/directory/congregration/philippines-libmanan/454
  74. https://www.trip.com/travel-guide/attraction/ragay/ragay-bible-baptist-church-ragay-camarines-sur-143828376/
  75. https://www.parishph.com/2022/01/most-holy-trinity-parish-ragay.html
  76. https://www.ragaycamsur.gov.ph/ragay-town-fiesta-2024-celebration/
  77. https://www.ragaycamsur.gov.ph/star-cultural-night/
  78. https://www.ragaycamsur.gov.ph/reyna-elena-2024/
  79. https://www.ragaycamsur.gov.ph/in-photos-may-flower-festival-2024-highlights/
  80. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1085387813593546&id=100063670121880&set=a.225745316224471
  81. https://www.parishph.com/2022/04/nuestra-senora-de-salvacion-parish.html
  82. https://www.ragaycamsur.gov.ph/tourism/ogtoc-island/
  83. https://mindtrip.ai/attraction/luzon/pang-ot-beach-resort/at-O7LBu5bB
  84. https://www.ragaycamsur.gov.ph/tourism/pinamalatikan-falls/
  85. https://www.ragaycamsur.gov.ph/tourism/baya-falls/
  86. https://visitcamsur.com/places-to-go/waterfalls
  87. https://evendo.com/locations/philippines/bicol-region/attraction/andaya-park
  88. https://www.ragaycamsur.gov.ph/tourism-development-plan-2024-2026/
  89. https://docs.congress.hrep.online/legisdocs/basic_20/HB00489.pdf
  90. https://www.congress.gov.ph/committees/view/primary-referal/?code=0538&jurisdiction=All%2Bmatters%2Bdirectly%2Band%2Bprincipally%2Brelating%2Bto%2Bthe%2Bdevelopment%2Band%2Bpromotion%2Bof%2Btourism%2Band%2Bthe%2Btourist%2Bindustry%2Bboth%2Bdomestic%2Band%2Binternational.%2B%250D%250A%250D%250A&name=TOURISM
  91. https://ldr.senate.gov.ph/bills/house-bill-no-7304-19th-congress
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.