The Lewis College

Philippine Popular Culture

Submitted by; Submitted to;

Jorylene Enteria. Mrs. Elvira Brucelo
 BACON
OLDEST PUEBLO CIVIL OF
SORSOGON

In the year 1609, The Franciscan foundes the settlement of bacon, which later become visita or
barrio, and in 1617, it was separated from Casiguran to become independent pasrish, which
included Sta. Florentina (now Rapu-Rapu) and Montopar ( Prieto Diaz).

Bacon patroness was Our Lady of Annunciation, until Fray Grehorio Sta. Anna replaced it with Sta
Risita de Casia. In 1853 however, Fray Romegio dw Vera returned the Our Lady of the
Annunciation as the patroness of the parish up to the present time.
Bacon is the oldesg Municipality (Pueblo Civil) of the province it was founded in 1754 it was
nearest town in the Capitol town of Sorsogon with distance 9 kilometers. The road connecting it
is the oldest in the province.

The municipality of Bacon (now bacon District City of Sorsogon) as established by the spanish
government then, included under its jurisdiction the barrios of Sta.Florentina, Batan and Cagraray
Islands.

When Sorsogon become an independent province from Albay, Bacon lost of Albay, Rapu-Rapu,
Batan and Cagraray Islands also the barrios of Suwa and Cabit were lost of to the Municipality of
Monito also in Albay.
Rapu-Rapu become as Municipality of Albay in 1901, whe Prieto Diaz was separated from bacon
in 1904, to become an indeoendent minicipality. With separation of Sorsogon from Albay. The
boundaries separating them were moved from Balabagan to Suwa.

THE SORSOGON- A BACON BRIDGE. Bacon was an important was an important part of during
spanish period until the opening of the SorsogonAlbay road 1924. Government officers,
officials,Businessmen, and travellers from Manila use to come to to Legaspi by train and from the
Legaspi to Bacon, by the launch, San Antonio, and from Bacon to Sorsogon by bus.

Due to the importance post of the business, and the road in transporting goods from Bacon to
Sorsogon. Governor Penaranda of Albay issued a decree in 1814 ordering the construction of Gabao
Bridge, to finish in 45 days by polistas. One half of the Bridge on the bacon side, was constructed by
polistas from Bacon and the other half on the Sorsogon side, was constructed by polistas from Sorsogon.
This bridge is located at the boundary of Bacon and Sorsogon ( unfortunately this bridge is no longer ther,
having given way to the widening of concrete roadway going into Bacon, which is now a mere District of
Sorsogon City-ed).
Part One – The Growth Of Bacon Under The Spanish Rule

Chapter One – It’s Organization and Early Development

How the Town Got It’s Name:

After the conversation to Christianity and adhesions to the Spanish Government of the natives settling on
the southeastern end of the Bicol Peninsula, then known as Casiguran, a missionary settlement was
established in 1600. This territory extends from the central part of the present site of the province of
Sorsogon to the shores of the Pacific on its northern boundary.

In 1609, Rev. Fr. Felix Huertas, the missionary of Casiguran, zealous in his duties towards his “flock”, visited
the valley on the northern part of this territory where in he found, on and near the shores an abundant
growth of native plants called “Bacong” *. It was this missionary father who gave the name Bacong to this
place after the name of these plants. To make the pronunciation easy and smooth, the g at the end was
discarded by the Spaniards who came later. The name has been pronounced and written as Bacon since
then.

The abaca industry grew to be an important one. It contributed greatly to the economic progress of the
municipality, in particular, and of the country, in general. Prior to 1669 when the extraction (hag-otan)
was introduced, the abaca was wild, unknown and without any economic utility to natives.

Bacon Became A Separate Missionary Parish:

In the year 1617, the Visita De Bacon ceased to be a part of her mother town, Casiguran. A separate
missionary parish or pueblo was established here under the Roman Catholic Church, with Rev. Fr. Amtonio
de San Francisco, its founder, as the first minister of the church.

