EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Republic of the Philippines

BICOL UNIVERSITY POLANGUI
Polangui , Albay

ERECCION DE PUEBLOS
(FOUNDATION OF TOWNS)
DONSOL, SORSOGON PHILIPPINES

Submitted by:

Emerson V. Pandaan
BTLEd - ICT1
OVERVIEW:

Donsol, Sorsogon, Philippines, a third-class municipality in

Sorsogon Province, boasts a rich history that predates its global reputation
as the “Whale Shark Capital of the World.” Initially known for its
agricultural roots, Donsol’s transformation into a world-class tourist
destination began when a group of scuba divers, led by Romir Aglugub in
1997, discovered and interacted with the gentle whale sharks, challenging
the local belief in their danger.

Today, Donsol stands as a testament to the positive economic

impact of responsible tourism. The town’s development projects, notably
focused on ecotourism, showcase a commitment to sustainable practices.
Regulated interactions with whale sharks, guided by both local
Department of Tourism and WWF guidelines, exemplify Donsol’s
dedication to environmental conservation.

Culturally diverse, Donsol thrives with Eastern Miraya as its

predominant language, complemented by Catholicism as the major
religion and the presence of the Iglesia ni Cristo. Annual fiestas, each
dedicated to a patron saint, provide a vibrant display of local traditions.

Delving into the gastronomic delights of Donsol, visitors can savor

Bicolano delicacies like “laing,” “Bicol Express,” and “sisig,” adding a
flavorful dimension to their experience. Accommodations, ranging from the
pioneering Amor Farm Beach Resort to diverse options for all budgets,
ensure a comfortable stay.

Beyond marine wonders, Donsol extends its allure to night firefly

tours and shrimp-catching expeditions and serves as an ideal base for
divers exploring Manta Bowl and San Miguel Island.

GEOGRAPHY:

Donsol is a coastal municipality in the province of Sorsogon.

The municipality has a land area of 156.20 square kilometers or

60.31 square miles which constitutes 7.37% of Sorsogon’s total area. Its
population as determined by the 2020 Census was 50,281. This
represented 6.07% of the total population of Sorsogon province, or 0.83%
of the overall population of the Bicol Region. Based on these figures, the
population density is computed at 322 inhabitants per square kilometer or
834 inhabitants per square mile.

Based on the great-circle distance (the shortest distance between

two points over the surface of the Earth), the cities closest to Donsol are
Legazpi, Albay, Ligao, Albay, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon, Tabaco, Albay,
Masbate City, Masbate, and Iriga, Camarines Sur. The nearest
municipalities are Pilar, Sorsogon, Jovellar, Albay, Pio Duran, Albay,
Magallanes, Sorsogon, Daraga, Albay, and Monreal, Masbate. Its distance
from the national capital is 338.78 kilometers (210.51 miles). The
municipal center of Donsol is situated at approximately 12° 54’ North, 123°
36’ East, in the island of Luzon. Elevation at these coordinates is
estimated at 5.6 meters or 18.4 feet above mean sea level.
BARANGAY:

Donsol has 51 barangays:

Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

Alin, Awaii (Poblacion), Banban, Bandi, Banuang Gurang, Baras,

Bayawas, Bororan Barangay 1 (Poblacion), Cabugao, Central Barangay 2
(Poblacion), Cristo, Dancalan, De Vera, Gimagaan, Girawan, Gogon,
Gura, Juan Adre, JR Cawaling, Lourdes, Mabini, Malapoc, Malinao,
Market Site Barangay 3 (Poblacion), New Maguisa, Ogod (Crossing), Old
Maguisa, Orange Pangpang Parina, Pawala, Pinamanaan, Poso Pob.
(Barangay 5), Punta Waling-Waling (Poblacion), Rawis (Poblacion Brgy),
San Antonio, San Isidro, San Jose, San Rafael, San Ramon, San Vicente,
Santa Cruz, Sevilla, Sibago, Suguian, Tagbac, Tinanogan, Tongdol, Tres
Marias (Poblacion Brgy), Tuba, Tupas, and Vinisitahan.

ORIGIN OF THE NAME OF MUNICIPALITY OF DONSOL:

Donsol’s name believed to have emerged from the romantic tale of

Don and Sol. However, the known history of Donsol dates back to the later
part of the 18th century when a band of refugees, led by a certain
Francisco Noradi, escaped from the fury of Mt. Mayon during one of its
destructive and horrifying eruptions and settled in the place. They were
called Miraya, a reference name of residents near Mt. Mayon, located in
the Province of Albay. The settlement area has since then been called
Donsol.

