Bombon
Agricultural and traditional handicrafts dominate the economy of this municipality. Rich in historic and religious monuments including the famous ‘Leaning Tower of Bombon’, the locality boasts of unique tourism attractions and crystal-clear waters. Rice, sugarcane, corn and coconuts are grown in abundance and nipa (manufactured into wall and roof shingles) are in plentiful supply.
Bula
With many natural and manmade resources, mineral deposits including limestone, copper and gypsum are also unique to the area. Fruit and vegetable crops are the mainstay of the local economy and the inland river system is the source of many species of fresh water marine products. The main crops produced are rice, coconuts, corn, a variety of root crops (such as sweet potato and cassava) abaca and sugar cane. There are large tracts of land dedicated to the production of the world-famous Guimaras mango. Bula is also the location of the Regional Fresh Water Fisheries Center providing support to a flourishing marine industry. Organic farming has been introduced to local farmer cooperatives and the produce is already generating sales in the discerning local and Metro Manila markets. Bula is also an abundant source of bamboo suitable for furniture and handicraft.
Calabanga
The economic activities in this municipality include farming, fishing, retail and wholesale trading. Coconut, rice, sugar cane, abaca, corn, root crops, livestock, tropical fruits and vegetables are the mainstay of the agricultural sector. Complementary to this activity is the fishing sector which lands and sells a variety of marine products including prawns, different species of plate-size fish, crabs and mollusks. Its mountain-grown Ampalaya (bitter gourd) is in great demand in various markets including five-star Manila-based hotels. Religious landmarks abound and tourists are lured by the breathtaking sunsets and picturesque islands.
Camaligan
Noted for its century-old parish Church. Camaligan is also home to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. A government-operated four hectare fish landing and processing facility caters to the needs of four large exporters of various packaged marine products. Residents are engaged in the production of soft brooms made from the local tiger grasses, various flour-based cracklings, sweet delicacies and pickled condiments from indigenous food ingredients. Subdivision projects and related commercial activities engage the resourceful and productive local population in development activities.
Gainza
A monoculture rice-producing town, Gainza is also noted for its capture and marketing of freshwater shrimps, small crabs, carp and other fresh water fish varieties. Cottage–based industries, previously limited to the production of pickled green papaya, ball peppers, raisins, ginger and other spices, are now making sales of coconut jam, pili nuts, ginger tea, processed crab meat, and pickled green mangoes.
Magarao
Known as the “Orthopedic Capital” of Metro Naga because of numerous clinics offering alternative treatments and physical therapists, Mararao is also the source of an abundant supply of red clay which is now being used commercially in the manufacture of garden ornaments and interior household decorator items. The rich creativity and artisinal skills of the local population are employed in the production of a variety of handicrafts made from indigenous raw materials including bamboo, triangular-shaped reeds and nipa shingles.
Minalabac
Natural tourist attractions mark the landscape of Minalabac. The beaches are dotted with black and white pebbles while the Karirian Heights and the adjacent mountain ridges form a perfect backdrop for adventure tourism, camping and picnics. Minalabac’s economy is fuelled by a robust agriculture and fishery sector.
Milaor
Located along the national highway linking Metro Naga and Manila, Milaor serves as a warehousing and bulk storage facility for nearby enterprises located in the area. A vibrant nightlife is complemented by significant historic architectual structures such as the Belfry Tower and the Embarcedero Cross.
Naga City
Taking advantage of its excellent telecommunications facilities and IT-oriented universities, Naga City is positioning itself as the region’s business outsourcing and computer animation hub. At present, it is the undisputed center of trade and services of Metro Naga and the convergence of social, economic, educational, cultural and religious life for the region. The phenomenal growth of the city over the past two decades, due largely to strong and transparent leadership anchored on a participative and innovative approach to governance, has resulted in a positive impact on the other member municipalities.
Ocampo
The town boasts of a number of ideal sites for camping and picnics. Most of these sites are located in the Mt. Isarog National Park famous for its lush tropical forests and unique and abundant flora and fauna. At the foot of this protected area, the town serves as a gateway to many natural caves, natural springs and waterfalls. The area is also ideal for livestock production and the first deer farm in the Philippines was established here in the 1990s. The area is also a major producer of excellent quality rice. Other local crops include a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Pasacao
Considered the ‘summer capital’ of Metro Naga, Pasacao is teeming with a rich variety of marine life and scenic natural hideaways. Fine sandy beaches and seaside resorts attract many visitors, as do the many historic landmarks and cultural events. Its port facilities and road accessibility has attracted Manila-based companies to make the town their transhipment point for Metro Naga’s agricultural products. An oil mill processes the coconuts produced by the province for export to Metro Manila.
Pili
Pili is the seat of government for the province of Camarines Sur. It is a major transit point for products coming in and out of the area and is the site of the Camarines Sur State Agricultural College and the Regional Office of the Department of Agriculture. It abounds with mountain springs and is one of the major sources of potable water of the Metro Naga Water District. A local investor has tapped into this resource and is now packaging and distributing bottled spring water throughout the country. With its airport, it is one of Metro Naga’s major links with Metro Manila.
San Fernando
Fast developing into one of Metro Naga’s satellite towns, the area is emerging as a potential residential, commercial and trading alternative to Naga City. Besides trade and commerce, production of rice, corn, root crops, tropical fruits and livestock are major inputs to the economy. The municipality’s coastal areas are adjacent to neighbouring Pasacao. Also found in the area are unique cave formations and beach environments all of which are enriched by historic manmade landmarks greatly influenced by over three hundred years of Spanish occupation. |