With the natives to supply both labor and materials, the first place of worship was constructed under the
direction of the missionary father. The church was dedicated to Ntra. Sra. De La Anunciacion, the patron
saint of the place to this day.

The Discovery Of Abaca:

Since its establishment as a missionary parish until 1753, the friars of the Franciscan Order who held the
administration of the parish did much in the development of Bacon. One of the most notable among those
Franciscan Friars was Rev. Fr. Pedro Espallargas. During his incumbency, this friar discovered abaca plants
growing abundantly in Gogon, a sitio in the southern part of the town, about a kilometer from the center
of the Poblacion.

He instructed the natives how to extract, manufacture and how to use the fiber. At the start, the edges of
the frying pans were used to extract the fibers. Later, an improvised instrument call hag-ot in the
vernacular, replaced the crude ones used earlier.

The fibers were woven into sinamay cloth especially by the women. The cloth was used for clothing by
men, women, and children. This was hammered and soaked in lime to soften the cloth before using it. At
times the cloth was dyed to obtain the color desired. There were local dyes used for the purpose. Looms
for weaving sinamay cloth are still in use in many homes in the rural areas of this municipality
Bacon Became a Pueblo Civil:

In 1754, by virtue of a decree issued by the Spanish government through the governor of the province of
Albay, Manuel Valenzuela, the mission de Bacon was declared Pueblo Civil de Bacon under the province
of Albay, with Juan Elias (later Dia) as its First gobernadora cillo. This gave Bacon its legal existence as a
newly-born daughter of Albay, which was conceived by its founding as a missionary Parish on the initiative
of Rev. Fr. Antonio de San Francisco.

The administration of the Parish Of Bacon Given to Filipino Clergy:

After a constructive leadership and tutorship and for about one hundred seventy-seven years (1617-1794)
the Franciscan fathers left the administration of the parish of Bacon to the Filipino clergy. Rev. Fr. Rafael
Benavente, in representation of the Franciscan Order, Handed the parish to the first Filipino priest to head
it, Rev. Fr. Pedro Licup, In July, 1794.

Bacong to the lily family. The fiber is white with spots of blue with the pistil.The
petals are long and bend downwards. One can hardly notice its fragrance, which
is mild and sweet unless he is close to the flower itself. The leaves are poniard-
like as long and as big as the leaves of any ordinary " lirio" but thicker. The natives
call this Bacong.

Map of BACON DISTRICT

 THE
Structures RUINS
and Historical Sites
Old Concrete Bridge Over Basud River

This bridge last seen sometime in 1993 was constructed in 1843. But during the 90’s development
sacrifices the said bridge. This is no longer found in the town today. A concrete modern bridge replaced
it.

Bacon Parish Church and Its Bell Tower

The construction of the church bell tower in 1885 was directed and managed by Juan Figueroa
with the help of the Bacongnons.

People of Bacon as well take pride in the construction of the church. Although it has undergone
repairs and renovations, one can claim that the building still bears traces of age and antiquity.

Old Spanish house

The beauty of old is still evident evident inside this house owned by Mrs. Remedios Wda. De
Hernandez. It has witnessed several special occasions that Bacongnons celebrated. One thing that could
not be forgotten was the first Sandatahan get together held here
Ruins found in Poblacion, Bacon have witnessed our history each has a story to tell; each has stood the
test of time. People intrumental to their construction are now gone and be forgotten but these structures
will continue remind ever, Bacongnons of his past,his beginning.

MURALLAS IN INTRAMUROS (Pigsabunan)

People found refuge Inside these walls

During the frequent Moro raids long time ago. About

a hectare of land is enclosed by these thick walls of

two meters thick and six meters high. Originally,

they must have been higher with a watchtower in

every comer purposely to protect the people.

Likewise, a space for Cemetery and quarters of

officials way provided inside it was that the

wife and the child Of Governor Bustamante were

buried here.