Donsol got its name from “donsol” or “dosol”, an indigenous

medicinal plant which grew abundantly in the settlement area. But a more
plausible story was about a blacksmith in the place famous for his
expertise and skills and for his “donsolan”, Bicol term for anvil, which is an
iron-stand upon which a blacksmith pounds and forges the red-hot iron
into tools or weapons. Unfortunately, history wasn’t able to record his
name. Eventually, the people called the whole settlement area, Donsolan.

HISTORICAL NARRATIVES OF BARANGAYS IN DONSOL

BARANGAY BANUANG GURANG

According to the old folks of this barangay, as early as the 16 th

century, the settlement was established with the presence of some
Spanish missionaries. The inhabitants of this place were engaged in
different kinds of work and lived peacefully and harmoniously. However,
with the series of Mayon Volcano eruptions, there was an increase in
population. They came from the towns of Guinobatan, Daraga, Camalig,
and Albay. They escaped from the destructive eruption of the volcano, so
they permanently settled in this place. So the place became progressive
with the initiative of the Municipality of Jovellar, Albay.

Despite the good condition of the barrio, they were jolted by the
coming of the Muslim warrior searching for the golden bell, which was said
to be found in this place. The Muslims conducted some investigations
regarding the precious golden bell. Once the people could not answer
correctly, they had to punish, kill, or even go to the extent of burning their
houses. So the inhabitants left the place, evading the action and policy of
the Muslims. However, it did not last long since they could not find their
objective, so they went home. So, upon knowing it, the inhabitants
returned to their respective dwelling places.

A year after that Incident, Chinese merchants arrived, bringing with

them some goods, particularly Chinese wares, mostly kitchenware
intended for sale or barter.The more the place becomes progressive,
some of the inhabitants are also engaged in business.This place has
become the center of business in the nearby barrio.
 In the middle of the 16th century, in 1649, the place was converted
into a town. A decree was issued by the Diocese of Albay, making the
place an independent town under the supervision of the Province of Albay.

As the years passed, some of the businessmen of this place started

to put up businesses on the riverbank of Donsol. Since then, some of the
Chinese merchants have transferred to Donsol and permanently settled
there. In this situation, the place was greatly affected because more
people moved and established businesses in Donsol, until Donsol became
a town. It should be noted that the name of this town was “KI PIA.” Since
most of the people transferred to Donsol and Donsol was converted into a
town, this became the old town. In the local dialect, the name KI KIA town
was called “Banuang Gurang,” meaning the old town.

BARANGAY BORORAN

Bororan is an urban barangay bounded on the north by Barangays

Tupas and Tres Maria, on the south by the Donsol River, on the east by
Barangays Poso and Marketsite, and on the west by Barangay Tupas.
Among the major economic activities are fishing, recreational, and
employment.

In the days of old, there was a famed albularyo (herb doctor) living
in the area. People with different ailments, with sprains and dislocations,
and those afflicted by spirit used to ask help of the herb doctor who was
more popular by alias “BIRIRAN” (Aurora Carambola L.). Time came that
the herb doctor became so displead of being called by this alias that even
children were taunting him as a sign of disrespect. In order not to annoy
the old albolaryo, the people conceived of modofying the word from Biriran
to Bororan; Bororan became the byword of those who sought the help of
the old man. Eventually, the place was known as Bororan.

Bororan was administered by Severo Lopez, the barangay’s first

teniete del barrio, Candido Catiang, Gerardo Madriaga, Ciriaco Abitria,
Romeo Jimenez, Ombao, Jaime Belmonte, Roger Hernandez, Eddie
Aviso, Clint Malto, Amado Loterte III, Edwin Mujar,and the incumbent
punong barangay, Angel B. Ras. Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia is
Bororan’s patroness, and December 15 is the barangay fiesta. Barangay
Bororan serves as the gateway to Donsol’s ecotourism center.

BARANGAY DANCALAN

During the pre-Spanish occupation, Dancalan had no name. Other

people called this place “baylo,” which means that the place is accessible
from the town proper by crossing the river. This was evident by the
influence of the dialect of Pilar, which up to the present is still the dialect in
barangay Dancalan and has a unique character compared to the dialect of
the fifty (50) barangays of Donsol.

In Spanish, the place was named”Altura,” which means a high

place. Since the town proper of Donsol was a swamp area developed by
settlers coming from Banuang Gurang, the place was attacked by the
moros. Settlers came, and traders from the Panay Islands came. This was
headed by KAPITAN SABAS. The shipyard of Donsol was located in this
barangay. This was named “Astillero,” a Spanish term for a shipyard. It is a
significant place and is situated at the foot of the Dancalan Bridge. With
the shipyard, traders coming from other places invested in this small
barrio, where soap and chocolate factories were installed. The barrio
name was changed to “FABRICA,” which means a factory.