These murallas and baluarte constructed under

the of administration of Gobernador cillo Teodoto Sean’s

in 1776-1781, are still intact the cement made of

lime sand and stone thoroughly mixed with base and

tuba proved to be highly durable strong.

BREAKWATER IN PIGSABUNAN

This was constructed in 1814 at the back of the

them municipal building (situated opposite the public

market today) silt serves the people of Bacon

specially those living near the sea It was told that

Pigsabunan used to be flooded by seawater Hence.

Gobernadorcillo de Vera initiated its construction to

protect the people from the raging sea

Today however, additional seawalls are

constructed beside the ruins of the breakwater

Part I

Chapter Two – Fortifying the town

The muralla and the Baluartes:

With her economic stability, enhanced by the growth of abaca industry, Bacon could have led a peaceful
existence after assuming its legal status, as a principalia or monicipio under the province of Albay, were it
not for the frequent Moro raids which brought havoc to the inhabitants, many of whom were either killed
or taken captives. Confronted with the grave problem of above – mentioned, this young daughter of Albay
conceived plans of fortifying herself. This led to the construction of the muralla in the heart of the town
where the people could take refuge in the event of Moro invasions. This muralla (thick wall) beside the
market still stands to this day.

There were also baluartes constructed on each corner of the muralla and in the outskirts of the town.
They served as the first lines of defense against the enemies and as watchtowers. One was constructed at
the eastern part of the town proper, by the shores of what is now known as Quinale about a kilomiter
from the hearth of the Poblacion. Another was in place called the Montufar, at Manlabong point, which
is the easternmost part of Pueblo De Bacon, Bordering the Pacific Ocean. This is about fifteen miles from
the Poblacion. The letter with the soldiers garrisoned therein, served as the vanguard of defense, and rhe
main artery of communication in case of impending danger of Moro invasion. For similar purpose, all
towns along the shores, like Bacon were provided w/ baluartes.

As soon as invading Moros were sighted, a warning would be sent out by means of sounds made on the
pustuhan. This was a big trunk of a tree, hollowed at the center and hung in a convenient place in Baluarte.
The casa tribunal (municipal building) was also provided with one.

When pounded the pustuhan, emitted a strong, booming sound that could be heard for a miles. There
was a code followed in sending out messages. When the watchman at the nearest Baluarte heard the
warning, he would sound the same alarm on the pustuhan. Thus the people in the community were
alerted of the coming danger and they would be prepared before the enemies could land.

The work on the muralla and the baluartes mentioned above was befun and completed during the
incumbency of Gobernador cillo Teodoro Saens. He was elected for six consecutive terms (1776-1781) in
orther to complete the construction of fortifying the town undertaken by him. Together with Cura Parroco
at the time Rev. Fr. Geronimo De Talavera, he led & directed the work. The labor was supplied
cementation which has been proven to be highly durable and strong, defying the elements and escaping
deterioration up to the present, according to the theory of experienced men at the time, would solidify
the mixture, and the finished product would be of concretely great resistance and durability.

A church was constructed and a cemetery was provided for, in the muralla. Sufficient rooms and quarters
were likewise provided for all inhabitance who might seek refuge within it in times of emergencies. The
baluartes in the fourt corners of muralla served as artillery bases on which cannons were mounted for the
defense of the place against the enemies.

It is believed that the cemetery within the muralla contains the remains of the wife and newly born child
of one of the governor general of the Philippines. The said governor-general with his family was
passingSan Bernardino Straight when a storm overtook them. They sought refuge at Banao, a sition of the
Barrio of Salvacion, about three to four miles from the Poblacion to eastern part of the town the
gobernador- general's wife was in the family way.

Unfortunately the child choose to be born into the world on such the stormy dayIt was not a normal
delivery. Hoping the best care and attention under the circumstances, she was immediately taken to town,
but nothing could not be done yo save either one or both. The mother and child died, and their remains
were buried in the cemetery.

The Telegrafos Opticos and Telegrafistos

Telegrafos Opticos, a series of outposts of communications were constructed and installed and strategic
points in 1815, to facilitate in further means of communication in order to alert the inhabitants of the
coming danger of Moro raids. The Telegrafos Opticos serves as the point of Camlongan, Anahaw, Gajo,
Himoraga, Caricaran, Guisoc, Hulugan, Meycaywayan of Gatbo, Talisayan, Montufar, Rapu-Rapu and
Batan. They lessend at least, although they did not altogether stop the raids.

For a still more effective service, these Telegrafos Opticos were replaced later by Telegrafistos. They had
to render a similar duty: namely: to give signals and alarms as soon as they sighted the arrival of any
vessels or any means of transportation of sea, especially those used by the Moros, like the Panoas and
the Silisipan of which these officials were very much acquinted.

During daytime, the Telegrafistos gave the signals by raising flags at night, lights. They followed a code.
The signals serve to alert the officials and the inhabitants of the respective communities of the impending
Moro raids and other catasthrope.
The Breakwater at the Back of the Old Municipal Building

Very close to the sea, Pigsabonan then the center of Poblacion, was a constant in danger of the ranging
sea. Often it is flooded water from the sea during high tide, especially when the waves were big, cause of
strong winds from the north, northeast and east. To.protect the Pinagsabonan against such as danger, a
strong brakewater was constructed along tbe shore in front of the muralla about a hundred meters away
from it. This was done from innitiative of the incumbent of gobernadorcillo, in 1814, with the cooperation
of the other municipal officials and prominent citizens of the community, and the inhabitants who
donated the labor and materials. A small portion of the land thus gained from the sea was converted later
into park under the management of this the same gobernadorcillo.

An addition length of this breakwater was added in 1829 to protect the house of Gobernador cillo de Vara
from the sea. The breakwater extended almost throughout Pigsabonan. Formerly it used to be high
enough to protect the land from the raging sea. The surface was a little more than a meter wide. This
breakwater was not only used for the purpose mention above, but also as a sort of pier to boats to anchor
in during fair weather. A warehouse was constructed nearby where goods transported to and from Bacon
were stored. Most often, during moonlight nights people took a stroll on this little pier of Bacon.

Long before the outbreak of Pacific War, Nature likewise provided a natural breakwater for these parts
along the shores that were not protected by the breakwater constructed in 1814-1829. A thick growth of
pandan plants and dologdog and trees that thrive along the shore were allowed to grow and served a
similar purpose to protect the place. Pigsabonan had been safe from the dangers of the raging sea before
the last World War broke out.

Sometime in 1942 when Japanese garrisoned her ordered the shores to be clear of all these plants, the
thick growth of which, according to them afforded a safe hiding place of what they termed dorobos (
thieves). From that time on, the house along the shores including the school building where in constant
danger from the rough sea. Gradually, both sides of the sea wall that used to be seen at the back of the
old municipal building were filled with sand and stones carried by the big waves. There was a time when
this wall was totally "buried"
POLITICS
Part II The town Heads Officials and Leaders since Its Foundation

Chapter One

During the Spanish Regime

The municipal officials grouped accordingly, were the following:

1. The Governadorcillo

Since the organization of Bacon into a pueblo civil, the town's chief executive was called Governadorcillo.
In 1819, the title was changed from Governadorcillo to Alcalde Constitutional. Six years later, (1825) the
title was changed back to Governadorcillo until the early part of 1893. During the latter part of this the
same year (1893) the title underwent another change. From this time up to the end of Spanish rule,
Capitan Municipal was used in place of Gobernadorcillo.