Kapitan Sabas became the first teniente del barrio. He married a

native of Donsol, the daughter of a prominent family. Later, the name of
the lace was changed to the name of a tree that belongs to the mangrove
species that abound in the upper coastal part of the barrio. The tree is a
Dancalan tree, which at present abounds in the place. This is the name
adapted by the community.
BARANGAY PANG PANG

Barangay Pangpang is a coastal barangay bounded on the north by

Barangay Girawan; on the south by Burias Pass; on the east by Barangay
Dancalan; and on the west by Barangay Gimagaan. The place is four (4)
kilometers from the town proper and can be reached by land or sea.
Fishing and farming are the major economic activities.

“Pangpang” is the local dialect’s term for a riverside or cliff by the

sea. An eye-catching landmark in the area is the cliff by the sea at the
southern tip of the barangay. A short distance from the cliff is the estuary
of the Pangpang River. The cliff was usually mentioned when referring to
the place. Eventually, the place was popularly known as Pangpang.

Barangay Pangpang was administered by Fausto Marquez (early

1940s); Eduardo Tarog (late 1940s); Severino Vito (1950s); Honorio Vito
SR. (1960s); Felipe Andeza (1970–1972); Flaviano B. Vito (1993–2006);
Gregorio Bantog (2007–2009); Flaviano B. Vito (2010–2013); and Danilo
B. Ababon, the incumbent Punong Barangay. The youth leaders in the
barangay were SK Chairman Melvin Madriaga, Ronald Radana, Rovilyn
Pandaan (2004–2006), Ronald Marquez (2007–2010), and John Archie
Nuñez (2010–2013).

Pangpang Elementary School was established in 1948. Miss

Dominga Aquino, Miss Amparo Seminiano, Miss Leonora Aquino, and Mr.
Vicente Adique, the first teachers, were conducting classes in a big house
owned by Jose Toca, owner of a vast land in Pangpang. Owing to the
importance of education, Don Pablo Fernandez donated a parcel of land
for the school site. The first commencement exercises were held in 1954.

The barangay site was originally owned by a Spaniard. Sometimes

In the past, the lot was swapped for land on top of a hill with a cliff by the
sea owned by the Radana family. The barangay site was purchased by the
government from the Radanas during the term of Barangay Captain Felipe
Andeza in 1963.

Government infrastructure projects rose in the barangay, a

manifestation of progress. Health, sanitation, livelihood, environmental,
and other programs were likewise undertaken. With the flourishing eco-
tourism industry in the municipality of Donsol, tourist inns were
constructed in the locality.

From a once-sleeping village, Barangay Pangpang is evolving into

a tourist area.

BARANGAY PARINA

Barangay Parina is an inland barangay bounded on the north by

Barangays Old Maguisa and San Franciso, on the south by Barangay
Sugiuan and Vinisaitahan, on the east by Barangay Bandi and Juan
Adrde, and on the west by Barangays Malinao and Lourdes. The
barangay is 12.5 kilometers from the town center and 2.7 kilometers from
Barangay Bandi and can be reached by foot. Copra making is the major
economic activity.

How Parina got its name has its roots in a love story that transpired
in the place long ago. Born in the place were twin sisters named Paring
and Rina. Paring was a normal human being, while Rina was a snake, a
fulfillment of the evil wish against their mother by a woman frustrated to
win the love of their father. However, Rina transformed from a snake into a
human being during the full moon, a secret hidden from Paring. While
Rina was in the form of a human being. She stays in a concealed room
there and, after a few days, returns to the woods, where she can live
freely as a snake. Paring grew up and became a beautiful lady without
knowing that she had a twin sister. Paring became well-known for giving
antidotes to venomous snake bites.
 It was twilight when Paring saw a big snake creeping towards her
mother. Thinking that a snake would bite her mother, Paring immediately
grabbed the bamboo stake to strike the snake; however, her mother
forbade Paring, and on the occasion, her mother revealed the secret to
Paring. Paring was dumbfounded when she saw the snake transform into
a beautiful lady of her resemblance.

Fate brought Arsenio and Paring to meet each other, and they
ultimately became sweethearts. While Rina was in the form of a human
being, Arsenio mistook her for Paring, as the twins looked just alike. Rina
took advantage of the opportunity that, while she is a human being, she
usually goes to see Arsenio and subsequently falls in love with him.