This head official or chief executive of the town was elected ( except those in the first year) by twelve.who
were vocationals. These vocationales were selected by lottery from the past Governadorcillos, and the
cabezas the Barangay (now teniente del barrio ) who had rendered at least ten years such

Under him as vice, as vice of the vice etc. were

a. Teniente Mayor Primera- vice Governadorcillo

b. Teniente Segundo- vice the Tenient Mayor

c. Teniente Tercero vice the teninte segundo

d. Teniente Cuarto- vice the Teniente Tercero

2. The Cura Paroco- His position is Municipality as a leader was as important as the Governadorcillo. He
was appointed by the church aithorities.

a. His assistant priest or priests

3. Aguacil Mayor- He was the custodian of the Tribunal. He was as the same time the prison guard.

a. Aguacil Segundo- vice Aguacil Mayor

On September 8, 1981 the Sandataan Association. Inc. was granted its charter as a non-stock, non-profit,
non-political association of Bacon Sorsogon.
Conceived primarily to promote unity and goodwill among Bacongnons, the SAI has its roots in the
bacon Bachelor’s club of manila founded in 1934 whose annual New Year’s Eve Ball became a by word
for elegance before the World War II.

The Sandatahan ball evolved into the biggest social evet among Bacongnons in Manila and in the old
home town. Simultaneous New Year’s Eve balls were in Bacon and Manila which became conversation
pieces well into year among Bacongnons and an increasing number of a friend and guest

During the war the Sandatahan as an all-night reveiry went way of many other good things: set aside to
wait for more propitious times.

Here were in the liberation years, many attempts to reviving the old Sandatahan. In 1950 one such
affairs was held at Selecta recto Ave. (then Azcarraga) corner Lepanto. These affairs were, brave
approcimation of the grand, elegance affairs of the past when it was inconvincible for the ladies to
attend except in their most sophisticated tenors and men their tuxedos or at least a sharskin suit. Each
in its own way however, served to whet the appetite for better organized affairs.

Finally, in 1964. A group of active young men led by Atty. Elizalde Diaz, them a student leader at Lyceum
of the Philippines, and Honorio Diquino, organized the Manila-Bacon youth club. Enthusiasm and the
dynamism soon swept the older generation into full-blown effort to get the Sandatahan back to the
vibrant, glittering affairs of the past to which every Bacongnons look forward.

True to their aims, the organizers succeeded holding a revitalized Sandatahan in 1964. The Choice of a
president then was of particular significance. For Manuel E. Co. not only to be an effective leader, he
also turned out to be most dedicated, and to this day, this emulate, once again in 1972 until 1977, the
Sandatahan became moribund. Even in Bacon, it became inactive, But in 1978 it bounced back under the
leadership of Ruben D. Dioneda.

The began the stirring of a new orientation for Sandatahan, it sought to become not just the annual
social gathering that it had been at to the point. It now became also vehicle for expressing the
Bacongnon’s concern for their hometown. Funds raised during the 1978 Sandatahan were allotted for
the reconstruction of the town perish church, one of the most beautiful land marks in the province.
Having found a cause, the Sandatahan outdid itself the next year. Under jovencio Ebio as president,
1979 was one of the most successful ever and the raised were turned over to Bacon of the continues of
the restoration work of the old church.

Formal incorporation of the Sandatahan became common talk among Bacongnons in 1980. It was
considered logical that the loose organization might become more effective and fruitful of substantive
activities and projects to enhance the unity and the cooperation of Bacongnons in pursuit of a wider
range of socio-economic projects.

It was during the time of Manuel Alcaraz Dellosa, a practicing layer-businessman, as president, that work
on the formal incorporation was under taken culminating in the filling of the incorporation paper on
August 31, 1981.

On September 8, 1981. The Securities and Exchange granted approval to the Sandataan Association. Inc.
The first elected officers of the corporation were also corporators were Momir J. Dellosa, Pedro D.
Deyto, Aristotteles Doctor. Octavio Lorbes, Nilo D. Duka, Ovidio D. Ebuenga, Ruben D. Dioneda, Jovencio
D. Ebio, and Manuel E Eco.

Thus the Sundatahan embarked on a new embracing activities which range from scholarship to
achievement and recognition awards to prevention and restoration of cultural heritage.

The expanded role of the Sandatahan found a capable implementor in the offices of 1982 led by Justo
Bonuel since 1982 on the present the officer executed the propose projects conceive in 1980 and 1981
including the selection of scholars in Bacon. The Damayan program and recognition awards to
outstanding Bacongnons.

In 1983, JUSTO DE DELLOSA was elected president followed by Atty. ELILZADE DIAZ in 1984 and being
the 50th Anniversary the occasion was highlighted by the corporation of Mrs. METRING ECHANO as the
Golden Lady of Bacon.

In 1985. ANTONIO ENALPE became the president but on account of poor health Mr. RAMON DEMDAM
took over. To support the various projects of the Associations, the Search for miss Bacon Metro Manila
was launched and Ma. Cristina Aristo won in 1986, JOSE V. ECO was elected president but resigned later
and Atty. GARY DE CASTRO replaced him GUNMELITA BORJA from Balete was crowned queen GARY DE
CASTRO was elected president in 1987 but after his resignation lawyer JERRY BANARES took his place,
KARLOTHA SANCHEZ DIGO of San Isidro won the title of Miss Bacon the Following year, JERRY BANARES
was elected [resident and JOY DELOS REYS From Buenavista was crowned queen in 1988. 1989 was the
year of Col CRLITO DOMINGUEZ followed by JOVENCIO EEIO in 1990 Another lady from San Isidro,
AGNES DIVINA Was proclaimed Miss Bacon Metro Manila of the year.

In 1991, RAMON A DELLOSA Was elected president and RACHEL DINO became Miss Bacon. The
following year Judge LUIS D MARTINEZ became President and MAVILLE R. LATOZA of Sta. Cruz won the
title of miss Bacon. Meantime JOVENCIO EBIO was elected president for the third time in 1993 and Ma
DEBRA R ACERVO of población was crowned queen in 1994, NELSON EBIO became the President but
also resigned and Maj. MANUEL DIONEDA assumed responsibility as President and Chairman of the
Board respectively.

The 60th Anniversary was Highlighted by the corporation of Mrs. Vicky Dolot Prianes as the Diamond
Lady of Bacon. On the same occasion businessman Ovid D. Ebuenga was inducted president for 1995
Executive committee. Several projects were undertaken during his administration including medals, and
solicitation of sports equipment and dictionaries distributed to all barangay of Bacon east and west
Districts.

At this point un time the idea of constructing the welcome arc between Bacon and Sorsogon was being
conceived and Mr. Ebuanga seceded in discussing the matter with Mayor Leovic Dioneda who in turn in
very supportive.
Finally, the project was constructed under the direct supervisions of Honorio Dioquino & James Dellosa.
President for 1996 and in march 1997 the welcome Arch was inaugurated and turned over to municipal
government.

One of the major developmet of in terms of political Bacon was organized into a visita of the town of
Casiguran, one of the oldest settlements in Luzon. The municipality of Sorsogon, whose original Site was
in Sitio Pocdol in Capuy, was in turn, a visita of Bacon. As its population increased, however, Sorsogon was
declared an independent, full-fledged parish in 1628.The Pueblo Civil de Bacon was established in 1754,
with Juan Elias as its first gobernadorcillo. Sorsogon on the other hand, became an independent political
unit in 1864.

From their organization as visitas and eventually as independent pueblos, both Bacon and Sorsogon
remained under the territorial jurisdiction of the province of Albay. On October 17, 1894, the Spanish
authorities organized a geographical unit independent from Albay, with the town of Sorsogon as its seat
of government. The new province adopted the name of the town and has since been known as the
Province of Sorsogon.