Arsenio proposed marriage to Paring, to which the lady interposed

no objection. It was unknown to Arsenio that Paring has a twin sister. The
date of their marriage was set. Because of Rina’s passion for Arsenio, on
the day of wedding, just before Rina transformed into a human being, she
bit a man who was gathering firewood in the forest. Rina immediately
notified Paring about the incident and that the victim was in need of
Paring’s help. To save the victims lives, Paring went to the forest.

Rina took advantage of the situation and went to the chapel for the
weeding. The wedding ceremony was over when Paring arrived. Arsenio
was extremely baffled by what he saw before him. Because of the
confusion, Arsenio left the chapel running and headed to the
mountain.Paring and Rina went after Arsenio. A serious confrontation
followed to the point where Arsenio had to choose who he would take as
wife: Paring or Rina.

Arsenio was in a quandary. The time came for Rina to turn snake
again. After having accidentally bitten Arsenio, the snake hastily slunk
away. While Paring was treating Arsenio, some people who were
coincidentally at the site chased and severed the snake. Paring also left
Rina in anguish while being hacked. Paring and Rina died simultaneously.
Their mother arrived and lamented the deaths of her twin daughters. Their
vows were buried together, and from the grave sprouted a tree, which the
residents called PARNA in remembrance of Paring and Rina. Eventually,
the place was called Parina.

The barangay government unit was administered by Fermin

Bagamasbad (1935), Sebastian Pertez (1940), Elias Bagamasbad (1955),
Juan Palles (1965), Antonio Bitanga (1968), Macario Olaguer (1985),
Doming Ombao (1989), Rechilda M. Olaguer (1994), Oro C. Mirabueno
(1977), and Jerry B. Paguio (2010).

Parina Elementary School was established in 1939 with Miss

Cepriana Agustin Mata as the first teacher. The United States government
donated the Gabaldon Building in 1944. The Peralta building was
constructed in 1962, the Marcos-type building in 1967, and another school
building in 2000. The Parents Teachers Association bought the school site
from Mr. Andrs Mirabueno in 1958 in the amount of seventy-five pesos
(php 75.00).

San Isidro Labrador is the patron saint of the barangay, and May 9
is the barangay fiesta.

BARANGAY SAN RAMON

Formerly named Bognay, a medicinal plant that abundantly grew in

the place in the year 1940, Barangay Captain Salvador Marvida elect,
under his administration, it was agreed upon to change the name to San
Ramon in honor of Saint Patron San Ramon.

Every year on August 31, Fiesta is celebrated as a way of thanking

God for the blessings throughout the year.

The total land area is 376.5040 hectares, mostly hilly and

occasionally plains, and the last census of population or enumeration
shows a number of households (101, people living in the area. Name of
sitios: Talisay, Padurog, and Nalundan predominantly Roman Catholic,
Iglesia ni Cristo, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and other forms of worship.

Sources of livelihood, poultry, and livestock raising in sari-sari

stores, buy and sell, rice and corn planting, handicrafts, fishing, and copra
making are the main industries.

BARANGAY TRES MARIA

Long ago, after the eruption of Mayon Volcano in Albay, many

people settled along the Kipya River. They gradually moved to this hill,
constructing huts as shelters. Some settlers, called evacuees from Miraya,
engaged in farming and domesticated animals such as carabaos, swine,
cattle, and chickens. Their houses were spaced apart, fostering
cooperation, and the Bayanihan spirit began. During the Moro atrocities,
when Moro bandits raided Donsolan settlement, coastal settlers fled to
Banuang Gurang for safety. Remaining settlers along the coast sought
refuge at the foot of the hill to escape the Moro bandits. This area, the
front hill of the entire Donsolan settlements, became a tranquil place with
land breeze, fresh air, and morning sunrays. When Moros intensified their
raids to capture settlers as slaves in Mindanao, the people living in this hill
vicinity actively searched for and captured them. At the beginning of the
Spanish period, Reverend Fr. Monico Barrameda established this
community as a sanctuary for cooperation.

BARANGAY TUPAS

In the olden days, the place was then part of Barangay Bororan and
was referred to as NATUPAS, meaning a mass of soil that slid down on a
slope. The southern portion of the barangay is facing the mouth of the
Donsol River, and during typhoons and south-west monsoon winds, the
waves entering the mouth of the Donsol River strike hard against the
edges, causing landslides. Further, the bank of the stream near the heart
of the barangay likewise slid down. To prevent further landslides, the
inhabitants drove wooden stakes at the edges. However, the stream no
longer exists as it was filled up when the area was developed. Time
passed, and the place was called TUPAS. The population in Tupas grew,
and eventually it became a barangay. San Rafael Archangel is the
barangay patron saint, and October 24 is the barangay fiesta. The
barangay chapel was constructed through the initiative of Mr. Rodolfo De
Borja.