Before the merger to form the City of Sorsogon, Bacon and Sorsogon enjoyed different economic
classifications, with Sorsogon classified as first-class municipality and Bacon, fourth class. The merger has
resulted in a political unit composed of 64 barangays falling into three districts: Bacon (with 28 barangays),
Sorsogon West (with 22 barangays) and Sorsogon East (with 14 barangays).
 ECONOMY

Agriculture and fisheries sector is still the driving force of its economy. Main agricultural products include
rice, coconut, abaca, pili nuts, root crops and vegetables. Also, Bacongnon people learn to make a basket,
kalo that made in karagomoy some other places called pandan, but this is different because of big and a
lot of thorns.

Having abundant raw materials needed by the different industries, coconut oil and by-products, choco-
pili candy, seaweed processing and abaca by-products are the business that can be put-up in the city.

Sorsogon City, as the capital town of the province of Sorsogon, is a hub of trade and commerce. Its
strategic location has given rise to a busy commercial district composed of local businesses and franchises
of national and regional business chain. Business is concentrated in the downtown area near the public
market and major commercial establishments primarily geared towards retail and wholesale and the
Bacon District is the secondary business district of the City.

The fisherfolks of Bacon District are original Bacongnons, mostly catholics, have an average residency of
23 years and majority are elementary and high school graduates. The mean household size is 6.45
members. They have been fishing on an average of 24.17 years, and presently exert fishing intensities of
10.15 months per year, 3.19 weeks/month, 4.93 days/week and 1.43 times/day. Many households
commonly owned manual or motorized banca. Mesh sizes of nets are suited for the target species. Hooks
used by fishers are homemade. Most of these municipal fishing gears are assembled locally using locally-
available materials. Most of smaller fishes were caught by fish nets and the fish corral. Per catch, the
volume ranged from 3-5 kilograms per fishing trip (one trip per day). Marketable sizes costs PhP70.00 per
kilogram, however, 80% of the catch is alloted for domestic consumption, 10% is shared with companions
and/or relatives and the remaining quantity is sold. Fisher folks are aware of the existence of illegal fishing
practices in the coastal waters of Bacon District with illegal fishing perpetrators who are the people from
outside of their barangay [village] and rely on the Local Government Unit(LGU) as the one responsible in
stopping illegal fishing. Women play crucial role in both community development at Bacon District or in
the fishing activities. Women's activities in the barangay are focused much on socio-civic and livelihood
activities and involvements include marketing of fish catch and fish processing. The coastline along the
Bacon District has been naturally and ecologically contoured and is considered a recreational and
ecotourism area due to the quality beaches. Bacon District fisher folks have positive perceptions of
conservation of coastal resources. They are open to the realities for a need towards better future direction
of conservation and management of coastal resources. Fishing is their way of life and the same needs to
be nurtured.
Bacon District boosts its beautiful beaches, limestone caves, lakes and marine sanctuary. Most notable of
these are Paguriran Beach which is surrounded by dark basalt, Tolonggapo in Barangay Caricaran and the
Bato Limestone Caves insides which were found prehistoric artifacts.

The Provincial Capitol and Sorsogon National High School main building are just some of the historic turn-
of-the century edifice in the city.

To attract more visitors and to highlight the City’s tourism potentials, Sosogon Festival is held annually to
celebrate the founding anniversary of the city.

Culture

Bacongnon's people is very religious since the Pre-spanish era bought the Christianity in the Philippines.
Our Lady of Annunciation Parish (OLAP) church has been newly renovated for improvement of its
ambience and the well-painted outer parts of the church. They did not change the concrete of the church
from then and now. The construction of the church bell tower in 1885 was directed and managed by Juan
Figueroa with the help of the Bacongnons.

People of Bacon as well take pride in the construction of the church. Although it has undergone
repairs and renovations, one can claim that the building still bears traces of age and antiquity. The people
in Bacon preserve the artifacts especially the structures in past. Valuing the their beliefs.

They have Cultural dance that will preserve and share for the young generation Pantomima sa
tinampo and other traditions and beliefs that will give them importance and showing what life that they
has. Fiestas like Kasanggayahan Fesitival and Pili Festival is one example of showing their economic
livelihood.